The Ontarion - 198.2

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198.2 | FEBRUARY 2025

the love issue Guelph's Big Heart Page 6

THEONTARION.COM

TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS 3.

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Doug Ford calls for snap provincial election DM Rutherford Conservatory demolition begins Black History Month events shining at University of Guelph Community hearts the new sculpture in downtown Guelph HART Hub will replace safe injection site in Guelph Trudeau timeline Gastroenteritis outbreak hits the University of Guelph Guelph's "Coldest Night of the Year" walk returns bigger than ever Fashion sustainability at the Art Gallery of Guelph Exploring the digital humanities Behind the scenes of the charitable work of students

ARTS & CULTURE 12.

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Exploring the world of Hanji through Heejung Shin Guelph alumni take on Pop Culture Jeopardy!

Learning What Makes Us Human Spoiler alert: They don’t die at the end From beach reads to big screens

14 Commercial Street Downtown Guelph Mon-Fri 9am-6pm Sat 9am-5pm

SPORTS & HEALTH 16.

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Goodbye, dry January Building a plant-rich diet The Guelph Guru: Food is fuel How to stay productive during reading week Gliding through Guelph Frosty Mug just out of reach for the Gryphons Frozen solid? A quick breakdown on freezing injuries and how to keep yourself safe

STEM 23.

The power of peas

HIST* 1050 24.

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The story of the Ontario Agriculture College during wartime How George Sidney Brett shaped the way we approach social sciences

OPINION 26.

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Universities need to tackle reckless normalization of hard drugs Social constructs are ruining the art of love

LETTER TO THE EDITOR 28.

An open letter to the U of G community

SHOP LOCAL!

LOVE STUFF 30.

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Valentine’s Day on a budget Candlelight Concerts light up Royal City Mission Aphrodisiacs from around the world Write a love letter to yourself Keeping the balance in your interpersonal relationships The origins of Valentine’s Day Self-care during the month of love

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38 & 39.

Because we asked From the archives February to-do list CFRU's monthly top 10 Pets of the month Club of the month Artist of the month Puzzle pages

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04 | BLACK HISTORY MONTH

05 | BIG HEART

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09 | COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR

Doug Ford calls for snap provincial election The election will see voters heading to the polls on Feb. 27 Provincial leaders Doug Ford, Marit Stiles, Bonnie Crombie and Mike Schreiner all announced the launch of their campaigns on Jan. 29. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ELECTIONS ONTARIO

TAYLOR PIPE

O

ntarian voters will have the opportunity to vote for the new premier of provincial parliament earlier than previously thought.

Although the provincial election was scheduled for June 2026, Premier Doug Ford met with the lieutenant-governor and dissolved the legislature on Jan. 28 in order to call an early provincial election.

Ford pointed to the economic pressure from U.S. president Donald Trump in the form of tariffs as the need for an election.

“What I’ll tell the people of Ontario [is] we are going to see an unprecedented attack to our families, to our businesses, to our communities,” Ford said during a conference on Jan. 28.

“Something that we’ve never seen in the history of our country…

Getting economically attacked by the largest country in the world— the most powerful person in the world when it comes to President Trump. We’re going to be there for people… Just like we did during the pandemic, but this is going to have more of an impact.”

Official opposition leader Marit Stiles of the Ontario NDP released a statement questioning Ford’s motives.

“While the people of Ontario are anxious about the grave threat of tariffs, Doug Ford is pursuing his own political gain,” she said in the release. “People need a premier who will fight like hell for every single job that’s at risk, not run to the polls over a year early.”

Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner released a statement saying that Ford is putting his job before

the jobs of Ontarians.

“He cares more about saving his own job than he does about bringing costs down or making your life better,” Schreiner said in his release. “All the things that a provincial government should do—build affordable homes, make sure we have doctors and nurses, safe schools—Doug Ford has walked away from, putting profits before people.”

Schreiner launched his campaign for the provincial Green Party leadership on Jan. 29 at his office in Guelph alongside Wel-

lington–Halton Hills candidate Bronwynne Wilton.

Stiles also launched her campaign on the same day in Toronto.

Similarly, Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie launched her campaign in Barrie, while Ford launched his re-election campaign in Windsor.

Ontarians will be watching the campaign leaders over the next month and heading to the polls on Feb. 27 to cast their ballots to determine who the next premier of Ontario will be.

DM Rutherford Conservatory demolition begins Crews began removing the doors from the structure on Jan. 23 TAYLOR PIPE

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embers of the University of Guelph community now have to walk around the conservatory gardens, on their way to the University Centre.

Crews were seen removing the doors to theconservatory. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PATRICK SUTHERLAND

On Jan. 20, fencing was expanded from the immediate surrounding area of the DM Rutherford Conservatory to include the surrounding gardens.

Over the course of the following week, crews were seen taking off the doors of the structure along with taking out wood, stone and other materials.

The conservatory has been closed to the public since early 2024. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PATRICK SUTHERLAND

On Oct. 22 of last year, the university senate approved a motion to decommission and demolish the pagoda-style greenhouse.

The site has been closed to the public since early 2024 due to poor building conditions and lack of funding.

“This work is expected to take approximately four to six weeks and is the first step in realizing the next life cycle of the Conservatory through the creation of a commemorative garden,” said the university in a statement on their website.

The commemorative garden will be designed by students of U of G’s landscape architecture program.

“The discovery phase of this

process will take place this winter and spring and will include an opportunity for the university and broader community to share their input, memories, and stories to help inform the brief for the design competition,” the statement said. “The student design competition will launch in the fall 2025 semester. Elements of the top three student designs will be used by a consultant team as the basis for the final design of the commemorative garden, expected to be completed in spring 2026.”

The university added that dates are subject to change.

The Ontarion will continue to update this story in future editions.

4

THE LOVE ISSUE | NEWS

THE ONTARION

Black History Month events shining at University of Guelph A celebration of "Resist, Reclaim, Restore" AMAZA PAYNE

T

he University of Guelph is gearing up for a powerful and inspiring Black History Month this February with a range of events designed to celebrate, educate, and empower. This year’s theme, “Resist, Reclaim, Restore,” highlights the ongoing struggles and triumphs of Black communities while fostering healing, reflection, and cultural celebration.

The events are being organized by the Black History Month Planning Committee, a collaborative group of students, staff, and campus organizations dedicated to ensuring that Black voices and experiences are at the heart of the month-long celebration.

Collaborative leadership and the power of community Amelia Kezaabu, chair of the Black History Month Planning Committee and coordinator of cultural diversity programs within Student Experience, explained the collaborative nature of planning.

“We bring together representatives from student groups, Student Wellness, Housing Services, and others to create a theme and events that resonate deeply with the community,” Kezaabu said.

This year’s theme was proposed by Abby Barrett from the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences and chosen for its focus on empowerment and healing.

The committee works closely with student organizations such as the Caribbean Culture Club, the African Student Association, and the Guelph Black Student Association,

(GBSA).

“It’s important that these events are student-driven…We want to ensure Black voices are prioritized and that the events reflect the ideas, needs, and aspirations of our students,” said Kezaabu.

Highlighting the theme through events The events planned for Black History Month align closely with the theme’s three pillars: resisting oppression, reclaiming cultural identities, and restoring strength and healing in communities.

One highlight is the career panel, hosted in collaboration with the Caribbean Culture Club. Roshaun Marchall, a first-year student and executive member of the club, explained the inspiration behind the event.

“We wanted to highlight Black entrepreneurs and professionals who have overcome challenges to succeed. Their stories will inspire younger generations and show that, despite the struggles we face, we are resilient and capable of achieving greatness,” Marchall said.

The panel will feature accomplished Black professionals who will discuss their experiences navigating systemic barriers and building successful careers. Marchall hopes attendees leave the event feeling motivated.

“I want participants to understand that our creativity and talent can help us overcome obstacles.

These stories of resilience and success will empower everyone who attends,” Marchall said.

Last year's keynote - Larissa Crawford gave a talk on "reconciling and honouring our relationships to the seven dimensions of wellness." PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE BLACK HISTORY MONTH PLANNING COMMITTEE

Image from the hair care event "Tresses and Wellness" where students learned some hair care tips and various braiding techniques. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE BLACK HISTORY MONTH PLANNING COMMITTEE

Another standout event is the GBSA Black Heritage Exhibit, led

by Opeyemi Oleyede, a fourth-year student and secretary of the Guelph Black Student Association.

“The exhibit is a way for us to visually celebrate Black history, culture, and achievements,” Oleyede said.

The exhibit will feature a curated selection of photographs, artwork, and historical artifacts that tell stories of resistance, reclamation, and restoration.

“This isn’t just about looking back at history,” Oleyede said. “It’s about celebrating how far we’ve come and inspiring the next generation to continue pushing forward.”

The exhibit will be open throughout the month, offering an accessible and interactive way for attendees to engage with Black history and culture.

Keynote address: Empowerment through storytelling The keynote address is another highly anticipated event, designed to close out Black History Month on an inspiring note. This year’s speaker, Amy Sillah, is known for her engaging storytelling and empowering message of resilience.

Alicia Yon, a coordinator of cultural diversity programs and member of the planning committee, shared the thought process behind selecting Sillah “We attended one of her workshops at the BLAXPO conference in Toronto, and her message of self-discovery and empowerment was incredibly impactful.

Her ability to align her story with our theme—resisting challenges, reclaiming identities, and restoring strength—made her a perfect choice,” said Yon. Sillah’s keynote will focus on resilience, self-discovery, and

community empowerment, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and hope. Yon noted that the event is open not only to the university community but also to the broader Guelph community, including local high school students.

“We want this to be a space where everyone feels welcome to engage with these important conversations,” Yon said.

A holistic celebration of Black history In addition to the career panel, exhibit, and keynote, the Black History Month calendar at the University of Guelph includes workshops, film screenings, and discussions that delve into various aspects of Black culture, history, and identity.

Each event is carefully designed to align with the theme’s pillars and provide opportunities for learning, reflection, and celebration.

Kezaabu emphasized the importance of offering diverse programming.

“We want to provide something for everyone. Whether it’s

reflecting on personal experiences, celebrating Black cultural identities, or fostering community healing, there’s an opportunity for everyone to engage with Black History Month,” Kezaabu said.

Looking ahead As Black History Month approaches, the Black History Month Planning Committee invites students, staff, and the broader community to participate in this celebration of Black culture, history, and resilience. From inspiring panels and thought-provoking exhibits to engaging keynotes and workshops, this year’s events promise to educate, inspire, and empower.

“This is about more than just February,” Kezaabu said. “It’s about creating spaces for Black voices to be heard and celebrated yearround.”

With a theme that resonates deeply and events that promise to leave a lasting impact, Black History Month at the University of Guelph will undoubtedly be a month to remember.

Image from the 2024 cooking class "Stirrin' the Pot" where the Black History Month Planning Committee made rice and peas, plantain, chickpea curry, and jerk chicken. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE BLACK HISTORY MONTH PLANNING COMMITTEE

ISSUE 198. 2 | NEWS

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Upon arrival of the sculpture, visitors of downtown were seen posing for photos and kissing under the heart. PHOTO PROVIDED BY TAYLOR PIPE

Community hearts the new sculpture in downtown Guelph Guelph introduced Big Heart sculpture to the downtown core to kick-off the 2024 Spirit of the Season Christmas market ABBY COUNAHAN

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he Downtown Guelph Business Association, (DGBA), have given new meaning to the “heart of downtown” with this past holiday season’s new art installment. The Big Heart sculpture arrived in Market Square on Dec. 6 to kick off the annual Spirit of the Season Christmas market, an indoor-outdoor event held in support of the Keep Kids Fed At Home program. The sculpture was constructed by local metal crafters Josh Smith and Pat Breckon of Blue Duck Metalcraft.

Smith told us that Blue Duck Metalcraft operates out of a facility in The Ward neighbour-

hood alongside Restoration Design, which specializes in sheet metal manufacturing for vintage Porsches. The location of the Big Heart was not a coincidence, but rather an aesthetic decision.

“I decided the best spot for it was to align it with the architectural features of Quebec Street Mall. The flowing, organic design contrasted beautifully with the sharp, rigid lines of the building, creating a balance between the two,” Smith said.

Smith is a loved and loving member of his community, as can be seen through his work with various businesses in the

downtown Guelph area, such as Brothers Brewing Company, NV Kitchen and Bar, La Reina, Bad Luck Bar, Diana Downtown, and Frank & Steins. Smith is currently working on a new project to bring “a touch of magic to the city.”

Smith will be creating the 12 zodiac symbols and scattering them throughout the city before they eventually come together in one place. His vision for this project is that he wants them to “feel like little moments of wonder scattered across our daily lives,” to create “a brief escape from the stress we all carry, even if just for a moment.”

“Art is incredibly important, especially bold, unconventional art that makes you stop and feel something. It should always be around us in one form or another,” Smith said.

The Big Heart sculpture has had a positive impact on both the community and businesses of downtown Guelph. DGBA board member Pina Marfisi shared that the desire of the DGBA was to “find a way to show their love towards our community on behalf of the businesses and residents.”

The shape of the sculpture was chosen because “it was felt that there was no better way to

express our love and gratitude towards our community than [with] this big beautiful heart,” Marfisi said.

Upon arrival of the sculpture, patrons of downtown Guelph were “taking photos, kissing under it, and [we’ve heard] that someone actually proposed under the heart,” Marfisi said.

Haven’t had the chance to see the sculpture yet? No worries, the DGBA announced on Jan. 3 that the Big Heart will be staying until April 2025. This sculpture also serves as a perfect reason for you and your friends to visit and explore downtown Guelph.

THE LOVE ISSUE | NEWS

6

THE ONTARION

HART Hub will replace safe injection site in Guelph The Hub will be operational on April 1 MARTIN LIMA PEREZ

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n Aug. 20, 2024 Health Minister Sylvia Jones announced the end to all Consumption and Treatment Services, (CTS), within 200 meters of schools and childcare centers.

In exchange, nine Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment, (HART), Hubs have been approved across the province and will be operational on April 1.

Previously, CTS was established to combat increased rates of opioid use and overdose. CTS provided a safe space for individuals to consume pre-obtained drugs under the supervision of trained staff, aiming to reduce overdoses and the spreading of infectious diseases. Guelph started a temporary CTS program in May 2018 before

officially opening in April 2019.

According to a report from Guelph Community Health Center in 2018, since CTS’s inception, trained staff reversed over 20 overdoses and reported an average of 15 visitors per day.

This CTS was located at 176 Wyndham St. N. and will transition into a HART Hub, which, according to Ontario.ca, “will not offer so-called safer supply, supervised drug consumption, or needle exchange programs.”

Instead, $378 million of funding has been allocated to create 19 HART Hubs across Ontario which “plan to keep communities safe while improving access to mental health and addictions services,” according to Ontario.ca. Hubs will

Future Guelph HART Hub, currently CTS site, is located at 176 Wyndham St. N. PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARTIN LIMA PEREZ

be eligible to receive up to four times more funding on average.

Implemented under the Safer Streets, Stronger Communities Act and Community Care and Recovery Act, the current CTS is “located outside of the ‘buffer zone’ and adheres to enhanced mandatory reporting requirements, transparency, and safety procedures.”

Guelph’s mayor, Cam Guthrie, expressed support for the introduction of HART Hubs in a

statement to The Ontarion.

“I am thrilled that the province has recently approved the application for a recovery-focused HART Hub in Guelph, along with additional funding and ongoing healthcare support,” he said. “It’s important that individuals are set up for success in their addiction recovery journey. I look forward to the Hub’s opening in downtown Guelph by the end of March.”

Ultimately, HART Hubs are

committed to fixing an individual's problem, while CTS only offers directions to treatment and recovery. Besides the previous CTS transitioning into a HART Hub, there are no other safe consumption sites offered in Guelph, and no projections to construct any new ones. CTS played an important role in the Guelph community, and while the introduction of HART Hubs promises permanent solutions, the Hub’s success is yet to be determined.

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TRUDEAU TIMELINE THE ONTARION Since 2015, Justin Trudeau has been the Prime Minister of Canada. On Jan. 6 of this year, Prime Minister Trudeau announced his resignation. The Ontarion has created a timeline of some of the most important and controversial events of Prime Minister Trudeau's nine years in Canadian Parliament.

2017

2015 Justin Trudeau is first elected as prime minister.

• Trudeau’s Liberal Party went from having 34 seats in the House of Commons to 184, giving them a majority government. Trudeau forms the first gender-balanced cabinet with 15 out of 31 members being women.

2018 Cannabis is legalized in Canada.

• Canada was the second country in the world to legalize cannabis with The Cannabis Act. While opinions were mixed, passing this act told voters that Trudeau could fulfill his campaign promises.

SEPTEMBER 2019 A photo of Trudeau in brownface is released.

• The photo, taken in 2001 at an Arabian Nights-themed party, depicts 29-year-old Trudeau dressed as Aladdin at the private school where he was a teacher. “It was something that I didn't think was racist at the time, but now I recognise it was something racist to do and I am deeply sorry,” Trudeau responded.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 Trudeau calls for a snap election in hopes that voters will reward the Liberal Party for how they handled the pandemic.

• The election was ultimately unnecessary as the Liberal Party remained a minority government.

2022 The average cost of a house peaks at $834,000.

• In 2015, when Trudeau first became prime minister, the average house cost $446,000.

DECEMBER 16, 2024 Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigns.

• After years of loyalty to Trudeau, Freeland resigned as finance minister, stating that the two had found themselves “at odds about the best path forward for Canada.” Trudeau had asked Freeland to step down as finance minister and take a lesser position, but she declined. Freeland voiced concerns that Trudeau was failing to prepare Canada for the potential of the 25 per cent import tariffs threatened by Donald Trump.

DECEMBER 20, 2024 Leader of the New Democratic Party, (NDP), Jagmeet Singh, said he would introduce a motion for a no confidence vote against Trudeau.

• The NDP had been helping Trudeau’s minority government pass legislation, and as the last party to turn on Trudeau, a no confidence vote would have succeeded.

2015 PHOTO CREDIT: GOVERNMENT OF CANADA, FEBRUARY 2019 PHOTO CREDIT: ERICH SAIDE / CC BY 3.0 (CROPPED FROM ORIGINAL), SEPTEMBER 2019 PHOTO CREDIT: JESSI CRUICKSHANK, SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 PHOTO CREDIT: GOVERNMENT OF CANADA, 2022 PHOTO CREDIT: PEXELS, DECEMBER 16, 2024 PHOTO CREDIT: HOUSE OF COMMONS, JANUARY 6, 2025 PHOTO CREDIT: CPAC

Trudeau breaks Federal Conflict of Interest Act by accepting gifts from the Aga Khan Foundation.

• By accepting a vacation and flights from the Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, Trudeau violated conflict-of-interest rules.

FEBRUARY 2019 Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould accuses 11 government officials, including Trudeau, of pressuring her to help SNC-Lavalin with a corruption and fraud case.

• Construction company SNC-Lavalin faced corruption and fraud charges for sending millions of dollars to Libyan government officials over the span of a decade. Wilson-Raybould said she "experienced a consistent and sustained effort by many people within the government to seek to politically interfere in the exercise of prosecutorial discretion” in order to grant amnesty to SNC-Lavalin. Wilson-Raybould resigned, followed by Treasury Board President Jane Philpott. For someone who had claimed to be a feminist, losing two women from the cabinet was politically damaging for Trudeau.

OCTOBER 2019 Trudeau is elected as prime minister again.

• The Liberal Party won with 157 seats, making them a minority government and therefore dependent on allies to pass legislation.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 Trudeau and his family go on vacation during the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

• Though initially it was stated that Trudeau was in "private meetings" in Ottawa, his daily itinerary was later updated to note he was in Tofino, B.C. on family vacation. Many were upset as Trudeau had previously stated, “No relationship is more important to Canada than the relationship with Indigenous Peoples.”

2023 A poll by The Canadian Press discloses widespread dissatisfaction with Trudeau.

• Two in every three Canadians have a negative impression of Trudeau, with affordability, housing, and public debt being the most common reasons.

DECEMBER 17, 2024 The Toronto Police Association calls for Trudeau’s resignation.

• The Toronto Police Association posted on X (previously Twitter), “Our members have lost faith in @JustinTrudeau’s government to do the right thing for the right reasons.”

JANUARY 6, 2025 Trudeau resigns.

• In his speech, Trudeau stated, “Parliament has been paralysed for months after what has been the longest session of a minority parliament in Canadian history… I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process… This country deserves a real choice in the next election and it has become clear to me that if I'm having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.”

8

THE LOVE ISSUE | NEWS

THE ONTARION

Gastroenteritis outbreak hits the University of Guelph Hundreds of students were affected by the outbreak, making national news and prompting action by the university and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health ASHLYN STUART

I

t was a harsh end to the holiday season as hundreds of U of G students returning to campus from the winter break became ill with gastroenteritis. Cases, which grew rapidly during the first week of the winter semester, were concentrated in the South residences. According to CBC, 255 students had reported being sick as of Jan. 16. By the end of the month, the number of reported cases had decreased substantially.

Commonly known as the “stomach flu,” despite having no connection to the influenza virus, gastroenteritis refers to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms emerge soon after infection and typically include vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. According to Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, (WDGPH), “most people who get sick will recover within 24-48 hours without any additional care.”

This appeared to be the case in residence, as “most students who self-reported illness recovered within 24 to 48 hours,” according to Katherine Hill, a spokesperson for the University of Guelph.

Norovirus was suspected to be the cause and on Jan. 10, WDGPH

confirmed one positive test. The highly contagious virus spreads easily through contact with contaminated objects, surfaces, and fluids, such as sharing food or utensils with infected individuals or touching the mouth after touching a contaminated surface.

Those infected remain most contagious while experiencing symptoms and for up to three days after they subside. To prevent infection, WDGPH recommends being “very diligent with hand-washing, as well as frequent cleaning of high touch surfaces.” Frequent hand-washing is especially important before preparing or eating food, or when in close contact with someone who is sick.

People who are ill should stay home and rest until at least 48 hours after their symptoms have passed. While sick, it is important to remain hydrated by drinking clear fluids. Once the nausea has subsided, solid foods can be introduced gradually. Anything that may upset the stomach, such as spicy and oily foods, should be avoided. Toast, saltine crackers, plain rice, applesauce, and bananas are better options.

Regarding the school’s re-

Norovirus spreads easily through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Frequent hand-washing can help prevent infection. PHOTO PROVIDED BY TAYLOR PIPE

sponse, Hill said in an email to The Ontarion that “the university has dealt with clusters of illnesses in residence before and has protocols in place, which are initiated immediately.”

This includes “identifying the illness through self-reporting, extra cleaning of infected areas, communicating with students living in residence and across campus, initiating educational campaigns, postponing or cancelling large-scale social events, and adding resources for students at the front desk area.”

“Students in residence who experienced symptoms were asked to remain in their room, avoid populated areas, and reduce contacts until symptoms had passed for 48 hours and notify Student Housing Services through their Residence Assistants (RAs) or [by] calling their front desk,” Hill said.

Hill said that RAs worked with students to ensure they had support while they were there and that students in residence were “highly responsive to direction.”

Many aspects of campus life

are conducive to the spread of a highly contagious bug like norovirus.

“The campus environment does lend itself to the spread of the virus because you have many people living and working in close proximity to each other, as well as many shared spaces–like bathrooms and eating spaces,” Danny Williamson, a spokesperson for WDGPH, said.

When asked if there was anything abnormal about the outbreak, Williamson said that it “isn’t particularly unusual, but norovirus is quite contagious and can be stubborn to control.”

Regarding the broader trend around norovirus, “there definitely seems to be a trend of more norovirus over the past year.” However, Williamson said, “that’s compared to the five-year average,” in which measures to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 also reduced the transmission of other viruses, like norovirus.

Addressing how future outbreaks will be prevented, Hill said

that responses to “future illnesses differs depending on the type of illness and is determined in consultation with experts, including Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.”

Hill said that “illness clusters like this are common, since residence buildings are communal living environments, and are often reflective of what illnesses are circulating in the broader community.”

When asked if a larger cohort of first-year students made the outbreak difficult to contain, Hill said that “while there is a larger cohort of first-year students this year, residence density remains the same as previous years.” A high density of people living together can make a norovirus outbreak more likely to occur, such as on cruise ships.

“The University will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary,” Hill said. To learn more about the outbreak and the University’s response, search for norovirus updates at news.uoguelph.ca

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Guelph's "Coldest Night of the Year" walk returns bigger than ever This February, Guelph residents will brave the chill for a heartwarming cause The walk is as much a community celebration as it is a fundraiser. Participants form teams with friends, families, or colleagues to raise money and connect with others. PHOTO PROVIDED BY COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR

ELLIE PETRAK

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oldest Night of the Year, (CNOY), is a national event that occurs annually across Canada. On Feb. 22 from coast to coast, different communities come together to support a charity in their area that works to support people living in poverty. In our community, the event supports Hope House Guelph.

Hope House is one of the largest food security organizations in Guelph, supporting those in the community who are vulnerable and dealing with complicated issues of poverty. Through their expansive food programs and various other resources such as their tax clinic, clothing market, hair

salon, and therapeutic programs, Hope House is an incredibly important pillar of the Guelph community.

After the COVID outbreak in 2022, Guelph’s CNOY event had to pivot to an online format at the last minute. When they returned in person in 2023, the event was bigger than ever. They quickly realized that their venues needed to expand to accommodate the growing numbers.

“It's growing as the need is growing. In Guelph and everywhere in the country, there are more and more people in need, more people struggling to get by, and the Guelph community has

continued to step up every single year for us,” said co-chair of the CNOY committee, Laura Keller.

Guelph is the first city in Canada to spread the event to two locations. CNOY is hosting both a five kilometer and two km walk this year. The two km family route starts at John F. Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute and the five km walk starts at Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute.

The walk is as much a community celebration as it is a fundraiser. Participants form teams with friends, families, and/or colleagues to raise money and connect with others.

"It’s a lot of fun. We have a

great kickoff event, a race, and a warm meal at the end of the walk,” said Keller.

Participants who raise $75 or more will receive a “Coldest Night of the Year” toque. Many walkers proudly collect a toque each year.

Participants are encouraged to sign up ahead of time. You can either join a team or join as a walker on your own. If this isn’t feasible, participating from a different location, or sponsoring a walker or a team are other great ways of supporting the event.

The event is open to all ages.

A notable participant is Orpha Thrasher, who will turn 103 on Feb. 1. Thrasher will be walking

surrounded by her family to fundraise. For those not walking, there are plenty of other ways to get involved.

“We always need volunteers,” said Keller. “From road marshals to registration and meal prep, there are lots of roles to fill.”

Raising over $200,000 in last year’s event, CNOY has made a significant contribution to Hope House’s mission. This year they hope to raise $210,000.

If you’d like to participate in the walk, donate, or volunteer for the event, be sure to visit cnoy. org. You can also follow @cnoyhopehouse on Instagram for more details and updates.

Fashion sustainability at the Art Gallery of Guelph Drop and Cop’s latest clothing swap took place at the local art gallery ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY LAURA APBLETT

D

rop and Cop is a student-run club at the University of Guelph that works to reduce fashion waste, particularly through their pop-up community clothing swaps. The club, active since 2019, generally holds six swaps a year, including three in the fall semester and three in the winter semester.

Drop and Cop’s clothing swaps act on a points system: participants earn points for bringing

in gently used clothes that they no longer want, which they can then spend on items that others have donated. Participants can earn up to four points for each article of clothing that they drop off. In general, light clothes and tank tops receive one point, plain long-sleeve shirts receive two points, sweaters and pants three points, and unique pieces four points.

Past clothing swaps have

Swap participants were excited about their new clothes.

Many different items were on display in the AGG’s crafts room.

been held in the University Centre, which is a popular location for club and society events. This January, however, Drop and Cop decided to try out a different venue: the Art Gallery of Guelph, (AGG).

Why did Drop and Cop decide on this specific spot for their latest swap? Cole Comia, Drop and Cop’s president, and Sitara Mahabir, the club’s financial executive, explained that they have ties to the AGG through the club’s co-founders, who both work at the gallery. The gallery provided a location that was somewhat removed from the University of Guelph but still close enough to the campus so that both members of the university and the general public could easily attend the swap.

Drop and Cop felt that holding the swap at the AGG would help support the community and increase the club’s sustainability efforts. Thanks to ads posted downtown, as well as an article by

GuelphToday, more participants without ties to the university attended this latest swap. According to Comia and Mahabir, Drop and Cop sees around 20 new faces at each swap held on campus. At the latest swap, this number doubled.

Participants at the swap were excited about their new wardrobe additions, which included stylish dress wear and suit jackets as well as blouses, sweaters, jeans, and other everyday pieces. It was a successful day for the club and for those who attended the swap.

The new location for the clothing swap also helped raise awareness of the AGG. While some people came exclusively for the swap, others stayed to check out the artwork on display and ask questions about the gallery.

Almost 600 people have participated in Drop and Cop swaps since the end of the Covid-19 shutdown. In 2024 alone, 281.8 pounds of textile waste was averted across six clothing swaps.

It is easy to become involved in Drop and Cop swaps—all you need to do is arrive at a swap with any gently used clothes, from any season, that you would like to donate. Clothes not accepted include undergarments, gym clothes, shoes, hats, jewellery, bags/wallets, children’s clothes, and items in poor condition. It is not necessary to “cop” new clothes on the day that you “drop.” By providing your personal information, you can bank unused points for future swaps.

To read more about Drop and Cop and to learn about future events, you can go on their website at dropandcop.wixsite.com/guelph or follow them on Instagram @ dropandcop.uofg. Members of the university can also learn about upcoming swaps on GryphLife.

The Art Gallery of Guelph is open Tuesday to Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. You can go to artgalleryofguelph.ca to learn more about the gallery and its current exhibitions.

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THE LOVE ISSUE | NEWS

THE ONTARION

Exploring the digital humanities The digital humanities can help students demystify technology SOFIA ESPARZA ESPARZA

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he humanities are a collection of complex and diverse disciplines meant to explain and preserve traces of human societies, keeping fresh the tracks of human lives and experiences. Initially, the humanities may seem to be detached entirely from the sciences.

The digital humanities, however, offer a bridge between the disciplines and demonstrate that the road in between them isn’t as daunting as it may initially appear. This field has gained more and more relevance in the digital age as it helps us make sense of the rapidly evolving tools and ever increasing amounts of information we engage with every day.

The Ontarion reached out to professor Susan Brown, who specializes in, among many other studies, the digital humanities, and who co-founded the culture and technology studies program at U of G. The importance of the digital humanities, (DH), is mainly found in its ability to remove barriers of understanding around technology—that which we utilize on a daily basis, and that which is

new and rapidly evolving—effectively demystifying it.

“We can separate illusory fears [of technology] from important worries for which we can productively intervene,” said Brown.

A good example of the significance of the discipline is in the current frenzy surrounding generative AI and its possible effects on society since the digital humanities may allow for a sort of reclaiming of the technology.

For those already familiar with the workings of digital tools, DH still serves an important purpose: it allows them to engage with the medium from an entirely new perspective.

“People are hungry to make sense of the world, to listen to ethical perspectives and find out the social implications of their work,” Brown said. “People want to change the world.”

In this manner, DH serves to bridge a gap between what may otherwise appear as alien disciplines to each other: STEM and the humanities.

Owing to its interdisciplinary nature, digital humanities is a versatile field that finds a large

part of its appeal in allowing engagement with a diversity of interests.

For example, Brown has created a database to preserve the work of Victorian women. Her peers have critically engaged with a variety of tools and technologies including podcasting, social media, and search engines all through the lenses of poetry, semantics, art, and more. At Guelph, students have been able to think deeply about their diverse passions by utilizing digital tools to analyze historical trends, collect data, and showcase it in many creative ways.

A taste of the creativity encouraged by digital humanities can be found by going through some of the works included in the journal CTRL + ALT + DH, which has just recently released its second issue, “Digital Dilemmas” and is run by fourth-year students in the culture and technology studies, (CTS), digital editing class.

The CTS major is one of the many, varied opportunities offered by the University of Guelph for those interested in

the digital humanities. It has classes that take students from learning about keywords in the field to utilizing digital tools in a guided manner to, eventually, being able to take the reins for their own research.

For those who want to dabble in the digital humanities in other ways, the university offers regular speaker events through its recurring DH@Guelph series (previously DigiCafé) hosted in The Humanities Interdisciplinary Collaboration, (THINC), Lab. One event running through the winter semester hosts speakers who share their expertise in topics ranging anywhere from patents to queer history.

In the THINC Lab there are also yearly summer workshops meant to allow those interested in starting their DH journey to explore what the field has to offer through several different angles.

Each of these programs focus on ensuring that participants get a “getting your hands dirty” experience, as described by Brown, further allowing for students to gain a sense of familiarity with new tools.

The importance of the digital humanities, (DH), is mainly found in its ability to remove barriers of understanding around technology. PHOTO PROVIDED BY TAYLOR PIPE

The THINC Lab itself is an important part of the integration of the digital humanities in the university. It was created in partnership with the Canada Research Chairs Program and serves as a hub for researchers, allowing also for undergraduate involvement that goes beyond the many events it hosts through its Undergraduate Research Assistantship opportunities.

Memberships for researchers, graduate residencies, and seed grants are also offered to help DH projects flourish. Its location in the library allows, too, for frequent collaboration with the university librarians.

“We share many common goals,” said Brown, especially with regards to “the preservation of knowledge in an era with less and less physical copies” of journals, articles, and more.

“They, too, serve as mediators and educators in our digital spaces,” Brown said.

To learn more about the digital humanities at Guelph and the opportunities and events offered, visit uoguelph.ca/arts/dhguelph or email dhguelph@uoguelph.ca.

ISSUE 198. 2 | NEWS

THEONTARION.COM

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The Rotary Club is an organization that focuses on charitable work and aims to support local organizations on a community scale. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ELLIE PETRAK

Behind the scenes of the charitable work of students How Rotaract Guelph builds community through service ATHAVI NISHAANTHAN

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or some students, volunteer work is just another way to boost their resume. However, for the students who are a part of University of Guelph’s Rotaract Club, it provides a sense of community and an opportunity to socialize with others. Rotaract Guelph is U of G’s version of the Rotary Club, an organization that focuses on charitable work.

It aims to support local organizations on a community scale.

Whether it is lending a hand to a campus organization or initiative, or giving back to the community of Guelph, the acts of giving and supporting fuel Rotaract Guelph’s drive to continue the charitable work they selflessly do.

For years, Rotaract Guelph has helped numerous individuals within Guelph by raising money, spreading awareness, and providing opportunities. Rotaract

Guelph gives people involved the chance to network and build connections. Whether it is with fellow committee members or outside people within the community, Rotaract Guelph aids individuals in building bonds that last a lifetime.

Although Rotaract Guelph shares similar core values to other charitable organizations, its sense of community is the defining trait that makes it stand out from others.

Jada Welch, Rotaract Guelph’s head of volunteering, told The Ontarion that it was the club’s welcoming nature that encouraged her to join.

“For me, I really joined because in first year [a lot of first years feel isolated and lonely], so it was a mental health aspect [as to] why I joined,” Welch said.

“Even at the first meeting, ev-

eryone was so friendly with each other, and it was really more of a social thing for me at first.”

Welch added that the club provides a sense of belonging and is similar to that of a family due to its meaningful connections.

This sense of community has been a leading factor in the successful fundraising events Rotaract Guelph has done over the years. Each school year, Rotaract Guelph spends one semester focusing solely on one organization. Typically for this, the fundraiser is a larger event, as seen with their annual gala event.

The other semester is spent focusing on numerous organizations, followed by smaller-scaled, but still impactful, fundraisers.

Last semester Rotaract Guelph made numerous contributions through their events. This included painting the canon for

Polio Awareness Month, hosting the “Blind Date with a Book” sale, ornament painting, and participating in Trick or Eat to help collect nonperishable items for food banks.

Despite it still being the start of the semester, Rotaract Guelph already has big plans. From bake sales and participating in Relay for Life, to hosting their tenth annual gala, they are destined to make a significant impact as usual.

Ellie Petrak, the president of Rotaract Club, shared that this year’s Gala is set for March 7 with the theme of a starry night in honour of supporting The Nightingale Centre. The Nightingale Centre is an amazing resource that offers grief support for youth and families. If a young one has lost a loved one, The Nightingale Centre offers a va-

riety of support services such as free therapy and group activities for those in the Guelph-Wellington area. Recognizing that this type of resource is not available for all youth, Rotaract Guelph is focusing all its efforts on providing support where it can.

With their desire to make an impact, Rotaract Guelph is always open to having new members. Whether you are interested in making a difference or want to build long-lasting relationships, there are endless reasons for getting involved.

People interested are welcome to attend the weekly Tuesday meetings at 5:30 p.m. in the Summerlee Science Complex in room 3317. Additionally, following @rotaractguelph on Instagram and joining them on Gryphlife is a great way to stay up to date.

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ARTS & CULTURE

13 | POP CULTURE JEOPARDY!

14 | QUEER ROMANCES

THE ONTARION

15 | EMILY HENRY

Exploring the world of Hanji through Heejung Shin Shin is a multidisciplinary artist who uses Hanji to explore themes of identity and culture amongst others AMIR BENKELAI

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eejung Shin is a local Guelphite multidisciplinary artist from Korea. Through her work she explores ideas of identity and culture amongst others. She has won many awards, such as the Vern Hacking Award.

To create her artwork, Shin draws on Hanji paper which is then cut into strips and attached to a canvas.

“Hanji is paper from Korea, a traditional paper we have been using for 5,000 years, and it’s made from inner bark of mulberry tree, and it’s very strong, and also at the same time it feels very delicate, but it’s really strong, because of the fibers of the tree bark,” Shin said.

This form of work began for her, Shin shares, when her “close friend, who I met in Canada, had lots of Hanji paper, and when she

On Feb. 18 at the Dundas Valley School of Art, Shin will do a 45 minute discussion with a Q&A session. PHOTO PROVIDED

BY HEEJUNG SHIN

moved to America because of her husband’s job, she couldn’t take the papers, so she left to me a [huge] selection of papers.”

She added that, “Hanji is a metaphor for my identity here in Canada.”

The paper itself used to be a common medium in Korea for writing and art. In the latter, Shin goes beyond the traditional forms of Hanji to produce unique pieces that are descriptive of her as an individual.

“I draw first on [a] large sheet of paper of actual landscapes, then I cut into strips, and then I paste on [the] canvas with layers to give the ambiguity and depth kind of illusion,” Shin explained. “I did an exhibition in Korea this past summer, and in Korea they never think about this process because Hanji is very precious as nowa-

Shin draws on Hanji paper that is cut into strips and attached to a canvas.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY HEEJUNG SHIN

days it is [a] very hard job to do, since younger generations do not want to do it. But [as] I didn’t learn Korean traditional painting, and moved to Canada, that’s why I cut the papers this way. So, not [the] traditional way, I break the traditional way, and make my process very unique.

“I was expecting no one [would be] interested in my work because it’s all over the place,” she said, adding that now there are lots of artists interested in her work.

Hanji artists tend to use Hanji paper as a whole piece with little modification. Shin’s stripping of the paper is a unique quirk that has allowed her work to be well received.

As identity is an important theme in her work, as well as expressing an important part of Korean heritage and culture, Shin comments that she started from a want to “talk about my emotions as an immigrant,” and adds that “it’s very universal, especially Canada, [which] has a large immigrant population, and [once] when I explain [my work], somebody burst into tears because they feel [the] same way I feel.”

As her work covers part of identity as an immigrant, she stated that she does not want her work to have a definitive interpretation, and so it is really made so that the “viewer can see different things.”

“That’s my goal when I make [my] work. I don’t wanna make work that, ‘this is it’, I want variety,” Shin said.

Taking this further, she told The Ontarion that she had received a grant from the Ontario Arts Council to pursue research, with which she used to travel back to Korea this past summer. She went to see the Hanji paper making process, and to have an exhib-

it there too.

From there, she had come to “really appreciate my heritage [and] how they kept this paper making process [alive for] over 5,000 years.”

Originally Shin “didn’t really appreciate the [Hanji] paper and [its] history” but now she says she has a different outlook after her travels.

On Feb. 18 at the Dundas Valley School of Art, Shin will do a 45 minute discussion with a Q&A session. She aims to also talk more about her creative process and discuss the Hanji paper making procedure.

Despite a lack of appreciation for Hanji prior to witnessing the paper making process, Shin continues to ensure her paper is brought in from Korea and brings some to Canada whenever she comes back from a visit. Nowadays, the paper is rare and harder to find than it once was due to dif-

ficulty in production and younger generations moving away from the trade, therefore making the paper rather costly.

This is especially due to the fact that China produces Hanji, but for lower cost compared to traditional Korean made Hanji.

“One paper made in China is like a dollar, and Korean is like 10 dollars,” Shin said.

She added that the Korean government is giving the paper heritage protection to ensure continual production.

As a practice, Hanji is being “used in different ways now” and Shin is one of the artists exploring the opportunities with the traditional material.

For those interested in learning more about Shin, attend her discussion at the Dundas Valley School of Art on Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. and check out her upcoming exhibition Paper Story this May at the Carnegie Gallery in Hamilton.

Shin creates work that can be interpreted in any way by anyone. PHOTO PROVIDED BY HEEJUNG SHIN

ISSUE 198. 2 | ARTS & CULTURE

THEONTARION.COM

Guelph alumni take on Pop Culture Jeopardy!

The Ontarion spoke with members of the Guelph-based team about the ultimate trivia trial TAYLOR PIPE

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uelph-based trivia team The Bullpen took their chance on Amazon Prime’s Pop Culture Jeop‑ ardy!

The episode, which aired Jan. 29, saw the team take on two other hopeful teams in the knockout round of the season.

Team members George Hutchinson and Tom Minard told The Ontarion that they met during their time at the University of Guelph.

Hutchinson, who was studying math, met Minard, who was studying nanoscience and chemistry, on the university Quizbowl team.

“We’ve been doing trivia together since, like, 2008,” said

Hutchinson. “Tom heard about the existence of Pop Culture Jeop‑ ardy! first, and so he reached out to me, and it was obviously a no brainer.”

Minard explained that he had been applying to play regular Jeopardy! for years before his Pop Culture Jeopardy! break.

“It's always been a big, big part of my life. I've been applying to regular Jeopardy! since 2011, I think,” Minard said. “So, it's been a while in the making for me.”

Minard and Hutchinson explained that the casting process begins with an online questionnaire to ensure contestants have a base level knowledge of trivia.

From there, contestants give a vir-

Learning What Makes Us Human Despite living with colour blindness, Manny Brinton offers viewers a unique perspective on how we perceive the world around us through art BEN SEATON

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n Jan. 13, local artist Manny Brinton launched a collaborative exhibit at the Zavitz Gallery titled What Makes Us Human? The exhibit showcased Brinton’s photography alongside collages from fellow student artist Sage McKenna in a dual show. The show mostly focuses on perception and the universal human experience. Their goal was to showcase the qualities in people that seem unusual while simultaneously being relatable.

Brinton's art has a unique quality, with his pieces mostly consisting of different shades of blue, of course, it wasn’t always this way.

“Funny enough, red was my favourite colour for the longest time,” Brinton told The Ontarion, “But when I found out, I started to pay more attention to blue.”

The incident Brinton is referring to happened when he was 16 in his grade ten biology class and underwent a color vision test for the first time.

“The aim was to identify the number in the middle of the dots.,” Brinton said. “After attempting about ten of these tests, I could only see two or three sets of the numbers in the middle. So, I went to an eye doctor and underwent a test which confirmed that I was colourblind.”

Brinton specifically is red/ green colourblind, meaning shades of these colours appear dull to him and he struggles to identify the two colours. After this startling discovery, Brinton began to view his artwork in a new light.

“I look at it as an advantage,” he explained, “because I can bring

The Bullpen's Pop Culure Jeopardy! episode aired on Jan. 29. PHOTO PROVIDED BY SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT

tual audition.

“It was mostly interview stuff, but they still just made sure that we were good TV, essentially,” Minard said. “Then we also had a mock gameplay session.”

Minard explained that the mock gameplay gave players half of a Jeopardy! game board and fake buzzers. They then made sure that contestants were able to buzz in and answer in the classic Jeopardy! question format. the hues out in a way that people may not pay attention to at first.”

Although the exhibit showcases Brinton’s photography, he is also a painter who takes great inspiration from the work and attitude of Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Brinton reflected on the differences between his photography and art, saying “With painting, I can draw things from the imagination that seem surreal and throw them on the canvas. But, with photography, I am taking a picture of what is in front of me.”

He explained how photography allowed him to focus on the conceptual while still staying grounded in a depiction of reality, whereas his art is much more abstract.

Where one may find living with color blindness to be a burden, Brinton views it as a unique lens through which he can explore the world. While it is easy to assume that color blindness would be a hindrance to an artist who paints colourful neo-exceptionalist pieces, Brinton doesn’t see it that way.

“This difference in perspective doesn’t take away from the beauty which we behold; it enhances it,” he explained. “It’s a reminder that even when our perception is distorted, there will always be beauty in how we interpret the world around us.”

If you are interested in viewing more of Brinton’s work, it can be found on his Instagram @man-

Both Hutchinson and Minard said they practiced answering questions in the question format well before their audition.

“By the time we actually got on the show, it was very driven into me,” Hutchinson said.

Once the team made it through casting and onto the show, the Guelph alumni had opposite reactions ranging from anxiety to calmness. However, all the emotional reactions disappeared

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once gameplay began.

“You have something to focus on,” said Hutchinson. “You’re actually playing a game which is fun and so that helps. You forget about all the other stuff and just get to have a bit of fun, which was surprising. I wasn't expecting [to have] as much fun as I did.”

They encouraged other groups from universities, like U of G, to get together, do some trivia, and see where it takes you. They also said you don’t need to have an endless pool of knowledge to be considered a good trivia player. “​​The key to getting good at trivia is not really knowing a lot about one thing. It's just having very surface level knowledge about many, many things,” Minard said.

Although The Bullpen didn’t make it past the knockout round, they still believed other groups should try testing their knowledge with the trivia game show.

“If there are two people in The Bullring sitting there thinking about this, I would say just do it,” Hutchinson said. “You're losing nothing by trying. You go to the Jeopardy website, and they have their online test and see how you do.”

If you’re interested in trying out for Jeopardy!, visit jeopardy. com/be-on-j.

Davina MacDonald photographed by Manny Brinton. PHOTO PROVIDED BY MANNY BRINTON

nyism_ or his website mannybrinton.com. Additionally, if you are interested in reading more about this particular exhibit, a brief in-

troduction about the exhibit can be found on the Zavitz Gallery website. zavitz.sofamstudio.ca/what-makesus-human/.

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THE LOVE ISSUE | ARTS & CULTURE

THE ONTARION

If we could have movies where the Queer chracter doesn't get killed off, that would be great. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

Spoiler alert: They don’t die at the end Some of our favourite Queer romances with actual happy endings KATARINA TORIC

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ine times out of 10, if a movie or tv show has a queer character, they do not make it to the end. However, that is not always the case.

The Ontarion has put together a list of heartwarming queer movies and TV shows, where the queer characters don’t just survive, they thrive. This short list showcases LGBTQ+ life and gives a glimpse into the love, hope, and positivity of living authentically. Either with a partner or someone you like, take a chance to enjoy these with someone special this Valentine's season.

The L word (2004) This cult classic TV show follows a group of lesbian friends as they navigate their lives in California before same-sex marriage was legalized. Premiering in 2004, it was revolutionary for its time and does not shy away from the nitty-gritty of lesbian life and its associated challenges.

Featuring Kate Moenning, Leisha Hailey, and other queer actors, this show knows what representation means. The L Word features many different types of rela-

tionships and breaks stereotypes of what lesbians look like. Approaching difficult issues with grace -ranging from coming out to self-growththis show truly is groundbreaking.

To this day, The L word remains revolutionary and has left a mark on LGBTQ+ television forever.

Moonlight (2016) A modern classic, this threetime Oscar-winning film tells the powerful tale of a Black gay man throughout his life, from childhood to adolescence. This heartbreaking movie shows the struggles of living in modern-day America, overcoming abuse, and coming out stronger than ever. Moonlight is breathtaking in every possible way, from beautiful cinematography to hidden symbolism, you could watch this movie a million times and never grow bored.

Emotionally sincere and deeply meaningful, this film is a landmark in modern-day cinematography and a must-watch.

Cowboys (2020) It is a heartfelt story about a young trans man escaping his un-

accepting mother, and living with his former felon father as their favourite thing, Cowboys. Featuring trans actor Sasha Knight, this heartwarming film about the beautiful bond between a father and son, explores the all too familiar coming-out story, and queer experience. Set in the gorgeous Flathead Valley of Montana, Cowboys portrays a sincere, emotional journey. Cow‑ boys will have you on the edge of your seat; smiling, teary-eyed, and reaching for tissues.

Big Eden (2000)

Big Eden follows Henry Hart, as he learns to accept himself and even lets himself fall in love when he returns home after an emergency. Starring Indigenous actor Eric Schweig, this aesthetically pleasing film changed the game. Showing an accepting world, a neighbourhood, where gay relationships were normalized, was extraordinary for 2000.

Steering clear of stereotypes from every angle, this beautiful movie proves that you can find yourself even in the most unlikely situations.

Our Flag Means Death (2022) Following a group of rag-tag pirates, as they navigate their adventures (or rather misadventures) on sea, this TV show is entertaining for everyone who watches it. This plot does not center around being Queer, but rather shows it in a slow realistic sense, without poking fun at the experience. With a bucketful of Queer characters, and two seasons of quoteworthy lines this witty 18th century comedy is absurd in the most endearing way.

Iconic for a reason, Our Flag Means Death will have you rolling on the floor laughing one minute and sobbing the next.

Bound (1996) This timeless movie was a refreshing look at a classic crime movie. An ex-con turned handywoman, and her neighbour gradually fall in love all whilst sabotaging her neighbour’s abusive husband.

Incredibly progressive for its time, Bound was one of the first movies to defy expectations and not center around being gay. From the set to the costumes, it is apparent how

much love was poured into this film. Bound is one of those movies that leaves a lasting impact on you far after the credits have rolled.

Action-packed, sexy, and thrilling, this classic mafia film will have you waiting for more and wishing it would never end.

If you enjoyed this short list of queer films, it is worth checking out some queer filmmakers and directors; The Wachowski sisters directors of The Matrix and Bound, Todd Haynes director of Carol, Cheryl Dunye director of The Watermelon Woman, Gregg Araki director of The Living End, and Arthur Dong director of Coming Out Under Fire.

While these directors’ movies focus on deeper and more challenging topics, their work is beautiful and deserves recognition as well. These filmmakers have had such a huge impact on cinema, showing queer life in a raw authentic way.

There is something for everyone in these films, so find one interesting to you, cuddle up with someone special, and enjoy.

ISSUE 198. 2 | ARTS & CULTURE

THEONTARION.COM

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From beach reads to big screens Emily Henry novels set to have bookto-screen adaptations ERIKA BEKKERING

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mily Henry took the romance genre by storm with her release of Beach Read in 2020, her first step away from the young adult genre and into the world of adult romance novels. Jam-packed with well-developed characters, witty banter and emotional storylines, her books proved to be more than just love stories and gained immense attention within TikTok’s book community.

Now, all five of her humorous yet heart-wrenching novels have been picked up by producers to have a book-to-screen adaptation!

Beach Read, the book that really put her on the map, is still one of her works most loved by fans. This is the story of January Andrews and Augustus (Gus) Everett, two writers who were college rivals and find themselves as neighbours many years later.

Beach Read, despite its cute summery title, deals with loss, betrayal, and the process of finding love again.

Readers not only watch January and Gus’s relationship blossom but see January’s realization that happiness is temporary turn into her embracing every joyous moment with immense gratitude instead of anticipating despair.

Henry admirably creates the perfect mixture of sarcastic banter and heartfelt conversations, making the book perfectly relatable and comfortable to read.

This book is set to have a movie adaptation and is confirmed to be directed by Yulin Kuang. While there is no confirmation, there are rumours of who might be cast as Beach Read’s own January and Gus. Ayo Edebiri, well known for her iconic role as Chef Sydney on the show The Bear, and Paul Mescal, the recent star in Gladiator II are rumoured to be casted after both Henry and director Kuang posted a photo of the two celebrities together on their Instagram stories. With nothing officially confirmed, the anticipation of this film is high among the fans of the novel as well as of these two amazing actors.

A Henry novel with confirmed casting and that is currently in the process of filming is her

second adult romance titled People We Meet on Vacation. This friendsto-lovers romance is about Poppy Wright and Alex Nilsen, two best friends who, despite their careers landing them miles away from each other, have managed to come together every year for an annual vacation.

However, something happens on one of these vacations that splits them apart. Two years later, Poppy takes a leap of faith and asks Alex on one last trip hoping to fix their relationship. This book delves into the complicated endeavour of rekindling a friendship, second chances, and the art of loving the journey not just the destination.

This summery rom-com is to become a movie on Netflix and has confirmed casting of Emily Bader, recently the star of the historical romantic fantasy series My Lady Jane and Tom Blythe, famously the Hunger Games villain Coriolanus Snow in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The director, Brett Haley, also has an impressive resume when it comes to book to movie adaptations as he directed John Green’s Looking for Alaska and Jennifer Niven’s All the Bright Places.

Her third novel, Book Lovers, is adored because of the relatable female main character and the picturesque small-town setting.

Nora Stephens is a workaholic literary agent in the city, known for being a cold control freak. When she reluctantly agrees to visit the small town of Sunshine Falls with her little sister Libby, she runs into fellow colleague, and Sunshine Falls local, Charlie Lastra.

Many readers find Nora to be one of Henry’s most relatable characters as she delves into sibling relationships and the challenge of a work-life balance. Henry’s take on the classic hallmark trope of “city girl finding love in a small town”, doesn’t include the heroine changing who they are completely and instead involves validating values essential to Nora’s character such as independence and being career-oriented, while also mending the relationship between Nora and

Paul Mescal and Ayo Edebiri are rumoured to be starring in the latest of Henry's book-to-movie adaptation. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ERIKA BEKKERING

her sister.

The novel is to become a feature film, with Sarah Heyward, known for her work on the two television shows Girls and Modern Love, set to write the screenplay.

Unfortunately, little has been revealed about the adaptation, however fans see a lot of potential for this movie to make waves and break the hallmark genre stereotypes.

Happy Place lacks the classic “meet-cute” of a romance story, and that’s because these two main characters have already dated. This novel is a second-chance romance in which a previously engaged couple pretend to still be together in order to avoid ruining their annual college friend-group reunion trip. Harriet Kilpatrick constantly puts others’ needs and feelings before her own, resulting in the inability to properly express her own. Wyn Connor is charming yet self-conscious and struggles to feel like he is enough for Harriet.

While this novel portrays the rekindling of love between the two through their journeys of self-discovery, the overwhelming moral of this story is that friendships are love stories too.

To demonstrate this complicated plot in its full glory, the novel is set to become a limited series instead of a film. It has been picked up by Jennifer Lopez’s own production company Nuyorican Productions, with no further information yet released.

Last but absolutely not least is her latest release, Funny Story.

Daphne Vincent is a children’s librarian who is left hopeless after her fiancé dumps her for his childhood best friend, Petra, weeks before the wedding. Daphne, who had given up everything for her once fiancé, ends up stranded without friends or family and finds herself proposing to be roommates with none other than Miles Nowak, the man Petra dumped for Daphne’s ex-fiancé.

Daphne grieves the life she envisioned for herself with her partner, but she pushes herself out of her shell by making new friends and of course, agreeing to be in a fake relationship with Miles in order to make their exes jealous. While the circumstances are incredibly bizarre, this is a story about self-discovery and relearning who you are and what you want out of life. It is about new beginnings and allowing yourself to be a little selfish.

Little has been shared about the adaptation of this book; however, fans have been assured that the project is in the right hands as it has been confirmed that Emily Henry herself is a primary writer and an executive producer of the film.

Henry’s summery romance novels are filled with witty banter, relatable characters, and a message to cherish every form of love, and fans can only hope it will be translated well into their respective screen adaptations.

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SPORTS & HEALTH 18 | GUELPH GURU

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THE ONTARION

20 & 21 | FROSTY MUG the potential harms of drinking than previous generations. Adopting a mindful, moderate approach to alcohol is a sustainable way to limit those harms.

Still curious?

Goodbye, dry January Welcome, year-round sober curiosity EMMERSON JULL Gryphons looking for support with their alcohol use can reach out to Student Wellness Services by booking a counselling appointment (call 519-824-4120 x52131), dropping in to the Student Support Network, or attending a meeting with the Student Recovery Community. ILLUSTRATION PROVIDED BY PAIGE STAMPATORI

I

t’s no secret that university students enjoy alcohol. According to the 2022 Canadian Postsecondary Education Alcohol and Drug Use Survey (CPADS), 45 per cent of respondents had engaged in heavy drinking within the last 30 days (defined as males having five or more drinks and females having four or more drinks in a single occasion). That’s a considerable decrease from the 60 per cent of students reporting heavy drinking in 2019-20. Is alcohol moderation the new normal on university campuses?

Sober Curiosity Explained Like millions of others, many students participate in Dry January, the annual challenge to go booze-free for the month. For those who overindulged in eggnog and mimosas in December, the month is a welcome break to focus on their health and wellbeing. Others participate to honor their new year’s resolutions, or simply to prove they can go without drinking. Whatever the reason, Dry January prompts us to slow down and be mindful of our alcohol use.

Being mindful about one’s alcohol use is also known as sober curiosity. Sober curious in-

dividuals are people seriously considering their relationship to alcohol and possibly moderating their consumption as a result.

Month-long challenges like Dry January—or Sober October—are quintessential forays into the realm of sober curiosity.

Limiting alcohol or going completely dry can have positive results for one’s health and wellbeing. The Canadian Cancer Society suggests that limiting alcohol can improve one’s general wellbeing and reduce health risks, such as the risks of certain cancers. It may also improve one’s sleep quality and energy levels. At the least, taking an extended break from alcohol can also help to lower one’s tolerance to the substance, likely saving them some money when they do return to drinking.

Although the benefits of light drinking are widely supported, what’s considered light drinking varies considerably. On one hand, the Government of Canada’s website suggests that “low-risk” consumption is a limit of 10-15 standard drinks per week.

But a 2022 report from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) states that health risks from alcohol exist on a continuum, and the lowest risk

level is no more than two drinks per week. The CCSA warns that the risk for certain types of cancer increases between three to six drinks per week, while the risk of heart disease or stroke are significantly increased with seven or more drinks per week.

For those postsecondary students drinking heavily, reducing the number of drinks they consume is likely to reduce their risk of health impacts from alcohol.

But students needn’t abandon alcohol forever. Those seeking to lower their long-term alcohol consumption can benefit greatly from breaks, like Dry January.

All things in moderation Dr. Andy Hathaway, a harm reduction researcher and Associate Professor at U of G, said that brief periods of sobriety can be helpful for those looking to decrease their overall drinking in the future.

“The research does seem to suggest that it has the anticipated benefit of a continual reduction, sometime after [the period of sobriety], in alcohol consumption,” said Dr. Hathaway.

He explained that anywhere from two, three, or even six months after the initial period of

abstinence, people still drink at a reduced rate compared to before.

He also notes that people who are self-motivated to limit their drinking seem to have the best chance at actually achieving that long-term reduction.

However, adhering to a strict zero-alcohol lifestyle may not be right for everyone. For instance, people who feel pressure to “go dry” may binge drink alcohol after their period of sobriety is over.

In that vein, advocates of the harm reduction approach are reluctant to preach total abstinence.

“From a public health perspective,” Dr. Hathaway said, “encouraging moderation probably makes more sense, particularly among young people, for whom the time of life seems particularly ripe for festive occasions.”

That’s true at U of G, of course—of all respondents to the school’s 2022 National College Health Assessment, 42 per cent of Gryphons reported drinking weekly.

While students continue to embrace social festivities involving alcohol, there is a growing “conscientiousness” from young people towards the harms of alcohol use. In other words, young people today seem more concerned about

If you want to embrace sober curiosity year-round, here are a few tips: • If it suits you, enjoy alcohol in moderation. Humans have long been social drinkers who enjoy alcohol as part of their gatherings and celebrations.

Many people drink and enjoy healthy, balanced lifestyles.

• Step back and re-evaluate your alcohol consumption as necessary. Brief periods of abstinence or moderation may provide clarity for people questioning their alcohol use.

• Swap out alcoholic beverages for zero-proof options every so often. Many restaurants in Guelph boast mocktail menus, and nonalcoholic beer, wine, and mixed drinks can be purchased at the LCBO and grocery stores.

Spacing out alcoholic drinks with nonalcoholic beverages is a great harm reduction strategy.

• Find ways to de-center alcohol when hanging out with friends. Many places in Guelph offer activities that can be enjoyed sober, and lots are open late. Try out Play With Clay, The Round Table Board Game Cafe and The Guelph Grotto Climbing Gym. You can even catch a movie in the cinema at The Bookshelf!

• Try to avoid relying solely on alcohol to manage stress or emotional wellbeing. Test out healthy lifestyle changes—sleep, diet, and exercise are top of mind—and seek out support as necessary.

Trying to moderate alcohol consumption can be daunting.

If you’re struggling, please know you’re not alone.

Gryphons looking for support with their alcohol use can reach out to Student Wellness Services by booking a counselling appointment (call 519-824-4120 x52131), dropping in to the Student Support Network, or attending a meeting with the Student Recovery Community. Other resources include Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health and Here 24/7 (24-hour addiction, mental health, and crisis support by calling 1-844-437-3247).

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Building a plant-rich diet If you want to improve your health, try eating green ASHLYN STUART

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ith the New Year well underway, a common resolution is to eat healthier. But, with so much information about healthy eating, it can be confusing to know where to start.

A great approach is to add more plants to the diet. Katherine Sutherland, a registered dietitian with Student Wellness, says there are many reasons why someone may want to increase their intake of plant foods, and that health can be a major motivator.

“Adding fruits and vegetables and then whole grains are going to increase somebody’s fibre intake, and then it’s also going to help them get the vitamins and minerals that they need,” Sutherland explained.

On Jan. 15, Katherine hosted a bi-semesterly workshop on building a plant-rich diet. Here are some key takeaways from the session and an interview with Sutherland afterwards.

Focus on Balanced Meals and Start Small A plant-rich diet doesn’t mean just eating plants. Canada’s Food Guide suggests consuming a diet that is half fruits and vegetables, a quarter protein-rich foods, and another quarter of whole grains. Protein is needed to support muscle strength and immu-

nity, and whole grains provide fibre and energy.

Still, making half of your diet consist of fruits and vegetables may feel like a lot. In this case, it’s important to be realistic and start with small changes.

“Even if the goal is adding one serving of vegetables a day, that’s going to be really helpful for increasing [a person’s] nutrient intake, [and] getting some extra fibre,” Sutherland explained.

So, aim to get a few more fruits and vegetables and gradually work towards this ideal balance rather than expecting perfection immediately. As Sutherland put it, “any addition of plants is going to make a difference.”

Consider Your Protein Sources Adequate protein is a crucial part of a healthy diet. It’s needed to build and maintain our muscles, keep our immune system functioning properly, and help us feel satiated after a meal. While plants may not seem like an obvious source of protein, there are many protein-rich options.

When asked whether plant foods can provide sufficient protein, Sutherland said “you definitely can get enough protein from plant-based proteins,” but highlighted the need to understand what foods “contain protein, and

in what amounts.”

Foods like tofu, tempeh, lentils, beans, nuts, seeds, and edamame are all good sources. They can easily be incorporated into meals, like beans or lentils mixed with ground meat, to boost plant intake.

For those transitioning to a plant-based diet with fewer animal products, it’s important to get a variety of plant proteins. Plant proteins often lack some of the essential amino acids (the building blocks of proteins that the human body can’t make itself) needed in a healthy diet. But Sutherland shared that “If you’re getting a variety of proteins, even if there are some of the incomplete [proteins], you’re going to be getting all of your amino acids that you need.”

She emphasized that for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet “we need to be intentional … especially if we’re new to it.”

Overall, Sutherland recommends “trying to get a variety of plant-based proteins, and just trying to have a good understanding of how much protein is in certain foods, so that you’re getting enough.”

Pay Attention to Certain Nutrients When increasing plant foods,

there are several nutrients to look out for, particularly if animal products are being limited. Those highlighted in the workshop included vitamin B12, iron, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.

While some of these nutrients are fortified in foods, like vitamin B12 in milk alternatives and cereals, deficiency is still possible. Supplements might be necessary for some, and it can be beneficial to consult with a dietitian or other certified healthcare provider before making major dietary changes.

In addition to these nutrients, Sutherland said that applying strict rules to the diet in general can be risky. It can lead not only to nutritional deficiencies but also to reduced variety in the diet and trouble engaging in social events.

Find What Works and Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes Eating more plants can look different for everyone.

“You have to kind of experiment a lot because we’re not going to like everything,” Sutherland pointed out.

She shared that recipes that she’s been enjoying lately include chickpea walnut tacos and turkey meatloaf with lentils and lots of

vegetables.

Try different types of foods and cooking methods to see what works and what doesn’t. To help with the process, Katherine recommends finding the recipe you want to test before buying the ingredients. And if a recipe doesn’t work out, Katherine says that’s normal and to “try again and maybe try a different recipe.”

For convenience, consider buying canned or frozen vegetables, legumes, beans, and lentils.

These options can be more budget-friendly as well.

Sutherland advises that “we don’t want to overcomplicate it.”

“We’re bombarded with diet culture all the time,” she shared, and “the more we can take that pressure off ourselves, the better.”

She also emphasizes thinking about “nutrition through addition.” Rather than trying to cut foods out, focus on what you can add to meals to make them more balanced and ensure that you’re getting all of the proper nutrients.

For those interested in attending a workshop, Dietitian and Nutrition Services, a part of Student Wellness, offers sessions on various topics, each running twice per semester. To learn more about the workshops and Dietitian and Nutrition Services, visit https:// wellness.uoguelph.ca/nutrition.

Katherine recommends thinking about “nutrition through addition”, and adding nutritious foods into the diet rather than cutting foods out. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

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The Guelph Guru: Food is fuel Healing foods for a healthier you JORJA ALLEN

Hello gurus!

As January comes to an end it is the perfect time to reevaluate what worked for you in 2024 and what didn’t. Through this process, we can allow ourselves the grace to let go of what no longer serves us while continuing to foster the building block habits we explored starting in September, such as engaging in a regular sleep routine, maintaining moments of daily movement, and holding onto the intentions we set for ourselves.

This month’s habit will be extra useful in keeping our minds enriched and our bodies fueled. As such, this month we are going to be learning about the fundamentals of food and the power of our palates.

To inform our discussion, I spoke with my favourite certified holistic nutritionist, and founder of Turnip the Beets, Sabrina Koleoglou, as well as Associate Professor Laura Forbes from the University of Guelph’s Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition.

Both of whom have expertise on the topic of nutrition, expressing the importance of healthy eating and its impact on quality of life and well-being.

Specifically Forbes, with a background in nutritional research in key developmental periods such as adolescence and pregnancy shares that “nutrition is great to know about because what we eat impacts us from the very earliest time in our life and then all the way through.”

As a holistic nutritionist,

Koleoglou shared that the benefits of healthy eating can range from “increased energy throughout the day, good digestion, glowing skin, better mood, improved concentration and memory.”

Thus, with such immense benefits especially combined with the habits of sleep and exercise we have already explored, nutritional wellness is definitely a component of healthy living we want to embody.

However, nutrition can feel like a big component of health that can be difficult to contend with when combatted as an all-or-nothing approach. That is why Koleoglou recommends “small consistent changes” rather than “a whole health overhaul.” She encourages a balanced lifestyle with 85 per cent of the time spent enjoying nourishing foods and 15 per cent embellishment.

Similarly, Forbes spoke about setting goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Another key tip they advise involves avoiding processed foods.

“The more processed a food is, the worse it is for you,” Forbes said.

When shopping, Koleoglou proposes the exploration of the outer aisles of the grocery store that are more likely to consist of whole food products.

When it comes to palate makeup Sabrina recommends prioritizing five ounces of protein—like fish, or chicken, vegetables for fiber, and a carb of choice and then some healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. The im-

portance of protein at every meal is that it helps balance blood sugar and energy levels, preventing energy spikes and crashes.

Forbes also makes note of the benefits of fiber in maintaining gut health allowing bacteria that live in your gut to feed off that fiber you consume. Koleoglou suggests probiotic-rich foods such as sauerkraut for gut health and prebiotic foods such as asparagus and artichokes.

When it comes to portion size, they both note the importance of listening to our bodies and being mindful of fullness, advocating for the fact that everyone requires different nutritional needs based on goals and lifestyles.

According to them, snacking on healthy foods provides more nutritional value that will actually satisfy hunger.

In terms of foods to avoid or restrict Koleoglou advocates for the avoidance of processed sugar since sugar can suppress your immune system by causing a state of chron-

ic inflammation through increased blood sugar levels.

“You’re eating inflammatory foods or highly processed foods that excess inflammation in the body can affect your brain and alter mood,” Koleoglou said.

As such, a lot of the time when people start improving their diet through her program “one of the first things they notice is improved mood, less irritability, more patience, and happiness.” She advocates that these effects can even be felt within a week.

Similarly, Forbes notes the connection between gut health and mental health, suggesting that some people feel better within one day, depending on where you're starting from and what you’re going to eat.

“Eating healthy foods does make your body feel good,” she said.

In regards to sugar, Forbes highlights the fact that people who are eating more sugar, are subsequently eating lower-quality diets

with less fiber, and fewer vitamins and minerals.

Alternatives to processed sugar as suggested by Sabrina include natural sugars such as fruit, honey, and maple syrups consumed in moderation. While Forbes encourages flavoured waters that don’t have sugar or sweetener in them.

In fact, she proposes a DIY version of this: water with frozen fruit.

When making these changes try not to get too overwhelmed by the logistics of it all. You know what's good for you and what's not. You can feel it. Plus, making these dietary swaps can be fun!

There are plenty of free resources available to you offered by Sabrina herself on her website, Instagram, and newsletter, as well as offered through the University such as the Student Nutrition Awareness Program, (SNAP), that offers free workshops and info sessions, along with campus dietitians.

The purpose of this habit is not to restrict all the harmful junk food we just learned about immediately but rather to form more of a mind-body connection to the food we consume. We want to engage with the food we are eating by thinking about where it came from, how it was made, and how it will benefit our bodies.

So the first steps you can take in terms of nutritional wellness is to explore resources like @snapuoguelph on Instagram, or visiting turnipthebeets.ca, avoiding processed foods, especially processed sugars, and expanding your sources of fiber, fruits, and protein. The best way to think of this process is not as a removal of these harmful foods but rather an addition of more nutrient-dense options to create a palate that centers around you and your health.

Until next time!

Lots of Love

- Jorja

WHAT WE’VE ACCOMPLISHED SO FAR! • • • • • • • The benefits of healthy eating can range from “increased energy throughout the day, good digestion, glowing skin, better mood, improved concentration and memory." PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

Setting intentions Establishing a regular sleep routine Moments of daily movement Focusing on fuel - whole foods > processed foods

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How to stay productive during reading week Because it's better than couch rotting FATIMA ASKARY

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eading week is finally approaching—seven wonderful days to recover from frigid temperatures and late night study sessions.

It’s tempting to spend the whole week doom scrolling, sleeping in until noon, or binge watching another reality show on netflix.

While some time rotting on the couch is needed, it’s important to use this week to your advantage.

Rest is still productive! But striking the balance between friends, self-care, catching up on sleep while also using this time to get ahead or catch up with courses and plan for the summer… It can get overwhelming. Below are some helpful tips to make the most of this time off: Set realistic goals and be okay with not meeting them It’s easy to get carried away and overestimate your capabilities. Instead of overwhelming yourself with a long to-do list, focus on two to three key priorities that would make the coming weeks and months less stressful for you. Don’t be too hard on

yourself if you don’t achieve everything you set out to do this week.

Mid-semester reflection We all set ambitious goals at the beginning of each semester. This is a chance to reflect and re-adjust your expectations.

What’s working? What isn’t? Maybe going to the gym three times a week isn’t doable with your course load anymore. Re-adjust and try to make it work with your current schedule. Whatever it is, approach your goals with flexibility and compassion.

Make (quality) time for friends and family This one might seem obvious but it’s still worth mentioning. Life gets busy and this time is the perfect opportunity to nurture relationships that you might not have time for during the semester. Call up friends from your hometown and plan to meet at a local cafe. Take the time to appreciate this time with loved ones, even if it’s short lived.

Rest is still important, but you can still work toward your goals. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

Approach coursework at your own pace Spend the week either catching up or getting ahead on assignments. Break your workload into manageable chunks and reward yourself when you check off work from your to-do list. Motivation to study during time off can be difficult but try to remember how thankful you’re future self will be!

Plan for the summer Now is the time to start thinking about what you want to do this summer. Think of what would be most beneficial to you—working full time or part time, volunteering, taking a summer course or maybe a mix of all of these things. Make note of deadlines and

spend a few hours polishing up your resume.

Indulge in side quests A side quest is a mini adventure in your day where you make time for something you wouldn’t normally do. This can be baking, knitting, going on an absurdly long walk or trying out a new restaurant. It can be any new experience that you wouldn’t bother to try during the busy midterm season.

This week off is a great chance to reset and rejuvenate. Remember that you do not have to complete all of these things but rather, choose a few and be intentional about spending your time. You’ll come back refreshed and motivated to end the semester off strong!

Gliding through Guelph A look at some of the best ice rinks in the city MAIA GALLETTA

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hile this recent cold front may have brought slush up to our ankles and painfully cold walks to class, it has also brought us the perfect weather for ice skating! So lace up your skates, grab a hockey stick (or a skate trainer if you’re not as experienced), and get ready for some good old winter fun! Here is your guide to the best outdoor and indoor rinks across the city of Guelph.

fitandrec. Skates are also available for rental.

Market Square Located in the heart of downtown Guelph, Market Square’s rink is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Surrounded by good restaurants and beautifully lit up at night, this is the perfect outdoor rink for anyone looking to skate downtown!

Sunny Acres Park Thanks to the surrounding community for the maintenance of this rink for over 80 years, Sunny Acres Park is home to one of Guelph’s oldest outdoor rinks. So long as it’s cold enough, this large rink is great for shinny, casual skates, and even curling!

Gryphon Centre Arena If you didn’t already know about the drop-in recreation programs at the Gryphon Centre Arena, now you do! The university offers recreational programs including skating and hockey, and is completely free! Recreation programs are updated daily and hours can be found on gryphons.ca/

Exhibition Park Arena With ample space for both recreational skaters and those looking to brush up on their skills, the Exhibition Park Arena offers weekly indoor public skate dates, including change rooms and a heated viewing area upstairs. Check out their website for recreational skate and hockey times!

Riverside Park Trail This skate trail is great for those looking for a casual skate, it’s open 24 hours and the trees surrounding it are decorated with string lights, so it's even more scenic at night! Ideal for both beginner and expert skaters, the trail offers a relaxed environment for leisurely laps.

Guelph has so many indoor and outdoor rinks to choose from. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

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THE ONTARION

Frosty Mug just out of reach for the Gryphons The York Lions took the win with a final score of 4-3 OLIVIA GARRIDO

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n the night of Jan. 23, the Guelph Gryphons men’s hockey team had the Sleeman Centre sold out for the 15th annual Frosty Mug. This year they faced-off against York University.

The stage for a great game was set early. Fans arrived before the gates even opened and booed as soon as the Lions stepped out onto the ice, promising for a loud and rowdy match.

The game started in the Gryphons’ favour with Anthony Tabak winning the opening faceoff. However, they weren’t able to maintain that momentum and quickly went on the penalty kill less than two minutes into the game.

After successfully killing the penalty, the Gryphons were rewarded with a power play of their own. However, similar to their other three power play opportunities throughout the game, they came up empty handed. The Lions struck first with a goal by Owen Gilhula on a 2-on-1 that took an unfortunate deflection off the Gryphon defender.

The Lions' second goal came only 39 seconds after the first, scored by Brock McLeod. The first

period ended with the Gryphons at a two-goal deficit, despite the shots being even at nine apiece.

The second period began, and the crowd continued to cheer with full confidence in a comeback. If anything, the cheers got louder, and the taunts towards the referees got more frequent.

Unfortunately, the cheers were silenced when a puck behind the net changed the score into a 3-0 game less than 20 seconds into the second period, resulting in the Gryphons’ goalie Colton Incze getting replaced by Tanner Wickware. The remainder of the second period was a tense back and forth, with the shots trending in favour of the Gryphons.

A power play opportunity for the Lions late in the second let them bang in another goal, making the score 4-0 Lions. With the Gryphons down heading into the third, there were some fans who left during the intermission, however that was their loss.

Now, what was said in the Gryphons’ locker room during that intermission? Gryphons head coach Josh Dixon told The Ontarion that he reminded the team that they were capable of

playing to a much higher standard. He asked them for the first five minutes of the third to play their game, the one they’re capable of.

The Gryphons then came back and scored three goals in less than six minutes into the third. Nathan Allensen started it off with a goal 48 seconds into the period thanks to a pass from the corner to the top of the slot

by Nolan DeGurse.

The second goal came from Giordano Biondi when he tipped a shot from the corner by Jonah DeSimone just above the shoulder of Lions’ goalie, Carter Serhyenko. Excitement rolled off the crowd–the Gryphons were officially back in the game, and there was a whole lot of hockey left to be played.

The tension was palpable.

Cheers filled the rink, taunts directed at Serhyenko began, and the ever classic “Ref, you suck” chant lit up the building. Then, just over a minute and a half later, a goal came from Griffin Wilson, pocketing it off a crisp pass from DeGurse once again.

The patience DeGurse showed at the side of the net,

waiting for Wilson to get positioned, put the Gryphons within one goal of a tied game. Despite the shot count still trending in favour of the Gryphons, Wickware needed to make some acrobatic saves to keep the score from diverging further. In the post-game, coach Dixon praised Wickware’s performance and his ability to come into the game and put on a show of his own. The play went back and forth for the rest of the third, with the Gryphons coming close a handful of times to tying it.

However, still trailing by a goal, the question remained: when is Wickware going to get pulled to allow for an extra skater? There is a growing trend in hockey with coaches pulling goalies earlier than ever before to allow for more time for the team to even the score. So, it was not a surprise when Wickware got yanked at the two-minute mark.

When asked about this, Dixon explained that there are many factors that need to line up before signalling for the goalie to come to the bench, including having the players you want out there on the ice, prolonged time of posses-

sion, and confidence that you can maintain that possession.

It was coming down to the wire, and the Gryphons had a face-off in the offensive zone with a minute left. This was it, and the coaching staff knew it, calling for a time out to devise their strategy. That last minute had the whole building on their feet, every shot echoed through the crowd with cheers hoping that it would be the one to tie it.

But none of them found their mark. With shots just barely wide and crossbars ringing, the game ended 4-3 for the York University Lions.

Coach Dixon told The Ontari‑ on there were a myriad of factors that led to the final score. The Frosty Mug is a different beast– players who are used to playing in front of 200-some-odd fans suddenly have a sold-out barn of 4,000 plus. It can lead to players' nerves getting the best of them as they try to put on a show for the crowd and force plays that they wouldn’t otherwise. At the end of the day, they didn’t start on time, and at that level, in order to win you need to play hard for the full 60, not just the last 20.

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PHOTOS BY ADITYA PARAMESWARAN

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Frozen solid? A quick breakdown on freezing injuries and how to keep yourself safe Taking a closer look at the cold hard facts when it comes to frostbite ALEX HERMANN

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ll freezing injuries, which range from mild frostnip to hypothermia, are caused by the body closing off blood vesicles near the skin and extremities. This prioritizing of blood flow to the core helps keep us breathing and thinking, and from pumping cold blood around the body, as described by Health Canada.

For frostbite in particular, the limited warmth and blood reaching the hands, feet, ears, and nose make them the most susceptible locations.

Although it has reached a colloquial status, frostbite, and related

freezing injuries have specific medical definitions and are important to understand generally to keep yourself safe. Frostbite has two levels of severity: frostnip and deep frostbite.

Frostnip is the mildest form of freezing injury, which can be recognized by the affected skin turning pale, shiny, or rosy colored, and in some people, tingling, pain or numbness. At this stage, the top layers of tissue have begun to freeze, but the deeper layers remain softer and unaffected.

If you suspect you or someone else may have frostnip, it is import-

ant to move to a warm location, and gently rewarm, such as putting the affected skin next to unaffected skin. Also, wrapping up in blankets, and getting the whole-body warm is important. If rewarming is successful, little to no permanent damage is expected. Do not massage or rub the suspected frostnip area, as it is easy to damage the tissue and make it worse. Also, do not use hot objects to warm the area back up, as this could cause further damage.

Frostnip is a warning sign of frostbite. Thus, prompt treatment is important.

True or severe frostbite can

With proper clothing layers, almost cany temperature can be safe. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

make skin feel colder and firmer than the surrounding area and take on a ‘waxy’ appearance. Never ignore numbness, as the damage by severe frostbite can be irreversible and requires immediate attention.

If you begin rewarming the affected area and the numbness, pain, and discoloration does not resolve or gets worse, it is time to seek out medical guidance. While you are waiting for help, the steps for treating frostnip such as slow rewarming and keeping the rest of the body warm can be applied. Contact your primary care, walk-in clinic, or oth-

er health service if you think you have severe frostbite!

So how do we protect ourselves as we continue in this chilly winter?

Dress for the conditions and limit time outside in especially cold or windy weather.

With the proper clothing layers, any temperature can be safe.

Protect the hands, feet, nose, and ears, and take action if you experience tingling or numbness.

If going for a nice wintery hike or spending the afternoon sledding, check in with the people around you and your own body.

UNDERSTANDING

Canada’s Environmental Plan We’ve reduced emissions by 3 million tonnes over the past four years.

Canada leads the way with the largest emissions reductions in the G7.

We are also capping emissions from the oil and gas industry, investing in a net-zero electricity grid, and making record investments in clean technology.

Though the carbon price we’ve already removed the equivalent of 11 million gas-powered cars off the road. Carbon pricing will account for 1/3 of Canada’s emissions reductions by 2030.

RECEIVE YOUR CARBON REBATE April, July, October, January (If taxes have been filled)

$140 for an individual $35 per child under 19 $70 for spouse/common-law partner $70 for first child in single-parent family

LLOYD LONGFIELD Your Member of Parliament for Guelph Visit mplongfield.ca to see more ways the federal government is delivering on the issues that matter to you.

Lloyd.Longfield

@LloydLongfield

Lloyd.longfield@parl.gc.ca

Lloyd.Longfield

THEONTARION.COM

STEM

23

The power of peas The tiny legume might be the next big thing GABRIELLE LOCKMAN The peas rise in popularity is proving to be promising. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PIXABAY

T

he pea is a small, typically green, and unassuming legume which is incredibly nutrient dense and contains many good fibres and vitamins essential to our diets. Due to these characteristics, they have earned their classification as a superfood. Moreover, peas have a very high protein content for their size.

With people searching for a sustainable yet high-protein diet, the pea has recently been put under the spotlight, its rise in popularity is only beginning. From animal protein alternatives to gluten-free bread, according to Pervin Ari Akin’s research, the humble pea may just hold the power to improve our food systems of the future.

Akin is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Guelph with research focusing on both the replacement of gluten in gluten-free products as well as fermented pea proteins for beverages. She began her journey in Turkey, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in food engineering. At the age of 20, on a scholarship from the Turkish government, Akin moved to the United States where she began learning English.

There, she studied at both the University of Pennsylvania and Kansas State University. Ms. Ari Akin then worked for the United States Department of Agriculture, where she researched gluten-free

products. Returning to Turkey, she proceeded to work as a food engineer in a plant-based food research center for six years.

Through a collaboration with the Canadian and Turkish governments, Akin then made her way to Canada, where she is now at the University of Guelph.

Canada is the largest exporter of pulses worldwide, making peas a driving force for the Canadian economy. Despite this, Akin states that “peas are a problem”, explaining that “because of the taste and structure” they are difficult to use in many applications.

Currently, soybeans are the more popular pulse proteins and soy products are widely seen in the market. Unfortunately, soy is a main food allergen and tends to have less sustainable farming practices in comparison to other products. With peas being the second most widely produced legume after soybeans, and presenting more sustainable practices, consumers are turning to the pea for solutions.

One of the biggest challenges in the food industry is the production of gluten-free products, especially gluten-free bread. Finding an ingredient to mimic the texture and structure provided by the gluten protein has proven to be nearly impossible.

Akin explained that when glu-

ten is mixed with water, the result is a three-dimensional network that is “both viscous like honey which holds the air bubble…and elastic like a rubbery band allowing the bubbles to expand,” creating a soft and high-volume bread.

To date, combinations of ingredients like starches, gums and oils have been used in attempts to create a gluten-free bread with the same taste, texture, and shelf life that gluten provides. These additions decrease the nutritional quality of the bread, leading to adverse health effects in a long-term gluten-free diet, including obesity and nutrient deficiencies.

Despite these challenges, plant-based proteins may offer a solution. They add high nutritional value, and when used in the right combination with other products, can give the desired volume to the bread. Using pea proteins is more sustainable and allergen friendly than using soy or animal proteins, and with continued research, it may be the optimal choice of protein for the improvement of gluten-free bread.

We can also see pea protein and other plant-based proteins being used to mimic animal proteins.

This practice is observed with the formulation of pea beverages that are similar to soymilk.

With many consumers shying

away from cow’s milk, the industry continues to be in need of more milk alternatives. The pea protein milks can also be used to make pea yogurt and pea ice creams, adding variety to the dairy-free food industry.

Akin explained that many companies are “exploring the impact of various technologies and ingredients to better replicate animal-based proteins' functionalities.”

This replication has proven to be a very difficult task, but the use of pulse proteins, such as peas and other plant-based proteins, shows promise.

Akin continues by saying that she does not believe “it’s where the market is now, but [thinks] there’s a possibility at some point in the future, a plant-based nugget won’t be compared to a chicken nugget in terms of taste or texture, it will be formulated into its own unique [product]”.

Despite these amazing possibilities, the pea is not perfect. Akin has encountered many challenges while working with these legumes, “the taste [being] the leading issue.” Even with small amounts of the pulse protein, consumers find there is a beany flavour to these products.

Akin explained that some modification techniques can be

used to improve flavour, such as fermentation of the pea, but the technology is not yet perfected.

For its application in pea beverages, another issue that is observed is its solubility. Pea protein does not dissolve well in liquids, which “[leads] to phase separation… making it difficult to create a stable and uniform product… [and causes] a gritty texture in drinks.”

These undesirable characteristics of pea proteins may explain their previous underuse in products. With advancements in today’s technologies, Akin and other food scientists hope to reduce these issues, allowing peas to live up to their full potential.

Food scientists, like Akin, are constantly looking towards the future of food. These scientists are continuously researching new approaches and creatively adapting to challenges in an attempt to keep up with the trends and advancements in the world of food.

Food Science is an integrative field of biology, chemistry, agricultural science, and engineering, which is easily demonstrated by Akin’s research. As food consumers, it is important to remember that every new food product on the market once began as a research project in a scientists’ lab, and that science and innovation surround us every day.

HIST* 1050

24

THE ONTARION

When Canada declared war on Germany in 1914, the OAC was quick to take action by training and feeding the soldiers preparing for military action. PHOTO PROVIDED BY TAYLOR PIPE

The story of the Ontario Agriculture College during wartime The OAC played pivotal roles in multiple wars RILEY DUCHESNE

T

he Ontario Agriculture College (OAC), founded in 1874 and now part of the University of Guelph, has a strong history of contributing to wartime efforts dating back to before World War One. The OAC has played a key role in military training and service during times of war, practicing patriotism and making other key contributions that extend past education. From suppressing the Fenian raids to training troops in the Second World War, the OAC has significantly affected how agriculture and patriotism helped the war effort.

Before the World Wars, Canada faced internal conflicts such as the Fenian raids which were a series of battles fought between Irish nationalists from the United States known as Fenians against Canadian battalions in the late 19th century.

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, these wars were fought by the Fenians to conquer Canada and trade it for Irish independence from the British Crown, but they were brutally defeated. An article written by University of Guelph

graduate Austin Foster, explains that the OAC was one of the first in Ontario to organize a battalion to fend off the Fenians which was a significant contribution to defending Southern Ontario.

When Canada declared war on Germany in 1914, the OAC was quick to take action by training and feeding the soldiers preparing for military action. An article

by Edward Butts in The Canadian Encyclopedia states that the OAC was among the first secondary education institutions that created training corps for future militia members in preparation for the war. The article also mentions that the city of Guelph had sent the highest number of people to war during the First World War in Ontario and they were trained at the OAC. The Officer Training Corps at the college was heavily promoted by the OAC Review in hopes of inspiring students to join both the militia and raise awareness for the war effort. The OAC Review was a newspaper of sorts for students of the college that covered everything

from agricultural innovations to news in sports.

In an issue from November 1915, an OAC Review writer mentions the number of students and staff enlisted in the training corps, “the enrollment this year is now two hundred and fifty-six, of whom about twenty-five are members of staff”.

The OAC Review was used as a tool to create a sense of unity among the students and Canadians as the articles preached patriotism and community. Issues from the OAC Review in the years 1914 and 1915 showcased lists of students and staff who were fighting in the war, so they could be honoured by the student body.

Alongside the lists of students fighting were letters from soldiers at war, such as Playing the Game, which was posted in the May 1915 issue. The letter was written by an OAC third-year student who was in Belgium fighting and offered a letter of candidness about the conditions of war, but openly admits that “at first we had a great time in those trenches, we had a

great time shooting Germans” but he then mentions that the serious conditions of war took a toll on the morale of the battalion.

Another tactic used to boost morale on campus was to publish inspiring war poems for all to read such as The Boys Are Marching

by Cleveland W. Wedge. Wedge’s poem highlighted the importance of the homefront in supporting the war effort and ended his poem with “It seems a little thing to do, this constant ‘click’ and ‘clack’ but slender fingers, so employed, uphold the Union Jack.”

The poem is patriotic, explaining the importance of seemingly small, everyday tasks performed by civilians to contribute to better morale for a broader cause while highlighting the loyalty to the British Empire and its troops by saying “Uphold the Union Jack.”

Throughout the 1920s and 30s, the OAC did not have much of an affiliation with the Canadian armed forces. However, when war broke out again in 1939, the OAC students quickly began enlisting and the school was once again a

part of the war effort. An article from the Guelph Historical Society mentions that the OAC established a wireless school under the British Commonwealth Air Training to prepare inexperienced pilots for war.

The OAC and the city of Guelph contributed significantly to the Canadian armed forces in times of war and highlighted how a simple agricultural college can achieve hope and national resilience. The contributions of the OAC, in terms of physical and mental support for the war effort, resulted in a commitment to safety and prosperity for Canadians.

Herbert Hoover, a former American president and renowned humanitarian, played a critical role during the Second World War. Reflecting on his contributions to the war effort and the opportunities given by his country, he once said: “My country owes me nothing. It gave me, as it gives every boy and girl, a chance. It gave me schooling, independence of action, the opportunity for service and honour.”

ISSUE 198. 2 | HIST* 1050

THEONTARION.COM

25

How George Sidney Brett shaped the way we approach social sciences The U of T prof was an innovator who challenged the academic norms MATTHEW BEATTY

I

t’s hard to imagine a psychology professor comparing a recently published study with the writings of Aristotle, but that’s exactly the kind of thing George Sidney Brett did in the early 20th century. Brett was a philosophy and psychology professor at the University of Toronto and was a bit of an outlier for his time.

He practiced psychology in a way that might seem innovative and interdisciplinary to us today, but for his time it was actually sort of old-fashioned.

Starting in the late 19th century, psychology, philosophy and other subjects that used to be part of the humanities had started to become separate disciplines. A big reason for this was Darwin’s theory of evolution. Darwin’s work gave academics a way to explain the origins of life without appealing to religion, which made the scientific method more popular in universities.

Scholars started to realize that science could be used to study not just nature but humans

as well, ideally helping us create a better society. This is how disciplines like psychology, anthropology, and sociology started to become separate from philosophy and classics.

According to the 1988 article Philosophy, Psychology, and History: George Sidney Brett and the Quest for a Social Science at the University of Toronto, 1910‑1940 by Michael Gauvreau, this was typically what happened in American universities. Brett was an exception though, so things might have been a bit different in the Canadian context.

Brett thought that the sciences and the humanities could work in tandem to help us better understand both the world and ourselves. While this might not seem too crazy today, it was a somewhat uncommon view during his life.

According to Gauvreau, Brett defined psychology as “an autobiography of the human soul.”

Psychology in his eyes was not just the scientific study of the human mind, as we know it to-

day. His psychology also included ideas from the works of writers throughout history.

In his book, titled A History of Psychology, Brett included insights about the human mind (and/or soul) from ancient philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle, medieval philosophers like Thomas Aquinas, and early modern philosophers, like Emmanuel Kant for example.

Brett also tried to bring non-Western works into both volumes, but he was limited by what he had in translation in the early 20th century. In volume I he covered the Vedas, and in volume II he brought in ideas from medieval Arabic philosophy.

He didn’t only include explicitly philosophical ideas either.

Brett also wrote on the work of the Roman physician Galen, while considering theologians like St. Augustine of Hippo at the same time. In volume II of A His‑ tory of Psychology, written in 1921, he also discussed ideas from Early Modern scientists like Newton

and Kepler. He thought that we should learn from both the sciences and the humanities despite the differences in their methods.

Brett responded in a very different way to the rise of the social sciences and sciences in the academy than his American colleagues did. While many academics didn’t seem to think that the differences in the methods used by the sciences and humanities could be overcome, he tried to find connections between disciplines that we might consider totally separate today.

Drawing from Gauvreau’s article, he believed that psychology had a particularly important place in academia as a way of connecting the sciences and humanities.

For instance, both knowledge of human biology and philosophical insights into human nature could help explain how the human mind works.

His ideas for where philosophy should go were also pretty multidisciplinary by modern standards. According to Gauvreau,

Brett thought that since philosophers are particularly good at thinking critically and making arguments, one thing they could do is study what the findings of one discipline mean for others. For instance, he spent a lot of time researching what his study of psychology could add to discussions in political science.

Although Brett’s approach does seem very multidisciplinary to us today, in his time his approach was somewhat old-fashioned. It was closer to the unspecialized humanities that previously existed in the 19th century.

Looking at Brett’s story reminds us of where disciplinary divides came from and how they both limit and enable research. It also brings to mind the value of interdisciplinary work and how it can potentially lead to innovation.

After all, the ways we define the limits of a discipline, like what ‘psychology’ is, haven’t always been the same, and likewise, they will probably continue to change.

Although Brett’s approach does seem very multidisciplinary to us today, in his time his approach was somewhat old-fashioned. PHOTO PROVIDED BY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

OPINION

26

THE ONTARION

Students who develop casual attitudes toward drugs in their early twenties may carry those attitudes into adulthood, influencing workplace culture, parenting practices, and public policy. PHOTO PROVIDED

BY JULIE STANGOLIS

Universities need to tackle reckless normalization of hard drugs Exploring a dangerous trend AMAZA PAYNE

I

n recent years, the normalization of hard drug use has gained momentum, especially among young adults in university settings. What was once considered taboo and dangerous has slowly become a casual part of social culture, marketed as exploration, self-discovery, or even a form of self-care.

This shift is not just concerning—it is reckless and dangerous.

Normalizing the use of substances like magic mushrooms, MDMA, or other hard drugs, particularly in spaces like universities where experimentation is common and peer influence is strong, creates a dangerous cocktail of risks, including addiction, mental health crises, and unintended overdoses.

A clear example of this issue can be seen in the increasing prevalence of psychedelic drug use in college environments.

A recent Vice article reports on an alarming incident where a man live-streamed himself taking 19 grams of magic mushrooms and overdosing. This case not only highlights the risks of hard drug use but also underscores the role that platforms like social media play in normalizing and glorifying reckless behavior.

At the same time, a blog post

by New Horizons Counseling Services provides an analysis of how societal trends in media and peer behavior have eroded the stigma around hard drugs, framing them

as acceptable tools for self-improvement or recreation. Together, these examples paint a sobering picture of the dangers that come with treating drug use as just another part of youthful exploration.

The Role of Universities in Drug Normalization Universities have always been hotspots for experimentation and rebellion, and students often seek new ways to expand their horizons.

Unfortunately, this environment can also breed dangerous trends.

In recent years, many university students have begun viewing hard drugs, particularly psychedelics, as harmless—or even beneficial—substances.

Magic mushrooms, for example, are increasingly seen not as potent hallucinogens with significant risks, but as “tools” for self-reflection, stress management, or enhanced creativity. This rebranding of psychedelics, bolstered by media narratives that highlight their therapeutic potential in controlled settings, has filtered down into casual recreational use among students.

The Vice article illustrates how this shift has led to dangerous outcomes. A man’s decision to livestream his mushroom overdose, far from being a rare anomaly, reflects a broader trend in how hard drug use is portrayed and

consumed in university culture.

The livestream itself trivialized the dangers of drug use, turning what should have been a sobering event into entertainment for an audience.

This kind of normalization, where dangerous acts are either celebrated or dismissed as harmless, increases the likelihood that others will follow suit without fully understanding the consequences.

Moreover, universities are often ill-equipped to deal with the fallout. While some institutions offer counselling or harm-reduction workshops, these services often fail to address the core issue: the normalization of drug use.

Students are given advice on how to “safely” consume drugs rather than being challenged to critically examine the risks and implications of their choices. In doing so, universities risk sending a message that drug use is inevitable and acceptable rather than preventable.

The Broader Societal Impact The normalization of hard drug use extends far beyond universities, but its impact on young adults is particularly concerning.

As the New Horizons article explains, societal attitudes toward drugs have shifted significantly over the past few decades, driven

in part by media portrayals and changing laws around substances like marijuana and psychedelics.

While some of these changes—such as the decriminalization of cannabis—are rooted in efforts to reduce mass incarceration and promote equity, they have also contributed to a more permissive culture around drug use in general.

This permissiveness has created a ripple effect. When hard drug use becomes normalized among university students, it reinforces broader societal trends that downplay the risks of these substances.

Students who develop casual attitudes toward drugs in their early twenties may carry those attitudes into adulthood, influencing workplace culture, parenting practices, and public policy.

Furthermore, the normalization of hard drugs can exacerbate existing public health crises. As young adults experiment with psychedelics or MDMA, some will inevitably face adverse effects, from addiction to mental health crises or fatal overdoses.

These outcomes place additional strain on already-overburdened healthcare.

A Call for Responsibility The normalization of hard drug use in universities is not inevitable, nor should it be accepted

as harmless. Institutions, policymakers, and media creators have a responsibility to challenge this trend and provide young adults with the tools they need to make informed decisions.

Universities must take a stronger stance against the normalization of drug use by fostering a culture of education and prevention rather than one of harm reduction alone. This could include mandatory workshops on the risks of drug use, stricter policies around substance abuse, and better access to counselling for students struggling with peer pressure or mental health issues.

Media platforms must also play a role by addressing how they contribute to the glamorization of hard drugs. Social media companies should implement stricter guidelines around content that promotes drug use, while influencers and creators should be held accountable for the messages they send to young audiences.

Finally, students themselves must critically examine the narratives they are consuming and participating in. Rather than accepting drug use as a rite of passage or a harmless way to explore identity, young adults should be encouraged to question the risks and consider healthier alternatives for stress relief or personal growth.

The normalization of hard drug use is not a trend that should be taken lightly. For university students, who are at a pivotal point in their development, the risks are too great to ignore. By addressing this issue head-on, we can begin to dismantle the dangerous myths surrounding hard drugs and ensure a safer, healthier future for young adults.

ISSUE 198. 2 | OPINION

THEONTARION.COM

27

Social constructs are ruining the art of love Are we “setting standards” or ruining relationships over quirks?

JANICE AUSTIN

"O

ur perception of love is messed up."

I bet you've heard that a couple of times.

But what, in particular, are we talking about?

Where does our perception of love even stem from?

Do we see it as an action— something we do or an activity— an ongoing process we engage in?

Contrary to the romanticized depictions of love in films, novels, and the media, the author of The Art of Loving proposes that love is an art, comparable to music or painting. It's a skill that must be learned through conscious practice, demanding both theoretical understanding and practical application. True love, the author suggests, requires constant self-improvement and self-giving, achievable only through emotional and intellectual liberation.

Love is an art, and just like any other art form, we need to keep at it before we become good at it. Just as with any art, where the creator is of huge importance to the art itself, so it is in love where we are involved in the enrichment of each other's existence.

This raises a crucial question: are we focused on the art of loving, or simply on being loved?

This distinction is central to understanding our current struggles with love. Are we asking "How do I become loved?" or "How do I love?" The answer reveals much about our personal perception of love. Is it the external validation we seek, or the internal desire to connect?

Too often, love is seen as something that happens to you, rather than something you actively cultivate and give. This passive approach can lead to transactional relationships, with individuals seeking partners who can fulfill their needs or enhance their social standing.

This transactional mindset leads us to another critical question: Has love become capitalist?

Has the search for a partner become a bargain, a strategic exchange? Love becomes a commodity once it's based on what the other person has to offer you materialistically, rather than what

they offer as a person, creating a "What's in it for me?" mentality.

This commodification extends even to the very definition of desirability, leading to questions like: Is a "masculine man"—one who embodies traditional power and stoicism—a more valuable commodity than a "man written by women," who might prioritize emotional availability and communication?

Both "masculine man" and "man written by women" are social constructs, not fixed categories. And NO, neither construct is inherently better than the other.

Both can have positive and negative aspects, depending on how they are expressed.

Social media's constant stream of idealized relationships creates a distorted perception of reality, prompting people to seek partners who conform to this unrealistic image rather than focusing on genuine connection. The combination of idealized profiles and the illusion of endless choice (thanks to dating apps) can perpetuate unrealistic expectations about relationships.

Our generation has developed a checklist of desired traits and become less willing to compromise or accept imperfections in a partner.

The concepts of "icks" and "red flags," while intended to help people navigate dating and relationships, have been taken to the extremes. Labeling minor quirks or preferences as red flags leads to a constant search for flawlessness, which doesn't exist in real people.

No one is perfect, and everyone has their own unique habits and ways of doing things. Expecting a partner to perfectly align with an exhaustive list of green flag behaviors sets them up for failure and prevents us from appreciating their individuality.

This is why I think our generation needs to change how we view relationships. We can’t have a long list of green flags while preaching that everyone is “perfectly imperfect.” If you want a partner to accept you for your flaws, it has to be reciprocal. Maybe it’s not about “standards” and more about unhealthy, unrealistic

Social media's constant stream of idealized relationships creates a distorted perception of reality. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

expectations.

So how do we change this?

Ultimately, shifting from "How do I become loved?" to "How do I love?" can lead to healthier, more fulfilling relationships. This

shift fosters greater self-acceptance and a stronger sense of selfworth, as our value is no longer tied to being loved by someone else.

It also shifts the focus on how

to be the best version of yourself for yourself. You know how you want to be loved, and if you act accordingly, you will find the person you’re meant to be and meant to be with.

28

THE ONTARION

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

PHOTO PROVIDED BY TAYLOR PIPE

An open letter to the U of G community MILL CREEK STEWARDS ASSOCIATION

A

n article in last December’s issue of The Ontarion revealed the University owns a massive gravel pit in Puslinch Township just five miles from your campus. That pit has contributed to the destruction of over a thousand acres of farmland while threatening the fragile Mill Creek Wetland Complex. As a Puslinch community group, we, the Mill Creek Stewards Association, (MCSA), felt it important to alert you to the risks of situations like this where the University prioritizes revenue over its founding principles including protecting agriculture and the environment: summed up when former University President Segal stated, “The well-being of the university is a higher priority than the environment”.

That skewed prioritization risks the University’s hard won reputation, in turn risking the value of its degrees and the outstanding efforts of its students, professors, researchers and donors.

In the December Ontarion article, the University repeated those skewed priorities, stating the gravel pit “contributes to the university through an endowment fund” which “protects the University’s operating budget.”

That prioritized protection of

the University’s operating budget, has meant expanding the original gravel pit plans, destroying even more farmland and wetland, while increasing the environmental risk.

Concerns from students and faculty about the original plans when the pit was first proposed, were mitigated by promises to protect agriculture, the environment and the local community. And how did that fare? Well, you decide after reading some of those promises and the University’s follow-up over the last forty years (details and additional promises in the QR code at the end of letter).

You judge whether they reflect the balanced priorities of an educational institution serving as a role model for students and faculty, as a steward for farmland and the environment and as a caring partner with neighbouring communities such as Puslinch.

Those promises included: Promising “the property can be a unique research and demonstration facility to study how aggregate extraction can be carried out with minimal effects on the environment.” The MCSA has found no evidence of any facility, research or otherwise and the pit is almost exhausted.

Promising that a research

royalty paid by the aggregate company per tonne of aggregate would be applied to aggregate extraction/ rehabilitation research.

The MCSA has found no evidence of any significant aggregate research funding despite requests to the administration.

Promising the site would become, “an important demonstration station and teaching laboratory for various kinds of after use and rehabilitation research”, “an approximately 280-acre lake, suitable for watersports, nature interpretive centre and trails and 26 residential lots” and “a wildlife and nature preserve.” With extraction nearing completion, the MCSA has found no evidence here either.

Promising “Not to extract every shovelful.” But the MCSA has found that they have taken every shovelful and more, including four pit extensions.

Promising a limited duration to the gravel pit: but the pit is still operating thirty-five years later.

Promising that the lease would be held by a local, environmentally responsible gravel pit company. The MCSA has found that is certainly not the case now.

Promising to protect farmland, wetlands and the rural com-

munity: But instead destroying them and contributing to a fragmented landscape not favourable for people or wildlife.

Promising that they were unaware of the presence of gravel deposits when they purchased the “research station” property: Yet the University’s President MaBhews co-authored a 1960 provincial soil survey clearly showing significant gravel on this property.

Well, what do you think? Has the University been a good land and community steward? The University needs to start walking its talk. That means supporting Puslinch Township’s position against any new below water-table pits, properly directing research designated royalties, developing the Mill Creek Pit rehabilitation facility, advocating for farmlands/ wetlands, preserving the only heritage home left on the Mill Creek Pit property, and applying their expertise to supporting rural communities threatened by aggregate sprawl. A small price to pay for integrity.

So, why our Open Letter?

Because we’ve watched the University’s “don’t care” attitude for decades including the “we’re

not responsible” comment expressed in the recent Ontarion article. We however do care, including for the University of Guelph and its reputation. There will always be tough revenue choices and never more than now, but those revenue choices must support the University’s core values expressed by their “Changing Lives”, “Living Well” and “Improving Life” brands.

Which “choice/reputation” do you want framing your diploma and your campus memories, prioritizing your teaching and research and allocating your donations?

We ask you to use our QR code website to contact the University Board members, President and Chancellor, before it's too late.

Together we can be proud to be a Gryphon that guards principles, not secrets, and values integrity over dollars.

TOGETHER WE CAN DO SO MUCH It’s just one word but it represents so much. For over 70 years The Ontarion has acted as a platform for community members to report the news, share their stories, and connect with each other. We have also been a space where anyone can contribute and make their voice heard.

Come join us as we embark on the next 70 years and continue to connect one another through journalism and storytelling. All are welcome.

For more information email tpipe@theontarion.com

SINCE

1951

LOVE STUFF

30

Valentine’s Day on a budget You don’t have to empty your wallet to make your valentine feel extra special this year CARLOTA SOUSA

I

f you’re looking for some ideas on how to make your Valentine’s Day (or night) romantic for you and your date without breaking the bank, then look no further! Here are six ways that you can spice up your Valentine’s Day on a budget.

Handmade gifts What’s more thoughtful than a personalized and priceless Valentine’s Day gift that you can’t find in any store for your special someone?

Handmade gifts such as a love letter, a curated playlist, or a poem can say “I love you” in a budget-friendly way.

Thrift a gift Thrift stores can be a treasure trove for unique and affordable gifts for your other half. Vintage tea sets, cute knick knacks, or a cozy sweater can be the perfect way for you to show off your thoughtfulness.

Sip and paint Canvases, paints, brushes, and a glass of bubbly are all you need to have a creative and romantic evening. You can paint anything that your hearts desire: a scenic landscape, a mountain view, or maybe you can recreate your own Jack and

THE ONTARION

Rose Titanic moment.

Cook a romantic dinner and dessert After you’ve given your special someone their handmade or thrifted gift, treat them to a home-made, deliciously romantic dinner and dessert. No need for an expensive dinner reservation when you can swoon your date with your (hopefully) impressive cooking skills.

Nothing says “be mine” like a Lady and the Tramp spaghetti moment followed by a delectable dessert to end the meal on a sweet note.

Movie night After dinner and dessert, throw on some pajamas, pop some popcorn, and snuggle up on the couch for a movie night. You most likely already have a subscription to a streaming service, so you can’t have a more budget-friendly date than this! Throw on a classic romance movie like The Notebook, or a horror movie so your date can feel safe in your embrace.

At-home spa night Once your movie is over, it’s

Baking a dessert with your valentine is guaranteed to sweeten up your night!

ILLUSTRATION PROVIDED BY DANIELA LEMUS MINERVINI

time to wind down with an at-home spa night! This can be just what you need to get close with your valentine without going over budget.

Draw a warm bath with some bubbles, light a few candles, and put on a facemask to end your special night feeling relaxed with your boo.

Candlelight Concerts light up Royal City Mission Guelphites have their opportunity to attend one of the romantic concerts this February SIENNA G. GEISSLER

L

ove is in the air this month.

Whether on your own, with a partner, or with a friend, spend a night at the Royal City Mission Church immersed in live music surrounded by candles this February. This month Candlelight is putting on four live performances in Guelph at the Royal City Mission Church, including a special Valentine’s Day performance featuring La La Land’s “City of Stars,” Edith Piaf’s “La Vie en Rose,” and Elton John’s “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” among other pieces. There will also be a concert dedicated to Adele and two more dedicated to melodies from Bridgerton, all performed by the Listeso String Quartet.

The concerts have been held in over 100 cities worldwide and

are focused on engrossing listeners in the performance as they experience live music in a new light.

Each venue is carefully chosen to improve the listeners’ experience.

This year in Guelph, the Royal City Mission Church was chosen and it is no surprise why.

The architecture of the building is beautiful both inside and outside. The stained glass and the rose flower, a distinguishing trait of French Gothic architecture, give the venue an ethereal feel, ensuring an impressive evening for all visitors.

The second floor provides an aerial view of the musicians, and lights along the balcony rails.

These lights among others dim at the designated time, signalling to the viewers the performance

Tickets to the Candlelight Concerts range from $31 to $67. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ALYSSA CUNNINGHAM

is about to begin. The musicians then introduce themselves to the audience before introducing their first piece. The musicians make a point to remain engaging with the audience, making the night more personal and offering a real sense of community to all in attendance.

Tickets range from $31 to $67 depending on the time, performance, and zone. The website offers tickets in four different zones: A, B, C, and D. Zones A and B are on the floor giving an immediate view of the stage and the performers. While sections A and B are priced higher, the best seats are in sections C and D as they are located in the gallery of the

church, giving viewers a raised view of the musicians and the candlelit stage. Posts on the second floor that connect to the roof can pose a challenge and block your view of the stage, so make sure you are seated with an unrestricted view of the musicians to enjoy the experience to the full.

Each performance is 60 minutes in length. Doors open 45 minutes prior to the start of each performance, and seats are distributed on a first come first serve basis so make sure you arrive plenty of time in advance to ensure a good seat.

The performance dates are as follows:

•

Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. - Valentine’s Day Special • Feb. 14 at 8:45 p.m. - Tribute to Adele • Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. - Best of Bridgerton on Strings • Feb. 21 at 8:45 p.m. - Best of Bridgerton on Strings While there is no specific dress code, during the night of the 21st guests are encouraged to wear their best Bridgerton-theme inspired outfits. These performances will only be in Guelph for two nights in all of February so make sure to take advantage of these performances while they last. It is an experience you do not want to miss!

ISSUE 198. 2 | LOVE STUFF

THEONTARION.COM

Aphrodisiacs from around the world

• • • • • • • •

Valentine’s recipes for every mood These sunshine biscuits will bring warmth and love to your day. PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMAZA PAYNE

AMAZA PAYNE

C

hocolate, strawberries, red wine—what do they have in common? Well, besides being yummy, they’re all aphrodisiacs, a substance meant to enhance libido and sexual pleasure. They are also delicious ingredients for a more platonic palette. Check out this list for some cute and romantic Valentine’s recipes to suit every mood.

Red velvet cake

Ingredients: • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 1/2 cups sugar • 1 tsp baking soda • 1 tsp fine salt • 1 tsp cocoa powder • 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil • 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature • 2 large eggs, at room temperature • 2 tbsp red food coloring • 1 tsp white distilled vinegar • 1 tsp vanilla extract • Cream cheese frosting

Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly oil and flour three 9x1 1/2 in. round cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

In another large bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.

3. Using a standing mixer, mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined and a smooth batter is formed.

4. Divide the cake batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.

Place the pans in the oven, evenly spaced apart. Bake, rotating the pans halfway through the cooking, until the cake pulls away from the side of the pans, and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean (approx.

30 minutes).

5.

6.

Remove the cakes from the oven and run a knife around the edges to loosen them from the sides of the pans. One at a time, place the cakes onto a cooling rack, rounded-sides up. Let cool completely.

Frost the cake and serve.

Sunrise biscuits

Ingredients: • 4 tbsp salted butter • 1/3 cup milk • 3/4 cup mashed sweet potatoes (an aphrodisiac) • 1 pinch grated ginger • 1/4 tsp salt • 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour • 2 tsp baking powder Directions: 1. Preheat your oven to 375 F. 2. Roast your sweet potatoes until soft (be sure to poke holes into them so they don't burst).

This can take up to an hour.

3. Reduce the heat to 350 F for

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

the biscuits.

While the sweet potatoes are still very hot, add them to a bowl with the butter. Let the heat of the sweet potatoes melt the butter.

Add the milk, ginger, salt, flour, and baking powder. Mix well.

On a heavily floured board, with heavily floured hands, press the dough flat - about 1 in. thick.

Dip your cookie cutter into flour to keep the biscuit dough from sticking.

Lay biscuits 2 in. apart on a lined baking sheet.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until puffed and golden. Serve and enjoy!

Chocolate pomegranate cookies

Ingredients: • 1/2 cup butter, softened • 1/2 cup white sugar

•

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1/2 cup brown sugar 1 egg 2 tsp vanilla extract 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tbsp cornstarch 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 cup chocolate chips (an aphrodisiac) 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (also an aphrodisiac)

Directions: • Cream butter and sugars in a bowl until smooth.

• Add egg and vanilla extract.

Mix well.

• Add dry ingredients. Mix until dough forms (don’t overmix).

• Add chocolate chips and pomegranate seeds.

• Preheat oven to 320 F. • Roll the dough into balls (roughly 1 1/2 tbsp worth) and let sit for 30 minutes.

• Bake for 12-18 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottom.

• Let cool for 30 minutes, then enjoy!

No matter the occasion, these aphrodisiac-inspired recipes are perfect for sparking joy, romance, and flavor. Whether you're sharing a meal with someone special or celebrating on your own, each dish offers a unique way to indulge in culinary creativity. Happy cooking, and may your Valentine’s Day be delicious!

Write a love letter to yourself 30 prompts to focus your loving energy on you AMELIA BAJOR

3

0 self-love journaling prompts created with the intent of being compassionate and loving with yourself. Writing out positive thoughts and actions can help boost self-esteem, confidence, and awareness.

6. What are 3 ways I can cope with bad days? How can I cheer myself up?

1. What does self-love mean to me?

8. What am I proud of myself for today?

2. What are 3 of my favourite things about myself?

9. What are 3 ways that I show my love for people?

3. What are 3 songs that make me feel good?

4. What are some challenges I have overcome? What did I learn?

5. What are some things that make me smile?

7. What is something that turned out to be a blessing in disguise?

10. What would my perfect day look like?

11. I am proud of the way I handled…

12. What are 3 of my favourite affirmations?

13.

Which admirable traits

In what ways can I show myself more love? PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

have I adopted from the people around me?

14. What behaviours/traits will I not tolerate in a relationship because I deserve better?

15. What are 10 things I like about myself?

16. How can I be more compassionate to my feelings and others?

19. Write a love letter to myself.

20. What are 3 ways that I can be more authentically me?

21.

What is something you would tell your 13-year-old self?

25. What are some habits I would like to work on?

26. What are 3 things I can easily remind myself of?

27. What are 3 things I could use help with?

22.

What are 3 negative thoughts I think of myself? How can I change these thoughts?

28. What is something that excites me?

23. What unique skills and qualities do I have?

29. How can I make myself a priority today?

24. How do I talk to myself when I make mistakes? How can I be kinder?

30. In what ways can I show myself more love?

17. I feel peaceful when…

18. What are 3 things I wish people knew about me?

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THE LOVE ISSUE | LOVE STUFF

THE ONTARION

Keeping the balance in your interpersonal relationships Why prioritizing love and friendship matters ALYSSA CUNNINGHAM

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t happens all the time: a person will enter a new romantic relationship and, before they know it, find themselves consumed by it. Friendships that once seemed unshakable take a back seat, and in some cases, vanish altogether.

The risks of this behaviour are profound, often leaving individuals isolated and without a support system should their relationship end.

To explore why maintaining a balance between romantic and platonic connections is crucial, The Ontarion spoke with Dr. Orion Neustifter, a registered family therapist and assistant professor at the University of Guelph, who specializes in couple and family therapy.

"Friendships are often the most important (maybe even lifelong) relationships that we can ever have," Neustifter emphasizes.

"While romantic relationships are also very important to many people, a strong community of friends is much more tied to lifetime satisfaction and longevity, especially for women."

Friendships, although commitments in their own right, are also these beautiful connections between people who solely love each other not for sexual means but just because they love having each other in their lives. Friends rely on each other, they see each other grow, and they create a space where they can confide in each other with no judgment.

Neglecting these connections when entering a new relationship can leave not only your friends but yourself too feeling abandoned. While it’s natural for your time to fluctuate, friendships deserve mutual respect and care.

Another critical issue people–especially young adults–face in new relationships is the potential for codependency.

"A codependent relationship is one in which one person only feels safe and secure if they can become absolutely necessary to their partner,” Neustifter said. “It depends on being needed in order to feel bonded."

These relationships often feel intense and dramatic, which can be mistaken for love. Warning signs include losing your identity in the relationship, feeling exhausted by your partner’s needs, and relying on rescuing or being rescued to maintain the bond.

"Codependent relationships tend to feel very intense, heavy, like there is a constant stream of emergencies and drama," Neustifter said. "This can be very attractive and be mistaken for love for people who have not yet learned how to have healthy relationships that are intertwined through mutual caring and support, instead of through toxic necessity."

Preventing codependency and maintaining friendships requires deliberate effort. Dr. Neustifter offers several strategies to help keep the balance:

Reflect on Relationship Patterns “Take a look at your relationship patterns or, if you haven’t had many relationships yet, consider your romantic daydreams and hopes,” Neustifter said. “Are they based on how you can rescue, save, change, or uplift your partner in ways that make their life so much better than without you? Or perhaps you are seeking partners who rescue you in some way?”

Recognizing these patterns is crucial for breaking free from unhealthy dynamics.

"A healthy partner or friendship is one in which we know the other person will be just fine without us and hopefully happier with us. Life becomes easier for both people," Neustifter explains.

Start Friend-Dates Going on dates with people doesn’t have to be between romantic partners. Setting aside a day on the weekend or even during the week with your friends can let them know you want them in your life. Additionally, when spending time with your friends try to be in the moment with them. It never feels good to have a one-sided con-

Knowing what helps you thrive and communicating those needs to both your friends and partner is essential. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ALYSSA CUNNINGHAM

versation with a friend.

Therefore, if you need to text your partner while out with friends let them know you need to shoot off a text quickly instead of trying to multitask texting and listening at the same time.

Set Boundaries Healthy relationships require boundaries. Knowing what helps you thrive and communicating those needs to both your friends and partner is essential.

"Each person must know themselves and what helps them thrive, share that information with each other, and communicate to see if there is enough overlap to continue to grow together and thrive," Neustifter explained.

Dr. Neustifter points out that societal expectations often reinforce the tendency to prioritize romantic relationships over friendships.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have

many examples of healthy relationships, especially if we didn’t learn from others about how to co-create them while growing up,” Neustifter said. “Our own families, if we grew up with them, may not have learned how to have healthy relationships, much less how to teach us about them, either.

"Our ideas of romance are largely shaped by what we see online, in the media, and in movies.

Perhaps the most powerful thing young adults can do today is to research the core concepts of decolonizing relationships, moving away from jealousy, ownership, and toxicity to connection and growth."

Navigating new relationship dynamics while preserving friendships requires a strong sense of self and commitment to your values.

Neustifter advises staying connected to your goals and interests and seeking relationships that enhance your identity rather than overshadow it.

"Stay connected to your core

values and what matters to you, including your platonic relationships and goals. If things are feeling urgent, imbalanced, or even like a lot of drama, then that’s some red flags,” they said. “It’s not only possible, it’s healthy to be excited about a new relationship without losing your own sense of identity.

Seek out relationships that help you both enjoy who you are, instead of losing yourself in each other."

Ultimately, maintaining the balance between love and friendship isn’t just about time management—it’s about fostering healthy relationships across all areas of life. Romantic relationships can be exciting and deeply fulfilling, but they should not come at the expense of the friendships that ground you.

By fostering mutual care, setting boundaries, and staying true to yourself, you can create a balanced, supportive network of love and friendship.

ISSUE 198. 2 | LOVE STUFF

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The origins of Valentine’s Day This love-filled holiday has ties to martyred saints, bird mating rituals, and an ancient Roman festival LAURA APBLETT

T

he history of Valentine’s Day is not a straightforward one.

This popular holiday, celebrated every Feb. 14 as a day of romance and affection, doesn’t exactly have tender-hearted or definitive origins.

Valentine’s Day is named after Saint Valentine, a priest from third century Rome, but it is unclear who Saint Valentine actually was. There were, in fact, several saints named Valentine and Valentinus in the early centuries of Christendom (it was a common name at the time), at least two of whom are reputed to have died on Feb. 14.

Legend has it that one of these priests defied the Roman emperor by performing marriages for young couples during a time in which young men were not allowed to marry, the belief being that single men made better soldiers. Valentinus was arrested and placed in the custody of a pagan

nobleman, whom he convinced to convert to Christianity if he could cure the man’s daughter of blindness.

Valentinus healed the young woman by praying over her. After seeing this miracle, the nobleman’s entire family converted.

This deed, however, further angered the emperor, and Valentinus was beheaded for his crimes.

The other Valentinus was a bishop who died around the same time. This Valentinus used his faith to heal a crippled boy, convincing the child’s family to convert to Christianity. The bishop was likewise executed.

It was probably in the fourteenth or fifteenth century when people began to associate love with Valentine’s Day, and this association likely grew out of ideas about avian courtship. It was believed during the late Middle Ages that birds began to mate in mid-February. One of the most famous

records of this belief is a poem called The Parliament of Fowls, written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 1300s, which claims that it is on Valentine’s Day that birds pair off.

Thanks to poetry such as Chaucer’s, the association between love and the month of February (Valentine’s Day in particular) expanded. The first known written valentine was penned in 1415. Writing romantic poems and letters on this day has been a tradition ever since.

Some also speculate that the lovey-dovey side to Valentine’s Day comes from the ancient Roman pagan festival of Lupercalia, which took place in mid-February as well. Lupercalia was a fertility festival involving the sacrifice of goats to Rome’s legendary founders, Romulus and Remus. The goats’ skin would be removed and fashioned into strips that young men would use to slap people as

It is unclear who Valentinus was, but it is fun to speculate. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

they ran through the streets. Being slapped by the skins was believed to make young women fertile.

The Christian Church banned Lupercalia in the fifth century, long before Valentine’s Day became associated with love, so the two holidays may not be related after all. However, it is an odd coincidence that the two days should fall at the same time, and there are other similarities that cause some to argue that Valentine’s Day is a modern version of Lupercalia.

Either way, the Valentine’s traditions that we know today developed in the Early Modern

Self-care during the month of love

yourself and embrace the small wins every day.

Environmental self-care

Put yourself first this February KATE HENNESSEY And so, it’s February once again.

New years has come and gone and in comes the season of love. Surrounded by lovebirds, it is easy to feel disappointed or even hopeless.

Thankfully, love comes in all shapes and forms and if you love yourself, you’re doing just fine. I’ll let you in on a little secret; you won’t find self-love in a new diet or new clothes or uprooting your life in the dead of winter. Selflove needs to be fostered, nurtured, grown. And even though we wish they would, nobody can bottle and sell it.

So how exactly does one show themself love? Well, that’s what we call self-care. Here is some advice for fostering a healthy relationship with yourself.

Physical self-care Although it is tempting to stay warm in bed during these

chilly months, it is important to combat the winter sluggishness.

Exercise doesn’t have to be painful, and it isn’t one size fits all.

Tailor your routine according to things you enjoy. If being in the gym makes you anxious, substitute it for something else.

For example, a winter walk in the arboretum or a yoga session on your floor are just as beneficial as lifting weights. As long as you are moving your body, you are doing it right.

Mental Self-care February can be gloomy for many people. The pressure to find your ‘other half’ is at an alltime high. Consider this instead; make yourself whole. Take time to yourself and remember that your well-being comes before anyone else’s. Prioritise the things you love and spend time with people that uplift you, not people that

period, when people started crafting elaborate cards and poems to loved ones on Valentine’s Day. In the late 1700s, people began to have the option to purchase premade valentines, which has since become the norm, although handmade tokens of affection remain welcome.

So, the reason why Feb. 14 is the day we have carved out to honour love and romance remains unclear. Whatever its specific origins, however, it is a day to let our loved ones know how we feel about them. We wish you luck and happiness with your romantic relationships this Valentine’s Day.

Like romantic love, self love comes in all shapes and forms. PHOTO PROVIDED

BY PEXELS

drag you down. There are so many ways to love and having a partner is only one.

The more you put into your relationships, the more you will get out of them, so make sure to support those around you.

While on the topic of sup-

porting others, support yourself too. It is easy to fall into the constant self-improvement trap, where self-hate takes control. It is near impossible to be happy when you put insurmountable amounts of pressure on yourself. Take it easy. Be kind and patient with

Many people forget their surroundings when working on selfcare, but your spaces genuinely do affect your well-being. Try not to think of tasks such as laundry, dishes, and general room maintenance as chores but rather a way of showing yourself love. You deserve fresh sheets, good food, and clean workspaces. Additionally, add an incentive.

Think of how wonderful it will be to climb into your clean bed with a hot beverage at the end of the day.

Furthermore, fill your space with things that bring you joy. For example, having plants to take care of is a reminder that life goes on, even during tough or lonely months. Make sure to pull back your curtains occasionally, too, as sunlight is vital for our everyday mood and functions.

Although it may seem strange to work on yourself during the month of love, if you don’t show yourself the same respect and care you expect from others then having a partner will get you nowhere. Don’t let the month pass you by and embrace the good things during this time of year.

Small steps everyday can make a big impact on your life.

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THE LOVE ISSUE | FU N S T U FF

FUN PAGES

THE ONTARION

BECAUSE WE ASKED...

What Major would you not date and why?

"Business because I have met a lot of funky men in business."

Maddilen Fickling 3rd year, Psychology

"I’d say computer science just because you wanna date outside your program, get some extra insights on life and not just always the same sort of perspective."

Adam Montgomery 1st year, Computer Science

"Engineering, they don’t know how to have fun."

Tyler Degraaf 1st year, Finance

"I probably wouldn't date a computer science major because I feel like they are always inside. They are like hermits."

Emily Ganss 1st year, Biomed

CHECK OUT MORE ANSWERS ON OUR INSTAGRAM: @ONTARIONUPDATES

"Psych. They’re crazy."

Carter Needham 1st year, Management

"Maybe marketing. I think it’s super cool, but I'm not a super artistic person, so I don't know if I would get along well with someone in marketing."

Lauren Holenski 3rd year, Psychology and Neuroscience, Business Certificate

THEONTARION.COM

ISSUE 198. 2 | FUN STUFF

FROM THE ARCHIVES

The Ontarion, 1969

The Ontarion has been around since 1951 and we’ve witnessed some pretty historic moments. This is a new feature that will focus on noteworthy articles pulled from our archives that are of interest to our readership today.

We’re currently in the process of fully digitizing our archives and creating a searchable directory. If you’d like updates on when this project is complete, sign up for our newsletter by emailing info@theontarion.com

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THE LOVE ISSUE | FUN STUFF

THE ONTARION

FEBRUARY TO-DO LIST SAT FEB 8

FRI FEB 14

ONGOING EVENTS

My Bloody Valentine - A Valentine’s Day Drag & Burlesque Show • 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

• Which Craft (91 Wyndham St. N) • Enjoy mesmerizing performances by talented drag queens and burlesque dancers • Buy tickets at eventbrite. com

Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special • 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• Royal City Mission (50 Quebec St.) • Enjoy a magical musical performance by candlelight • Buy tickets at feverup.com

SATURDAY, FEB 1 - SUNDAY, FEB 2 Hillside Inside 2025 • Downtown Guelph • Participate in a weekend of events, including a printmaking class, a cross stitch lesson, a fermentation workshop, and much more • Learn more at hillsidefestival.ca

Black Hearts Valentine’s Day Market • 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• Trinity United Church (400 Stevenson St. N.) • Explore this dark and edgy Valentine’s Day market filled with handmade gifts made by local vendors ICON BY FREEPIK

SUN FEB 9

MON FEB 24

Book Fair and Makers Market • 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• 57 Watson Pky. S. • Meet local authors, shop for handcrafted goods, and participate in a scavenger hunt

Stress Eating Workshop • 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

• Online • Learn how to address emotional eating • Sign up at selfregulationskills.ca

CFRU's MONTHLY TOP 10

BEGINS WEDNESDAY, FEB 26 Anxiety Skills & Strategies • 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. every Wednesday for three weeks • Online • Gain techniques to decrease the uncomfortable sensations of anxiety • Sign up at selfregulationskills.ca ON-DEMAND Stress Less for Tests • Three hour online program • Gain strategies to decrease test anxiety and enhance performance • Sign up at selfregulationskills.ca

CFRU

1. MOVIELAND* Then & Now (604)

6. DOROTHEA PAAS* Think Of Mist (Telephone Explosion)

2. MOONRIIVR* The Tascam Series, Vol. 1 (Victory Pool)

7. DAHL* The Earle's Hall Sessions (SelfReleased)

3. ODD MARSHALL* Sand & Glue (Self-Released)

8. MIDNIGHT NEWS* Bad New Days (Mono Tapes)

4. MISS MAE* Transit Jungle (zBTFD)

9. SHEBAD** Music is the Answer (Lovetown)

5. DJ UNKNOWN* Leaving Earth (Urbnet)

10. THE OBGMS* SORRY, IT'S OVER (Burn Industry)

CFRU offers FREE training, use of high-quality recording equipment, and (remote) opportunities for on-air and behind-the-scenes projects.

**LOCAL ARTIST

Give it a try today!

Email volunteer@cfru.ca to learn more.

*CANADIAN ARTIST

93.3FM

@CFRULIVE

CFRU_radio

WWW.cfru.ca

For the creator in all of us!

ISSUE 198. 2 | FUN STUFF

THEONTARION.COM

37

PETS OF THE MONTH

MEET LUCY!

MEET RALPH!

MEET OXFORD!

MEET MILO!

Breed: St Bernard & Newfoundlander mix Photo: Emma Hills Age: 7 Fun Fact: Lucy has webbed feet that help her swim

Breed: Ferret Photo: Jade VanderVeen Age: 2 Fun Fact: Ralph is learning to do some tricks

Breed: Great Dane Photo: Jenny Fraser Age: 5 Fun Fact: He loves to get a birds eye view of things from his truck

Breed: Shih-tzu & Bichon mix Photo: Cassandra Polenz Age: 5 Fun Fact: Milo loves dressing up and world peace

WANT TO SUBMIT YOUR PET TO BE FEATURED? Email tpipe@theontarion.com with a photo and the information above!

ARTIST THE ONTARION'S CLUB OF THE MONTH OF THE MONTH

Club Name: AI Business Automation Club Since: 2024 Club Mission: The AI Business Automation Club is a dynamic platform for students to learn, collaborate, and innovate in the world of Artificial Intelligence. Whether you're a seasoned tech enthusiast or new to AI, our inclusive environment is designed to help everyone explore the potential of AI technologies.

How can others get involved: Non- members can follow our Instagram @ai_business_guelph or our Linkedin profile @AI Business Automation at the University of Guelph!

If you want to be the next club of the month, email tpipe@theontarion.com

Daniela Lemus Minervini Daniela's work includes an art study based on the style of League of Legends: Arcane, and another inspired by the game Stray. They enjoy using different game stylizations to improve technique and fundamentals.

If you want to have your artwork featured, email pstampatori@theontarion.com

THE LOVE ISSUE | FUN STUFF

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THE ONTARION

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10–Charitable contribution 14–Crew needs 15–Capital of South Korea 16–Rake 17–Composer Satie 18–Speed 19–Public walk 20–Majestically, musically 22–Tooth covering 24–Christmas tree 25–Rushed, drove too fast 26–Call forth 29–Lockjaw is a symptom 33–New Zealand indigenous 34–Prophet 36–That, in Spain 37–Archer's skill 38–Harbingers 39–Organ of hearing 40–Hosp. picture 41–Wine, in Italy 42–Emblem 44–Small bag 47–Barrister 48–Entice 49–Cartoon cry 50–Conductors' rods 53–Exhaust 58–God of love 59–Certain fisherman 61–Arabian Sea gulf 62–Shredded 63–The end of ___ 64–Nevada gambling destination 65–Chimney grime 66–Brown ermine 67–Paint crudely

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Down 1–Limerick, for one 2–She raids tombs 3–Great Lake 4–Requests 5–On land 6–Oceans 7–Nothing special 8–Crackpot 9–Railway ties 10–Spanish fleet 11–Good earth 12–Sterile hybrid 13–Exchange for money 21–Polynesian carved image 23–Safety device 25–Dictator's aide 26–Mosque leaders 27–Currency unit in Nigeria 28–Throw up 30–Hard up 31–Grammarian's topic 32–More peeved 34–Look happy 35–Dusk, to a bard 38–Abroad 42–Boxer Max 43–Clumsy 45–Broom room 46–Attila, e.g.

47–Unpleasant staring 50–Wagers 51–Slangy suffix 52–Bull 53–Margarine 54–Aloe ___ 55–Concert halls 56–Bausch & Lomb brand 57–Door part 60–Nose Dr.

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For your chance to win two Bobs dog’s and two pops, just complete the crossword, snap a picture, and send it to puzzles@theontarion.com by February 20 at 3 p.m. Winners are announced in each issue and can arrange a pickup of their voucher by emailing the same address.

Last issue’s winning puzzle was submitted by Jacintha Dias!

SUDOKU 8 3

1 9 7

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1 2

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3 8 1

9 4 1 9

7 2

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© 2013 KrazyDad.com

Fill in the empty squares so that each of the digits 1 through 9 appear once in each row, column, and 3-by-3 block.

ISSUE 198. 2 | FUN STUFF

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PUZZLE PAGES

The Ontarion Inc. University Centre Room 264 University of Guelph N1G 2W1 ontarion@uoguelph.ca

WORDSEARCH RELATIONSHIP VALENTINE HEART CUPID CONNECTION ADORATION ARROW FRIENDSHIP ROMANCE CARDS

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ANSWERS FROM ISSUE 198.1

519-824-4120 Editorial: x 58250 Advertising: x 58267 Accounts: x 53534 EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Taylor Pipe News Editor Carlota Sousa Arts & Culture Editor OPEN POSITION Copy Editor & Fact Checker Olivia Strutt Digital Editor Alyssa Cunningham PRODUCTION STAFF Graphic Designer/Art Director Paige Stampatori Photo & Graphics Editor OPEN POSITION OFFICE STAFF Executive Director Patrick Sutherland Accountant Laurie Arnold Marketing Coordinator Lucca Maggiolo BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Paula Henry-Duru Chair of the Board Katelynn Huong Vice President Communications OPEN POSITION Staff Representative Paige Stampatori DIRECTORS Denver Bubelich Mariana Erazo Jordana Glowinsky Avneet Grewal Oliver Bullingham

WORD JUMBLE EPEK

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CONTRIBUTORS JORJA ALLEN LAURA APBLETT FATIMA ASKARY JANICE AUSTIN AMELIA BAJOR MATTHEW BEATTY ERIKA BEKKERING AMIR BENKELAI ABBY COUNAHAN HANNAH DICKHOFF RILEY DUCHESNE SOFIA ESPARZA ESPARZA OLIVIA GARRIDO SIENNA G. GEISSLER KATE HENNESSEY ALEX HERMANN EMMERSON JULL GABRIELLE LOCKMAN MARTIN LIMA PEREZ ATHAVI NISHAANTHAN AMAZA PAYNE ELLIE PETRAK BEN SEATON ASHLYN STUART KATARINA TORIC

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