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Opinion
The Cascade is UFV’s autonomous student newspaper and alternative press for the Fraser Valley. It originated under its current name in 1993, and achieved autonomy from the university and the Student Union Society in 2002. The Cascade is funded with UFV student funds, is a forum for UFV students to have their journalism published in an entirely student-run setting and is overseen by The Cascade Journalism Society Board, a body run by a student majority.The Cascade is published every other Wednesday with a print circulation of 800 and is distributed at Abbotsford, Chilliwack (CEP), Clearbrook, and Mission UFV campuses and throughout the surrounding communities.
In order to be published in the newspaper, all work must first be approved by The Cascade’s editor-in-chief and the corresponding section editor. The Cascade reserves the right to edit submissions for clarity and length and will not print any articles or be a platform for any contributor or contractor who has shared racist, sexist, homophobic, or libellous content online in any form. Letters to the editor, while held to the same standard, are unedited, and should be under 200 words. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect that of UFV, The Cascade’s staff and collective, or associated members.
The Cascade is published on the traditional, unceded territory of the Stó:lō peoples. We are grateful to be able to work and learn on this beautiful land.
What
the TIFF got wrong, we aim to get right
Protestors gathered outside of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) this past Saturday to demonstrate against a controversial, yet relevant film.
The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue is a film detailing one Israeli grandfather’s (and retired IDF soldier) attempt to rescue his grandchildren after they were kidnapped by Hamas during the infamous Oct. 7th attack. The film had already raised concerns from festival organizers earlier this year. It was initially pulled due to security concerns and legal issues regarding footage taken from Hamas soldiers’ body cams. After backlash, the festival organizers re-instated the screening, and tickets quickly sold out.
Last year, TIFF pulled another film relevant to international global conflicts from its line up titled Russians at War, a documentary that followed Russian soldiers on the front lines of the Ukraine war. The festival published a statement declaring that they were forced to halt screenings due to “threats to festival operations and public safety.”
Documentaries are a form of journalism, and journalism isn’t always safe. The Toronto International Film Fest’s attempts at what could be labelled censorship, say a lot about where our culture is headed: we are grossly risk-averse.
A risk-averse culture is one that is imbued with silence. We cannot say, do, or express certain things for risk of upsetting or offending a particular group of people. Let me be clear — it is not going out of one’s way to intentionally hurt others, or being shocking and offensive for the sake of disruption. It is a cancelling and silencing of voices that are telling truthful stories because we don’t agree or it may cause someone to get upset. The Israeli government is committing genocide, and Hamas killed over one thousand innocent Israeli citizens on Oct.7 — the two are not mutually exclusive. Russia is invading Ukraine, and some Russian soldiers are suffering for it. Truth remains on either side of the coin whether we look or not. To pay attention to one person’s suffering does not negate another’s.
Journalism requires a refusal to ignore facts because they interfere with our politics. This doesn’t mean we can’t have our politics — I greatly encourage you to — it just means that sometimes there are ugly truths that aren’t always nice to look at.
So what’s all this to say, Darien? Well, it’s to encourage you. Come, participate in the discussion, participate in our publication. We want to interact with you, and we (like so few do) want to know your opinion, especially if we don’t like it.
You can communicate with us in the form of letters to the editor, opinion pieces, snapshots, political commentary, or simply give us a pro-tip for surviving on a dry campus (for the love of god bring back the campus pub).
Here at The Cascade, we are open to all opinions, all voices, and all perspectives that are rooted in the truth.
We are journalists.
Darien Johnsen
NEWS BRIEFS
SFU introduces AI teaching assistant
In a class designed to teach the history and explore the ethical challenges surrounding AI, Simon Fraser University Professor Steve DiPaola has designed an AI persona who will assist him in teaching his course.
Kia was created in SFU’s iViz research lab and will act as an AI representative who will act as an expert when discussing AI. Designed to look like a young Black woman with realistic facial expressions and body language, Kia will be projected on a monitor and will be approximately the same height as DiPaola.
DiPaola explained in an interview with CBC how he is critical of using AI in a way that pulls opportunities from human teaching assistants and that he is against students sending things into ChatGPT for an easy completion.
“If a student just sends stuff into ChatGPT and gives it right to a teacher and the teacher just marks it with an AI then nothing happened.”
DiPaola claims that Kia is different because he is using the AI as a tool rather than a shortcut.
DiPaola believes this addition will stimulate classroom discussion in the form of debates and will show his students first hand some of the issues with AI.
Death toll rises in Sudan’s ongoing civil war
Between Aug. 11 and Aug. 28, at least 113 civilians have been killed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in North Darfur, Sudan. However, the United Nations (UN) warns that the actual figure may be higher.
In April 2023, the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF erupted into confrontation over the leadership of their military and control of key governing institutions. This has resulted in an ongoing deadly civil war. Over 14 million people have been displaced, and tens of thousands killed. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) reported 28,700 deaths as of November 2024 alone.
El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, has been officially under attack since May 2024, with RSF blocking their supply lines. The fact that roughly 130,000 children live in dire circumstances has led the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to call it a focal point of child suffering and neglect. Amid the war, half of Sudan’s population is also facing famine, and the country is currently experiencing its worst cholera outbreak in years, with 99,700 suspected cases — making Sudan one of the world’s most pressing yet overlooked humanitarian catastrophes.
Provincial // Jessie Sunner brings passion to politics
A sit down with B.C.’s new minister of post-secondary education
CASSIE WILLIAMS
The Honourable Jessie Sunner is the newly appointed BC minister of post-secondary education and future skills. She previously served as the parliamentary secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives and was a human rights lawyer. In a recent interview conducted by The Cascade at CIVL Radio’s studio on Sept. 5, she shared her objectives and values as she steps into this new role.
How are you ensuring the long-term direction of universities in B.C. reflect the needs of students outside of labour market demands?
that we’re a part of. We’ve continuously lobbied to the federal government that we need to be a part of that decision making, because international students and immigration in general needs to be sustainable, needs to be stable, and it needs to be able to fit the needs of our markets. And we know international students are a key part of our student communities. They help increase the diversity of thought within our educational facilities …
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society rebrands as Blood Cancer United
On Aug. 28, 2025, just before Blood Cancer Awareness Month, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) changed their name to Blood Cancer United (BCU). Since its inception in 1949, the non-profit has supported those affected by blood cancer by funding research, advancing treatments, and preserving affordable health coverage. With a total multi-year research investment of $233.8 million, BCU allocates these funds toward studying leukemias, lymphomas, myelomas, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative neoplasms. According to BCU’s website, the name change will support the non-profit’s goals by emphasizing inclusiveness.
“With the name Blood Cancer United, we can now reach more people who need us — people affected by all 100+ types of blood cancer.”
BCU clarified that while their name has changed, their mission has not.
“Blood Cancer United is an evolution — not a new beginning — that will help us meet our bold goal: to enable patients with blood cancer to gain more than one million years of life by 2040.”
Highway 1 closure due to multi-car collision
On Sept. 3, 2025 all eastbound lanes of Highway 1 between Yale Road West and Lickman Road were closed off. According to The Abbotsford News, sometime after 3 p.m. a multi-car collision occurred resulting in one of the vehicles flipping multiple times before coming to a stop off the Highway. The vehicle landed upside down, trapping the driver of the vehicle inside. First responders worked quickly to close down the Highway and retrieve the man from the flipped vehicle. Both directions closed as a helicopter landed on a temporary landing zone set up directly on the Highway. The man was eventually freed from the car and taken to the hospital by helicopter between 4:13-4:30 p.m.
In an X post Cpl. Dave Noon, forensic collision deconstructionist with the Lower Mainland Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service, informed users that the Eastbound lanes would “remain closed [...] for several hours” as investigations took place.
At 11:19 p.m. the lanes going both directions were re-opened for public use.
“...With youth unemployment being at higher levels than we would like, it’s really important that when folks are going into classes, they know there’s an outcome there where they can get a good job, [and] be able to build their lives right here where they’ve grown up … We have talented people, that’s [our] number one asset, and we need to make sure that they have the skills and training that they need … This is a space where you go to learn, build your critical thinking skills, relationships, [and] you get to build out the future of where you want to go in life.
… we’re working with post secondary institutions on all these fronts and building out the programs we need for the future, but also focusing [on] supporting universities to build programs that they see a need for and that students are interested in.”
How will you ensure that microcredentials are recognized by employers, but don’t become a substitute for deeper learning?
“I think micro-credentials [are] very important, especially as we see changes in our job markets … A big way we want to support that is working with universities, but also through employers and industry to see what skill sets they’re seeing [that] employees don’t have, we can build in... But [they] will never be a substitute for the actual education space … [it] is so much more than just skills and training for a job market. It’s about that deeper thought.”
How does your department plan to address the current financial challenges posed by declining international student enrollment?
“The federal government has unilaterally decided to determine how many international students we have, [with] this tap on and tap off method. It’s just not something that’s sustainable, and it’s not something
“When I was in university, [with] folks from different parts of the world in my classes, I got to learn a lot better than I would have if everyone thought the same. So in this way, we’re working with post secondary institutions to help them manage their budgets and create sustainability in our sector … we’re working with our partners throughout post secondary institutions in order to get to sustainability in this sector that we control here in our province.”
What are ways that you would address housing and affordability and how do you think these are barriers?
“Our government is committed to investing in student housing. We just recently opened up a new student housing building at BCIT … it’s one of the commitments that our governments made, because students need to have a secure, safe, stable environment to live in, in order to get the safety in their other areas [and] focus on school.”
How do you feel your background in human rights has prepared you for this role?
“I think one of the reasons I became a lawyer was because I grew up in a community where it’s easy to see certain groups or newcomers [not] getting the same kind of support that others are. And it was something that I always knew I wanted to advocate for.
“One of the key reasons I wanted to get involved in politics [was] to continue to advocate for folks that have different experiences and need to have not just equality, but equity in their situations. And sometimes you don’t hear their voices at the table because they’re out there working two or three jobs, they’re going to school and then going to another job and then taking care of folks. Representing those viewpoints at the table is really important. It’s also really important for me that we have diversity around the table, in terms of age, life experience, gender, all of these things at the decision-making table.”
CASSIE WILLIAMS
SKY S. TERRONES
CAITLYN CARR
ANNA MCCAUSLAND
After the grey walls: UFV’s brightest attraction
Director of Ancillary Services updates students on the new dining hall
VERONICA POWELL
In lieu of the new dining hall set to open on UFV’s Abbotsford Campus for fall 2025, The Cascade interviewed Cameron Roy, UFV’s director of Ancillary Services and member of the project management team. Roy shared the status of the project, what it will bring to the school, and how it aligns with catering to new students living on-campus.
The dining hall building has two floors with an elevator. The first floor includes a more expansive seating area that is welcoming for eating and studying, whereas the second floor will cater for takeout orders. Roy noted that the new addition to campus was built with students’ needs in mind.
“The design is not just a cookie cutter dining hall … it was designed for the sole purpose of enhancing the student experience.”
With the COVID-19 pandemic halting much of the production, it’s been in the works for at least five years. Roy expressed his enthusiasm for the cafeteria’s official launch on Sept. 3 and emphasized the importance of meeting the scheduled timeline.
“I didn’t want to rush it, but I wanted to make sure that we were available for students in the first week of class. That to me was the biggest challenge.”
As co-chair of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and Feed BC, Roy wanted to ensure there was quality food and variety. The new dining hall has eight stations that include fresh sushi, stir-fry, a bakery, a rice pot station, and a fire pizza oven.
Roy mentioned that the food is locally sourced and made from scratch as opposed to deep fried items. However, he also clarified that he has no intention of removing fries from the menu, and confirmed that UFV will not be getting rid of Triple O’s.
“White Spot is a very attractive brand … it’s exclusive to B.C. and we’re proud of it too.”
Food security on campus was another top priority for Roy, as well as having enough physical space to meet the needs of students and the culinary team.
“I’ve always argued that for a student to do well in the classroom, they have to eat well.”
He explained further that first-year students in campus housing are required to buy a meal plan to remove uncertainty around food availability.
“We have a mandatory meal plan [for]
students that are coming first year to housing, to ensure that their quality of food is secured.”
Roy emphasized that his top priority was to inspire the culinary team, but he also aimed to create a space where students could unwind and spend time together.
Roy said that the campus’s new addition will surely boost student wellness, which was another major reason for the
expansion. Besides the variety of food, having a social space that has a view of the campus green, is sunlight-motivated, and has comfortable seating will automatically benefit mental health.
“Student Affairs [wants] to make sure students have places and activities outside the classroom to support them. I see this as a natural space to enhance that ability… I really do think we have a huge contribution to building community.”
Roy is confident that the new dining hall is a big step in maintaining the culinary enjoyment of the UFV community. Although the cafeteria has officially opened its doors, construction remains underway. The Cascade will continue to monitor progress and provide updates as they become available.
Interviews have been edited for length and clarity.
Photos by Joshua Sulpico / The Cascade
UFV // UFV welcomes the fall 2025 semester
A rundown of orientation day
On Sept. 2, Day ONE officially kicked off the new academic year at UFV. Designed to ease the transition into university life, the event featured some faculty introductions, campus tours, and a Student Experience Fair that showcased clubs, services, and resources. From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., students were invited to the Abbotsford Campus to become acquainted with the grounds and the logistics for their upcoming school experience.
One volunteer orientation ambassador, Coco Contreras, commented on the importance of support and connection for new students on campus — pointing out that the university is large and diverse, which can be challenging at the beginning.
“It’s a big campus and there are so many people with so many cultures [and] so many different backgrounds. So, it’s always important to build that sense of community.”
UFV’s newly appointed President, Dr. James Mandigo, stopped by the S Building and commented that events like Day ONE bring the campus to life, mainly because fall has a higher student turnout.
“There are students throughout all months of the year, but the fall is extra special because that’s when we see our biggest number of students coming back to class.”
Mandigo emphasized the importance of a balanced university experience. While academics are a key part of attending UFV, he highlighted that events like Day ONE help students discover things they can be passionate about.
“My advice to students is ‘get involved.’ Get engaged in the opportunities in your classes; get involved in activities outside of your classes as well; get involved in the community. Find what you’re passionate about, because that’s going to make your experience a hundred times better.”
Mandigo pointed out that even if a student missed orientation day, there are still many opportunities throughout the year to get involved on campus. He encouraged students to stay connected with organizations like the Student Union Society (SUS), remarking that engagement can happen anytime — whenever they feel ready to reach out.
Paula Funk, academic advisor for Fine Arts, Design, and Media, believes that orientation day is helpful for students to ease their nerves and be reassured about their time at UFV — a goal on Day ONE.
“What I hope is that we can bring human warmth, information, and wayfinding to help reduce those jitters and make people connect more with their confidence and their sense of hope for a good time at UFV.”
She recommended that if students were to feel uncertain, the advising centre is available for them to reach out or make an appointment with their academic advisor.
SUS President Bilal Faisal gave a welcome speech for the new students. He referred to Day ONE as a book’s table of contents and mentioned that the exciting atmosphere made him recall his first year at UFV. He also urged students to engage with everything UFV has to offer.
“Be a part of the community and follow the community, it’ll take you somewhere.”
Faisal welcomed students to approach
SUS if they missed orientation day.
“You can come to the SUS, we can share all the information with you about your transit, your U-Pass, your health and dental … So, if you miss Day ONE, come to Day Two.”
Heather Simpson, UFV alumnus and coordinator of Student Transition and Engagement, led this year’s event organization. Simpson commented that her prior experience planning events helped her deal with the logistics, even though this event was slightly different from what she’s done before. She was excited that her proposal for the ice cream booth had been a success, as it also supported UFV students and alumni.
“We get to work with a small local business who have lots of alumni and current students working for them. And they also have the best ice cream.”
Sheila McKay, the coordinator of Student Transition and Engagement, has worked at UFV for about 20 years, and she expressed deep appreciation for Simpson’s work ethic.
“She started in February of this year and has done an incredible job leading this team to what you see today, to this incredibly vibrant and interactive, engaging opportunity for students to be on campus. She’s worked really hard to create a low-stress environment that’s really welcoming, and I’m just so thankful to have her as part of our SEO [Student Experience Office] team.”
Simpson shared her parting words and positive thoughts on the recently arrived students.
“I just hope that everyone has fun and that they get to enjoy [themselves], and welcome to UFV.”
UFV // UFV’s new specialist in Indigenous communication
The
importance of communication and building community
RACHEL TAIT
Dr. Kelsey Blair is an associate professor in the UFV School of Communication and the Indigenous communication specialist who specializes in performance and sports studies.
Dr. Blair joined UFV in January 2025 as an Indigenous communication specialist and associate professor. In addition to her academics, Blair played varsity basketball during her undergraduate at UBC and was a semi-professional basketball player in Sweden for two years. She spoke with The Cascade about her academic journey prior to UFV, her role as an Indigenous communication specialist and why Indigenous communication is important.
Blair has an extensive academic background that covers a wide range of subjects. She holds a Masters in Cinema Studies from the University of Toronto (UofT), a Masters in Theatre Studies at University of British Columbia (UBC) and a PhD from Simon Fraser University (SFU).
“I did my PhD in English at Simon Fraser University, where I focused on different kinds of performance, but mainly sport and performance.”
Blair mentioned there were several factors that led to her desire to work at UFV, one of which was research. She
pointed out that while the predominant focus in communications is to teach students about professional writing, it also allows her to research various genres of performances such as music theatre, video games, and circus and large scale cultural performances.
Blair also explained that being a communications instructor connected back to her previous work teaching professional writing at Concordia University.
“Professional writing was one of the streams I taught in, and that resonates clearly with the University of the Fraser Valley.”
As an Indigenous Communications Specialist, Blair shared that part of her job is continuous learning and looking at different ways to foster communication focused on Indigenous knowledge and peoples.
“I don’t identify as Indigenous myself, but rather think about the ways in which all of us can communicate with, to, and around, Indigenous knowledge and peoples. For me, that means doing a lot of learning.”
Another part of her job is to determine the best way to share the knowledge she learns with both faculty and students, such as through conference presentations and participation. She also tries to find ways to implement these various types of Indigenous communication and
knowledge into daily practice.
What first drew Blair to specialize in Indigenous communication came from her different life experiences and interactions with Indigenous communities, especially in sports. She reflected on her past experience as the coach of the women’s basketball team at the Native Education College in Vancouver.
“I became interested in thinking about what is in many ways, a form of cross-cultural communication, and thinking about learning more about Indigenous communication and what that can look like.”
Blair added that she thought about how this form of communication can continue to develop, and what people can learn regarding areas such as reconciliation and relationship building.
She emphasized the importance of understanding the different ways in how people communicate with, learn from and acknowledge each other, as well as their histories and genealogies.
“I think this is a particularly important moment to have emphasis on that. [Not just] in universities, but elsewhere. How do we connect to the territories that we’re on? How do we connect to the peoples that we live alongside, from all different cultures [and] people from Indigenous cultures, from whom we have a lot to learn and a lot to give back to.”
In her work as an associate professor,
Blair shared that what she loves most about teaching is sharing information, having meaningful conversations with students, watching them grow, and being part of a community.
“I think classrooms are temporary communities. They come together for a short period of time for us to be together. I think that’s really meaningful, and I like being a part of that.”
For students interested in studying Indigenous communication, Blair confirmed that there is a course she is in the process of developing. She believes it is very important to have a course focusing on Indigenous communication because it gives students the opportunity to learn and think on a deeper level about Indigenous communication over a longer period of time.
Blair hinted that there will also be upcoming research opportunities for students to work with her in the future and to keep an eye out for them. When asked what advice she would give to those interested in pursuing an Indigenous communication specialist career, she highly recommended pursuing any opportunity to learn.
“I think the biggest one is to be a listener, a humble receiver, and to forge connections carefully, and when invited to do so.”
Comic written by Darien Johnsen / Photo by Cassie Williams / Illustration by Gabriela Gonzalez
Sweet and sexy, peep these tasty treats SNAPSHOT
The fall semester may be here, but summer isn’t over yet. I’ll still be hitting the beach for the next month and you know I’m packing some juicy fruits to stay satisfied. Choosing what snacks to pack is no joke, so I went ahead and ranked the most delicious fruits, rated in the only way that makes sense — sex appeal.
4. Passion fruit: don’t be fooled by the name; this slimy seed filled fruit is questionable at best. Points for deliciousness though, you’re a good time, passion fruit, I may or may not call you.
3. Pineapple: schwing! Like a true bad boy, he’s thorny on the outside — but like they say, you can’t have pleasure without some pain.
2. Cherries: every early 2000’s girl with the cherry tramp stamp knew exactly what she was doing. Points lost for the pit, though — just let me swallow you whole.
1. Peaches: good lord! Just like the 2000’s hit song by Peaches herself, I will indeed f*** the pain away with you.
Not only will these fruits leave you nourished and ready for hours of fun in the sun, they may just serve as an uncertified aphrodisiac, too.
BY DARIEN JOHNSEN
Lifestyle // Bad lighting = bad mood
How choosing the right light bulb can enhance the way you focus, relax, sleep, and much more
NATALIA TOSCANO MURUA
Do you ever find yourself feeling low on energy after a rough day and it doesn’t get any better after going home and winding down? Turns out, it might not be you, it could be your light bulb.
The way the spaces you spend time in are lit can influence the way you feel — it even has the power to impact the quality of your rest. If you value having a good place where you can recharge and relax, then you might want to make sure the lights in your home are not secretly sabotaging your efforts. Understanding how
different types of light affect you can be a tool that helps you control your mood and your well-being with a simple flick of a switch.
The variation between light’s warm and cool colours is referred to as light colour temperature, which is measured in Kelvin. Warm light, which usually ranges from 2700-3000 Kelvin, can set a cozy ambiance that encourages relaxation and is common in spaces like bedrooms or lounges. Cool light typically ranges from 3000-5000 Kelvin and can boost alertness and concentration, which is why you can find it in places like office
cubicles and classrooms. Light temperature is not everything there is to it though — the brightness of the light source also matters. The brighter the light, the more awake you may become, and the dimmer it is, the sleepier you might get.
Our circadian rhythm can be disrupted by having too much light in the evening, since exposure to blue light (often found in artificial lights and screens) can suppress the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. This is why exposure to bright screens at nighttime can be disruptive to your sleep schedule, hence why some devices have a blue light filter that can be activated to help lessen exposure at night. Blue light exposure isn’t a life or death situation, but understanding the way your body responds to it can help you adapt it to your liking. Blue light and artificial light aren’t necessarily bad, it’s the excessive exposure to them that can be harmful. As long as you balance how much exposure you are getting, you should be good to go.
I think choosing the right light for the right space is paramount to making it feel whole and the best version that it can be. I knew something was off with the lighting in my living room and kitchen. Cooking by the stove or sitting down on the couch never felt that comfortable, and it’s not like my kitchen is ugly, nor is my living room uninviting. At some point I realized it was the lighting; it’s too cool for a space where you should be able to have a chill time. If I had to bet, I’d say it’s somewhere around 5000 Kelvin which is a cool, pure white.
Now that I know the reasoning behind cool light being useful for alertness, I can see why it’s a light you’d find in a kitchen — you don’t want to chop your finger by mistake after all. It makes sense that kitchens in restaurants often have cool lighting, but my kitchen which connects to the living room? Nu-uh. It kills the vibe. Cooking there doesn’t feel inviting and winding down in the living room doesn’t come naturally to me because of the way the space is lit. Not only that, but on top of the kitchen light being cool, it’s not bright enough to cook comfortably. Now I know that a brighter and slightly warmer light bulb would give that whole space a much deserved upgrade. Going forward, I’ll make an effort to choose bright spaces with cool lighting to study, lounge areas with neutral lighting to relax and socialize, and warm soft light for a cozy place to rest in. With a bit more knowledge on what light does and how it can affect the body, you can use it to your own advantage! I know I will.
Illustration by Iryna Presley
Editor - Natalia Toscano Murua
Illustration by Natasha Zilcosky / The Cascade
Sex Life // Play you something beautiful? Your wish is their command
Women’s pleasure is coming into the mainstream, and you can’t even see it
KARA DUNBAR
I almost scrolled past it. The post was by audio erotica app Quinn hinting at their next celebrity guest, and a peculiar familiarity caused me to pause. At first I thought it improbable — but upon close inspection of the video, and the rest of the teasers posted, it was clear: Quinn was about to drop an audio erotica special with my favourite actor. A few days later, it was formally announced, confirming what many already assumed: on July 22 of 2025 they were going to release The Muse, narrated by Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023) star Tom Blyth.
Quinn offers a subscription based library of sensual audio stories and scenes where romance, arousal, and sex are the drivers. The platform hosts primarily independent writers, producers, and narrators who work to create these audio stories, but they also release stories called Quinn Originals. These are in-house produced series, each with three 30 minute episodes. They feature high levels of production and promotion, plot driven storytelling, and a celebrity narrator, like Thomas Doherty, Victoria Pedretti, Andrew Scott, Jamie Campell Bower,
and most recently, Tom Blyth. These series are the platform’s highest performing content, with subscriptions tending to triple the month they are released.
While one of the most widely known, Quinn is not the only audio erotica app out there, with platforms like Dipsea, Bloom Stories, Audiodesires, and Ferly promoting similar content, and similar messaging: we should be talking about pleasure.
For a lot of us, talking about sex and sexuality can be uncomfortable. I think sexual arousal is one of the most vulnerable states to be in and cultural taboos can close off relevant discussions. Talking about erotic content carries even more of those taboos, but it isn’t anything uncommon or new. From the Song of Songs in the Bible, to Wilmot’s poetry in 17th century England, to the romance novels of the 1970s, erotic content reflects the sexual attitudes of their societies. So what does the rise of audio erotica say about where our current sexual moment is going?
Quinn focuses on female pleasure, and seeks to promote more nuanced, respectful examples of intimacy than seen in typical visual pornography. In their Originals, there are many notes to be taken on how consent is integrated. While
Photo by Dhaya Eddine Bentaleb
a lot of us know consent is sexy, Quinn lets us hear how consent is sexy. Within audio erotica there is more of a focus on the imagination, and the nonphysical aspects of sex; feeding the too often forgotten but integral sexual organ: the brain.
Erotic content isn’t something that is meant to only arouse, but also to help us explore the boundaries of desire and lust safely, which is a priority at Quinn. All creators are screened and held accountable to respectful content creation and interaction with consumers. Audios are also vetted by moderators before being made available to listeners. Consumers are expected to be respectful to creators and abide by the app’s code of conduct. Creators get paid for their work, no one is actually having sex so there is less room for potential exploitation, no one is underage, and there is a real effort to avoid dehumanizing stereotypes.
Though focused on women’s pleasure, Quinn and other audio erotica apps also have content for male listeners. The Good Sex Project interviewed Ryan Mairs, a voice actor on Quinn, and they discussed how audio erotica can include ideas and phrases that demonstrate an empowered sexuality, including an empowered straight male sexuality, one that can be commanding and confident without being disrespectful or objectifying. Many audio erotica apps also include embodiment, body exploration, and couples audio to help reignite passion and build connection and communication.
Mainstream actors participating in the medium speak to an existing shift in taboos around erotic content, and audio erotica becoming mainstream promotes more conversations around sexuality and pleasure. While comprehensive sex education matters, and should be something we work toward, a lot of our perceptions and lessons about sex still come from entertainment — regardless if that content is erotic or not. Myths about how sex should look, feel, and happen are built by the media. Bringing that media into the mainstream helps give us the tools to criticize and correct those myths. I think we need to feel free to talk about sexual content to feel confident calling out unrealistic or harmful examples of sex.
Critical, thoughtful conversations about how to go about sexual exploration and pleasure are needed. Quinn is helping lead this discussion, with a focus on pleasure, respect, and empowerment — and with the help of some beloved actors. Who knows, maybe your favourite will be the next to step in front of the mic.
SNAPSHOT
Sometimes your younger sibling is right
by Iryna Presley
When it comes to my family’s media tastes, I thought I knew my place as the oldest sibling: the influencer, never the influenced. But recently, two of my younger siblings became particularly fond of the new hit Netflix movie, K-Pop Demon Hunters. My instinct was to say “no way” to watching this — neither K-Pop nor anime are of my general liking, but in the spirit of spending time with my siblings before school started up again, I said yes.
Now, I’ve watched the movie and listened to the soundtrack more times than I can count. The art style was fun, the story was compelling, the characters had depth, and the songs stuck in my head. I have to admit — I really enjoyed the movie. After years of pushing my tastes on my siblings, they have graduated to imposing their tastes on me, and sometimes (only sometimes) they’ve got a point.
BY KARA DUNBAR
Illustration
Sports
Coaches //
Ari Adams: “I’ve been in their shoes”
Adams leads the way in bringing the Cascades to the promised land
ETHAN PAULSON
SNAPSHOT
The hate toward musicals is forced
Presley
This summer, I saw the Clarke Theatre’s musical production of Ride the Cyclone (2008). As a former theatre kid, everything from the flashy set, fun choreography, and captivating songs reignited my passion for musicals. As I walked out of the theatre, I was left wondering how anyone could possibly dislike them.
The hate for musicals has unfortunately gotten to the point where movies like Wonka (2023) and Mean Girls (2024) actually hid the fact that they were musicals for as long as possible before their release.
Listen, given that movies are often expected to appear more realistic than stage musicals often are, I can somewhat understand the disdain when the two collide in movie musicals. However, to those who claim to hate musicals in general, I advise them to check out a live performance. Not only is watching actors sing and dance right in front of you instead of through a screen more personal, it’s also more fun
BY CAITLYN CARR
Coach Ari Adams is from Maple Ridge, B.C. and is beginning her third season at the helm of Cascades women’s soccer. Adams joined The Cascade in August to discuss her soccer background.
How did you get your start in soccer?
Neither of my parents played soccer. I have two sisters, and my older sister just was interested in the sport, so I followed with everything she did. I started playing soccer when I was five. I was playing on a boys team at the time, and then as more girls within my community joined, I joined a girls team the following year.
What coach was your biggest inspiration?
I didn’t have my first female coach until I went to university, and I would say as a player, that’s where I gained the most valuable experience. Shelley Howieson was my [SFU] soccer coach [and] the biggest thing was just a learning experience within that environment.
How many options did you have to play university soccer?
Times have changed a lot since I was in the recruiting process, there was five of us from my U-18 team that actually went to SFU together. Going to a highly regarded school with a good soccer background it made my decision easy.
What would Ari Adams the coach say about Ari Adams the player?
I was definitely a leader throughout my university season. I wasn’t necessarily the quickest or most athletic player, but I had high soccer IQ — I was technically sound, and I was able to be a passer of the ball.
How do you think your role as captain at SFU shaped how you interact with your players now?
I am able to take from my experiences, not only as a university player, I also transitioned into the assistant coach role for four years after I played as well. But I have to remind them I’ve been in their shoes and I’ve been there. Every player has a different pathway, and they have a lot of opportunity to grow on the field, but also off the field. So I see that in my players now, especially the younger players, they sometimes have difficulty seeing past their first year and just explaining [to] them to be patient and their time will come, and it’s a long process.
How difficult was the adjustment from playing youth to playing at a university level?
My rookie year [at] SFU, we did have a younger team, so I probably had more opportunity within that team to play and to start so I was able to get playing time right away, which was one of the reasons I chose SFU, because there was a lot of opportunity there to play as a rookie.
Was there a specific game or moment in your collegiate career that you look back on fondly?
In my final [conference] tournament of my senior year I got MVP of the tournament. I think it came full circle that maybe I wasn’t highlighted as that player my whole career, but finishing my senior year off in that conference tournament of the independent institutions for the NAIA, I was able to get that recognition.
Did you have any opportunities to go pro after university, or did you want to stick with coaching?
I was coaching youth throughout my university career as well, so I continued to play premier women in B.C. on a highly established team at Surrey United where we won multiple provincial championships — we won a national championship — and I was with a group of players that that were likeminded, and we just stuck together, so I didn’t pursue anything outside or travel.
After four years coaching with a titan sports program like SFU, what has it been like adjusting to UFV?
Bringing in players who want opportunity, who maybe have been overlooked by larger schools is where we have our success, and we’ve come a long way in two years.
How has the transition been from coaching teenagers at Surrey United into coaching college students?
The transition has been fairly smooth, especially working with U-18 athletes, I have actually gone full circle and coached some players who I coached at youth as well, all the way from eight years old up. Even one of my incoming recruits this year [Alivia Newman] I had coached from U-10 to U-18 at Club as well, I coached at Surrey United for her youth career.
What advice would you give student athletes looking to start their coaching careers?
Start early and look to get your licensing done while you’re at school. Reach out for help. See where they can get certified early and just climb the ladder.
Soccer // From Hanover to Abby, Mailand’s come full circle
The international student-athlete journey
ETHAN PAULSON
UFV men’s soccer star Kevin Mailand is a third-year midfielder and talked with The Cascade about his soccer heroes, coming to Canada from Germany, and the arrival of soccer legend Thomas Müeller to Vancouver.
Moving anywhere in the world is a difficult task, especially when it involves leaving your home country and starting anew in an unfamiliar place. While growing up in Hanover, Germany, Mailand started playing soccer from a young age with his friends before joining a club at the age of six. With soccer-loving parents by his side, Mailand got to grow up not only watching icons like Lionel Messi, Christiano Ronaldo, and Neymar take over the soccer world, but also saw some of his soccer inspirations Marco Reus and Mario Götze play for his favourite squad, Borussia Dortmund. His passion grew even greater when at 10-years-old he watched Germany win the FIFA World Cup.
When the time came to go overseas and play for a North American collegiate program, Mailand opted to join the UFV men’s soccer program for the 2023-24 season, settling in the Fraser Valley to play for the Cascades.
In his first season with the squad, Mailand posted one goal and one assist in eight matches. Being on your own in a new country — combined with the added pressure of playing university-level sports can be a daunting task. Mailand noted how head coach Tom Lowndes got him in contact with two other German players in the Cascades system. Nicolas Burret and Kadir Yagci were both playing at UFV at the time, giving Mailand a sense of familiarity.
“[UFV] felt like a good place to go,” said Mailand on having German counterparts at UFV.
Locating classrooms, finding places to eat around campus, and getting into a new routine is especially difficult when English is not your first language.
“I was pretty comfortable speaking English back in Germany, but having to rely on that is the scariest part about it.” Mailand explained.
As Mailand’s comfortability in B.C. began to grow, his play on the field began to pay dividends. Mailand took a massive leap in 2024-25, tallying six goals and five assists while playing in all 18 of the Cascades’ matches on a squad that pushed UBC to the brink in the Canada West semi-final.
Now entering his third season with the Cascades, Mailand has taken on a
mentorship role with the additions of German midfielders Lennart Moschke and Grischa Heider.
“It helped them a lot, [and] it also helped me a lot, having that familiar feeling again.”
Alongside the arrival of his new teammates, another German soccer player has made his way over to B.C. to play for the Vancouver Whitecaps. Thomas Müller recently signed with the local squad, and Mailand was happy to see other German players join clubs in B.C.
In his two years with the Cascades, Mailand has grown into one of the elite talents in the system. With a few years left of eligibility, Mailand is not only poised to lead the Cascades back to the semi-finals, but to land himself among the greats of Cascades soccer.
The
importance
of a good walk SNAPSHOT
Sometimes, it’s necessary to drop everything in favour of a good walk. Whether you opt for a brisk pace or a simple stroll, alone or with company, for contemplation or conversation — walking can provide solace and a feeling of connection to others and the natural world.
Walking can be done in many conditions and most places: a sidewalk or track, on a spring evening or a refreshing fall afternoon, for 10 minutes or two hours. Besides, who doesn’t love running into an adorable dog that you can smile at during your rambles?
Whenever I feel overwhelmed or can’t seem to figure out what to do, I let my feet carry me forward rather than letting my mind carry me away. Björk expressed it well when she said, “just go for a walk for an hour and come back and see how you feel then.” A good walk can be life-changing, a simple cure that doesn’t need to be prescribed. Walking is like a dear friend that is always there for you when it’s needed most.
What comes to mind when you think of cancer? Maybe you or a loved one have been diagnosed, or maybe the most interaction you’ve had with the disease has been through either John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars (2012) or the Terry Fox Run. Whichever applies to you, there’s one thing I’m sure we can all agree on: cancer fucking sucks.
On April 8, 2024, I was supposed to be in Rob Taylor’s Advanced Poetry class. Instead, I was in Vancouver getting diagnosed with cancer at the age of 22. A year of pain in my left leg, four different kinds of scans, and the first of what would be three biopsies had led to this moment. My doctor said I had either osteosarcoma or lymphoma. My first thoughts?
I can’t believe this is happening to me. Of course this would happen to me.
As you peruse my tale, keep in mind that this is simply my experience and there is no one way to experience having cancer.
Cancer
Cancer is when some of your cells uncontrollably multiply to form a tumour that can spread to other parts of the body, also called a malignant tumour. Some tumours are non-cancerous, or benign, which means they don’t behave this way, but us lucky few get the life-threatening miscreants.
Causes of cancer
From bras to antiperspirants, it feels like every day I read about a new thing supposedly causing cancer, but what’s the truth? According to the Canadian Cancer Society, the majority of cancers are actually often caused by a blend of various risk factors like smoking, alcohol, unprotected sun exposure, certain chemicals, an unhealthy diet, and specific genetic changes.
Another major carcinogen? Age. The younger you are, the less likely you are to get cancer. Nonetheless, cancer is still more common in Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) than some people may realize. According to BC Cancer, at least 9,200 people in Canada between 15-39 receive a cancer diagnosis every year.
Geoff Eaton, the founder and executive director of Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC), who is also a two-time cancer survivor, shared with The Cascade that he believes the biggest misunderstanding surrounding AYA with cancer is simply that we get cancer, stating that he believes people usually associate cancer with either children or seniors.
“It’s the young adult group in the middle. We’re overlooked.”
Before I was diagnosed, I didn’t think that young adults got cancer as much as they do. When my leg was in pain for over a year, not once did I ever actually consider that I had the disease, to the point where my friends and I would jokingly say “maybe it’s cancer” because it seemed like such an impossible scenario.
Something that really sucks about cancer? Regardless of age or health, it can still affect anyone, which begs the question: what happens then?
Chemotherapy
After another biopsy, I was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) — the most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. After receiving my diagnosis, my doctor told me that I needed chemo.
“I’m going to lose my blue hair,” I said, remembering what I could about chemo; the trademark bald look came to mind.
“You’re going to lose your blue hair,” my doctor confirmed.
“I’m not going to be able to work.”
“You’re not going to be able to work.”
Even though I’d have to wait until I actually started chemo to know for sure if I’d lose my hair, the doctor’s repetition made things easier — like he was meeting me where I was as I processed. Some people lose their hair during chemo and some don’t, just like how some are able to work during treatment and others aren’t. Unfortunately, I drew the short straw both times.
Illustration by Hannah Bricknell / The Cascade
Photo submitted by Caitlyn Carr
Day One
On May 13, 2024, I started my first round of treatment and the icy drugs flowed through my IV for three hours. When my parents and I left the hospital, I felt surprisingly fine (and super hungry) so we grabbed a bite from my then-favourite restaurant. Let’s just say, it’s no longer my favourite.
After inhaling a beef dip, I started feeling a little tired which quickly turned into absolutely exhausted. As soon as I got home, I collapsed onto the couch and passed out for a few hours. I might have slept through the whole night if not for what happened next.
Eventually, I woke up nauseous and a couple hours later, I was throwing up my dinner. Afterwards, I sat on the bathroom floor with my back against the wall and one phrase in my mind:
This is my life now.
The longest 126 days of my life
According to BC Cancer, 35 per cent to 45 per cent of cancer survivors (that is, anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer, including those still living with it) will experience serious mental distress at one point or another. While everyone is different, Eaton largely attributes the emotional challenges of facing cancer as an AYA to a heightened feeling of loneliness.
“There’s this really significant life experience that none of your peers have really had yet. And that in itself, despite how loved and supported you can be, can create this really profound sense of isolation.”
Due to chemo’s effects on my immune system, there were times when I couldn’t leave my house, which became increasingly frustrating. While I was grateful to have my family visit nearly every day, after weeks of being house-bound, I missed my friends, my co-workers, even the occasional Karen. It felt like I was reliving the COVID-19 pandemic except I was the only one in quarantine. All along, one question haunted me: what if my treatment doesn’t work and I’m just wasting the time I have left?
Days when I could go out were bittersweet. I could see my friends and do something other than take pills, check my temperature, and track my bowel movements, but my cancer followed me everywhere I went. It was in the jealousy I felt toward strangers with hair down to their hips. In my pity toward carefree children who would one day have to face adult hardship. In the knowledge that my freedom was temporary, and that next week I’d be back at the hospital for more treatment. By the halfway mark, I was incredibly emotionally exhausted and just wanted chemo to be over.
Young Adult Cancer Canada
After confiding my emotional turmoil to my counsellor at BC Cancer, she suggested that I check out Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC), a non-profit for cancer survivors aged between 15-39. After browsing their website, I signed up for one of their
virtual peer-led conversations called YACC Chats — and I am so glad I did.
I was super nervous before my first YACC Chat; I didn’t know what to expect, and I was afraid of saying something dumb that would cause the group to reject me right when I needed a community the most.
My anxieties vanished as soon as I joined the call, when a few group members excitedly complimented my Kitty Ear Headset. Right away, I knew that these were my people and YACC Chats quickly became part of my weekly routine.
Through YACC Chats, I was given a space to talk about hard topics like hope, grief, body image, and dating after diagnosis, with other AYA cancer survivors. It was validating to hear the same feelings I’d been struggling with be expressed by other cancer survivors. And while you might think that a group of cancer survivors would be a sad and morbid place (which it sometimes is), I’ve also experienced a lot of laughs during YACC Chats.
There are many unique challenges that AYA cancer survivors face, which is what makes organizations like YACC so vital. Eaton detailed that one obstacle is often learning how to navigate the health system for the first time.
“Most young adults haven’t had a big, heavy dose of interaction with the health system … so right away, we’re engaging with a system … that we’re not used to being involved in.”
Having cancer as an AYA can be even more uniquely challenging because of our proximity to our peers and the consequences of feeling detached from them.
“I would argue our lives are heavily connected to peers, more intensely than in any other state of life … so that isolation piece then becomes even more challenging for us.”
Other than creating safe spaces for AYA cancer survivors, YACC is also working to make change through their Recover Study. Hoping to incorporate data from 2000 Canadians of all ages who were diagnosed with cancer under the age of 40, Eaton explained that the study will research what the cancer recovery process looks like for participants over a number of years.
“There’s not a lot of data around most of the young adult cancer experience, so YACC is working to change that … [and] that’s going to allow us to be delivering better programs, educate and inform the community, the young adults, as well as the many in and outside the health system.”
Safe to say, if a young adult I knew received a cancer diagnosis, I’d tell them about YACC.
“To borrow a line from a YACCer, ‘[I’m] used to people who are understanding, but [in] YACC, I found people who understand.’”
Illustration by Hannah Bricknell / The Cascade
Side effects
Chemo is hard on one’s mental health, but what about physical health?
For some people, side effects get worse with each cycle. However, they can also improve over time for people like me. From nausea and fatigue, to eye-sensitivity and constipation, I experienced a range of side effects, especially during my first cycle. My veins burned after treatment, stomach-aches were frequent, and I lost feeling in the tips of some of my fingers.
While my experience with chemo-related nausea was limited to the first couple days of each cycle, it could be nonetheless immobilizing — my worst experience being the night I spent laying on the bathroom floor for what felt like hours, waiting to throw up.
It’s impossible to say this enough: thank fuck for modern medicine. During my third cycle, I was prescribed another anti-nausea and the symptom dramatically decreased. Just goes to show that you should never be afraid to ask for more help if you feel like you need it. In fact, Eaton believes that those who advocate for themselves usually receive the best care.
“These systems that we have created do a lot of beautiful, amazing things every day, but they work best when they’re pushed.”
Hair loss
After 17 days of chemo, my hair was falling out in increasingly large clumps and I decided it was time to shave it all off. At first, I was excited. I’d always loved trying out new hairstyles so I figured the bald look would be just another experience, but eventually, it became hard to shake the feeling that a vital piece of myself was missing.
received well-intentioned messages celebrating my “inspirational” victory over cancer, and some even expecting my return to work. As grateful as I was for everyone’s kind words, I couldn’t ignore the gnawing guilt that I’d somehow misled my friends and family. More than that, I dreaded having to disappoint them by clarifying that I wasn’t in the clear yet, and wouldn’t know anything until my scans all the way in October.
Thankfully, my scans did come back clear and I have been officially in remission since November 2024. All I’ll say about that is words can’t describe how relieved and lucky I feel to be where I am. Still, survivorship is hard. There’s the potential for long-term and late effects of chemo, like fatigue, heart issues, and brain fog (or chemo brain). Some cancer survivors also experience mental health issues after treatment like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
While going into hospitals isn’t traumatic for me in and of itself, there’s two specific procedures that I dread ever having to repeat: a bone marrow biopsy and having an IV in my hand.
If you ask me, the healthcare system’s attitude toward bone marrow biopsies is far too casual. Before my procedure, I was told things like: “you might feel some discomfort,” and “it’ll just take 20 minutes.” I was in no way prepared for the sharp, stinging, pressing pain that I endured. Afterwards, when I said that if I ever had to have another one that I wanted to be put under, I was told that they “don’t usually offer sedation for bone marrow biopsies.” While the procedure is tolerable for some patients, sedation should be more accessible to the rest of us — at the very least, healthcare providers should stop sugar-coating the procedure.
“People think it’s over when your hair grows back … [but] recovery from cancer takes longer than treatment.”
I’d look in the mirror and not recognize the bald girl staring back at me. I’m not saying women can’t be both bald and beautiful (have you seen Cynthia Erivo or Sinéad O’Connor?), I just didn’t feel like one of them. Moles, stork bites, and pimples that my hair had once hidden were now out in the open. My eyebrows were thinning and my eyelashes were falling out. I missed feeling pretty, but more than that, I missed who I was before cancer and my reflection was a constant reminder that I would never again be her.
Thus began an era of experimental wigs, toques, and bucket hats that lasted until shortly after treatment.
“So, you’re good now, right?”
Define ‘good.’ Both myself and Eaton want more people to understand that while treatment may be over, survivorship comes with its own challenges. “People think it’s over when your hair grows back … [but] recovery from cancer takes longer than treatment.”
On Aug. 26, 2024, I had my last treatment. After posting a video of myself ringing the bell, I
As for IVs, I recently had another PET scan and, while I’m used to getting those IVs near the crease of my elbow, the only vein that the nurse could find was in my hand — the same place my chemo IVs had been. The whole time, I had to remind myself that it was just cold saline and radioactive sugar that I felt running through my IV, not chemo drugs.
When my leg starts hurting again, or any part of my body really, I fear that my cancer is back. There’s this nagging pressure that I should be making the most of my time while I’m still in remission, because who knows what could happen tomorrow?
Eaton put words to this feeling that for some AYA cancer survivors, it can feel like time is of the essence.
“When you get cancer in your twenties, it’s a striking reminder that you might not have 60 years left to make your mark.”
On the other hand, after receiving a life-threatening diagnosis, finding the motivation to plan for my future is difficult. Every now and then, I think to myself, what’s the point? I could have a cancer recurrence anytime. My future is not guaranteed. But then I remind myself that this is true for everyone — even people who have never had cancer.
Photo submitted by Caitlyn Carr
“When you get cancer in your twenties, it’s a striking reminder that you might not have 60 years left to make your mark.”
Got cancer?
First off, there is no right or wrong way to cope with a cancer diagnosis. The best advice I can give you is listen to your healthcare providers, advocate for yourself, track your health, and as my counsellor always says, be kind to yourself. Some things that helped me was having an emotional outlet like journaling, joining YACC Chats, and (to the dismay of my credit card) retail therapy.
You’d be surprised at the amount of funny cancer merch you can find on Etsy. From a chemo bag with a Mean Girls (2004) reference on it to a cancer-related colouring book, one seller in particular, Ohyouresotough, has some hilariously dark merch that you know has made its way onto my credit card statement.
Like many people who’ve experienced trauma, I cope by making jokes about it. The Cancer Patient, a non-profit that began as a hilariously unserious Instagram meme page in 2018. With memes that feel like a collection of inside jokes for us cancer survivors, this page has a way of making me laugh at even the darkest topics.
Finally, I encourage you to read about experiences from other AYA cancer survivors. With free digital copies on their website, the magazine Elephants and Tea contains articles written by AYA cancer survivors. To me, the magazine has been helpful with putting words to some of the complex emotions I’ve had regarding cancer.
What to do when someone you know has cancer
Many people might want to help a loved one with cancer, but are just not sure how, causing a feeling of powerlessness. Eaton encourages everyone to show their support however they can based on their unique relationships.
“I would encourage you to have your response mirror the significance of your relationship, with the significance of the events that they’re going through. That’s a really personal thing, and there’s no formula on that.”
Eaton further emphasized the importance of expressing our care for one another on a more regular basis without cancer prompting us — even if it’s someone you haven’t spoken to in years.
“I don’t think we need to wait for cancer to come into our life to tell other people how we feel about them.”
Whether it’s sending a text, making a care package, running errands, or just listening to us complain, however you’re best able to support a loved one with cancer is the way to go.
Let us feel our feelings, dammit!
Now, I get regular bloodwork and see my oncologist every few months to check for signs of recurrence. It’s not fun feeling like I can only make plans three months in advance, but if having cancer has taught me anything, it’s that sometimes you get dealt a bad hand. Some days, I feel like screaming at the world for its cruel unfairness, and other days, I simply sigh and shrug my shoulders — and both reactions are valid.
There is sometimes this mindset that cancer survivors are these brave and inspirational warriors who never cry or lose hope. While some cancer survivors find strength in this idea, others like myself just feel uncomfortable. During treatment, someone once literally grabbed my shoulders, looked me in the eye, and told me that I had to stay positive, like my authentic emotions were flaws that needed to be hidden. I’m tired of facing criticism for voicing my fear and grief instead of constantly smiling my way through cancer.
Like I said, cancer fucking sucks. Going through cancer treatment, watching someone go through treatment, coping with survivorship, losing someone to cancer, and dying of cancer — it all sucks. While sinking into a pit of depression about it isn’t ideal, neither is toxic positivity. Instead of expecting us to swallow our pain, we should all be supportive of one another and try to get through it together.
“I don’t think we need to wait for cancer to come into our life to tell other people how we feel about them.”
Photo submitted by Caitlyn Carr
Championship pedigree: meet UFV’s new athletic director
Varsity teams, campus recreation, and the Cascades brand
JEFFREY KENNETT
Before taking the helm of UFV Athletics and Recreation, Nicholas Sirski’s academic career began in Kingston where he was a line-backer for the Queens Gaels and a sports reporter with the Queen’s Journal.
More recently, Sirski spent 13 years with SFU in a variety of capacities. From webcasts and colour commentary to recreation director and associate director of facilities, Sirski is as accomplished as they come — and a boon for the UFV Cascades.
Amid his busy transition period, Sirski took the time to speak to The Cascade during his first few weeks in his post. He began by relating his own time as a student athlete (culminating in a Vanier cup championship in 2009) to what he wants to bring to his current position.
“I had such an amazing university experience, but I had no idea what went into the behind the scenes of being a varsity athlete — and shortly after my university career had ended, our athletics department at Queen’s was looking for a sponsorship and marketing intern… I got a little bit of a behind the scenes look at what went into everything. And I was like, man, [I] can impact a lot of lives in a lot of really positive ways.
“Getting your dream job is pretty cool, but now I have to execute, so the pressure is on. I’ve got two young boys; a four [and a] six-year-old — and I love the fact that they’re going to grow up wearing green, being Cascades fans, coming to games, and just growing up in sport.”
The Fraser Valley’s burgeoning prospect pipeline also made him eager to jump aboard.
“What excited me about the role was [that] UFV is a growing school. Abbotsford, Chilliwack, [and] the valley is a growing community. And I think having a strong university and an athletics and recreation department is part of a healthy city community. One of the other things was the passion that I felt from the staff here throughout the interview process, [it] was something that really drew me to the Cascades, which just seemed like a place that people wanted to work and wanted to show up and be there. I was drawn to that.
“I know that the local valley sports scene is very strong provincially. And so, trying to get all those athletes to stay home, and preach to them the benefits of UFV — getting them to come and be at our school is part of our challenge. But because they have such a strong high
school program [in Abbotsford], that was another piece that really excited me.”
Part of the challenges that Sirski mentioned, and previously reported on by The Cascade is the absence of a practice field on campus. A sports and recreation development on Lefeuvre Road has been pushed forward by city council, offering the possibility of a new Cascades home sooner than later. Until then, UFV will rely on Sirski’s background in facility management to find creative and collaborative solutions that aren’t solely for the benefit of varsity athletes.
“We’re ready and willing to have those conversations, it’s probably just a matter of time. What that looks like, we’re not really sure at this moment, but we’re open and interested. I’m not the ultimate decision maker, but I’m here to advocate for the needs of our athletes and our student body. And having outdoor space to, yes, practice for our varsity teams, but also to play and congregate and have community spaces is important for us as a university.”
Rather than paying a student athletics and recreation fee as part of tuition like UBC, UVic, and SFU, students are left to pay for their own recreation passes out of pocket. With access to the Abbotsford Rec Centre included with students’ U- Pass, a deflated interest in campus recreation is one of Sirski’s biggest challenges. Another topic of discussion among students is UFV’s mascot (or if they have
one.) Sirski admitted he didn’t know exactly where the process stands with regards to mascots, but that the game day experience is important for what the Cascades want to do long-term.
Speaking of the Cascades in the longterm — even though Sirski was involved in two rebrands at SFU, don’t expect the Cascades logo or branding to change any time soon. Manitoba, Regina, Toronto,
and York have all recently unveiled varsity team rebranding to replace their outdated looks, while UFV has occupied the same logo since joining U Sports in 2006.
“I’ll see what the jerseys look like — that’ll be the true test,” Sirski commented on a potential Cascades rebrand. “But the logo, I think, looks nice.”
This is Campus Fashion, your source of inspiration for seasonal trends, cool finds, and wardrobe basics to keep you looking stylish throughout the year. Fall is ushering in new trends for the cooler months ahead, and what better way to begin the new season than with key staple pieces that are versatile, timeless, and elegant? And who better to draw inspiration from than the late Belgian actor, Audrey Hepburn? Famous for her roles in the 50’s and 60’s as Sabrina Fairchild in Sabrina (1954) and Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), Hepburn is known for her elegant and minimalist style.
The Cascade took a closer look at five particular fall looks that embody her and are perfect for the season!
Trench coats:
A fashion trend that came out of World War I, and was made popular by Burberry, the trench coat is a style Hepburn famously wore in both Breakfast at Tiffany’s and
Charade (1963). This classic coat traditionally comes in a khaki colour and is made from a cotton twill material known as garbardine. To emulate Hepburn’s look, wear a khaki trench with a little black dress, a cream head scarf, and oversized cat-like sunglasses. For a cooler day, opt for dress pants, a navy turtleneck sweater, and boots.
Turtlenecks:
Turtlenecks and mock necks are great layering pieces during the fall season, and can be worn on their own or under a sweater. Hepburn wore a black turtleneck in the movie Funny Face (1957) and it still looks timeless today. A perfect way to style it like Hepburn is to wear it with black cigarette pants and black loafers for
a head-to-toe black look. Another way to style this trend is by pairing a white mock neck cable-knit sweater with white pants and shoes similar to what she wore in the movie Always (1989).
Wool coats:
Wool and faux wool coats are great statement pieces that have longevity in your wardrobe. This style of coat was frequently worn by Hepburn, and was usually paired with dresses and heels. To help recreate one of her looks for the fall, pair a red wool coat with a black sheath dress, and black kitten heels, just like she wore in Charade. For a cooler day, wear black dress pants with a grey double breasted coat, a navy turtleneck sweater, and black loafers.
Dark pants:
Illustration by solgasart
Column //
Dark coloured trousers in black or navy blue are versatile styles to wear in the cooler temperatures. Hepburn was known for wearing dark coloured pants, especially black cigarette pants; however, she also wore jeans. To copy Hepburn’s style, try pairing black, ankle-length, slim fit dress pants with a black and white striped
crew neck sweater, black ballet flats, and a black wool coat. For a more casual look, wear a deep red crew neck long sleeve shirt, indigo coloured straight leg jeans, a thin black headband, and sneakers to recreate a look from Hepburn’s movie Two for the Road (1967).
Little black dresses:
Dresses are nice transitional pieces that are both feminine and versatile. A style Hepburn was famous for was the little black dress which she wore in movies like Sabrina. She wore different iterations of it in many of her other movies, most notably in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. To imitate Hepburn’s style, you can combine a black fit and flare dress with a cream wool coat, kitten heels, and dark sunglasses. Alternatively, you could experiment with lighter neutrals and wear a cream sheath dress, black belt, a cream trench coat, and black leather boots to recreate an outfit she wore in the film Charade
And there you have it: a dive into what Audrey Hepburn would wear to keep warm this fall. So when the cool weather hits, consider trying out a couple of her styles.
The Cascade Kitchen: crumble topped apple and pear pie
Photo by Elyssa English
ELYSSA ENGLISH
The Cascade Kitchen is a student-run food column that brings you budgetfriendly recipes and cooking tips. Check back each week for something new to try in the kitchen, or if you want to see your own recipe featured next, get started by reaching out to culture@ufvcascade.ca.
It’s that time of year again! Everyone with gardens and fruit trees are overwhelmed with produce. For me, last year, it was zucchini. I was living, breathing, and dreaming zucchini for a solid couple of months, struggling to give them away. This year, it’s all apples and pears. It seems that everyone I know is drowning in them and have thus returned the favour from last year and foisted them all upon me. Thanks guys.
But, when life gives you copious amounts of fruit, you best make the most out of it — and in this case, that means pie. Please, enjoy this simple and delicious recipe, and celebrate the start of the fall semester with pie!
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 40-50 minutes
Ingredients:
1 pre-made pie crust (found at any grocery store)
3-4 apples peeled and sliced
3 pears peeled and sliced
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 - 3/4 cup brown sugar (depending on how sweet you want it)
2 tsp lemon juice
Crumble topping:
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
8 tbsp butter, melted
Optional:
Serve with ice cream
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees fahrenheit.
2. Peel and slice the apples and pears, then place them in a pot with brown sugar and lemon juice and mix gently but thoroughly. Heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally, until the fruit has started to soften. It should be easily cut with a spoon, but still solid. Let rest.
3. Making the crumble: melt the butter in a large, microwave safe bowl. Let cool, until it is safe to touch but still liquid. Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl, then use your hands to combine, until a crumble texture forms.
4. Prepare your pie crust as per its instructions, fill with fruit mixture, then top with the crumble.
5. Place tinfoil over the pie, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, and bake for another 20-30 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven, let cool.
7. Enjoy!
UFV Speaks // UFV Speaks: what are
you
most terrified about this upcoming semester?
Advice, anxiety, and a September soundtrack
SKY S. TERRONES
In UFV Speaks, our intrepid reporters pick a topic currently relevant to UFV students or staff, and ask them for their heated opinions to get a real sense of how the UFV population feels about the facts.
It’s officially September! As a new semester begins, excitement and anxiety flood UFV — especially for those stepping into the unknown. While many prepare, worry is inevitable. We asked students to share their biggest first semester fears, sparking a chain of advice where each student offered wisdom to the one before them — creating a thread of support that intertwined vulnerability, humour, and solidarity.
To wrap things up, we ran a quick vibe check asking students to choose between “confusingly confident” or “confidently confused.” And just when we thought we’d reached peak introspection, we asked them to name a song that best captured their current state of mind.
Harshit Saini / Bachelor in Computer Information Systems
“I’m worried about my expenses … maybe [also] getting a job after the degree. These are the two things I’m worried about.”
Vibe check: confusingly confident
Song: “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters (2025). “I’m done hiding. Now I’m shining.”
“Probably my statistics class is what I’m most worried about. I’m not used to the environment or anything. I have no idea what I’m walking into.”
Advice to Harshit: “At the end of the day, your education’s most important. I know that finding money for school and stuff can be difficult, but definitely apply for financial awards. There are a lot of those out there, even if [they are] not directly from the school, [there are] tons out there that can help you out.”
Vibe check: confusingly confident
Song: “I don’t know if I have a song that represents my moment. Honestly, I don’t know. That’s a tough one.”
“Finding my classes and trying to navigate [the] new school out here.”
Advice to Praise: “Ask their teachers for help, ask for the [Student] Union Building, and ask others for help.”
Vibe check: confusingly confident
Song: “What It Sounds Like” from KPop Demon Hunters (2025)
“I’m terrified of the classes and the professors … I’m terrified of English and math. I am really bad at math, so of course it’s a requirement.”
Advice to Paige: “If they have little maps around, take one of those little maps and keep it on you. Or they have the big maps on the campus. Take a photo of that.”
Vibe check: confidently confused
Song: “The Sound of Silence” by Disturbed
Emma: “Getting my schoolwork done and adjusting to the new due dates and stuff.”
Advice to Inara: “Everybody’s just as nervous. It’s all our first time.”
Vibe check: confidently confused Song: “Never Grow Up” by Taylor Swift Alex: “All the new people. Honestly, I am not really a people person. I’m an anxious person, so just all the new people, all the new things.”
Advice to Emma: “Well, she’s my friend, so I probably shouldn’t… It would be different to a random person, I would say, we’re all new at this. We’ll get the hang of it … As a friend, I would say, suck it up. If you need me, call me.”
Vibe check: confidently confused
Song: “Nervous” by The Neighbourhood Cali: “Most terrified of finding my classes and paying for parking on time.”
Advice to Alex: “Lots of the people here told us that you’ll find your people. You’ll find them eventually, and if you don’t, you just keep to your schoolwork, keep getting your stuff done, and focus on the important part, which is your academics. Obviously, there’s an important part outside of that … but most importantly, it’s your academics. So, focus on your academics and get your stuff done.”
Vibe check: confidently confused
Song: “Hometown Glory” by Adele
While most students at Day ONE brace themselves for a brand-new adventure, Starla Ray Rorison walks a different path. Now in her second-year, fresh off a switch from a visual arts diploma to a Bachelor of Arts, she’s facing tougher courses with quiet confidence — remembering the chaos of being a newcomer, watching today’s first-years wander the campus in confusion.
Starla: “I just look at [them], I’m like, ‘geez,’ I remember feeling like that last year and being like, ‘where the heck am I going in this large [campus] … [it] is pretty confusing at times. Especially because of the construction, maybe because the maps don’t fully line up with how it is in real life.”
Her advice? Wander with purpose. A few aimless walks made her feel way less lost — and way more ready.
Interviews have been edited for length and clarity.
Praise Ekhator / Nursing track
Paige Mundy
Inara Ansell / Bachelor of Arts (History)
Emma, Alex, & Cali / English
Photos by Sky S. Terrones
Crossword // STUDY BREAK
Sudoku //
Horoscopes //
By: Madame LaCarte
Aries - Mar. 21 to Apr. 19
We get it. You’re the biggest, baddest, and bravest around. And sometimes that works in your favour. But right now, you might want to chill. Not everything needs to be a competition. This competitive nature is pushing people away, no wonder you’re feeling isolated right now. If you want my advice — and let’s be honest, that is why you’re here — focus all that energy into your relationships this week. Some genuine, human connection will do you a lot of good.
Taurus - Apr. 20 to May 20
Woah there cowboy! Hold your horses and wrangle in your emotions. Just because this isn’t your first rodeo doesn’t mean everyone has your experience. Be patient and show others the ropes.
Gemini - May 21 to Jun. 20
I’ve got good news and bad news. Good news is, all your hard work is about to pay off and new opportunities will be coming your way. Congrats! The bad news is, it’s not going to feel as fulfilling as you hoped. Bummer!
Cancer - Jun. 21 to Jul. 22
The journey is more important than the destination, or however the saying goes. Which is good news in your case, because it’s going to be quite the journey. Buckle up.
Leo - Jul. 23 to Aug. 22
Question for you: do you truly enjoy causing problems or do you simply have nothing better to do? Your boredom shouldn’t be hazardous to those around you. Go outside. Experience something new. Use that energy in a constructive, not destructive, way.
Virgo - Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
Okay Scooby Doo, we got some work to do now. You have all the clues, all the pieces of the puzzle. You just need to put it together. “What puzzle?” you ask. I don’t know. This is your problem.
Libra - Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
A door has been slammed in your face, but you know better than to keep knocking. Climb through the window instead. You know who you are and what you’re capable of. Now is the time to show the rest of the world too.
Scorpio - Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
I wish I had half of your energy. Seriously. You’re on a roll right now. And while you might encounter some obstacles, you’re not hanging around waiting for the rain to clear. Momentum will carry you through.
Sagittarius - Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
Other people are the worst, aren’t they? They break your toys and spoil your plans and never let you have any fun — this is sarcasm buddy. You gotta take a long hard look in the mirror and make some changes.
Capricorn - Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
Creative blocks suck and you know it better than most. But don’t give up yet, the winds are changing. You can expect to find inspiration in the most unexpected of places.
Aquarius - Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
I admire your generosity. Honestly! I am being sincere here. You’re doing some real good for the people around you and they appreciate you. Just be careful okay? Don’t let anyone take advantage of your kindness.
Pisces - Feb. 19 to Mar. 20
I’m sorry to say, it’s a bad time to be a Pisces. Things aren’t going to go your way for a bit. Keep your head down and be careful. Your luck will turn around soon. Probably.
Illustration by Iryna Presley
Community // Cinephiles rejoice!
Abbotsford Film Fest celebrates local talent
The Abbotsford Film Festival (AFF) returned for its sixth edition this month. Launching on Sept. 4 at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, as part of the City of Abbotsford’s “Culture City” programming series, the festival boasts a local, national, and international film showcase.
Sponsored by several community partners such as Oldhand Coffee, Cassiar Film Co., Tourism Abbotsford, and the University of the Fraser Valley, three nights of cinema magic and five industry events were open to the public for around $6 per ticket.
Festival Director Daniel Sparrow said that it all started with a core group of friends who initially wanted to produce both a film and music festival. Since then, it’s evolved into a primarily film-focused event. Sparrow emphasized the importance of having small festivals like this one.
“There was no home base for the Fraser Valley to screen our stuff because festivals are tough to get into … It’s not to say we don’t go through a pretty rigorous
programming effort, but at the same time … we’re open and excited for local pieces.”
Night one featured two blocks of both documentary and local spotlights including four different Abbotsford films; Noah’s Story, Illa Peutus (2024), One Good Thing (2025), and We Live in the Dark (2025). The night ended with a Q&A with filmmakers, including local filmmaker Aaron Dawson, who took home the audience award that night for his production of We Live in the Dark (2025). Dawson produced the film with just $500 which he received back in full from the prize money.
“One of the things that is both great and frustrating about filmmaking is that you need a community to pull it off … It takes a lot of very talented artists and a lot of different forms of art … to make something good.”
The Reach Gallery Museum has been in partnership with the AFF since its inception, offering their space for the second and third night of films this year, which Sparrow expressed his appreciation for.
“They have been so giving and so helpful to our festival …The festival would not exist without The Reach, so I have nothing but love and respect for them.”
Surrounded by local art, a full room gathered in the centre of the gallery for night two. The “Horizon’s” film block featured shorts about immigration, LGBTQIA+ rights, and social justice. A stand out from the night was Mercenaire (2024), directed by Pier-Philippe Chevigny, which made the Toronto International Film Fest’s Canada’s Top Ten list. The night ended with comedy short films and another Q&A with some of the filmmakers.
When listening to filmmakers and speaking with organizers, community seemed to be a common theme. The AFF isn’t as large-scale an event as some of the major festivals out there, but it is a big event for a small community like Abbotsford. It gives people in the Fraser Valley an opportunity to be creative and celebrated for it, like the 48 hour film competition — a challenge to local filmmakers to create and execute a film of no more than five minutes and 30 seconds, all in the span
of 48 hours. The competition films were screened on the final night of this year’s festival, and a $1000 award was given to Zakiah Shana Dumansky for GRWM (Get Ready With Me) (2025). Dumansky acted and filmed the short entirely by herself, a creative feat that Dawson emphasized as a salient part of the event.
“I think having this festival and having the Chilliwack festival, it’s kind of given people an opportunity to create things … there’s a small community here, but it’s growing and growing each year.”
Sparrow hopes that having festivals in the valley can encourage filmmakers in our own community.
“If you’re an up-and-coming filmmaker or even just interested in making films, it’s kind of the best place to come and just see a little bit of everything…to get a taste of all the worlds of filmmaking and hopefully get inspired.”
If you missed the Abbotsford Film Festival, keep an eye out for the upcoming Chilliwack Independent Film Festival, which kicks off for five days of film on Oct. 22 this year.
DARIEN JOHNSEN
Photo by Darien Johnsen
Photo by Darien Johnsen
Music // Looking for new music? Allow me.
An exclusive list of my top listened albums
VERONICA POWELL
I have a very wide musical taste. I listen to everything from Adele, to Travis Scott, to Elvis Presley. I’m open to any genre, although I do enjoy a variety of pop artists specifically. There’s nothing like blasting music in the car on your way to run errands or on a long summer road trip. So, I thought I’d share some albums – while also highlighting a few of my favorite and songs – specific songs which are split between three different playlists I’ve heavily rotated recently been rotatinge through in the summer based on mood. What? Your girl’s got to have variety.
1. So Close To What (2025) by Tate
McRae
Between its release in February to now, I have exhausted this album. The badass femininity stimulated my inner goddess when I didn’t think I needed it. I’m obsessed with the stage-ready, Y2K-inspired heated beats that are so energizing I’m prone to dance impulses. She delivers a diverse structure and clear progressive vocal range. Her melodies are whispery and moody in “Like I do” then hard-hitting and electric like “Miss possessive.” Plus, it’s evocative and reminds me of a cinematic atmosphere with an unexpected orchestral intro in “Purple lace bra.”
2. Different Night Same Rodeo (2025) by Bailey Zimmerman
These 18 tracks have been stuck in my head since the release in August, from its satisfying balance of traditional, gritty country, and slow, romantic guitar ballads — I fell for it all. The twangy instrumentalization in “Comin’ In Cold,” smoky stompy beats in “Backup Plan” (ft. Luke Combs), and nostalgic storytelling like in “Chevy Silverado.” The few upbeat, pop-esque tracks came as a surprisingly nice touch.
3. Purpose (2015) by Justin Bieber
When I recommend a Bieber album to anyone, it’s this one. It’s the definition of being transitional and having resilience, which is so relatable. Its moving, introspective anthems like “Life Is Worth Living” hit my soul deep and I find Bieber’s ability to be honest through his lyricism impactful. I enjoy the electronic, danceable rhythms in between the emotional perspectives like “Where Are Ü Now?” and “What Do You Mean?”
4. hi, my name is insecure (2024) by Sam Tompkins
It’s the ultimate audiotape of an introvert, quite like myself. Each song’s very vulnerable expression is astoundingly powerful and raw like in the track “numb.” Honestly, I just love listening to the raspiness that decorates his voice — it shows passion. His delivery is meaningful, which I admire in an artist. The album is oddly strengthening with certain melodies’ ability to hit me in the heart like in “almost killed me” and “lose it all.”
5. Wild Life (2013) by Hedley
Disclaimer: I do not condone or support the actions of the artist outside of this work. I determine whether music is favourable based solely on the music itself, not the artist.
This is a super nostalgic album for me, and that’s a large part of why it’s on a constant rotation. I was introduced to this local Abbotsford band as a young kid, and I think of my childhood every time I listen. Each song gives feel-good, 2010’s “seize the day” road trip vibes where spontaneity got the best of us, especially “Heaven In Our Headlights.” Along with its immediately catchy, invigorating tempo and rhythm in “Crazy For You,” and a reflective, dream-invoking song like “Pocket Full of Dreams,” it surrounds an
uplifting message that says anything is possible. It encourages me to be motivated and confident in myself.
6. The Epilogue (Deluxe Edition) (2025) by Dean Lewis
As a symbol of new beginnings and the bittersweet ending of a chapter before, its mellow tunes are calming and heartfelt such as “Trust Me Mate.” I enjoy the soft openings of most songs and the build-ups of the choruses that are contemplative of the past and friendship, a favourite of mine being “Cold.” Lewis’ raw vocals and imagery is therapeutic, like in the opening song “Empire.”
7. I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Complete Edition) (2025) by Teddy Swims
Swims’ rough-around-the-edges, powerhouse of a voice alone was enough to get me hooked on this album. I enjoy the versatility of his R&B style; the old-soul charm makes me swing like in “Bad Dreams.” Others like “Black & White” (ft. Muni Long) are swoonworthy, and some are just plain swaggy and somewhat vengeful like “Hammer to the Heart.” I thrive on a song like “The Door” where the lyricism and beats put me in a fiery mood.
8. The Greatest Showman (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (2017) by Benj
Pasek & Justin Paul
The soundtrack from this musical hits at every listen. With the song “A Million Dreams,” it keeps me somewhat reminiscent of my memories as a small child with big dreams, and it possesses a fierce magic through empowering anthems. The entire album is explosive and moving like in “Never Enough.” Interwoven with romance songs like “Rewrite the Stars” make me believe not all hope is lost. Each song becomes more and more relatable to real life the closer I listen.
Movies // Weapons made me scared of the dark again
Cregger’s ambition proves loss can be horrifically life-changing storytelling.
VERONICA POWELL
On a Tuesday at 6:50 p.m. my friend and I walked into a Cineplex, went up the stairs, bought popcorn and a soda, then sat down in the pitch black of theatre number one to watch Zach Cregger’s Weapons (2025). We came out alive, but never the same. I’ve never experienced such hysteria while watching a horror film. For the first time, I genuinely screamed in the theatre and so did everyone else. The twisted premise, haunting, methodical manifestation of horror and mystery had me suspended by curiosity. I was shaken by despair and fear at once, then caught between laughing and crying in surprise. It was, in fact, on a Wednesday at 2:17 am that the 17 children of one Maybrook Elementary third grade class all got out of bed, walked out the front door, into the darkness, and never returned. Only shy little Alex Lilly, played by Cary Christopher, did not vanish. The parents of the missing children turn to teacher Justine Gandy (Julia Garner), as the target of blame as they become restless to find answers.
I have to say, the marketing of this movie was smart and tactical in a way that I haven’t seen many other horror movies do. By Cregger making the entire premise — or the climax of the story — the promotional material, he compelled us to discover the “how” and “why” rather than the typical “what.” It positively twisted the approach of traditional cinema, enhancing his mysterious and powerful
Cregger confronts the traumatic reality of experiencing the jolting loss of someone incredibly important while also making the movie humorous. Even though it was far from funny, it was incredibly captivating. He managed to intertwine “gallows humor” into horrific moments, and the timings of it hit the mark. It was a satisfying thrill while being prompted to a giggle or two here and there, majorly courteous of the exceptional acting and not from stars like Josh Brolin and Julia Garner. Alden Ehrenreich — a police officer in corrupt law enforcement — brought violent outbursts that turned slightly comedic. Amy Magidan’s performance can’t be overlooked. Her unexpectedly eccentric character delivered a passive, unnerving intimidation where the flavour of horror felt enhanced by her smeared red lipstick and red bowl cut bangs. Benedict Wong’s physical transformation halfway through the film certainly made me want to curl into myself, but caught me in laughter at the same time.
The camera was kept at odd, uncomfortable angles or slowly and creepily panning inwards bringing intensity and creativity to the movie’s heavy mysterydriven plot. The increasing stillness and proximity of the filming became the communication to the audience in place of dialogue. They were completely unpredictable and the immense suspension was exhilarating.. One scene that stuck out to me was a shot that followed a brain-dead woman walking puppet-like with scissors
in the air, then lingering on the protagonist as the woman disappeared from frame and I was left to interpret what she would do next. Their shot choice and little to no music or internal noises was enough to keep my butt stuck to the seat in terror.”
I couldn’t praise the movie enough for how well-written it was. It’s ironic considering the most chilling part of it was how little dialogue there was, but it wasn’t because of that. The story was a slow-build as each part seeped inwards to the truth, which is largely due to Cregger’s awareness of structural and narrative coherence. His use of perspective is distinctive. The movie is split like chapters where multiple characters’ points of view guides viewers to the unveiling in a way that didn’t lose me or make me impatient. Some might
call his style unconventional, I proudly call it nonconformist. It was constructive for understanding the story and as a result it felt full. I left feeling that each character was well-developed.
Weapons was a story that grounded me because behind the fictional tragedy was a real-world truth that is still hard to believe is real life. Not only is it about showcasing the results of loss and grief, but the film is an allegory that comments on America’s gun violence epidemic and advocacy against it. That’s scary enough without the initial horror elements, and perhaps my only critique would be that I found myself looking for more jump-scares, but really, I was okay with how many times I had to peek through my fingers.
Warner Bros Pictures
Warner Bros Pictures
Television // The summer I tuned in weekly
Team Jeramiah, Team Conrad, or Team Belly?
ANNA MCCAUSLAND
One Christmas almost seven years ago I was given Jenny Han’s second trilogy, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2014). Younger me ate those books up. That summer I was wandering the shelves of Hemingway’s (RIP) looking for a good summer read and stumbled upon The Summer I Turned Pretty (2009). I took it home and absolutely devoured it. Two days later I was back grabbing the other two. Years later I, like many hopeless romantics, have been tuning into the television show The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022), and holy fuck do I have thoughts.
Every summer I follow Belly Conklin — played by Lola Tung — to Cousins Beach. The magic of Susannah’s (Rachel Blanchard) beach house always seems to bring the romance out of each character. It even affects Susannah’s two boys Conrad, played by Christopher Briney and Jeremiah played by Gavin Casalegno.
Han being both the author of the books and the show’s lead writer makes the transition from page to screen seamless. She picks impactful scenes that hold the essence of the books but allows for change within the adaptation. The television format has really allowed Han to expand on other characters like Steven (Sean Kaufman) and Taylor (Rain Spencer) who don’t have nearly as big character arcs in the books as they do in the show. We also get to see far more from Laurel (Jackie Chung); her grief process, finding herself again, and navigating parenting adult children.
Whether you’re Team Conrad, Team Jeremiah, or Team Belly, I think we can all agree Jenny Han is insanely good at giving us messy, infuriating, sweet, and loveable characters.
A joke circulating the internet has been how much this show’s budget has gone to the music. Tracks from Taylor Swift to Billie Eilish to Radiohead really rack up the bill, but also create a signature sound for the show. Fans love digging into the meaning behind each song and scene — like how many Swift songs play during a scene between Belly and Conrad compared to how many play during scenes between her and Jeremiah. It shows the thought that showrunners have put into truly every single detail.
The best thing that’s come from the show for me has been the way it’s opened up conversations about love and romance between myself and my mom. She brought up an interesting point about this new season: since Belly has now slept with both brothers, there should be more jealousy between the two. Personally I
think there is, especially on Jeremiah’s side and it must pop into his head every time his inferiority and victim complex rears its ugly head. Jeremiah sees being in a relationship with Belly as winning some kind of competition Conrad didn’t know he was participating in.
The whole conversation has left me wondering, as a society are we starting to devalue sex in comparison to smaller intimate moments? In the books Belly is 18 — not in her third year of university — and a virgin. That’s what makes Jeremiah cheating on her even more devastating. Does this change indicate that we no longer hold sex on the same high pedestal as we used to? Or is Han just trying to appeal to an older audience?
Having episodes released weekly has brought back these in depth discussions. Binge-watching — something I personally love — and full season releases have made it hard to know what you can and can’t talk about without spoiling the show for others. I could go further into why we should bring back a weekly release schedule, but for now I’ll say that without this discourse in between episodes I don’t think the show would be nearly as entertaining as it is.
By the time of writing this we have officially reached uncharted territory with the series, everything in the books has been laid out and there’s still three episodes
Photo by: Erika Doss / Prime
Photo by: Erika Doss / Prime
left! I’m going to have to remind myself to trust the incredible writing skills of Han and that she knows what’s best for her characters — cringey TikTok dances
aside. But let me tell you, if Belly by some insanity ends up with anyone other than Conrad I will be yelling at my TV.
ARTS
Books // Confessions of humanity
Catherine Airey’s debut novel is finally in my hands
ANNA MCCAUSLAND
I’ve been hunting down a physical copy of Catherine Airey’s debut novel Confessions, for the last two weeks after listening to the audiobook on Libby — the free audiobook app provided by the Fraser Valley Regional Library.
Five different book stores in three different towns and nothing. I gave up. Until low and behold there it was, one single copy on the shelf at Coles right here in Abbotsford! Now that I have my hands on the book that’s changed the way I’ve seen storytelling, I need everyone to know about it.
Airey opens with Cora in New York City just as the attack on the twin towers happens. We spend some time with Cora wandering the empty decimated city before she gets whisked away to Donegal, Ireland and we go back in time to the 1970s. Roisin and Moira have a difficult sister relationship that next door neighbour Michael always seems to be in the middle of. As readers, we bounce between their history and Lyca’s present as the story starts to unravel. Lyca is the daughter of a proud activist fighting for the legalization of abortions in Ireland in 2018, but Lyca can’t seem to find the same passion her mother has. We explore four women, three generations of the same family, their relationship to each other, Donegal, and New York City.
This book is the epitome of generational trauma, touching on addiction, mental illness, and abortion. It also has queer representation! Airey weaves each woman’s tale together like a tapestry, at its centre is an old video game, a bundle of letters, and a few life changing secrets.
The actions of one character are felt by everyone else. There are small hints to how everyone is connected, which at times felt a little too obvious. A few things I figured out pretty quick and then had to impatiently wait for the characters to finally catch up. But there were also connections that even I didn’t see coming. Those moments of putting the pieces together had me marvelling at Airey’s ability to craft these characters’ lives.
Thanks to UFV’s Study Abroad program I’ve been lucky enough to have lived in Ireland for a few months and this novel had me missing its super tight roads, long rolling hills, and the smell of salty ocean air. What I wasn’t expecting was a yearning to go to New York with the book in hand as a guide. Airey writes both places like they are their own characters and the relationship between the two spaces are felt by the characters who move between them. Ireland’s slow progress feels heavy and ever-present compared to progressive New York City. In the end, both places play their distinct role in shaping each character’s life.
There’s something about this book that is hard to put into words for me. As I develop my reading taste — taste does feel a bit too strong, but I’m attempting to be a scholar here — I find myself drawn to books that are character-driven. The ones that dive into what it means to be human; and that’s what Airey does so perfectly.
To give you a sense of what I’m talking about, I’ll leave you with this quote from the book:
“Why does any of us hold on to things and write them down when surely in the end it is easier to let go?”
CHARTS SHUFFLE
Aaron Levy
CIVL’s Aaron Levy is back for September with welcome back week like everyone else, and his music taste is better than it used to be, check it out.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise“100 Summers”
A big new track by a hot new act that came through Van City to round out summer, cursing all the way, as the chorus of this nursery rhyme of a singsong ditty reminds you can be both fun and cathartic. I’ve done ‘welcome back’ somewhere between 15-23 times, depending.
Northern Darkhorse“Truck Drivin’ Song”
A ‘dark horse,’ as the mid-90’s Amanda Marshall ballad was named for, is an unlikely victor. An underdog, of sorts, with somewhat of an edge in a potentially overlooked way. I won’t try to describe exactly ‘why’ that feels appropriate for residents of ‘the north,’ but it does. Touché, gents.
Chappell Roan“Pink Pony Club”
Also a type of horse here, but I’m trying to avoid falling into a tangent about proportions. The real story about this song is that it was released in 2020, but eventually performed at the Oscars in 2025, becoming one of the assortment of this past summer’s club mega hits.
The Tragically Hip“Fiddler’s Green”
In honour of September, the day 17th of which is sung as the opening lyrics to this timeless relic of classic Canadiana. It’s a song about sorrow, longing, maybe belonging, and certainly being lonely. The bridge is somber and simple; ‘nothing’s changed anyway, anytime today.’ RIP Chuck, Gord, et al.
01. ALEX G
Headlights
02. KIMMORTAL
Sunniest of Days
03. ETHEL CAIN
WILLOUGHBY TUCKER, I’ll
Always Love You
04. MEN I TRUST
Equus Caballus
05. BELLS LARSEN
Blurring Time
06. EMPANADAS ILEGALES
Sancocho Trifásico
07. KOKOROKO
Tuff Times Never Last
08. SOFIA KOURTESIS
Volver EP
09. TURNSTILE Never Enough
10. ISABELLA LOVESTORY
KARMA GLIDER From the Haze of a Revved Up Youth 16. MAC DEMARCO Guitar 17. JIM LEGXACY
black british music (2025) 18. WET LEG
Moisturizer 19. RAMEN FOG
Ramen Bog EP
MECHATOK
Photo by Joshua Sulpico / The Cascade
September EVENTS CALENDAR
7:00PM - 11:00PM Friday Night Blues Jam
@Eagles Hall, 33868 Essendene Ave, Abbotsford
7:00PM
BC Tasting Festival – Fire and Ice
@Chilliwack Cultural Centre, 9201 Corbould St, Chilliwack
9:00AM - 3:00PM Fraser Valley Thrift Market
@Chilliwack Heritage Park, 44140 Luckakuck Way, Chilliwack
9:00PM - 11:45AM Voices of the Forest: discover local trees
@Fishtrap Creek Park (north parking lot)
31580 Maclure Road, Abbotsford
11:00AM - 3:00PM Fraser Valley Recovery Day
@Mill Lake Park (Bevan Ave Entrance)
2:00PM - 4:00PM Mushaira: South Asian Poetry Event
@Clearbrook Library 32320 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford
06:00PM - 9:00PM Welcome Day: Archway
@Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, 32315 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford
Some of the e vents require tickets, and most are online. If something catches your eye, take to the Internet for more details, including those about any safety measures for in-person events.
12:00PM - 4:00PM Plein Air Painting
@Kariton Art Gallery, 2385 Ware Streer, Abbotsford
2:00PM - 3:00PM Beneath Dark Waters - A Presentation with Author Eve Lazarus
@Abbotsford Community Library, 33355 Bevan Ave, Abbotsford
2:00PM - Vancouver Cello Quartet: A Taste of Italy
@Rotary Hall Studio Theatre, 9201 Corbould St, Chilliwack
10:00AM - 2:00PM Open House - 15th Anniversary
@Chilliwack Cultural Centre, 9201 Corbould St, Chilliwack
7:00PM - 8:00PM Trivia Nights at Sidekick @Sidekick Brewing, 45330 Vedder Mountain Road,Chilliwack 9:30AM - 3:00PM Cultural Discovery Day at the Sikh Heritage Museum
@Sikh Heritage Museum, 33089 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford
10:00AM - 12:00PM Sqwélqwel sxéles, sharing stories through Art @Clearbrook Library 32320 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford
7:00PM - 8:00PM Ted Kim - Sidestage Live @Sidekick Brewing, 45330 Vedder Mountain Road,Chilliwack
