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.
Editorial
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An issue for the books
This issue at The Cascade, we’re celebrating words. Specifically words on pages, printed out, bound, wrapped in a cover, and aligned neatly in a perfectly navigable system (shout out Dewey), so that every and all community members may pick them up, take them out, and enjoy them at home. We’re extending our love for libraries with our feature this week on pg. 11. Words are strange, even stranger is the use of idioms. Idioms are phrases that don’t make much sense at face value and without context. In honorarium, here are some idioms to guide you through The Cascade, issue 33.14. We’ve put our best foot forward, so dive in and chew the fat with us.
Let’s start by gaining some ground in our news section. What financial ground is UFV gaining? Apparently not much. Learn more about how UFV is in fact actually losing ground to surrounding universities on pg. 3 in the September Senate recap from our Jr. News Editor, Sky Terrones. By the way, whose ground was it in the first place?
Do you ever think about your sleeping position when you hit the hay, or why you prefer to burn the midnight oil rather than catch the worm with the other early birds? Find out more about sleeping habits on pg. 6 and pg. 9. Have you wondered if there was an elephant in the room, but when you go to check if there actually is, you forget why you went in the room in the first place? Our Staff Writer Prati Kapoor explains why on pg. 7. Learn why the queer community should be entitled to having their cake and eating it too as we dive into queerbaiting in the media and why it pushes our buttons on pg.10.
The UFV Cascades are going the whole nine yards with former Olympian and Hall of Famer Lisa Roman coaching the rowing team. Hear about her story to success and how she’s bringing it all back home on pg.15. Have a bone to pick? I don’t know much about picking bones, but the UFV NextGen Club does want your blood and plasma, check that story out on pg. 16.
While the term ‘earworm’ sounds absolutely horrific to me, the man in the booth at our campus community radio station, Aaron Levy, brings you a number of different worms to stick in your ears with this issue’s CIVL shuffle on pg. 23. (Just note we’re not responsible for any actual worms that may or may not end up in your ears one way or another.)
So bite the bullet and flip through our pages, we promise you’ll be on cloud nine by the time you turn the last page because we’re on the ball and we promise, there are no wet blankets here.
Darien Johnsen
NEWS BRIEFS
INTERNATIONAL // PROVINCIAL //
WHO report reveals global mental health emergency
On Sept. 2, the World Health Organization (WHO) released their findings on the global mental health crisis. Over a billion people in the world live with mental health conditions. However, only two per cent of the average health budget is designated to mental health — which hasn’t increased since 2017. WHO referred to this as a “global equity crisis.”
Suicide is a global leading cause of death among young people today, taking a total of 727,000 lives in 2021. Currently, international efforts will only achieve a 12 per cent decline in suicide deaths by 2030 — well below the UN’s target to reduce the deaths by a third. Mental health services are understaffed, with a ratio of only 13 mental health professionals per 100,000 people. Depression and anxiety contribute to an annual loss of approximately $1 trillion in global productivity.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of WHO, appealed for global leadership and accountability when it comes to the consequences of disregarding mental health.
“Investing in mental health means investing in people, communities and economies, an investment no country can afford to neglect. Every leader has a responsibility to act urgently and to ensure mental health care is treated not as a privilege, but as a basic right.”
PROVINCIAL //
Wet’se’wet’en human rights defenders set to face sentencing
Three Indigenous human rights defenders (HDR) who were part of a 2021 movement to block construction of the Coastal GasLink pipeline on Wet’se’wet’en territory will face sentencing in Smithers, B.C. on Oct. 15-17.
In January, HDRs Sleydo’/Molly Wickham, Shaylynn Sampson, and Corey Jocko were found guilty of contempt of court for disobeying an injunction which prohibited attempts to impede construction of the pipeline.
The Honourable Justice Michael Tammen agreed to reduce the sentence in February after an abuse of process application was brought forward by the defendants’ lawyers, arguing that the RCMP used excessive force when arresting the HDRs and treated them unfairly while in custody.
The judge will also consider the Gladue report — a pre-sentencing process for Indigenous individuals that analyzes systemic and background factors which may have contributed to the case. Amnesty International has condemned the conviction of the trio. Ketty Nivyabandi, secretary general of Amnesty International Canada’s English-speaking section, stated her disappointment.
“No one should be intimidated, harassed, or arrested, let alone convicted in a criminal court case, for exercising their constitutionally protected rights and protecting the natural environment we all share.”
Eby backs Ksi Lisims pipeline project
On Sept. 16, B.C. Premier David Eby announced his support for the Nisga’a Nation’s involvement in the $108 billion Ksi Lisims LNG liquefied natural gas floating export facility, set to be constructed near Gingolx, B.C.
The facility represents a partnership between Nisga’a Nation, Western LNG, and Rockies LNG.
The President of Nisga’a Lisims Government, Eva Clayton, said that the support from Eby is a step toward reconciliation.
Some surrounding First Nation communities are opposed to the project, including the Council of the Haida Nation (CHN) who released a statement voicing opposition and expressing environmental concerns about the project.
Other critics have voiced concern over the financial backing of the project, which has ties to President Donald Trump, Blackstone Inc., and billionaire Leon Black, who is currently under investigation for his financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Black is the former CEO and current shareholder of Apollo Global Management, an investor to Western LNG.
Eby responded that international investment was positive.
“If you want to invest in B.C. … we welcome you. Regardless of their political affiliation, those investors could invest anywhere. They’ve decided to bring their money here.”
The estimated boost from this project to the Canadian economy is $18 billion over 30 years.
UFV // September 2025 Senate recap
Enrolment updates and celebrating community
and working on solutions.
Senate serves as UFV’s academic governing body, making decisions that shape the daily experience of students and faculty. It advises the Board of Governors — responsible for the university’s business affairs — on matters of shared interest. Monthly public meetings are open to all members of the UFV community. This article will recap key agenda items of the hybrid Senate meeting held on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.
David Johnston, registrar and associate vice president, enrolment management, and Vladimir Dvoracek, associate vice president of institutional research and integrated planning, presented an update on the Fall 2025 registration and enrolment numbers regarding the SEM plan targets for 2030-31.
The update showed that domestic full-time student enrolment (FTE) has increased from 7,574 to 8,250, the highest FTEs for UFV in 15 years. For international student enrolment, Dvoracek also presented a decline of over seven per cent from 2024 to 2027.
He noted that UFV’s share of Fraser Valley high school grads transitioning directly to post-secondary has declined slightly, with SFU and BCIT having gained ground, increasing their share by 2-3 percentage points. However, Langley shows an increase for UFV.
When questioned about how transportation affected enrolment numbers, UFV President Dr. James Mandigo acknowledged how this could affect students and commented on the campus shuttle, managed by the Student Union Society (SUS).
“SUS is the primary driver of that shuttle service … I know that one of the big issues when Minister [Jessie] Sunner was here one or two weeks ago, one of the top items that [SUS] raised with [her] was around the Fraser Valley Express route 66.”
He affirmed ongoing efforts to advocate for better access and affordability in support of students.
A discussion broke out regarding immigration enrolment, in which Mandigo asserted that some numbers would have to be corrected due to the political forecast.
Liberals roll out Defence Investment Agency
NATIONAL // On Oct. 2, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government revealed its long-awaited Defence Investment Agency (DIA). This new Agency has been established in hopes of streamlining the process of how the Canadian military receives their equipment.
Currently, Canada depends largely on the United States for military equipment, and the DIA aims to diversify where Canada is purchasing products from. It also aims to strengthen Canada’s defence hardware and the volume of it.
The DIA was first promised by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during his campaign in the 2019 federal election. The Agency will be headed by Doug Guzman, the former RBC deputy chair.
The Government of Canada website outlines several focuses and desired outcomes of the DIA including clearer requirements for procurement, and accelerated procurement processes which will be done by removing red tape and duplicated approvals.
In a written statement, Carney expressed the need for a sped-up system.
“In a dangerous and divided world, Canada’s new government is ensuring the Canadian Armed Forces get the equipment they need, when they need it.”
He explained that back in 2005, the university was operating at 109 per cent of its target, with more funded students than the ministry expected. However, during the pandemic, that percentage dropped to 93 per cent. In 2024, it rose to 102 per cent, and this year it is projected to reach 105 per cent.
Although the university is meeting and exceeding its enrolment targets, the decline in international students — while offset numerically by an increase in domestic students — is not offset financially. The university receives block funding from the government, meaning its core funding does not change based on the student mix. However, tuition revenue does.
This shift from international to domestic students creates a major financial impact due to the difference in tuition fees. While domestic student tuition is approximately $5,000, international student tuition is around $23,000. The difference is roughly $18,000 in tuition revenue per international student who is replaced by a domestic one.
Dvoracek commented that although fewer new international students are coming in, many are still enrolled from previous years. This creates a delayed effect, meaning the full impact on total enrolment will take time to appear. He reassured that UFV is aware of the issue
“I think we’re going to have to adjust down in terms of our expectations and planning because … the federal government is not signalling any course of change in this policy. In fact, they are going in the other direction, even taking more rigid measures.”
Mandigo explained that Canada, the
SKY S. TERRONES
SKY S. TERRONES
DARIEN JOHNSEN
DARIEN JOHNSEN
Illustration by Eseniia Bondar
CASSIE WILLIAMS
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U.S., Australia, and the UK — once dominant in international student recruitment — have all introduced tighter immigration rules, making it harder for students to study abroad. Meanwhile,
countries like China, Germany, Malaysia, and Vietnam are stepping up, launching new visa programs and policies to attract international talent. Mandigo observed that it’s become a strategic move in global politics and economics.
In the President’s Report, Mandigo highlighted the launch of the St’elt’elawtexw Community Report, meant to celebrate the university’s deep connection with its community. Claire Hay and Martin Warkentin were awarded for Open Education work; Dr. Satwinder Bains was honoured for her advocacy
against caste oppression; students received the Forged by Youth award for the sculpture Finding Resolution; and Stephanie Ohlmann launched a children’s book titled Hello Abbotsford (2025) promoting linguistic diversity and inclusion.
Dr. Alan Cameron celebrates 50 years at UFV
From church basements to classrooms: reflecting on decades of teaching
PRATI KAPOOR
Dr. Alan Cameron is a French and Russian professor in the Modern Languages department at UFV.
On Aug. 15, Dr. Cameron commemorated 50 years of service at UFV. Over the decades, he has witnessed the university grow from church basements to a well-established institution. He shared with The Cascade his teaching journey, his passion for linguistics, and his retirement plans.
When Cameron began teaching in 1975, there was no campus. His first office was above a nightclub in Chilliwack, and he recalled conducting his first French class — of eight or nine students — in church basements around Abbotsford.
“I taught the first two semesters in Central Heights Mennonite church on McCallum Road. And that was really weird because you didn’t have blackboards, so we had to wing it.”
Cameron holds postgraduate degrees in French and Slavonic Studies, including a doctorate with a research focus in Russian literature. He was one of the first professors to teach Russian, followed by German in 1977. He helped lay the foundation for a progressive modern language program and believes everyone should learn different languages. He is currently learning his 12th language, Halq’eméylem — the language of the Stó:lō people.
“Learning a language is a means to really getting to know people … You’re opening the door to them and there isn’t a linguistic group in the world that doesn’t appreciate someone else learning their language.”
Cameron has revitalized the language curriculum using technologies like Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). He has also published several articles and research papers, led student exchanges with Quebec and study tours to France. During his sabbatical last year, he authored a French linguistics book titled Astuces langagières: la linguistique simplifiée. (Language Tips: Simplified Linguistics).
Cameron has witnessed an evolution of technology and recalled using tape recorders to assess students’ performance, before the introduction of computers.
“I’d click the button, the tape recorder would start, they’d say their answer, and as soon as everyone was finished, I’d stop it … In the early 2000s, we went to computers completely and we were just jumping for joy because the computer could do all these things that the tape recorder couldn’t do.”
When asked for his perspective on artificial intelligence, Cameron said he regards it as any other form of technology. He believes that while it may have its benefits, if students use it to cut corners, then they are not developing their brains — which is what they came to university for in the first place.
Cameron’s career has also been influenced by global politics. When Russia invaded Ukraine, he boycotted teaching Russian for two years. He later resumed after being convinced to continue by his colleagues. While he avoids delving too deeply into politics during lessons, he begins each class with “Slava Ukraini” — a Ukrainian expression meaning “Glory
to Ukraine” — to emphasize the importance of Ukraine’s resistance.
“I teach the Ukrainian expression and I try to let [students] know that this is really important because if Ukraine falls, we could be headed towards another campaign, such as the one that Hitler led to begin the Second World War.”
When Cameron first joined UFV, he didn’t think he’d still be teaching at 79 years of age, but his undying love for teaching made him stay. This love also stems from being a two-time cancer survivor and living through 14 years of remission.
“I kept thinking to myself, what am I going to do if I survive? I said, ‘if I survive, I want to continue to do what I love to do,’ which is to be in the classroom, teach my students, and engage with them about Russian literature, French language, linguistics — whatever it might
be.”
However, Cameron is not ready to retire yet. Every semester, after turning in the final grades he asks students if he still has what it takes.
“Do I still have ‘it’? If I don’t have ‘it’ anymore then I’m hanging them up … I’ll probably croak on the job, but I don’t want to freak out too many of my students. But I’m in pretty good health [and] I can maintain that.”
One piece of advice Cameron has for his students is to appreciate their lives and not be afraid to share their feelings with people they care about.
“Open your heart. And sometimes, yeah, you’re going to get rejected … [but] if you are able to connect with somebody and it’s in a meaningful way, then you’ve got something that’s really solid.”
Former SUS president receives 2025 Outstanding Student Leader award
Ashley McDougall on advocacy work, community building, and leadership
RACHEL TAIT
Ashley McDougall is a former president and vice president external of the Student Union Society (SUS). She has worked in advocacy, student leadership, and helped implement the fall reading break in 2023. McDougall shared with the The Cascade how it felt to receive this year’s honour after being nominated by Economics Associate Professor Dr. Michael Batu and former UFV President Dr. Joanne MacLean.
Every year, the Alumni Association awards one student with the annual Outstanding Student Leader award. The recipient receives $1000 and is recognized for exceptional leadership at the university in areas like community service, mentorship, and demonstrating courage and selflessness.
What program did you study at UFV?
I did a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a minor in Political Science and I also completed a certificate in Advanced French Proficiency. I’ve always had an interest in politics, particularly, B.C. and Canadian politics … my time at UFV was amazing, because class sizes [were] small, you really get to know your professors, and they help so much with opportunities. I got to do a directed study on the carbon
tax in B.C., which was a cool way to blend what I was learning in school with my interest in policy in B.C.
…Now, after grad, I’m a constituency advisor for an MLA [Member of the Legislative Assembly] in Langley, and a lot of my work is advocating for our constituents and working with ministries to resolve issues that constituents are running into with provincial services. So it’s been a cool way to bridge my passion for advocacy with my interest in politics provincially.
What was the experience like for you winning the Outstanding Student Leader award?
“It was a huge honour to receive the Outstanding Student Leader Award. It’s an award run by the Alumni Association at UFV … I was humbly nominated by one of my profs and by [Dr. Joanne MacLean]. I know they must have had the most amazing applicants. I’m sure it wasn’t an easy choice for the award team [to decide]. I know there are so many other students who are so involved in the community and doing amazing things, so it was a real honour to be selected for the award.”
What advocacy work with SUS were you nominated for?
Being involved at SUS gave me a strong
sense of purpose, because I was able to elevate the voices of my peers at the provincial and federal level, both when I was VP external and president. I participated in advocacy weeks, both in Victoria and Ottawa, where myself and other student leaders got to bring forward student priorities such as funding for mental health services on campus, and we were successful in securing a $500 million fund from the federal government for campus mental health services.
The fall reading break was probably my favourite advocacy project that I worked on at SUS. I’m very thankful to the UFV administrators who were open to hearing the student voice and working with students, particularly myself and the SUS team, to make sure that students had that support for mental health in the fall semester … I did two presentations to Senate, and after the second one, they did vote to implement a fall reading break; which is incredible. And I think it’s a huge help to students’ mental health in the fall semester.
What have you learned from your experience in leadership?
The biggest thing I have learned is to not be afraid to speak up. It might be surprising [but] I’m naturally a quieter person, especially if I’m in a room with a lot of loud people … it can be easy to be quiet
but that’s something I really had to learn … It’s important [for] a leader to know when to speak up, but also to not be afraid to [do so].
What advice would you give students interested in pursuing politics?
My biggest piece of advice is to get involved, whether it’s getting involved in politics or at SUS. Even if it’s a bit intimidating at first, just run for the position at SUS that you’re thinking about … don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.”
What would you like to do in the future?
I’m currently in the process of preparing to write the LSAT for law school … I’m excited about where that journey may lead, but I’m not set on any particular path there. During my time at SUS, I developed such a passion for both advocacy [and] the government relations side of advocacy … Working in government relations to help bridge people’s voices and stories with policymakers is something that I would love to do one day as well.
Interview edited for length and clarity.
Photo submitted by Ashley McDougall
Lifestyle // Back, side, or stomach?
The position you sleep in has benefits and drawbacks
NATALIA TOSCANO MURUA
When it comes to finishing off your day with a good night’s sleep, it’s likely that the only two things on your list are to be comfy and to let your mind rest. Everyone has their own way of tucking themselves into bed and achieving peak comfiness to sleep soundly. But, have you ever considered the impact that your preferred sleeping position can have on the quality of your sleep? Are there any perks to different kinds of positions, and can one be crowned as the best? Today (or rather, tonight) we settle this.
Given that the average human spends around 228 thousand hours asleep during their lifetime, it’s not a stretch to say that optimizing the quality of your sleep is a worthwhile investment. There are three main types of sleeping positions: on your side (including left and right), on your back, and on your stomach. Now for the fun part, let’s break down the different benefits and drawbacks to each.
Starting off, there’s the side sleeping category. Choosing this position can keep your spine aligned which can help with neck and back pain, and might even help with sleep apnea by promoting an open airway. If you struggle with heartburn during the night, then sleeping on your left side as opposed to your right side could ease the symptoms a bit because of how your esophagus is positioned relative to your stomach. Downsides to sleeping
on your side can include hip and shoulder pain, a stiff neck and back, or general aches in the pressure points that support the body in a side sleeping position. It can happen if the way your body dips into the mattress and the way your neck is supported by your pillow doesn’t favour spinal alignment. All in all, sleeping on your side is a solid way to ensure a good night’s rest if you feel comfortable in this position!
Next we have the back sleeping positions. Aside from keeping your back and neck straight, choosing this position spreads the pressure evenly throughout the body avoiding putting more stress on certain areas. You can also place pillows in places where you want more support: some people opt to place one beneath their knees, others in their lower back, or even around them to sleep in a pillow cocoon. By sleeping on your back, your face does not push against the pillow and as such it may help reduce wrinkles on your face over time! That one was surprising, even for me. However, the most common drawbacks to sleeping on your back are a higher propensity for sleep apnea and acid reflux. Everybody is different, so if sleeping on your back feels uncomfortable, that’s plenty of reason to find another pose.
Lastly, there’s sleeping on your stomach. This is the least common category of sleeping positions, as approximately only 12 per cent of adults sleep on their
stomachs. This position can offer a greater sense of comfort and protection for some, which can help in the process of falling asleep. Laying on your stomach can also help with breathing issues because of the way your lungs rest in this position — they inflate and deflate with more ease. However, this is the sleeping position with the most adversities. It has the worst spinal alignment overall, it can have various pressure points that can lead to neck, shoulder, and back strain, and can lead to more facial wrinkles. This also happens to be the sleeping position I personally prefer. Chat, am I cooked?
My final verdict: sleeping on your side is probably the best idea in general. It offers the most benefits with the least drawbacks, and most adults — more than 60 per cent — find it comfortable and reliable. What matters here is that you find what works best for your body, what makes you the most comfortable, and what supports your back the best. Even if I sleep on my stomach, I put in the work to find a firm mattress suited for it, and an ultra thin memory foam pillow to adequately support my neck. Let me tell you, it’s hands down the best purchase I’ve made in a while. Make sure you are paying attention to your body and finding the sleeping position that works best for you. Tonight, we crown side sleeping as the king of sleeping positions, but do not let that discourage you from sleeping in the pose you like the most!
Afraid of MRIs?
Illustration by Iryna Presley
If you’ve seen Final Destination: Bloodlines (2025), you might not have a great first impression of MRIs. Well, I recently had one (my fourth actually), so here’s my less tragic experience to help balance things out.
I drank a bunch of water and removed my piercings, then I arrived at the hospital. After changing into a gown, I got an IV in my arm — hey, at least it wasn’t in my hand.
The MRI machine, as usual, was loud. But the technician gave me earplugs (and even headphones this time) to minimize the jackhammer-like noises coming from the machine. With Taylor Swift playing, I peacefully drifted in and out of sleep for roughly 30 minutes. Some MRIs last longer, but all of mine have been around the same length.
I won’t lie, the machine was pretty tight, so if you’re claustrophobic I recommend talking to your doctor to figure out a plan to make you more comfortable.
Other than that, the scan went as smoothly as ever. Being nervous before a scan is normal, but no matter how bad you think it could go, at least know it won’t be as bad as the MRI in Final Destination.
BY CAITLYN CARR
Illustration by Natasha Zilcosky / The Cascade
SNAPSHOT
“So you’re the Canadian”
Illustration by Iryna Presley
I recently left to go study abroad in the U.K., and this is the first significant time I’ve travelled internationally. While I always found my nationality important, I have never been so keenly aware of it. When you’re in another country, speaking with another accent, one of the first questions is where that accent is from, and that becomes a key identifier. I have become one of “The Canadians.”
There is a realization that, for many people I meet, I might be their first point of contact for my country, inadvertently making me a representative. I have become more aware of how Canada is perceived, and more thoughtful in how I discuss it.
In recent years, I’ve had a complicated relationship with what being Canadian means, but leaving taught me that whether I like it or not, Canada is my responsibility. So I better go to that political science class and get to work to make it something I can be proud of.
BY KARA DUNBAR
Column // THE ENVIRONMENTALIST: Canada’s green promises and grey realities
A new prime minister, bold climate pledges, and Bill C-5
FABIOLA CRUZ ALDERETE
Welcome to The Environmentalist, your column for understanding the natural world. This article will try to address the new Canadian prime minister’s environmental policies and its contradictions.
A country’s ecological footprint is measured in global hectares, which is a unit of a land’s average global productivity that quantifies its demand for natural resources and waste absorption. Out of 130 countries, Canada’s ecological footprint is ranked as the seventh largest per capita, with it being at 8.28 global hectares per person. It has been evident for years that Canadians consume resources faster than the country can regenerate them, given this was measured 10 years ago. So what is being done to reduce the ecological footprint?
This is where the new administration comes in. Mark Carney was instated as Canada’s prime minister on Mar. 14, 2025. During his campaign with the liberal party, he ran with a compromise to protect the Canadian environment, including creating new national parks, promoting both institutional and economical Indigenous stewardship, and a very long etcetera. Unfortunately, one of the administrations’ major policies is the One Canadian Economy act, also known as the Bill C-5. It aims to “accelerate national interest projects and break down interprovincial trade barriers.” But is this true?
On paper, the Bill should speed up the approval process for projects deemed to be of national interest, making investment in Canada more attractive, and driving competitiveness in various business sectors, including the clean
Curiosities
energy industry. On the contrary, many critics point out to the ambiguity of the bill and how it might be giving politicians extraordinary powers that firms can lobby in the “national interest,” providing many more opportunities for favouritism and even corruption. Furthermore, it gives the cabinet power to override laws like the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act.
Decision making will shift from agencies, panels, and public hearings toward the cabinet, raising concerns about executive power overreach and weakening parliamentary independence. Projects can be approved with not so much public participation and limited environmental assessments. Lastly, some critics say that the bill could favour large infrastructure and resource extraction, since those are the large enough projects to be deemed as a “national interest.” This might lead to Canada being locked into an unsustainable path rather than actually promoting greener alternatives. Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions goals are to reduce emissions by 45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2035, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. We are all currently facing plenty of decisions and actions that will surely trickle down to our not-so-far future. This leads me to wonder, will Canada’s “national interest” finally mean climate leadership and Indigenous rights? Or another round of big promises with weak delivery? Remember the power that we have as voters and communities, even speaking up on a local level is plenty, so as the Lorax once said, “unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.” So, let’s care.
// Wait… what was I saying again?
The reason behind all those funny memory lapses
PRATI KAPOOR
Have you ever lost your train of thought and scratched your head trying to remember what you were about to say or do?
Embarrassing, right? But you aren’t alone — it’s actually more common than you think. For the longest time, I blamed it on poor memory. But as it turns out, there are scientific justifications behind it. It happens to me time and again where I’ll go to the kitchen for a glass of water only to forget about it as soon as I pass the doorway. Scientifically, it’s known as the doorway effect. Here’s what happens: getting a glass of water isn’t a stand-alone task, in my head it’s linked to finishing my lunch followed by getting ready for work
and doing assignments. Amidst navigating the hierarchy of tasks, a change of surroundings can be distracting and the thought of getting water slips away.
Brains process memories in complex ways. They encode new information, store, and retrieve it when needed. But sometimes, there is a lot of information to process or often information is thrown at us so hastily that it forces the mind to filter out. It keeps the important ones and lets go of others, making us feel like we “forgot” stuff.
Not long ago, I blanked out mid-conversation with a friend. It wasn’t the first time. It felt like I knew what I wanted to discuss and what it was linked to, but it remained elusive until two days after.
This has a name, it’s called lethologica — informally, the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon — and it is universal. The phenomenon is a result of factors including being worn out, inaccurate encoding of memories, or memory interference. While occasional memory lapses are normal, frequent ones may signal cognitive issues. It can be frustrating, hence, the best way to resolve it is to not think about it and give yourself some time. Sometimes it’s not a memory or word lapse, but rather the general tendency to forget. It can be due to side effects of some medications, anxiety, poor diet, and lack of sleep. Personally, I am an
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over-anxious person to an extent that all my energy goes into feeling okay, leaving me with nothing to process the memory. Taking less stress, having a healthy diet and good sleep can prevent damage to neurons, hence making it easier to create
memories.
There are ways to train your mind, one of which is the mnemonic device FOUR, which helps to store memory more effectively. Focus on what you want to remember, Organize the information in your head, Understand the information and Relate it to something you already
World //
Out with the old
know. This helps with accurate encoding and storage of information.
There is also no shame in using memory-aid tools, these are created to help us. I have all my deadlines on my calendar and it gives me peace of mind striking them off at the end of the day. Use planners, reminders, calendars, and anything else that helps you improve the quality of your life.
Forgetting can be annoying when you cannot recall what you forgot, but in most of the cases it’s forgotten momentarily and isn’t always a bad thing. I think of it as a blessing in disguise. Looking at the upside, it allows you to take a minute and re-focus. Instead of thinking of a hundred things, you can redirect your full attention on one thing at a time.
As we grow older and we gain more life experiences, recurring forgetfulness becomes more pronounced. It’s similar to having highlights on your Instagram — once you reach the maximum, the oldest story gets edged out. In a world where many people are deprived of privileges that we take for granted, consider the privilege it is to have so many experiences that you have to make room for more. So next time, don’t be hard on yourself when you forget things, your brain is trying its best to hold a lifetime of memories.
Takeaways on Gen Z governance from the Nepali revolution
ZACKERY FITZPATRICK
The dust is settling after what was a political whirlwind in Nepal, yet many are missing the context for the bigger-picture lessons to be learned about leadership, and passing the torch of governance on to the younger generation. Starting on Sept. 8th, a rapid 27 hours of protest transpired, during which activists rose up and shone light upon political privilege and nepotism. Afterward they would begin to reclaim their access to information and communication via social media and install a democratically elected interim leader. These are the bare facts, yes, but the means in which they were achieved — the methods used and the values they emphasized throughout — are not exclusive to the Nepali people, but rather may resound throughout an entire generation. We are inching closer to the transfer of power into the hands of millennials and older Gen Z citizens, but what does governance look like from them? Values as theoretically simple as transparency, accountability, communication, and equity have become murky in the eyes of many older representatives currently in office, and the youth aren’t having it. In Nepal, we see a stunning example of
Gen Z’s intolerance of hierarchical and privileged governance, as they continue trying to shine a light upon the value of merit, involvement, and candor from those in power. If there are any lessons to be learned from this, they should serve as portents of the future that demonstrate what the generational shift away from tradition and conservatism, toward action, bodes for us all.
Social media will continue to play an increasingly important role not only in how people are made aware of problems through news outlets and communication platforms, but also how those problems are addressed and handled. The Nepali revolution started after a selective social media ban, and its altogether decentralized movement likely would not have been able to organize without use of Bitchat and Discord. Internationally, we observe from this that with readily available information at the fingertips of this generation’s digital natives, control and censorship are likely to become less and less of an option for officials. This cements the sentiment of accountability and ownership as not just an expectation but a requirement from politicians. Trust and honesty from those representing and speaking for you shouldn’t be something
to hope for, but a bare minimum that is immediately called out if not met. Lack of legal repercussions and institutional reform were not tolerated when the government attempted to pacify the Nepali people, nor should they be acceptable as we transition into the digital commons for more and more of our commiseration and congregation. Politics are not just about elections, due process, in-person protests, or rallies — the status quo is of little merit if those upholding it are not accessible, able to answer the questions and criticism of the people, and are not candid with their constituents. The public forum has always been integral to democratic governance, but for Gen Z and their conception of the future, the public forum extends to digital gathering spaces just as much as physical ones. Social media offers the opportunity for injustice and incompetence to be called out, for things to not be buried or left in the dark, and makes it easier to hold leaders accountable to their words and actions. There is more to this movement than just a shift of values and the ousting of older leaders. In Nepal, there is a history of political privilege and nepotism, but CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
SNAPSHOT
My lawn is a graveyard thanks to the raccoons
Illustration by Iryna Presley
One recent afternoon, I was thinking about how best to create my desired graveyard display in my yard for Halloween. The next morning, I woke up convinced that some Hallows Eve God looked down upon the bare, spotty, yellowing grass of my lawn and said “I got you covered.” My yard looked like it had been torn up by a bunch of zombies that had risen from the ground. My dad, on one hand, was furious. He tries to keep the grass looking green and appealing. As for me? I must say it was a pleasing sight.
It wasn’t a Halloween spirit that was responsible — although I’m not ruling it out completely — rather some fiercely clawed raccoons. Usually, my attitude remains extremely irritated toward those pesky thieves. Similar to the rats that might haunt the streets in October, raccoons come in the night and feast upon whatever they can scavenge. But in my case, their scavenging created a masterpiece and my yard will thrive because of it. For once, I am grateful to the raccoons and their pesky habits because it means I’ll have the most bone-chilling display!
BY VERONICA POWELL
Photo by Joshua Sulpico / The Cascade
It happens to all of us SNAPSHOT
This is for all who currently tread a path plagued by hurt, confusion, and torment.
There are times when a butterfly’s flutter leads to a devastating hurricane, where misalignment and misfortune triumph, and where the universe’s modus operandi abruptly turns against you. All it takes is a heartbeat, an instant, from which there is no turning back.
How could this even happen? And why?
Disaster. Sickness. Injustice. Betrayal. Death.
Sometimes, that’s life.
All it takes is an instant, a heartbeat, and you can’t run back.
For each step given, your gut wrenches as in freefall. You’re forced to brave the spiralling descent — only havoc awaits, it seems. Whatever glimpses you get of tomorrow, you are left with more of the same: a blur of the mind, a stab to the heart, another crushing atmosphere of pressure stealing your breath away… And amidst it all, you implode.
Know you are not alone.
Resilience, release, hope; hold these three close. One foot in front of the other, brave the fall, you shall find the ground in time.
If this feels like it was written for you, it was. Whatever devastation you face, kind reader, I sincerely wish you resilience, hope, and release.
BY NATALIA TOSCANO MURUA
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
this exclusionary form of succession and rampant inaccessibility demanded system reform, not just transfer of power. Even in North America it is often harder to have your voice heard or to make a difference for your community if not already coming from an advantageous position of wealth and/or a non-marginalized identity. So, the Nepali revolution focused on merit and less on title, age, or background. This showed through in their Discord poll election of interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, a 73-year-old former member of their Supreme Court, historically outspoken against corruption. The situation is still unfolding, and the movement may not be perfect, but as they find their footing and set an example of what Gen Z stands for, it is important to remember that Nepal is not a monolith, regardless of lessons to be learned. There isn’t a sole sentiment or
way of living that embodies “the youth” but on a large scale, the migration from outdated perspectives and rules means room for new generations to set the standard. New expectations, new rules, and a new world.
By breaking down barriers to opportunity and authority, and rendering politics
Lifestyle // Battle of the chronotypes
more participatory, it stands to reason that more accurate representation and fair leadership will become easier to ensure. Elitism begins to slowly fade, and in the hands of a new generation, perhaps the world will see that for the positive it surely is.
Knowing your sleep patterns will tell you what animal you are
VERONICA POWELL
I’m nocturnal. It’s always been routine for me to stay up late into the night, and then recover by sleeping in until lunchtime. Being well into university now, I’m a night owl on a whole other level — which means rarely getting any sleep at all! Knowing this, I was curious to learn more about my sleep persona, and — determined to find out — I stayed up for many nights to investigate what being a night owl means.
Chronotypes are defined as the genetic behavioural framework based on your inner clock and circadian rhythms, and they are what determine your sleep lifestyle. Sleep medicine physician Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown says your sleep chronotype is basically “your sleep personality,” and it can be determined not just by characteristics, but by age, gender, and genetics too. We might call ourselves early birds or night owls, but really there are more than two chronotypes categorized by animal names: lions, wolves, dolphins, and bears.
40 per cent of the world are early birds, also known as lions, who wake up with carpe diem energy. They are doers, go-getters, ready to take on whatever kind of day is ahead of them. That’s not to say they’ll wake enthusiastically to exit sleep mode and leave the comfort of their beds –– I have yet to meet that kind of person, but I’m sure they exist somewhere. Some welcome the day at sunrise while others wake even before it, but might be more prone to feeling burnt out by the time the afternoon comes around. On the other hand, night owls, or wolves, make up at
least 30 per cent of the population. These include those who go to bed late and get up late, needing multiple alarms to force themselves out of bed.
My research proved how much the two chronotypes battle head to head. An article by Sabrina Kroes from Peninsula Doctor claims that night owls are more mentally strong, as well as intelligent, rich, and successful with higher IQ’s compared to early risers. They are more creative and alert individuals and it puts them ahead of
the game. When others are getting their beauty sleep, night owls are grinding away, and sleeping or staying in bed late is when their best ideas come. Famous people who are known night owls include Barack Obama, and Winston Churchill to name a few. However, they have to work harder to fight the natural sleep cycle and can pick up unhealthy habits in order to manage it. For example, eating the wrong
CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
Illustration by Iryna Presley
Illustration by Hannah Bricknell / The Cascade
Pravash_raj, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
OPINION
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 depression. Plus, they’re more physically active, but have lower cognitive ability. They may experience some daytime fatigue and higher stress levels by the end of the day if they wake up early.
foods at the wrong times and overeating can lead to developing a risk of chronic issues like diabetes and obesity.
On the other hand, early birds like Jeff Bezos and Matthew McConaughey score in the emotional and physical well-being category. Studies have shown that they experience more happiness and are less susceptible to mental health issues like
As for the remaining two animal chronotypes, if you’re not an insomniac or are a light sleeper, you’re not a dolphin. Those who don’t consider themselves a lion or a wolf are likely to classify as a bear, which is something in between the
LGBTQIA+ // Let gay friends kiss!
Why can’t they just be gay?
SKY S. TERRONES
I just finished watching my current show obsession, Wednesday (2022-), and it’s gay as fuck. You would think your trusted rainbow dealer would be ecstatic, and don’t get me wrong, I am — very much so. As a certified shipper (not really), I live for those longing gazes and confessions that sound suspiciously like “I will save her or die trying,” which inevitably result in top-notch, chef’s kiss, fanfics. Alas, I’m not feeling very gay right now. The show delivered the romantic hints, so, why am I fretting?! The answer comes as a seemingly harmless question that actually reveals a darker truth, whether people know it or not. The question is: “Why can’t they just be friends?” Innocent, yet vicious because this is used as an argument against making a gay couple officially canon — an argument that, in my experience, rarely shows up until queerness enters the chat. Welcome to my 101 deconstruction of queerbaiting and heteronormative hypocrisy. Let me believe in queer love, dammit!
Reading people’s comments on the Wednesday subreddit, it’s hard not to notice the double standard. It’s impossible to ignore the chemistry between Wednesday and Enid. Their dynamic hits familiar romantic beats and tropes — the grumpy one and the sunshine, opposites who slowly grow closer, moments of emotional vulnerability that they don’t share with anyone else, and even flashes of jealousy in the latest season. One of them sacrifices their humanity to save the other! Yet, their bond is framed as strictly platonic. Meanwhile, Wednesday shares far less intimacy with her male love interests, but those relationships are, of course, still given the romantic spotlight. If Enid were a boy, the idea of them being a canon couple wouldn’t be debated — it would be assumed. The fact that their ship, Wenclair, is treated as a delusional fan theory and/or the forcing of an alleged agenda rather than a legitimate narrative possibility, reflects a clear heteronormative pattern: a pattern in which same-gender intimacy is often denied the
aforementioned chronotypes. They can manage an early morning well and can also stay up late into the evenings. They are typically the most productive in the mornings and are fairly sociable and well-tempered. Fun fact: famous bear chronotypes include Oprah Winfrey and Stephen King.
You may be wondering… can you change your chronotype? The answer is yes, but not easily. That’s if it’s
purposeful, but for some it might change naturally over a lifetime, commonly from adolescence to adulthood. Really, it’s highly dependent on your lifestyle. At the end of the day, it’s important to acknowledge our sleep patterns so we can better understand how we operate. We can align our daily activities, practices, and routines with our bodily rhythms so we can work, grow, and adapt in the way that best suits those sleep patterns.
romantic framing it deserves — unlike opposite-gender intimacy that’s presumed romantic by default.
I absolutely understand not making everything about romance or sex — I, too, often get annoyed by media content favouring long sex scenes in lieu of much-needed character development. But there’s a noticeable inconsistency in how audiences interpret intimacy: straight pairings are often granted romantic legitimacy with minimal build-up, while queer dynamics are scrutinized or dismissed under the guise of “just friendship.”
When Harry Met Sally (1989) is often praised as the gold standard of romantic comedy. It operates on the premise that
“men and women can’t just be friends” — that emotional closeness between opposite-gender characters inevitably leads to romance. By that logic, this movie represents the exact kind of romantic framing people claim to hate when defending platonic representation. Yet the film’s legacy is rarely questioned. No one asks why Harry and Sally couldn’t have just stayed friends — because the heteronormative assumption is that their intimacy must lead to romance. People don’t complain about them, but when queer-coded relationships arise, the “friendship matters” argument is suddenly brought up — not to elevate friendship, but to deflect queer intimacy.
I’m not at all denying the value of friendship. This is about recognizing that friendship is already richly represented in media, while queer relationships are still fighting for narrative space. And opposite-gender pairings in media tend to evolve into romance far more often than not — so why is romantic potential only controversial when it’s queer? Why are all you homophobic keyboard warriors not fighting against the oppressive heteronormative system instead of shitting on my gay ship? Where is that question about unnecessary romance when one really needs it?
I’m tired of the gaslighting, denial, and dismissal that have been present throughout media history. There’s a reason queerbaiting exists. It’s not us being delusional about the characters we want to end up together; it’s the creators purposely hinting at LGBTQIA+ relationships and identities to attract queer audiences with no intention whatsoever to confirm or explicitly represent them in the future. Even if friendship is what’s currently on the table, does that mean it won’t transform into something else? I don’t think I’ve ever been in a relationship without being friends first. That’s a requirement for me. And it’s okay if it isn’t for you, but why does being friends nullify the possibility of a different type of connection? Are people not friends with their partners?
It’s ironic. We used to yearn for crumbs, with stolen glances and subtle touches. We used to hope for the slightest hint that there was a spark, because society wouldn’t allow for validation. But we’re so far past that point — at least we should be. Don’t give me crumbs, stop playing with my feelings. Enough hiding behind the premise of advocating for friendship when you only apply that to the possibility of same-sex characters becoming canon. So yeah, my show is gay as fuck. But I want more than breadcrumbs — I want the whole damn cake, and I don’t want Chad to shame me as I eat it. Check your bias, long live queer representation, and thanks for coming to my TED talk.
Illustration by Natasha Zilcosky / The Cascade
LOVE YOUR LOCAL LI B RARY
Why free resources are good for society
ELYSSA ENGLISH
In February of last year, I was laid off due to a company restructure. After months of looking for work, sending out hundreds of applications, and receiving only rejections in return, I was in a bit of a professional slump, feeling out of place and more than a little lost.
Drowning in free-time with no income to speak of, I found myself spending a lot of time in my local library. Quiet, contemplative, and comforting, it was a place to simply exist. And it was entirely free.
I was reminded of my childhood during this time. Growing up, I spent a lot of time in both the public library and my school library. I felt awkward, lost, and out of place then too, favouring quiet solitary playtime over the loud and rambunctious games of my peers.
But what is a library, really? The obvious answer is that a library is a place full of books that you can borrow free of charge, so long as you return them. However, as a child, libraries were more than that. They were a place to learn, full of all the wonders of the world — knowledge at my fingertips. They were a safe place where I could be myself without any presumptions or judgements. 20 years later, there I was again with a book in my hand, wondering (and worrying) about what I was going to do.
Given all the time I had spent in libraries fostering my love of knowledge, books, and reading, you’d think it would be obvious that I would want to work in one. While that wasn’t clear to me at the time, it certainly is now.
Which brings me to today; just over a year into UFV’s Library and Information Technology (LIBT) program, and I’m more obsessed with libraries than ever before. Through this program I’ve learned a lot about the inner workings of libraries and have come to the realization that much of what I thought I knew was really just the beginning.
Compared to the long history of the written word and the first printed books, free, publicly accessible libraries are pretty new. While libraries have been a part of human societies for centuries, up until the mid 1800s, they were generally connected to specific institutes, rather than being available for the general public.
The first free public library in Canada opened in 1883, funded by local taxation, following the passing of the Free Libraries Act of 1882 by the Ontario Legislature. Prior to this, most libraries were funded by member subscriptions, excluding people without the means to afford one. Over time, perspectives had begun to shift, leaning more into the belief that an educated population was of benefit to the economy and society as a whole. Demand was growing for libraries and their services. People wanted to read.
This function of libraries as places to access information has remained mostly unchanged. Public libraries are still supported by taxes. They still house books, freely share them with the public, and they seek to support the needs of their community. It is through that goal that, over the past hundred or so years, libraries have evolved into the beloved institutions that we now have. While our first impression of a library may involve its focus on books and reading literacy — which is a big part of what they do — it isn’t the whole story.
To explore the modern library and the role it plays within a community, I sat down with local librarian, Alexis McKenzie, at the Clearbrook Library — one of many locations part of the wider Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL). FVRL is British Columbia’s largest system of public libraries, operating 25 different branches, and providing for
Illustrations by Rebeca Marquez Lopez / The Cascade
Caitlyn Carr
approximately 820,000 people from Maple Ridge to Yale. The libraries range in size and scope depending on the communities they serve. Therefore, as McKenzie explained, the work of their staff varies quite a lot too.
“At FVRL it’s really interesting because we wear so many hats … There’s a lot of cross training and you can really lean into your particular interests … [but] every library situation is different.”
Despite their relaxed atmospheres, libraries can be incredibly busy places. Staffed by library technicians, pages, volunteers, students, and of course, librarians, there are a number of roles and responsibilities to cover, ensuring libraries serve their community as best they can. In a larger library, like the one in Clearbrook, this can take a lot of coordination. As a librarian, this is a part of McKenzie’s job. There’s more to it than just checking out books. A lot of the work she and other librarians do is similar to the general management and administration of other organizations, like managing workflow, emailing, and scheduling.
While many staff members do follow the quiet and bookish archetype we commonly associate them with, that’s not always the case. As communities grow and change, libraries adapt along with them, providing new services in unique ways. Diverse skillsets and experiences are integral to the operations of modern libraries. For those considering a career in library services, McKenzie highlighted that your background, even if seemingly unrelated, can be an asset.
“I’ve got co-workers who are more artistically inclined than me; they make posters to create scavenger hunts and display some really visually interesting stuff … You can really lean into the strengths that you have.”
Libraries support safe and healthy communities, giving everyone the opportunity to learn and relax without judgment. Offering access to clean bathrooms, drinking water, comfortable seating, and shelter, they can be meeting places and study spaces. All of this, they share with the community for free. You don’t even need a library card.
To McKenzie, in the broadest terms, a library is an informative and entertaining safe space for anyone to simply exist comfortably, without having to spend any money. In a world where places like these are dwindling, and the cost of living is always on the rise, libraries hold a special place.
“A common mission of libraries is [to be] a place where people can go and feel comfortable. Feel welcome … and to be a part of that is really rewarding.”
In our modern era, full of ever-evolving technology that progresses at nigh incomprehensible speeds, it can be very easy to become left behind. The rise and dissemination of generative AI, for example, has been swift, with most tech companies and softwares now incorporating the technology into their products and platforms. In only a few years, we have gone from a relatively AI free existence to being surrounded by it, whether we want to be or not. Not only can this be stressful and intimidating, or a barrier for those less technologically inclined, it can also pose a number of risks. It is now easier than ever for those with malicious intent to harness the power of these technologies to lie, scam, and grift their way through vulnerable corners of society.
As McKenzie explained, in an effort to educate the public about these emerging technologies, and how they can be effectively and safely used (or avoided), many libraries are working on improving media and technical literacy. This can include teaching patrons how to identify scams or how to navigate ChatGPT and understanding its potential to share inaccurate information.
“[We’re] helping [to] educate people on how to tell the difference between what is real and what is not … and that feels important.”
“In a world where places like these are dwindling, and the cost of living is always on the rise, libraries hold a special place.”
Librarians try to be on the forefront of emerging technologies partly to discover how they can be implemented to better serve libraries; but also so they can better aid patrons looking to use this technology in the library, or who are looking for information about them.
“The internet was a big game changer, and then e-books were, and now its AI [that’s] increasingly changing the world we live in, and libraries continue to adapt … Right now I’m doing a lot of workshops and webinars about AI so that if I get a question at the desk, I’ll be able to speak to it.”
Decades ago, when widespread use of the internet became popularized and more and more resources moved online, libraries had to evolve. In many ways, it was a very substantial change. Databases and organizational systems shifted from paper-based methods and card-catalogues to digital software. Libraries began subscribing to online journals, adding e-books and audiobooks to their collections and even streaming services. In recent years, many have even taken to the use of apps like Libby, allowing easy access to borrowed digital media through the convenience of smartphones, tablets, and computers.
For those of us who grew up alongside computers and the internet, utilizing these technologies is almost second nature — but not everyone is so confident in their uses, nor how to navigate them safely or effectively. Be it generational differences or the barriers of diverse economic or geographical situations, access to modern technology isn’t a universal experience. According to McKenzie, this is another area in which libraries seek to help the public.
“The internet makes a lot of things more efficient, but also presents challenges because we have to educate on how to check your sources … because there’s a lot of information on the internet that might not be true … I like to think of us as the helpers in the community to help people sort that out.”
Even so, with all this in mind, McKenzie says that libraries, despite the modernizations, remain very much the same kind of places they’ve always been.
“We are still a community hub. We are still a place where you can find entertainment, information, and community.”
As this hub, the goals of public libraries are to serve their communities. Of course, literacy of all kinds continues to be a major focus amongst libraries and their staff, but there is so much more they can offer.
One of the newest aspects of FVRL that McKenzie introduced me to was a collection known as The Playground. Have you ever wanted to find out if you actually liked playing the ukulele, but don’t want to commit to buying one, or always wanted to try birdwatching but don’t know where to start? This is where The Playground comes in. There are a lot of items that are very useful, but we don’t actually need all that often, so buying them for ourselves
“We are still a community hub. We are still a place where you can find entertainment, information, and community.”
doesn’t make sense. In order to better serve the community, FVRL has formed a collection of useful and interesting items that you can borrow for two to three weeks free of charge, so long as you have a library card. From sunshine lamps to solar panels, all these items are in the collection with the hopes that they can help patrons learn, explore, create, and have fun.
Everything done within a public library is done with the community in mind. What that means and looks like will be different depending on where you are. Even throughout the areas that FVRL serves, the way individual branches operate will vary based on the communities they connect with. Abbotsford’s Clearbrook Library is home to people from all over the world, and for a library, being accommodating to the community is key. A notable feature of this library is their collection of books in a number of different languages. They also host free events throughout the year spotlighting various cultures throughout the community. Recently there was Mushaira: South Asian Poetry event, then a recurring Women’s Bhangra Aerobics event, and an upcoming Indigenous Hoop Dancing Workshop. Clearbrook Library is a welcoming space. However, public libraries around the globe aren’t always operated the same way.
“Something that’s very striking is how often people will come in here and ask if they’re allowed to be here [or if] they need a membership just to be in the building. Depending on where you’re from, that can be a foreign concept. It’s quite lovely to be able to tell someone this is free. You can be here. You don’t even need a library card — but hey, if you want one, we will give you one.”
Public libraries reduce barriers. They forge ahead with the mission of making their space and their resources as open and accessible as possible to as many people as they can — this includes people who are dealing with unstable housing situations and may not have a permanent or fixed address. In most cases, when signing up for a new library card, patrons will be asked for a piece of identification; however, requiring this to obtain a card would mean excluding individuals that don’t have ID. And libraries are not about exclusion.
As I learned from McKenzie, there are protocols in place that enable people without ID to still receive a library card. There are some limitations to their cards, mainly a reduced number of items they are able to take out at one time, but otherwise, they function much the same as any other library card.
“We try to reduce barriers everywhere we can … [One time I was] working with this woman and creating her a library card, [and] when I handed it to her, she looked up at me and she said, ‘this makes me feel like a person, and I haven’t felt like a person in a really long time…’
“I provided this woman, through the library … her only piece of ID. It’s very hard in the world we live in to get any ID when you don’t have any ID ... There’s a lot of barriers … and so being able to help her was extremely rewarding and a really nice moment.”
There are many methods libraries employ to ensure their spaces and resources can be accessed by a wide range of people. When their goals are to provide information to the public for free, it makes sense that they’d strive to make that as easy as possible. Of course, any financial barrier to entry has already been taken care of, but there’s even more that goes into making libraries a space for everyone.
For those unable to visit the library in person, there is a service in place to ensure these patrons can still receive the books they want. Books can be sent by mail or delivered by a variety of other methods. As McKenzie was keen to highlight, whatever it takes to get your items to you, they’ll make it happen.
“There’s a variety of options and we’ll work out how to do it … [If] you can’t make it into the library, we will figure out a way to get the books to you … We bring the library to people when we can.”
Should physical books not be your preferred option, the library also offers a wide selection of other media, including CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, and even access to some streaming services. Regarding audiobooks, they house two different formats. There is the more common modern version, which allows you to connect to the internet and listen to the books. This is all well and good if you have a smart device and an internet connection, but not everyone does. So, the FVRL has an alternative in place for that as well. Playaway MP3 players — or simply Playaways — are a more analogue form of audiobooks, consisting of an audio recording on a device, similar to a cassette tape, and the specific player that it is compatible with. Then, all you need is your own pair of headphones, and you are good to go.
Ultimately, public libraries exist as spaces for everyone to enjoy and feel welcomed. As a part
of that, many have moved away from the quintessential library rule of the past — silence. At the Clearbrook Library, no longer are you expected to remain absolutely quiet, speaking no louder than a whisper. While it does remain a relatively peaceful place to peruse the stacks and enjoy reading, silence isn’t the end-all be-all of library regulations. They have other priorities, which McKenzie explained.
“We only have three rules. You have to be sober, you have to be awake, and you have to not be disturbing others.”
This allows the library to be a space that is welcoming to more people, for whom silence isn’t always an option. McKenzie explained that this change was made because libraries are a family friendly place, meaning that young children and even infants are pretty common visitors. Children shouldn’t feel ashamed for making noise now and then.
“We understand that children make noise … Overall the library is not considered a silent space. You can speak at a regular volume … You can even have a crying baby in the library. That’s allowed ... You should feel welcome to come in here.”
Truly, that is what it is all about, feeling welcome. In a high demand world, where it’s costing more and more to simply exist, the library is a space that is free for people to do just that — exist. It is a place, as McKenzie said, to find information and entertainment as well as being a community centre.
The public library is open for you, and is willing to go the extra mile in order to make the experience exactly what you need it to be. Are you looking for a place to unwind after stressful classes? Go to the library. Has it been a while since you watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003) but you can’t find it on your streaming service? Go to the library. Do you want to start a new hobby but don’t know how? That’s right, go to the library. Running a library is a labour of love, and it’s all done just for you.
Soccer //
“Teams have become very scared of playing us”
UFV
men’s
soccer has become a family business
ETHAN PAULSON
Beckham Hatch is a fourth-year midfielder from White Rock, B.C. who has been playing soccer since he could walk. After stops at Capilano University, Langara College, and even a stint in the U.K. with Lancing FC and Montpelier Villa FC, Hatch found a home in the Fraser Valley for the 2025/26 season. Coming off of a 2024 PACWEST Championship with Langara, Hatch brought his winning pedigree to UFV while relishing the opportunity to finally play alongside his younger brother, Sloan.
Soccer //
What was it like moving to the U.K. to play soccer after high school?
I was supposed to move over a lot sooner, but unfortunately, due to COVID I wasn’t able to make that happen. I graduated high school a semester early, and then just kind of stuck around here for a bit training and staying fit. Once I was able to, I moved over there for about six months, and I played semi-professional. I played for a couple different teams, I played for Lancing FC, and the other one was called Montpelier Villa FC. The experience itself was amazing to be able to play in front of fans and just in the culture over there.
Who was the coach that inspired you the most while you were growing up?
One would be Aleks Gundelj. He’s a coach out in Chilliwack now. Without that guy, I probably wouldn’t even be playing today. He’s just one of those people that picks you up, and gave me the confidence in myself that I needed as a player.
Was it difficult to transfer away from Langara?
I was part of a foundation of a strong Langara team … and I sit here as one of
O Captain! My Captain!
their biggest supporters. A lot of people looked at me and went, “why would you leave that?” I just came off a provincial winning year, and you know, why would I walk away from that?
It’s to see how far can I go, and having my brother in the program here at UFV was another motivating factor … It was tough. It was difficult, but it’s paid off. It’s been a fantastic bet to take with the team that we’ve got now and the successes that we’re having week in and week out … I’m glad I did take that risk.
How has it been playing alongside your younger brother so far?
He’s four years younger than me, so we never played on the same team before this … I don’t have a whole lot of years left in my eligibility so why not spend those playing with my brother? It’s been an awesome experience.
Growing up I’ve been able to be a role model to him, or someone he can look up to playing, and now to be able to finish that off as a full circle moment and play with him — as opposed to just having him on the sidelines at my games and me being on the sidelines at his — now we get to be there together.
Lyon leads the Cascades through both the good and tough times
ETHAN PAULSON
Camryn Lyon is a fourth-year defender from Langley B.C. who captains the UFV Cascades women’s soccer (WSOC) program. Although joining a team that has struggled to have success is tough to wrap one’s head around, Lyon knew that her team wasn’t going to get their victories by playing a style of game they weren’t proud of. With a 2-4-0 record to start the season, the Cascades had to right the ship quickly to avoid a sunken season. Lyon explained to The Cascade that while leading a team, the desire to win has to rise up every day throughout the losses. In her early years with the Cascades, Lyon looked up to the squad’s former captain, Alanna Sydenham as a role model. With only three fourth-year players on the team after Sydenham’s departure, the role of captain fell naturally to the Cascades defender.
“I was super excited,” said Lyon. “[Alanna] meant a lot to me and helped me become who I am today.”
After a difficult 2024/25 season in which the team lost more than they won, the Cascades’ need for veteran leadership was evident. Lyon recognized the need for not only herself, but the entire team to play up to their potential.
“I know what my teammates can do — I know what we’re capable of.”
Winning games has been difficult to come by for the Cascades’ women’s program this season as well. Dropping four of their first six games of the season left limited room for error moving forward. After a difficult opening weekend surrendering four and five goals respectively against UBC and UVic, the team has held their opponents to two or fewer goals in their next seven matches.
“We were in a funk… We sat down, had a lot of team meetings and were talking about our past years and how everyone hated playing the Cascades, and that narrative wasn’t really being shown this year. We set goals, we set standards, and then we just started working from there.”
Picking up points in 0-0 draws against
How has it been for your parents?
It’s funny because I’ve gotten the text from my mom a couple of times, because the second game of the season, my brother subbed me off, and she texted me … the screenshot from the [stream] footage. It makes them smile, you know. And I’m glad it’s been able to do that too, because they’ve seen both of us grow up playing the game. To see both of us now at the same place, playing together, I think they’re really happy.
What has been your favorite part about UFV so far?
I’d say the momentum we’ve come into the season with has been better than I could have even expected. And I had a lot of confidence to begin with, especially after a strong preseason. But I think this momentum that we’ve built has been shocking to myself, as well as a lot of other people in the league. One of the best things to see is slowly but surely, teams have become very scared of playing us, I think that’s priceless.
Interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Victoria and UBC Okanagan, and a crucial 1-0 victory over Thompson Rivers University boosted the team’s play-off chances in a tight Pacific division. The team now finds themselves in fifth place with 11 points, closely trailing UVic (12 points) and TRU (15 points) at the time of writing.
Lyon has had the expertise of her coach to assist her through both a mentor and a captain. UFV head coach Ari Adams was a captain for two years during her time at SFU, and Lyon has leaned on her coach’s experience and critiques to take her team to a new level.
“She always gives me criticism, and I think that really has helped me grow, but she’s done it in a way where I know she believes in me, and I think that’s how I’ve gotten as far as I have.”
With the Cascades riding their recent momentum on a push for the play-offs, Lyon wants every opportunity available to make her mark on the pitch and drag her team into the fight behind her.
“I never want to be taken off the field … I always want to be there — working just as hard has everyone else — pushing everyone to the final whistle.”
Interview has been edited for length and clarity — with files from Jeffrey Kennett.
Photo courtesy of UFV Cascades
Photo by Jordie Arthur / UFV Cascades
Coaches // Walk-on, Hall of Famer, Olympic Champion: the Lisa Roman story
This is your sign to start rowing
JEFFREY KENNETT
When Lisa Roman speaks, people listen. How could you not?
The Olympic gold medalist from Surrey didn’t grow up on the water as one might expect — she grew up in the rink, on the ice. Her mother, Elizabeth Roman, was a competitive figure skating coach, and after spending so much time in different rinks throughout her youth, Roman found a passion for the sport as well.
15 years later, Roman had peaked within the sport of figure skating and found herself at a crossroads. It was then when she decided to pick up the oar with UFV’s walk-on rowing program and the rest, one might say, is history.
The rowing team looked quite similar back then to what it does now, with between 10 to 20 UFV students taking part in the club. However, there was no infrastructure in place. The club didn’t even have a boathouse when Roman arrived.
“We used to carry a motor down every single day, put it on the boat, and get the boat out,” said Roman. “It was just such a task. And now, we have people that like to complain about pushing a boat out of the boathouse. I’m like, you guys have no idea what this was like when I did this. So, I sometimes sit back and laugh at what we have now versus what we had then.”
There were just enough walk-on athletes to practice rowing in pairs, as opposed to the eight person boats Roman would make her career on. The club’s coach at the time was Cascades Hall of Famer,
Liz Chisholm, who identified Roman’s strength and power and investigated how that could be used to her advantage as a rower. Roman moved quickly through the program up to varsity before heading to Washington State University on a scholarship and catching the eye of Team Canada’s national training program.
Roman began regularly competing for Canada at the National Rowing Championships (NRCs) in 2013 against the top rowers in the sport, putting her on the path to compete at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Canada went into the games with large expectations after winning two bronze medals and a silver at the NRCs from 2013-15, respectively — ultimately falling short of a medal in Rio.
Roman described that falling short in Rio only fueled her fire even more to return to the biggest stage in sports. With Canada’s disappointing results came sweeping changes for the rowing program. There was a new coach on board, and a bevy of unknowns. Canada would head into the next Olympic games in Tokyo with just one silver medal at the NRCs in 2017, lowering the expectations from the previous games in Rio. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the sports landscape was altered, and somewhat levelled by the fact that no athletes across the world were able to race competitively in the games’ build-up.
“To be able to come out and do what we had done in practice — which was that we wanted to be the Olympic champions — we dreamed like that, and then for us to go do it was pretty amazing.”
With the pandemic restrictions in place at the time, Roman was back home within 48 hours of standing on the podium. After conquering the games as a rower with an Olympic gold, Roman’s focus shifted to coaching and raising a family. Leading her back to where it all started, UFV.
Roman was surprised to find out that the rowing program was basically dormant. Boats hadn’t been rowed since just after the pandemic, and there were few athletes involved with the club. Her original plan was to just help part-time, but that changed when she found out there was no coach, and essentially no rowing program.
She felt for those people who needed a space to do more, just like who the young Lisa Roman was first stepping foot onto
the boat dock. Rowing is an unglamorous sport. There’s a lot of early mornings, and not a lot of resources. But the bond between teammates is what Roman hopes to inspire.
“I think rowing is one of those sports that is very much a later in life sport. If you start when you’re 17-18, it doesn’t matter if you want to go to the Olympics. There’s opportunity for that, whereas something like, I don’t know, gymnastics … Obviously you have to do that your entire life to be successful. I found opportunity in rowing that I didn’t think was possible.”
If you’re looking to do more athletically, contact UFV Rowing at ufvrowingcoaches@gmail.com
Photo by Leah Hennel/COC
Photo by Leah Hennel/COC
Club Spotlight //
The NextGen Club wants your blood
Bringing Canadian Blood Services to UFV
CAITLYN CARR
If you’ve ever thought about donating blood, plasma, or stem cells, but don’t know where to start, the NextGen Club is here for you. In partnership with Canadian Blood Services (CBS), the club works to recruit new donors and raise awareness for the critical role donors have in saving lives every day.
To learn more about the NextGen Club, The Cascade sat down with the organization’s Vice President, Shameem Shaik, and President at the Abbotsford campus, Manjot Brar. The two co-founded UFV’s NextGen Club in 2023 via CBS’s NextGen Lifeline program — a resource
for students to form donor recruitment teams on their campuses.
While blood donation is more commonly advocated for, the NextGen Club also works directly with Abbotsford’s plasma donor centre to emphasize the importance of plasma donations. According to Brar, the club focuses on recruiting plasma donors for the sake of convenience for potential donors, given how close UFV is to the centre.
“We promote plasma because it’s closest here [in] Abbotsford … but I think they’re both equally important.”
Plasma is a pale-yellow substance in your blood that helps with circulation and supports your immune system. It can
Event Coverage //
be either directly transfused to patients in hospitals or made into medications known as plasma protein products. As Brar explained, plasma donations are necessary to further produce critical medications.
“You get to make a life-saving difference [by donating] because there’s so many diseases and disorders that plasma treats.”
As for what motivated Shaik and Brar to form the NextGen Club, Shaik explained how it’s emotionally fulfilling to be able to help others by recruiting donors.
“This patient, she had some kind of [immunodeficiency] … [and] she was talking about how helpful [donations are] and how it literally saved her life. So seeing that in-person firsthand … [and] seeing who’s receiving it on the other end was pretty impactful.”
As for Brar, her inspiration came from her dad’s involvement in Sikh Nation — one of CBS’s largest groups of donors and volunteers in their Partners for Life program.
“My dad donates a lot, and it impacted me to give as well. And I think it gives me a little bit of fulfillment because I get to make a life-saving difference, either through volunteering or donating.”
As Vice President, Shaik oversees the training process for all new members, whereas Brar’s role as president requires her to handle the club’s emails, contacts, and paperwork. Shaik shared that at the moment, the club’s long-term goal is to hire new executives to replace Brar and herself after they graduate.
“We are definitely wanting to get new executive members, because after we graduate, we want the club to keep going
… So we’re currently looking for people.”
As for short-term ambitions, Shaik shared that the club hopes to make itself more well-known at UFV.
“Short-term goals, I’d say, is getting more people to join and raising more awareness. Because, as you said, a lot of people haven’t heard about us, so we’re working on that.”
Brar added that another one of the NextGen Club’s missions is to recruit more stem cell donors through their occasional swabbing events on campus.
“Since we started stem cells in, I believe in February, that’s [also] one of our shortterm goals, to get more people to join the stem cell registry.”
While readers can often find the NextGen Club hosting tabling events in the Student Union Building (SUB), the organization also makes frequent appearances at various community gatherings like Berry Fest, the Kickback, and Canada Day Community Showcase events.
For readers who can’t donate, but still want to support CBS, Shaik and Brar encourage volunteering or joining the NextGen Club.
“You still make a life difference, because at a [donor] center, you’re still helping those people who are donating right there. You’re giving them drinks, you’re talking to them, you’re telling [them] how much [of a] difference they make. So you really are, at some point, making a difference, because you’re trying to make the experience for them unique and comfortable.”
Readers can find the NextGen Club through Rubric, Instagram (nextgenxufv), or by stopping by their upcoming tabling event on Oct. 30, 2025 in the SUB.
Capturing oral history before it is too late
Heritage Abbotsford Society partners with UFV alumnus to preserve history
KIMBERLEY PERKINS
In the MCC Abbotsford conference room on Sept. 27, the Heritage Abbotsford Society (HAS) sponsored and hosted an Oral History Workshop welcoming people to learn the art of oral history interviews. The field of study known as oral history consists of gathering, preserving, and interpreting the memories and voices of people and communities. Throughout the workshop, this interview process was broken down into manageable steps: how to prepare for an interview, how to conduct the interview, and what to do
after.
The practice of recording oral history is important because it preserves the stories of generations for the knowledge and teaching of those to come.
Oral history interviews place the speaker and their story at the heart of the practice. As mentioned in the workshop, it is integral to approach the interview with compassion and a willingness to listen and to cultivate patience. Before the interview occurs, a mission statement and release form should be involved to ensure the narrator is well informed and consents to the interview. It is also good
practice to hold a preliminary interview in order to become acquainted with the narrator, find out which topics they would like to talk about, and which to avoid. The main takeaway for me from the workshop discussions was “do no harm”.
The three hour workshop was led by Phillip Sherwood, a UFV alumnus, who has been documenting oral history for 20 years. His first book as an oral history recorder was written on behalf of a woman he had met through his work, teaching English to adult immigrants.
The woman contacted Sherwood and asked if he would be willing to write a
book commemorating the life of her late husband. After interviewing the woman, he compiled her story and notes she had received from friends of her husband into what would be his first oral history book, and this inspired him to do more.
“I remember looking at it and [saying], this is very creative, and this is the kind of work I’d like to do.”
Since then Sherwood has written, or otherwise been involved with, more than 25 oral history books. While many of the books he has written were for those who
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were able to pay for his services, he also realizes there are people who can’t afford this, but still have stories to tell. And this helped inspire the creation of this workshop, as a way of reaching more people interested in preserving history.
“There’s lots of people who have very incredible, amazing stories that are of great value … So, what I wanted to do was to develop courses like this, to empower, and enable people to do it themselves.”
HAS, the sponsor of the workshop, is a non-profit organization with a mission to collect, record, preserve, and share the stories of Abbotsford. They partnered with Sherwood to provide a free opportunity for anyone interested in learning how to interview people to preserve their oral history. Christina Reid, executive director of HAS, wanted to host this event to help record the history, because they cannot do it alone.
For HAS and their goals of preserving history and the knowledge held in oral traditions, it was really important to arrange this workshop. Experienced interviewers can make a big impact recording this kind of information. When it came to organizing the event, Reid said
Column //
Campus Fashion: refreshing your wardrobe with what you have
Five different ways to spruce up your style
This is Campus Fashion, your source of inspiration for seasonal trends, cool finds, and wardrobe basics to keep you looking stylish throughout the year
What is trending now could easily be found in the most unexpected place: your wardrobe. As fashion tends to recycle every so often, you may already own an on-trend piece in your wardrobe without realizing it. You may also find a lot of great do-it-yourself (DIY) projects that can help you update what’s already in your closet. The Cascade took a look at some tips and hacks that will save you a bundle by using what you have at home!
Search your wardrobe
Chances are, an on-trend style you love at the mall or you saw on your Pinterest board is safely tucked away in your closet. Going through bags or boxes of clothes you have stored away may reveal hidden gems that you can still wear today. Look for seasonal colours and pieces in your wardrobe that embody trends you like.
Garment care
Taking care of your wardrobe will ensure longevity and save you money over time. Instead of investing in a new sweater, use a fabric shaver to remove pilling. For tears and rips, look up YouTube videos to see if you can repair the damage. Lint rollers
are also good at keeping your clothing in tip-top shape and removes unwanted pet hair and dust. There are so many inexpensive hacks you can use to help maintain your clothing so that they last for a long time.
DIY projects
There are inexpensive DIY projects that can help update your wardrobe. Natural dying can transform that favourite white shirt you no longer wear because it’s stained. Adding embroidered floral patches to a pair of blue jeans transforms an otherwise plain style into a customized look. There are numerous tutorials and videos online that walk you through projects that can help revamp pieces in your wardrobe and give them a second life.
Sewing
If you own a sewing machine, there are fashion patterns available that can help you turn a regular bolt of material into clothing you love. There are lots of inexpensive patterns available through online stores like Etsy, and thrift stores as well. Making your own clothing is a great way to have a more sustainable wardrobe that is also couture.
Tailoring
Customizing your wardrobe on a budget makes all the difference, especially if you have that perfect piece that is just too long or too big to wear. Not only is this
CULTURE
that connecting with Sherwood was top of mind.
“We need to have more research. We need to have more volunteers … That’s why we started doing this … but we couldn’t find a facilitator. Nobody offered this. And so we found a gap … Fortunately for us, we have worked with Philip in the past when we wrote a book about family history Pioneer stories … And we have maintained that relationship because he’s really good at what he does … he came out of retirement to do this with us, which I think is great.”
For students interested in history, there are practicums available at HAS. Reid expressed that she is very interested in helping students continue their learning in the heritage sector, sharing that there is space for anyone.
“There’s no definition for who [a] Heritage professional is, it’s probably 50 different jobs. If you want to become a Heritage professional on some level, chances are I can help you out … I get students that are game changers for us in terms of the ideas and the inspiration … I can help you leverage the work experience that you get here.”
something you can learn to do at home, but tailored pieces tend to help people look more put together because of the excellent fit. This is a great way to avoid investing time and money into finding a replacement. Sometimes it is also worth going to a seamstress or asking someone who sews to help tailor your clothing if you are unsure how to. Researching where there are tailors or seamstresses in your area or learning to sew through online tutorials can help you customize your wardrobe to fit your needs and proportions. There you have it, a list of different ways you can refresh your closet on a budget. May you enjoy your semester with a coffee in one hand while gracing the halls looking your best.
June Oral History Workshop (Image courtesy of Heritage Abbotsford Society)
Illustration by Hannah Bricknell / The Cascade
RACHEL TAIT
Crossword // STUDY BREAK
Sudoku //
Horoscopes //
By: Minerva the Mystic
Aries - Mar. 21 to Apr. 19
It’s go time! Don’t let yourself marinate too long, or the sauce will stagnate. Planning will only get you so far, at some point you have to set your plans in motion.
Taurus - Apr. 20 to May 20
You took my advice, didn’t you? I can tell. You’ve reconnected with yourself and your deeper desires. Finding what matters to you is a strong motivator and one of the keys to success. Follow this new ambition and trust your intuition. I’m proud of you.
Gemini - May 21 to Jun. 20
Caution: falling glass! You’re spinning too many plates at a dizzying pace, and some of them are about to fall. Set them down and take a break before you make a mess.
Cancer - Jun. 21 to Jul. 22
Unlike Taurus, you on the other hand, did not listen. You give, and you give, even when it hurts. People will take advantage of this generosity and they will demand more. Put your foot down. Say no! Establish some boundaries, for your own sake. You are allowed to do that.
Leo - Jul. 23 to Aug. 22
It’s not a good sign when the lion has taken to acting like the sheep. Looking to the herd for validation or direction is very much unlike you. I’d hazard a guess that you’re procrastinating or avoiding something, hoping that someone else will intervene. They won’t. It’s gotta be you.
Virgo - Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
Oh boy. You are an enigma right now, you know that? Like a riddle, wrapped up in contradictions, and tied ever so neatly with a bow of mystery. But the real question is, am I the one that’s confused, or is it you? Let’s both meditate on that one and try again later.
Libra - Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
Isn’t peace a wonderful thing? The scales have balanced and there is harmony to be found within. You’ve reconciled following a difficult conflict. A word of wisdom for the future though, don’t mistake avoiding conflict with resolving it when seeking peace again.
Scorpio - Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
Just because you’re surrounded by competitors, doesn’t mean they’re also your enemies. In other words, don’t hate the players, hate the game. If your only motivation is the failure of others, you might need to take a seat on the bench.
Sagittarius - Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
The emotional roller coaster is finally coming to rest in the station. Being tossed around left, right, and upside down, would rattle anyone. And you endured. If you find yourself craving some peace, quiet, and solitude, embrace it. Enjoy some down time.
Capricorn - Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
You are thinking yourself sick. Running around in circles and comparing yourself to others isn’t getting you anywhere. Stop. Stand still for a second and let the world stop spinning.
Aquarius - Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
Sometimes life’s lessons are rough. They’ll knock you down and not stop to help you back up. This is when you learn to tap into your strength and get back up on your own.
Pisces - Feb. 19 to Mar. 20
For many people, you are their safe place. For a water sign, you are feeling remarkably down to earth, and for those around you, that is a comfort. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to really embrace your chill vibes right now and foster some deeper relationships.
Music // Don’t be their good boy
Critique with sympathy, “Good Boy” calls out men
KARA DUNBAR
A call to solidarity between men and women. A statement that the average man has more in common with the average woman than he ever will with the billionaires that are too often idolized. A commentary on the men that uplift toxic influencers and inadvertently cut themselves off from community and love, and fall for the lie that suppressing women will bring them freedom, power, and happiness.
This is Paris Paloma’s new single “Good Boy.”
The song starts with the commanding yet compassionate voice of Emma Thompson reading a viral op-ed headline: “I knew one day I’d have to watch powerful men burn the / world / down — I just didn’t expect them to be such losers.” Paloma then dives into a critique of the patriarchy, and the men that jump to defend it at their own expense.
The portion that has the most impact for me is the bridge. It feels the most
clear and cutting in its message. The instruments pause, putting emphasis on Paloma’s words as she sarcastically states in the second half:
“Good boy, has any of the money trickled down yet? / You say one day you’ll be rich? Well, tell me how then / Unpaid marketing department for the power / Good boy, good boy.”
It’s as if she’s shaking the shoulders of the men she is addressing and asking: Why do you defend what will not benefit you? When will the reward for your prejudice come?
As the song draws to its final repetition of the chorus, Paloma is joined by a chorus of men, and actual barking dogs; like a chase with evergrowing urgency.
The music video features a satirical depiction of patriarchal and misogynistic structures in the workplace. It was released alongside the song and features Tom Blyth as “Good Boy,” and Paloma as “Patriarchy” and “The Everywoman.” The story follows Good Boy as he attempts to fit in and move upwards in his
workplace. He has more in common with The Everywoman, but he dismisses her and falls into the will of the elites and the world of misogyny. Patriarchy watches as he falls deeper, egging him on. In the end, he is pursued by actual dogs, and it becomes clear that his ignorance and bigotry have brought his downfall.
The music video is uncomfortable, but effectively so. As the Patriarchy, Paloma painted her face white, in a behind the scenes video she says she found inspiration for the look in The Seventh Seal (1957) and from Kathryn Hunter in The Tragedy of MacBeth (2021). Patriarchy uses sudden jerky and altogether unsettling movements reminiscent of a puppeteer.
Good Boy starts out unsure of himself, evidently insecure, and as he falls into the traps of patriarchy, he gains nothing and loses his humanity, acting as a dog, yelling on all fours, before he is chased by the other men and actual dogs. The confusion as to why he did not gain the power that those he was following had is written all
over his face before he is made to kneel in front of Patriarchy. The transition from a human taking notes to a dog barking on the table said to me, that in the persistent pursuit of power, one’s humanity is often a casualty, and it is not easily recovered.
This song is cathartic and refreshing. It refuses to play into the villain-victim narrative, and works to balance addressing how misogyny hurts men while still holding them accountable for being part of the problem. A credit to the performances, I felt a strange mix of anger and pity toward Good Boy which combined into a slight nausea as the video reached its end.
Both for the music and the message, this indie-folk song will be on my repeat list. It’s a recognition that attempting to bring others down for one’s personal benefit will not grant one true happiness or community. It calls out those who put billionaires on a pedestal and asks them to see that they have more in common with those they look down on than those they idolize.
Image: Paris Paloma
Television // Only Murders in The Cascade Building
Two fans, one mystery — a season 5 breakdown
SKY S. TERRONES & CASSIE WILLIAMS
This review contains spoilers for Only Murders in the Building seasons 1-5.
Welcome aboard, fellow sleuths! Every time a new season of Only Murders in the Building (2021–) drops, I brace myself. Is this it? The moment the magic fizzles and I’m left holding onto my emotional support podcast mic, whispering “remember season one”? This time, we’re putting that fear to the test! You’re about to eavesdrop on a conversation between me and my managing editor — two die-hard fans here to rave, theorize, and maybe even solve a murder or two.
Terrones: Cassie, I’m putting you on the record now — not as a journalist, just as a prime suspect in loving this show way too much. What is it about OMITB that makes you a repeat offender?
Williams: Oh man, the wit, the coming-together of obscure things, the plot, and Martin Short are just a few reasons why I am obsessed with Only Murders in the Building. I absolutely adore the dynamic between the three main sleuths, Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez), Oliver Putnam (Short), and Charles Haden-Savage (Steve Martin). These three have an effortless chemistry that carries the plot and they never fail to make me chuckle.
I am someone who loves a good murder mystery, but nothing too dark or too obvious — and this one serves all the right beats. It’s cozy and confusing, and keeps you thinking. I am also a sucker for a show that is able to weave threads in a tangled mess the entire season then with one last 30-minute stretch to go,
untangles everything in a beautiful, rewarding breath.
Terrones: Cozy and confusing is the best way I’ve heard anyone describe this show, haha! Not to turn this super dark, but did I ever tell you I’ve had close experience with murder? Close enough to understand its devastating effects and the frustration of unanswered questions. Much more information on this, and I might have to kill you (kidding)… But the reason I mention this is that it relates to one of the things I appreciate most about this show. The way our main trio learns about the life of the victim isn’t just clever storytelling — it’s a gentle exploration of grief that isn’t overwhelming. I’m not usually drawn to murder mysteries, but this one leaves me feeling grateful for life and comforted by a strange sense of closure.
Not to mention, the casting is brilliant, and the show knows it. Remember that season 4 episode where Professor Dudenoff (Griffin Dunne) lectures on casting? He references the “Westies” residents in the second Arconia tower, explaining that great casting isn’t just about talent — it’s about understanding the dynamics and personalities of the people involved. And this show does that, especially this season. What a brilliant meta-commentary on the series itself, huh?
Williams: Couldn’t agree more! One of my favourite elements casting-wise is the star-studded entourage that never feels overwhelming. They’re able to tread this line of still keeping the plot fresh and the overall quality of the show intact even as they pump in so much starpower. In earlier seasons, we had Meryl Streep (!!), Paul Rudd, Tina Fey, Eva Longoria,
and in this newest season we have Reneé Zellweger as Camila White and KeeganMichael Key as the mayor.
Terrones: Ahh, Zellweger… I know they already explored the whole Broadway setting with the characters breaking into song and actually producing a musical in season 3 (obviously, my favourite season so far), but if I don’t hear at least a single verse from Chicago (2002)’s very own Roxie Hart, I might stage a major riot.
But enough gushing, Williams — time to grab our Clue boards and get to it. Who killed our beloved doorman, Lester?
Williams: Every theory I’ve cooked up? Toast. A key feature of this show is its constant revolving door of side characters and this season is packed full with elusive billionaires, a mayor too slick for his own good, mob wife Sofia Caccimelio (Teà Leoni), and Mabel’s cr yptic old pal Althea/ THĒ. My initial thought was Caccimelio but honestly, after five episodes, I’m still
at a loss and the question lingers: who was in the courtyard with the elevator crank? Either way, these new additions are sure to make for an exciting ride.
Terrones: Can we take a moment to revel in the show’s not-so-subtle dig at the oligarchy? They literally called the billionaires the new mob — and I’m so here for it. A roast dressed in charm, delivered with just enough bite to make you laugh before you wince.
I’m feeling confident in my final guess now. Alas, I won’t confirm nor deny anything, but I have hidden my suspicions as clues in this article. With shadows deepening, motives twisting and sharp wit delivered by a perfectly cast ensemble, this season proves the show still knows how to play the long game.
Here’s to secrets, suspects, the thrill of the chase, and the reader who solves it before the finale — may the best detective win.
Graphic by Sky S. Terrones
Craig Blankenhorn / Hulu
Audio Stories // We’re not done with brothers and beaches yet
Christopher Briney next in line-up of celebrities to narrate audio erotica
KARA
DUNBAR
Quinn knows how to tease you. Especially when it comes to the celebrity guests they bring in for their Quinn Originals. Hands, hair, lips — the camera cuts away right before you can catch a definite feature. To an outsider, the hints that Quinn gives about their guests are obscure, but to the guests’ fans, the answer is often guessed within a few leading posts. When Quinn started hinting at a summer themed series, listeners quickly caught onto the similarities to the hit show The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022-2025). The announcement that one of the show’s leading men Christopher Briney would be Quinn’s next guest was of little surprise to those with keen eyes.
Quinn is a female-led audio erotica app that focuses on sensual stories and soundscapes intended to arouse. The platform aims to provide nuanced, respectful examples of intimacy. While they primarily host independent creators, they have Quinn Originals: an in-house produced series featuring plot heavy storytelling and celebrity narrators. These guests have included Tom Blyth, Victoria Pedretti, Andrew Scott, Thomas Doherty, and now Briney.
Briney narrates a series called Hidden Harbor (2025), which in traditional Quinn Originals format includes three 30-minute episodes. They don’t release all at once, spreading out over the course of two to three weeks further building excitement around the series.
Hidden Harbor follows River, a bartender and surf instructor back in his small seaside town for the summer. He is caught off guard when Drea walks into his bar with a box of her toxic ex’s possessions. They immediately connect and spend the night emptying the box, and right after a heated moment, they discover that Drea’s ex is none other than River’s
brother. The Summer I Turned Pretty has come to a close for now, but Briney has found himself in another summertime love triangle alongside his brother.
In an Instagram post, writer Holly June Smith mentioned that because this is an audio only experience, one has to ignore a lot of standard writing rules to create immersion. The script and dialogue is done by the narrator, River, who is talking to Drea, the listener, as well as interacting with a small cast of supporting characters. Because the listener is inserted as the other primary character, scripts need to be specific enough to be interesting, but also generic enough that one is not jolted out of immersion. Hidden Harbor, I think, manages that balance well. There aren’t specifics about what the other character looks like, and although we know some details about her life, it is generic enough that one can still place themselves in her shoes. River is very humanly awkward, which created a few moments to cringe at, but primarily made him feel realistic.
The soundscape is well done, with background noise moving and seemingly coming from different distances depending on where the listener is, relative to the action and noise. One can hear things like a game of pool and music in the bar, and the ocean while outside. It makes for an incredibly immersive experience, and is the aspect of Quinn Originals that impresses me the most.
The intimacy feels naturally placed, and the intensity builds with each episode. In episodes one and two the timing and progression feel natural. While episode three has more happening and the format’s time constraints push things to progress quickly, there’s still a natural progression of events, with the inclusion of foreplay and aftercare highlighted. They take a pause to deliberately showcase safe sex with the use of a condom.
Consent was naturally integrated, with River opening a dialogue about intimacy before they begin, and keeps that dialogue open as they go along. After Drea does
something startling, the dialogue implies an apology is made but River communicates what prompted his negative reaction which allows them to continue with more understanding. He double checks when he is unsure of her desire, and asks questions to make sure what is happening is pleasurable. None of it feels awkward or out of place and the series showcases how conversations around intimacy and consent can lead to better sex for everyone involved.
Sex and sensuality are the drivers in Quinn Originals, but the emotional themes within this story made it feel just like a romance novel with sex scenes.
The brother’s ex trope isn’t for me, so this wasn’t a story I could get incredibly immersed in, but for those who are left wanting more after The Summer I Turned Pretty, Hidden Harbor on Quinn will check many of the same boxes, and provide a sweet, sexy, and immersive listening experience.
Hidden Harbor (Image from Quinn)
Cascade Rewind: step back into Stars Hollow
JASLEEN SANDHU
With the changing of the leaves and a desire to rewatch Gilmore Girls (2000-2007), fall has truly begun. 25 years after its release, the dramedy series remains witty, cozy, and in vogue.
The series follows mother-daughter duo, Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) as they navigate life and love in the fictional small town of Stars Hollow with a lot of coffee, pop-culture references, and chic wardrobes.
Graham, herself, admitted that the show has “[taken] the season of fall hostage,” and my autumnal rewatch affirms that statement. I first watched the series at the age of 12, and being nearly 22 now, it’s extremely nostalgic. I’ve grown up with this series, it’s familiar, and no matter how my opinions change of certain characters and plotlines, rewatching Gilmore Girls feels like coming home.
Gilmore Girls is full of light and laughter, from grand holiday episodes to road trips — but don’t be fooled by its surface aesthetic. Just like any 2000s drama series, the show is riddled with challenges.
The series’ integral conflict — the rocky relationship between Lorelai and her parents — remains throughout, and it challenges viewers to understand the characters and their actions better. No matter how you feel about Richard (Edward Herrmann) and
Emily Gilmore (Kelly Bishop), they are essential to the plot. Without the turbulent family dynamic, the series wouldn’t have such a gripping story. Gilmore Girls also has episodes dedicated to heavier themes like teen pregnancy, adultery, and lack of communication. These topics are treated seriously, but there
remains an ease to each episode as quick dialogue and light-heartedness are maintained.
Family is a big part of the series, but it also covers first loves, academic success and failure, and how to be a good friend.
A major aspect of Gilmore Girls is your allegiance to either Team Dean (Jared Padalecki), Jess (Milo Ventimiglia), or Logan (Matt Czuchry). Whichever one of Rory’s boyfriends you prefer, that’s your opinion, but this discourse is a big part of the series’ culture.
With that being said, I admit that the later seasons, and the revival — A Year in the Life (2016) — don’t live up to the first three seasons. The comfort and joy found within the first few seasons begins to dwindle as characters grow up and circumstances change. Additionally, Gilmore Girls has some inconsistencies that make me scratch my head in wonder — Lorelai and Rory’s splurging on take-out doesn’t coincide with their limited income — but due to my attachment to the series, I begrudgingly let them go.
The series is entrenched in the culture of the 2000s, so some jokes and perspectives don’t align with contemporary understandings, but the series is indicative of its time, and that part of its identity is essential to remember.
If you’re a fan of banter, strange small towns, and an incredible soundtrack, or you’re just really into the Y2K revival, I suggest you carve time out this fall to indulge in Gilmore Girls. Besides, you’ll be able to add something obscure to your repertoire of references — you don’t hear the names Euell Gibbons or Paul Anka every day.
It’s not fall without Gilmore Girls!
Photo courtesy of Everett Collection / Warner Bros.
Saeed Adyani / Netflix
Books // The BookTok book that’s actually good
Coco Mellors is the queen of glamorously messy characters
ANNA MCCAUSLAND
In my quest to continue to refine my “taste” in literature, I’ll admit I’ve thrown away the concept of “don’t judge a book by its cover.” I’ve decided instead to say f*** it and I picked up the prettiest cover I’ve ever seen. That’s how I found Coco Mellors. Thankfully none of her books have been My Year of Rest and Relaxation (2018) by Ottessa Moshfegh level of bad. Mellors has quickly become a buy-onsight author for me, and the more I learn about her, her story, and her journey to writing, the more I fall in love with her work.
Mellors’ start in her writing career wasn’t glamorous. She has countless rejections under her belt and spent the majority of her career working as a copywriter, but she nonetheless persisted in her dream of getting her manuscript published. Thank goodness for that, otherwise I’d never have gotten my hands on either Cleopatra and Frankenstein (2022) or Blue Sisters (2024).
Now I like Cleopatra and Frankenstein, but we’re not going to talk about it today. I want to talk about Blue Sisters because for me it stuck for far longer after I finished reading it.
Having sisters is a love-hate relationship — at least I’m assuming, I only have
two older brothers — and the Blue sisters are no different. Once a quartet, now a trio spread out all over the world, Avery, Bonnie, and Lucky finally start to process their sister Nicky’s death as their own lives implode a year later. All three sisters make major mistakes that send them running back to the safety of New York City and the apartment their sister died in.
The story is by no means all that fastpaced, but what it does really well is keep the reader interested. Mellors dips into the past and resurfaces in the present, alternating between the three sister’s perspectives. With multiple perspective books there’s always that one storyline that just sucks — except for this one. Each sister messes up throughout and seeing them all try to pull themselves back together is so satisfying.
Not only was there excellent queer representation, but Mellors also shows endometriosis, addiction, and mental health in such a real way. Even Bonnie, who doesn’t have a substance addiction, is still an addict. She searches for the feeling of being outside her body and at times uses discipline as a way to push herself too far. Mellors’ writing puts you in the shoes of her characters powerfully. One moment you will be frustrated with each character’s decision and then the next you can’t help but empathize with what
they’re dealing with.
I really like the scene-by-scene way that Mellors writes. It gives you a quick in and out of the story. Maybe it’s my commitment issues, but I love when a scene feels whole in itself. I could read one chapter and not have to rely on the chapters surrounding it to give me its full context within the story. Mellors has spoken about how she approached a lot of her writing as just one scene after another, playing with the same characters until, after a lot of refinement, it all came together.
Mellors is not one to glamourize. The book is really about being messy in relationships and grief, but knowing that there’s people out there who still love you. There’s also an underlying theme of survivors’ guilt. Each sister reflects on how their own lives have to continue without Nicky. Everyone who’s dealt with grief can understand that feeling.
I think this quote from the book perfectly encapsulates what Mellors is doing with it:
“A sister is not a friend. Who can explain the urge to take a relationship as primal and complex as a sibling and reduce it to something as replaceable, as banal as a friend?”
SHUFFLE
CIVL’s Aaron Levy has the next set of tunes ready to make you think. Load up for the must-haves coming up this semester!
The Game ft. Drake - “100”
Foul mouthed but fun and fancy free — to a point — comes this banger with a crooning chorus from Canada’s cringey Casanova. Also includes my personal favourite verses from rap’s MVP, who’s kinda gone somewhere that isn’t the public eye, since we got to know him back in the aughts.
Renders - “Josh”
This song was written and performed — in part — by Kelly McMichael, friend of the station, and multiple time Polaris Prize nominated recording artist. “Josh” was released, not surprisingly, amidst former Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson’s ascension toward Toronto royalty, before his MMA training interfered with his ability to play baseball.
TV On The Radio“Ambulance”
This a capella gem, off of the debut full length of this, one of the most celebrated worldwide bands of the aughts, and one poked fun of in the excellent urban-culture film Dope (2015), makes reference to “autumn leaves” amidst its cascading and swelling layers of “bum bum bums” and “ooh ahhs.”
Hawksley Workman“Ice Age”
October and November both include consistently shuffled tunes that should be enjoyed and re-discovered year after year, but I’m holding off until next issue to pack them in and leave you with timeless and relevant yearend listening. But for now, enjoy this romantic, Canadian indie-ballad, tributing love itself, saving loss.
AARON LEVY
Graphic by Gabriela Gonzalez / Book covers of Cleopatra and Frankenstein (2022) and Blue Sisters (2024) by Coco Mellors, and My Year of Rest and Relaxation (2018) by Ottessa Moshfegh.
EVENTS CALENDAR
October
6:00PM Duke’s Pub Trivia Night
@ Duke’s Pub
7:30PM Dracula
@ Chilliwack Cultural Centre
5:00PM - 8:00PM Mid-Autumn Festival ESEA Club x UFV International
