Cover Illustrator Illustrations by Chelsea Isbister @chelseaji.art
FEATURE
12 - 14 Charting our commutes
Editorial // New world order?
We’re but a month into 2026 and there has already been enough political news for a year. At The Cascade, we try to keep our coverage more centred on local and UFV news, but with everything going on, it’s hard not to be alarmed by some of the major international happenings. So let’s do a brief rundown, shall we?
The Independent just released a list of every country President Donald Trump has had conflict with since he took over as president, particularly since the launch of his controversial “America First” campaign. Venezuela recently joined that list following the U.S.’ military strikes on their capital city and the abduction of Nicolas Maduro — more coverage of this on page 3.
The latest antics from Trump include threatening the imposition of tariffs on select European nations — an attempt to pressure the international community to cave to his desire to purchase Greenland. Prime Minister Mark Carney has considered sending troops to help protect Greenland and avoid further escalation.
Repeating my lovely editor-in-chief’s words from last issue: will we cave to the orange cheeto next door?
More from across the border, the number of people detained by ICE has now reached the highest in history, with detention-related deaths claiming the largest number outside of COVID years. Anti-ICE sentiment has only increased following the death of Renee Nicole Good and other victims of ICE which you can read more about on page 3.
Protests in Iran broke out last December, the largest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, brought on by deeprooted political and economic unrest.
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.
So what do all these events have in common? Clearly, there is a phenomenon of global political turmoil but despite that, there remains a steadfast resistance, and a forging toward regime change. Resistance will never stop and can never stop. We’ve reached a point where people have had enough and it’s showing in the way they’re fighting back, standing up for what they believe is right.
If you’re looking to uncover more about world politics, flip through our news section where we dive into these issues further. Tying it back to our local community, we have a piece on the 2021 and 2025 floods from the perspective of an Abbotsford farmer. And if it’s some UFV news you’re after, check out what our newest provost has to say on page 5.
With 2026 also comes the next “word of the year.” 2025’s — according to Oxford Languages — was “rage bait.” Pretty fitting. I know we’re just shy of a month in, but “kakistocracy” is lookin’ like a solid contender to me for ‘26.
Cassie Williams
NEWS BRIEFS
Renee Nicole Good shot by ICE agent
On Jan. 7, mother and poet, Renee Nicole Good, was shot and killed in her car by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, Jonathan Ross, in Minneapolis, Minnesota when she stopped to observe nearby ICE immigration activity.
Several videos have been released, revealing multiple angles of the events that took place before and during the shooting. In one video, Good was seen driving to the right of an ICE agent, followed by several shots as the car sped off before crashing into other parked vehicles.
Additional footage from Ross’s cellphone showed his perspective of the shooting, which suggested that Good was “blocking ICE” activity. Questions over the legitimacy of the shooting, and whether Ross violated the Department of Homeland Security’s deadly force policy, have been raised.
Footage has also shown that ICE agents refused to allow bystander medical assistance to Good, despite a purported doctor being there. Both the federal government and the FBI have allegedly refused to work with Minnesota during the investigation and have withheld evidence.
New documents also suggest that Good may have been linked to parent activist groups who were closely watching ICE movements. Her death follows the recent fatal shootings of Keith Porter, Silverio Villegas Gonzalez, and Jaime Alanís Garcia who were also killed by ICE agents.
Advocates and lawyers warn Bill C-12 may lead to government overreach
On Dec. 11, 2025 Bill C-12, Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, was passed by the federal parliament in the House of Commons. The bill was proposed on Oct. 8, 2025 by Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree. The press release claimed that the bill seeks to maintain and strengthen border safety.
Bill C-12 will allow Canadian authorities to cancel visas, including work and study permits. Immigration and Refugee lawyer Chantal Desloges argued that this will allow authorities to cancel both pending and existing permits, regardless of people’s qualifications.
The bill also stated that it will do so only in the name of the “public interest.” Desloges explained that in the legal world, “public interest” refers to what best suits the government for any given reason.
More than 300 organizations have petitioned for the full removal of Bill C-12, including the Centre for Free Expression, Amnesty International, and the Canadian Labour Congress — drawing comparisons to U.S. President Donald Trump administration’s current crackdown on immigration that has led to inhumane treatment of both immigrants and citizens alike.
Bill C-12 has not yet been passed by the Senate, and The Cascade will continue to report updates as events unfold.
World // United States captures Maduro, bombs Venezuela
Summary of the 2026 U.S. strike on Venezuela
In the early hours of Jan. 3, 2026, the United States of America launched a coordinated strike on Northern Venezuela. The goal of this attack, titled Operation Absolute Resolve, was to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady, Cilia Flores. The operation saw more than 150 aircraft being deployed to bomb parts of Caracas and Northern Venezuela. This was executed in tandem with the U.S. Army’s Delta Force and FBI agents who raided the Venezuelan military complex, Fuerte Tiuna, and apprehended the Venezuelan leader. This has been considered by experts to be a kidnapping and a breach of international law. The operation also resulted in the deaths of at least 83 people, including 32 Cuban soldiers.
been subject to international legal restrictions from several countries, including the U.S. since 2005.
In wake of the attacks, opposition leader Maria Machado expressed her party’s preparedness to assume control of Venezuela, but this appears to have been dismissed by Trump who claimed that Machado did not have the necessary support to take control. Instead, the U.S. has supported and begun to work with Rodríguez, calling off a second attack due to the regime’s cooperation.
ICBC’s
In Apr. 2025, ICBC revealed upcoming changes to the Graduated Licensing Program, set to be implemented in summer 2026.
In an effort to reduce barriers to licensing, drivers with Novice (Class 7 license) will no longer be legally required to take the mandatory road test to earn their full (Class 5 licence.) However, there are requirements put forth by ICBC that drivers must fulfill to be approved for their full licence, which includes proving that they are responsible on the road.
“This change will also introduce a 12-month restriction period, during which drivers must demonstrate safe driving behaviours.”
The government of B.C. has also outlined new rules which will affect drivers and motorcyclists in the upcoming months. ICBC made a statement regarding these new changes, to ensure road safety and make the licensing process more obtainable.
“The GLP will continue to allow new drivers and riders to develop the skills they need to be safe on our roads. Removing the Class 5 road test will also mean reducing barriers to getting licensed, especially for drivers in rural, remote and Indigenous communities, where access to road tests may be limited.”
Canucks go to the Olympics
LOCAL // Lukas Reichel, a forward for the Abbotsford Canucks, is set to represent his home country of Germany at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games that takes place in Italy from Feb. 6-22, 2026.
Reichel comes from a line of Olympians including his father, Martin Reichel, who played in the Winter Olympics in 2022 and his uncle, Robert Reichel, whose team took home a gold medal in 1998 playing for the Czech Republic.
Reichel, 23, was first chosen to play in the Olympics back in June 2025. He used to play for the Chicago Blackhawks and was later drafted to the Vancouver Canucks on Oct. 25, 2025 before he was sent to the Abbotsford Canucks. Despite his difficulty to stay on a higher level team, he’s now amongst four other current Canuck team members who have made it on the roster; Elias Pettersson for Sweden, Filip Hronek and David Kämpf for Czechia, and Kevin Lankinen for Finland.
Reichel is excited and looks forward to competing in this year’s winter Olympics.
“It makes it even better that all the NHL guys and the whole league is having a break for it. So everyone has their best players, it’s good to see and I can’t wait.”
These strikes follow months of growing tension between the United States and Venezuela. The U.S. Navy destroyed at least 35 “drug boats” in the Caribbean killing an estimated 115 in the process and began to seize sanctioned oil tankers in the weeks before the attack. In the aftermath, President Donald Trump repeatedly made claims that the U.S. would “run Venezuela.” However this has been rejected by Venezuela’s newly sworn in acting President Delcy Rodríguez. Senior administration officials in the U.S. government have made it clear that a key factor in the pursuit of regime change was to secure oil resources in Venezuela.
Maduro has long been accused of running an illegitimate government especially since the 2024 elections, which had been decried by the Venezuelan opposition party as well as several countries and the United Nations. The U.S. had recently increased the dollar amount for any information leading to Maduro’s arrest to 50 million dollars and Venezuela itself has
The evening after the attacks, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney implored all involved to be mindful of international law and reminded the world that Canada has not recognized Maduro’s regime since the 2018 elections. While Canada was not directly involved, the dramatic changes in Venezuela could have several consequences for the country. Trump’s promise that the U.S. would directly control Venezuela’s oil extraction and export sector may hinder Canadian markets, with oil and gas companies already dropping in value following the attacks.
Concerns have also been raised that the U.S. may attempt regime leadership changes in other Latin American countries, particularly Cuba, which has been in the sights of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose parents are immigrants from the country. Trump has also hinted at this change, which means Cuba will find itself in a difficult situation if the U.S. decides to halt shipments of Venezuelan oil, which they are heavily dependent on. Canada is Cuba’s second biggest direct investor and is a popular tourist destination. If any strike of a similar nature were to happen, Canadian consulates would be hard pressed to get everyone out.
LIAM PYPER
LIAM PYPER
JASLEEN SANDHU
ABBY HANSEN
“Nicolas Maduro” by Jeso Carneiro, CC BY-NC 2.0
VERONICA POWELL
International //
Controversy
sparks over agreement to sell major entertainment company
NATALIA TOSCANO MURUA
Last December, Netflix announced that they will be buying entertainment giant Warner Bros. at $72 billion U.S. dollars after the separation of Warner Bros. Discovery, which is set to occur halfway through 2026. This acquisition directly involves Warner Bros.’ “Streaming & Studios,” which consists of their television, motion picture, and gaming studios, along with HBO, HBO Max, DC Studios and its associated IPs. Meanwhile, “Global Networks,” which will host CNN, TNT Sports, as well as premier entertainment will now be called “Discovery Global.”
Co-CEO of Netflix, Ted Sarandos, expressed that their goal was and still remains to bring entertainment to the rest of the globe. By combining both companies’ strengths and resources, they can continue to provide content that is both entertaining and culturally defining to their audiences.
With Netflix’s purchase of Warner Bros. comes along the acquisition of a plethora of widely known properties and franchises, that include Game of Thrones (2011-2019), Dune (2021), The Lord of the
Rings (2001), The Wizard of Oz (1939), and the DC Universe. They will also have the rights to hit shows like Friends (19942004), The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019), Looney Tunes (1930-2014) and HannaBarbera’s roster.
On Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, Paramount made an offer to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, paid in cash, for an amount of approximately $77.9 billion, or $30 U.S. dollars per share — significantly more than Netflix’s offer at $72 billion, at $27.75 U.S. a share. Paramount also sought to purchase the cable assets that Netflix did not want to purchase. Despite this, Warner Bros. and Netflix’s deal remains in place as of Jan. 15. While this change may appear imminent, the acquisition process must first be confirmed and finalised before passing regulatory approval — which could take anywhere between 12 to 18 months to officially mark the end of the transaction.
One thing to consider will be the operational difference between Netflix and Warner Bros., which Forbes contemplated that even if the transaction’s impact on the television aspect is positive for Netflix, it may create unexpected friction for the film side of operations. The theatrical
releases under Warner Bros.’ umbrella will now be the direct responsibility of Netflix, which includes handling the releases of upcoming films and possibly rethinking their theatrical plan and execution. The merging of two entertainment giants, with Netflix being the world’s largest streaming platform, has sparked conversations with the U.S. government about concerns of this potentially becoming an entertainment monopoly.
Paramount, whose offers Warner Bros. has reportedly turned down numerous times, is still engaged in a bidding war to acquire the entertainment company. Netflix expects its transaction with Warner Bros. to be completed in the third quarter of this year, with the total enterprise value estimated to be approximately $82.7 billion.
Local
// Netflix’s gigantic acquisition of Warner Bros
The 2025 flood’s effect on Abbotsford’s farmers
How the events of December 2025 look through the lens of a farmer
Following the Fraser Valley floods that began on Dec. 8, 2025, The Cascade kept a vigilant eye on the development of the valley’s situation and the effect it has had on locals in the area. A month has gone by since the high volumes of rainfall affected hundreds of homes and dozens of farms throughout Abbotsford. However, with the rainy season being far from over, it is important to revisit how the recent floods have affected the land, especially in comparison to November 2021’s atmospheric river events, and what can be done in the future to mitigate the damaging effects of these weather phenomena.
Dean Ostrowercha from Seasons Farm Market provided unique insight into how people living in and near Fraser Valley farmland navigated last year’s flood. He shared how in this instance, the main affectation was the traffic flow. Ostrowercha mentioned how the media’s coverage may have played a larger role than expected in how people reacted to the situation. Uncertainty of when and
from where the water levels rose made people feel unsafe. Additionally, several transit areas were flooded, which led to a decrease in the number of people coming to the market.
“It affected us with traffic flow, because [of] the media everybody’s freaking out.”
Ostrowercha also mentioned how different measures contribute to better preparedness when it comes to dealing with the atmospheric river flooding. One of which was a siren system that gave updates concerning water levels of water bodies like the Nooksack River and gave over 20 hours of preparation time before the water would reach the Seasons Farm Market.
Additionally, Ostrowercha talked about how the events of 2021 served as an experience that enabled them to be more prepared in 2025, and how factors such as the reinforced Sumas dike and a new engine to pump water away from the Fraser Valley helped their situation. The Sumas dike’s reinforcement, Ostrowercha highlighted, is important because when the Sumas River breaks, it overflows into the Nooksack River and if that overflows, it does so into the surrounding farmland. He said reinforcement was a factor that prevented further devastation in 2025 compared to 2021.
“[The city] got that done. They got that [dike] fixed up, so that was good.”
Ostrowercha emphasized how even if 2025’s floods did affect several roads and closed off transit through various places, it still does not compare with the suddenness and magnitude of the 2021 floods. He recalled how they barely had any time to prepare, resulting in a massive loss of products allocated in the flooded bottom shelves, and how the city’s authorities had them evacuate the store.
“This time we heard the sirens, but we still had lots of time. It [now] takes about 20 hours for [the water] to get from there to here.”
Ostrowercha’s personal belief is that in order to prevent further damage from occurring in the future and doing more to prepare for similar events to come, there would need to be changes happening at the other side of the border. However, he believes that it’s likely those changes may not happen due to operation related complications.
Interview has been edited for length and clarity.
NATALIA TOSCANO MURUA
SNAPSHOT
Just 15 minutes
15 minutes doesn’t seem like much. When I reach the self-imposed screen time limit on my favourite apps there’s an option to “remind me again in 15 minutes,” and I have clicked on that button more than I would like to admit, but 15 minutes after 15 minutes adds up.
So, in the pursuit of lessening my screen time, I started setting a lot of timers. What if instead of scrolling another 15 minutes I do 15 minutes of reading? 15 minutes of stretches? 15 minutes of creative writing?
This small shift has helped me attack perfectionism. When I don’t want to study, work on an assignment, clean, or when a task feels overwhelming, I can say “okay just work on it for 15 minutes.” Sometimes the momentum keeps me going, and sometimes I stop the second I hear the timer. But either way, I move forward, because 15 minutes after 15 minutes adds up.
BY KARA DUNBAR
UFV’s new Provost is Dr. Tracy Ryder Glass
Love of teaching, leadership and future goals
RACHEL TAIT
Dr. Tracy Ryder Glass is UFV’s provost and vice president academic since 2026. She studied at the University of Toronto, earning her PhD in Theory and Policy Studies in 2011.
Dr. Ryder Glass officially took on her role as the new provost and vice president academic on Jan. 1, 2026, after working at the UFV since July 2014. Prior to this, she filled multiple roles at the institution, including the dean of professional development, vice provost, and acting provost. She joined with The Cascade to discuss her love of teaching, becoming the new provost, and her goals for the future.
With a career spanning from education to law, Dr. Ryder Glass shared that in the past, she has worked as a modelling instructor, an elementary school teacher, and a certified mountain biking instructor and coach for several years. She noted that throughout her career, teaching has always been an integral part of her life.
“Teaching is a passion of mine and has been a consistent theme throughout the many career fields I have engaged in.”
Ryder Glass said she is grateful to be working in a position that draws from her past work experience in areas such as law, education, sociology, conflict resolution, and administration. She recalled that she never hesitated to apply for the role of provost after she found out what the job and vision entailed. She really wanted to apply despite it being coined as the most challenging position on campus.
She confided that the hiring process was anything but easy. However, the fact that she was an internal applicant who had prior experience as acting provost twice in her career at UFV made it an easier transition.
“Having been in an acting capacity twice — first, from January 2023 to January 2024 and the second, more recently from July of this year to now, has given me a clear understanding and expectation of the role. Without this experience, I would not have the confidence I now have of stepping into the role.”
She shared that the provost office team, which consists of Nicole Klassen and Melinda Saretzky have helped make the transition period go smoothly, and she is grateful for their support. She also was thankful for the mentorships she received from the vice presidents and UFV President, Dr. James Mandigo, whom she has worked with since he started at UFV in 2019.
“I attribute my confidence [in] taking on the role to Dr. Mandigo. He has put his trust in me to guide directions and make decisions when I may not have felt the confidence to do so without his support and trust … I hope to serve the UFV community in the Provost role in a way that respects his legacy.”
Ryder Glass said the provost is responsible for specific areas such as leadership, strategic planning, academic planning, and student success. She addressed that this cannot be done alone but with a team of seasoned leaders working together to achieve their goals with a high degree of trust. She also shared some of the goals she hopes to achieve.
“My goal initially is to build relationships and trust within the UFV community and determine how I can best support them in their goals and direction. More long term [goals] will be to support the revision of the Integrated Strategic Plan (ISP), the Strategic Enrolment Management Plan (SEM), and support our university priorities of being seen as changemakers, and the development of our One Health initiative.”
Over the next five to 10 years, Ryder Glass wants to continue working at UFV and support students. She also hopes to
see UFV continue to develop and grow, following their existing mission and vision to be an innovative, inclusive, diverse, and transformative change maker campus that is led by their core values as an institution and community.
“The university’s core values — Integrity, Inclusivity, Community, and Excellence — guide everything from decision-making to daily interactions. These are not simply guiding statements — they reflect the work we do every day, and they invite all of us to be part of something bigger.”
In closing, Ryder Glass’ advice for students is to not stress over their futures and avoid making hasty decisions. She emphasized that students may feel pressured to have all the answers and figure their lives out after high school, which shouldn’t be the case.
“My advice is [to] enjoy the journey. Universities like UFV provide the environment to do this through engaging classrooms, SUS clubs, research opportunities, social innovation opportunities, recreation, travel, and sport. Your passion will find you. You just have to take the pressure off of yourself and let it happen.”
Interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Photo submitted by Tracy Ryder Glass’ office
Illustration by Iryna Presley
Tag yourself // Your month = your mexican dessert
Tag
yourself, discover
your spirit Mexican delicacy today
NATALIA TOSCANO MURUA
I’m overdue on my Mexican dessert fix, which means I get to talk about it and transform it into a scrumptious dynamic. I’m going to introduce you to some classic desserts that I grew up with — so join me as you find out which Mexican dessert I think fits you according to your birth month.
And, to add some spice into it because why the heck not, the list will be in no order in particular. Full random, full crazy. Arriba los postres, disfruten!
1. Gelatina de mosaico is vibrant and packed full of flavour. In my experience, you’re either a diehard fan or low-key avoid it. I feel that’s the vibe for people from this month. No two mosaic jellies are alike, and it’s always ride or die. To all my uniquely different April people, this one’s for you!
2. Velvety with a fruity flavoured core, ate de membrillo is the perfect match for October-born homies. I feel like people born in October are a little mysterious at first — just like this dessert — you can’t immediately tell what flavours await you. But once you take a bite, you know what’s up.
3. Perhaps the weirdest mix that simply works, chongos zamoranos drenched
in syrup never cease to amaze me. The combination of chewy, creamy milk curdles swimming in sugary syrup can be a lot for some people — I don’t blame them — but for those who enjoy them, it’s a blast. I feel that’s what people from June feel like, maybe a bit much at times, but undeniably sweet and memorable.
4. A rosca de reyes is without a shadow of a doubt the most random out of all the desserts on the list. It’s literally a gamble every time you take a slice out of the colorfully adorned wheel: does the tiny baby Jesus figure embedded onto the bread secretly await you? This dessert is guaranteed to surprise and indulge you, just like January people.
5. A true classic and enjoyed by many, churros are crispy and warm with a soft inside that is sure to energise your soul. This might be the dessert with the most charisma out of the list. I need say no more, this 100 per cent represents August-born peeps. Shoutout to all my churro besties!
6. A true delicacy, tres leches cake is what a breath of fresh air feels like to me. This dessert leaves me satisfied like no other one in the list does. The smoothness, the layers, the aftertaste — it’s all in blissful balance. To all
my March friends out there, just like tres leches, your presence is always refreshing.
7. Tough on the outside, squishy on the inside, concha bread is unlike any other. Mistreat this dessert and the crust will crumble apart, ruining the flavour. Give it its due care and you’ll get the best bite out of any bread you’ll ever taste in your life. In my experience, people born in July are like this — a protective shell on the outside at first, but comforting and soft on the inside.
8. I feel like buñuelos are the definition of a festive treat. I only get to eat them every now and then, but each crunchy and sugary bite feels like heaven. To me, this is the exact vibe of people born in December — festive, sweet, and hard to come by, but unforgettable.
9. Hot and cold, dry and wet, chocoflán is the perfect representation of living on the edge and somehow making it work. I don’t know any people more extreme than those born in February. I find this can be either an incredibly cool thing or a bit much for some, but nevertheless, that’s hardcore, and I respect that.
SNAPSHOT
Web 1.0: baby’s first internet
Illustration by Iryna Presley
Despite its prevalence in our daily lives today, the internet has only been around for a relatively short time. In that time, it has gone through some pretty major changes. What we know as the World Wide Web today is far from the simple, yet effective web of the 90s.
Web 1.0, known commonly as the “read-only web,” was comprised of fully static, non-interactive web pages meant only to display information. Think about it: something like TikTok, where the core uses are to comment and share videos, would be impossible on this version of the internet!
Though it was slow to load, and was geared toward fixed content with little change to web pages, Web 1.0 also had its advantages. Mainly, allowing easy public access to a wealth of information that used to only be found through scouring physical books or by word of mouth. It was like going from grinding your own coffee beans to ordering an espresso in the drive through on the way to class!
Personally, compared to the chaotic noise of today’s internet, I wouldn’t mind going back to the straightforward — though perhaps boring — version of Web 1.0.
BY ERIN RASMUSSEN
Illustration by Natalia Toscano Murua / The Cascade
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 06
10. Eating a cocada always reminds me what a powerful combo fruitiness and stickiness is. It feels like a party in my taste buds, and my May buds always know how to start a party. Pure fun and exoticness, to me, cocadas and May are one in the same.
11. Pan de Muerto is beloved for the memories it brings but also for how delicious it is. Having a banger taste accompanied by the best lore possible is, in my eyes, exactly how people born in November are.
12. Pan de elote feels like a forbidden combination that worked incredibly
well and got everybody enamoured, me included. I find that people born in September always have the craziest traits that at first glance may even seem odd, but immediately get you hooked. Their company never gets boring. I feel like just as you can’t go wrong with pan de elote, you can never go wrong with a September friend.
Psychology // Why do we hyperfixate?
There are reasons behind our all-consuming interests
around us.”
SNAPSHOT
Shower thoughts 2.0
Once more, I step in and turn the knob to the left.
I wonder what it must’ve been for the first primate to gain self awareness. Were they aware they were aware? Also, at which point did the first member of Homo sapiens come to be? Surely there was a first one, no? It’s just we’ll never know who, or how it was like to be the first.
Now that I think about it… What will the next evolution trait for humans be? By improving medicine and natality rates, did we mess with natural selection? I’m pretty sure I remember lactose tolerance being a recent example of mutation and evolution. I’ve also heard people can suddenly become lactose intolerant. Man, I love dairy so much, I hope that doesn’t happen to me.
I wonder what was the first animal to ever produce milk — sheesh, that must’ve been a scary mutation to get out of evolution. Did that animal’s offspring instinctively know they should drink it? Did it take centuries for milk to become useful to offspring? Ah, nature and evolution, so cool and so mysterious… I turn the knob to the right, sigh, and step out.
BY NATALIA TOSCANO MURUA
JASLEEN SANDHU
Hyperfixation is a term that has become prevalent in our social lexicon over the last few years. While many individuals can say that they have hyperfixated on something, not all of us know why this happens exactly.
Have you ever been so invested in something that it becomes all you think about? Have you had trouble focusing or forgotten to do basic tasks because of your interests? If so, it’s more than likely you have hyperfixated on something.
Hyperfixating differs from having a special interest. When there’s a special interest, an individual is focused on a niche topic they are passionate about and choose to engage with. Hyperfixations can be all-consuming and can lead to neglecting other aspects of life. Special interests can become hyperfixations, but they are not the exact same.
A key point of hyperfixations is that anyone can experience them, but they are more common in individuals who are neurodivergent, particularly those with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and OCD. But Thriveworks clarifies that “hyperfixation can happen to both neurodivergent and neurotypical people, shaping how we engage with the world
So, why do we hyperfixate? There are many reasons and the experience of hyperfixating can differ from person to person, but I have found that hyperfixating “can serve as a coping mechanism.” It can also allow for a sense of “relief when circumstances feel out of control,” according to KMN Psych.
When I took MACS 110 (Intro to Media Communications), I learned that media dependency increases during a crisis, and hyperfixating can stem from that desire to rely on something which can provide a sense of structure or immediate reprieve during difficult periods of time.
I am someone that has experienced all-consuming obsessions, particularly with pieces of media. As I get older, I find that I’m growing capable of creating stability in uncertain areas of life, but there are many moments where I turn to media and let myself be engrossed to feel a sense of comfort.
When I was in grade 12, from 20202021— a time where the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak — there wasn’t a lot to do except go to school and come home. So, I spent nearly all of my time with different pieces of media, and anything I seemed to get hooked on, I really dedicated my time to it.
If you happen to stumble upon any of these desserts, I encourage you to give them a try! And if it so happens that it is the one that corresponds to your birth month then it’s no longer an invitation; you must try it — that’s destiny right there.
While I had classes and homework, it was a time where everything felt incredibly strange, so I found comfort in music, movies, and shows. Specifically, at that time, I became obsessed with the Arctic Monkeys. While they’re still one of my favourite bands, my passion for them isn’t so absorbing — I can now focus on other things and listen to their music without feeling the need to figure out the meaning to every lyric.
I recall sitting at school and wanting nothing more than to go home so I could watch interviews of the band and re-listen to my favourite songs. I would spend my days removing myself from anything that could interfere with my engagement with the band. My days would be structured around listening to their music, watching interviews, and debating which merchandise to buy. Conversations with friends would focus on the British band even if there were other things to talk about.
I think, for me, my Arctic Monkeys hyperfixation at that time was so intense because I needed some form of relief because everything else felt so uncertain. I still get consumed by certain obsessions, but I’ve discovered other outlets to help me find a balance in my day to day.
There are different reasons why we may hyperfixate, but it’s crucial to acknowledge when something completely takes over your life. It’s important to have things you are passionate about, but it’s also important to make sure they don’t disrupt your life and make you lose track of time or isolate yourself. If, like me, you experience hyperfixations to an intense degree, it’s okay you maintain your interests, but don’t let your life become that one thing.
If you get the chance, share your hyperfixations with others and hopefully your interests, that could potentially isolate you, turn into opportunities for making friends and building a community.
Hyperfixations can be interesting and allow you to broaden your ideas of the world, but they can also force you into your own little bubble. I understand that it can be difficult to detach yourself, but it’s essential to recognize there’s an entire world before you that has room for you, your hyperfixations, and other things too.
Illustration by Hannah Bricknell / The Cascade
Rethinking // I am upgrading everyone to Human 2.0
Imaginative take on what humans could be if life were a little harder
PRATI KAPOOR
If I had the opportunity to redesign humans, you bet I’m going totally feral about it. In my wild dreams, all humans are getting upgraded to 2.0 version and yes — it’s obligatory. There’s no opting out. I would launch an entirely new human species that’s much kinder, better, and slays harder.
Let’s start grand with what would be the most important default setting in humans: you cannot commit bad deeds. The idea itself makes me feel so much safer. I am so tired of scratching my head over-analyzing people’s intentions and reading in between the lines. In the upgraded version, we all live like we are supposed to: as good humans who don’t harm anyone. It’s all a fairytale and everyone’s nice in it.
Moving to the physical aspect, can we also cut down the three meals a day humans need to sustain themselves? I propose one meal a day should suffice. I cannot remember the last time I had three meals a day because boy, it’s hard okay? The worst part about adulthood is spending two hours cooking something only to finish it in 30 minutes followed by another hour of washing dishes. I am telling you — life would be much simpler if we just have to do it once.
While we’re at it, we should also have an ailment scanner. You go into body scanning mode and it tells you everything that’s wrong with you. In my perfect world, every ailment has a cure that’s not outrageously expensive and you don’t have to worry about getting an appointment six months from now. One pill and magically, you are cured. How does that sound? Fairytale logic, but imagine the relief.
Now let’s talk about everyone’s one true love — sleeping. I love to sleep at any given hour of day and, if I could, I would sleep 10 hours a day — yet anything over six feels like a far-sighted dream. Taking catnaps at work? High-key embarrassing. I would love it if our bodies could wake up as refreshed with two hours of sleep as they would with the recommended amount of at least seven. I would be slaying so much more in life if I wasn’t a walking zombie every second day. Another essential upgrade would be the ability to magically fix our insecurities. Pardon me, I am a child who grew up watching Disney princesses wave their magic wands to fix everything. In my world, everyone feels like baddies.
If they don’t like a feature of theirs, they can snap their fingers like a magic wand and change it. No embarrassment and no shame, just slay, my kings and queens. I believe kindness is the biggest power one can hold. To make us kinder to one another, I would add a heart-shaped happiness radar near the collarbone that acts like a battery, showing how much happiness one is feeling. That way, we would know when someone needs extra love without having to explain it. In my world, everyone feels loved and no one needs therapy.
If I am being truly hypothetical, one true power I would love for us to have is the ability to meet our lost loved ones in our dreams. Call me biased, but I have my mom in heaven — I believe there should be a rule that your loved ones cannot ever fully leave you. If they must go, then in
my world we can hug them every night after we go to bed.
Of course, as everyone else, I would love it if we humans had the power to teleport. Imagine you can travel without expensive airplane tickets and exhausting hours of long travel — I already know everyone loves the idea.
Lastly, let’s be real — we all love being rich. I would go gaga over the ability to have how much money whenever I needed. One crazy thing about imagination is it doesn’t have to be logical, and this is it. Imagine if we had the magical power to be rich and it wasn’t illegal, what a crazy life would it be?
Should I get an Oscar for designing humans best? I am certain if I redesigned humans, life would be so magical, more kind, and honestly? We all deserve it!
Thriving in class, crying at six a.m. SNAPSHOT
I love my new classes. Every course I’m taking is incredible. So, why do I want to tune out the world, curl up in bed, and stay under my fluffy covers forever?
People keep insisting it’s winter making me miserable, but I actually adore this season. And yet, every time my alarm goes off at six a.m. so I can make it to my 8:30 classes, I look up at the still-dark sky and quietly shed a tiny, internal tear of resignation. At this point, my alarm and I are in a toxic relationship, but neither of us is brave enough to end it.
I did, indeed, do this to myself — but I’m also trying to make the most of the ingredients I’ve got. Unfortunately, the recipe seems to call for “one (1) well-rested human,” which I do not currently have in stock.
Every time I’m in class, I feel engaged and productive. I just wish I could take them one at a time, so I can savour everything I’m learning. Alas. Are you overwhelmed, too? Do you already need the semester to be over, even though it’s barely begun and you’re genuinely excited about your courses?
BY SKY S. TERRONES
Illustration by Hannah Bricknell / The Cascade
Sports Editor - Jeffrey Kennett
SLAPSHOTS
The siren song of esports
Inverted Olympics
Volleyball // Rozema: “Our process can result in winning”
The Cascades women’s volleyball season all comes down to this
ETHAN PAULSON
The first half of the 2025-26 volleyball season did not transpire as the Cascades had hoped. Entering the second half, the team sat at 5-5 in the standings after a pair of tough losses to Calgary capped off 2025. However, with the winter break now behind them, the Cascades can put aside the challenging opening stretch and build renewed confidence following a sweep of the Brandon Bobcats to open up 2026.
close out the year. Being swept to end the first half gave the Cascades something to reflect on heading into the new year.
Head Coach Janelle Rozema hopes that future victories can instill confidence into the team once more.
“When you haven’t won in a while, we were starting to miss the feeling of winning. Being able to remember what it feels like and actually see it take form helps us believe that our process can result in winning.”
My love-hate relationship with League of Legends has weighed on me for years. On one hand, it is a way to stay connected with friends I otherwise wouldn’t hear from often. On the other, getting thumped 10 times in a row by kids online has a way of making me question whether I ever truly enjoyed the game at all. Still, a new ranked season rolls around and I convince myself that this time will be different — maybe I’ll put in the effort, improve, and learn what’s changed over the past few months. That’s how a live service game gets you: constant tweaks and updates designed to keep things feeling fresh.
Of course, that freshness eventually gives way to monotony, and my attention drifts elsewhere. But ***this year*?! Not only are we returning to shorter matches and an emphasis on frequent skirmishes, Riot Games has also announced the Americas Cup, perfectly setting up early 2026 for peak brain rot. It’s exactly the kind of thing that speaks to my pre-teen self, inevitably leading to months of frustration, LCS disappointment, and sleepless gaming sessions.
No matter how tempting it is, I try each year to resist the siren song calling me back, and here’s hoping I’ll have more luck this time around.
BY ZACKERY FITZPATRICK
As soon as the calendar turned to 2026, one thought immediately came to mind: the Olympics are almost here. But that excitement quickly led to another question: The Olympics feel largely the same every time, so how can they shake things up? The obvious answer is to add new events, much like the introduction of ski mountaineering to this year’s Games. However, it is easier said than done, as many Olympic events are fleeting, much like the breakdancing in 2024.
I believe that there is a better way to breathe new life into the Olympics. I call it the “Inverted Olympic Games.” Imagine taking traditional Summer Olympic events — such as tennis, the hammer throw, swimming, and the 100-metre dash — and staging them outdoors in the middle of winter. While these competitions would carry a higher risk of injury due to ice and snow, and might not appeal to athletes accustomed to warm climates, they would undoubtedly be entertaining. Watching the world’s top summer athletes battle the elements of a frozen tundra would offer a fresh and unforgettable twist on the Games.
BY ETHAN PAULSON
Confidence is a delicate balance. Too much can lead to underestimating an opponent, while too little can cause the most talented players to doubt themselves on the court. But for the Cascades, the challenge is staying committed to their process and keeping their attention firmly on the game at hand, not the future. Veteran outside hitter Talia Attieh, now in her third season at UFV, has experienced first-hand the depth of competition that the conference has to offer.
“This is Canada West,” Attieh said. “Every team has something to bring to the game. We never judge a team by their record. We prepare the same for every team, and we go out there bringing our best game and our highest standard.”
The Cascades brought their A game to start the 2026 portion of the season against Brandon, earning back-to-back 3-1 victories led by Attieh’s 30 kills across the two matches. The results marked a sharp contrast to how 2025 ended. After sweeping UBCO to improve to 5-3, UFV entered Calgary with perhaps too much confidence, and came back down to earth after a pair of heartbreaking losses to
A weekend sweep of Brandon was a much needed start to 2026, as the Cascades now face a daunting gauntlet to close out the season. Road trips to fourth nationally ranked Thompson Rivers and 12th ranked Saskatchewan are followed by a return to Abbotsford to host third ranked UBC and defending U SPORTS champions 11th ranked Manitoba. The path to the postseason will not be easy. Still, despite the demanding schedule ahead, UFV should have no shortage of confidence that it can compete with anyone in Canada if it stays true to its identity.
“I don’t think we finished the first semester how we would have liked,” said Attieh. “Coming into this semester, we wanted to key in on skills that were lacking. I think finding our flow state’s a key theme [for us]”
Confidence has to be earned. In a league as competitive as Canada West, no opponent can be taken lightly, and every match can swing either way. But, if the Cascades continue to capitalize on the opportunities in front of them, belief will not be in short supply in the Fraser Valley as the team pushes toward the playoffs.
Photo courtesy of UFV Cascades
Illustration by Iryna Presley
Illustration by Iryna Presley
Community // Little Sprout, big impact
Building opportunities through support and good food
JASLEEN SANDHU
Little Sprout Café is a hidden gem with a profound presence. It is built on the foundations of care and support for Abbotsford’s community as well as the people in it.
The café is backed by Communitas Supportive Care Society, an establishment that allows equal employment opportunities for people with varying abilities who may not be given the same chances elsewhere.
The Cascade got the chance to speak with Communitas’ Program Director, Chris Karema and Little Sprout Café’s Head Chef, Kerry Martin, to discuss the importance of Communitas’ initiative.
“The café is the vision of Communitas, because of the gap that we were noticing in the workforce. One of the driving factors [was] the fact that we needed something to be able to provide experience and equip some of our people serving with a passion to be in this industry,” explained Karema.
The café first opened its doors in 2021, but according to Karema it had some issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were some closures that occurred, but over the years, Little Sprout has established itself which wouldn’t have been possible without the effort and push by Communitas.
Little Sprout was born from a mission to create an inclusive environment where people could learn and grow without judgement, to hone their skills, or develop new ones. Communitas carefully works with individuals to ensure they thrive in employment.
“One of the biggest [aspects] is the ability to provide [Communitas’] training program and also hire within [it] … Sometimes we get people for three to six months, they go through the training to see if they like something they would never really try.”
If individuals realize they might prefer a different program, there are opportunities available for them, but they are always encouraged to adopt skills from their placements.
“Sometimes, somebody might come and they might not potentially like [the work], but they usually leave with a skill set. Either they learn how to cook certain things, make some drinks, support themselves, or even [develop] the ability to stick to three months looking forward to something … So there’s always a benefit for them to go through the training one way or [another] — whether they end up working in the café or not.”
Alongside Karema, Martin, a professionally trained chef with over 40 years of experience, emphasized this point.
“A lot of our trainees, our staff, need a little more patience and understanding with their training than can be kind of done in the industry … With that, they become very strong and capable, able to work out in the industry … So this gives them an alternative with the right kind of guidance and support to succeed.”
Communitas’ purpose extends its positive impacts to the community — supporting Little Sprout builds connections and engagement as the café uses local and fresh ingredients.
“We want people to also know that
we are community members who support our own community. Because it is very important [...] there are the partners that we wish and hope that they will see us and potentially consider hiring some of our trainees. So it’s both ways … that’s why it’s called a social enterprise.”
The café is built on the foundation of reciprocal relationships — to support the community and have the community give that support back.
“At the end of the day, Little Sprout exists with the intention of, if we make a profit, reinvesting into our mission … We invite customers and we want to be successful, but at the end of the day, we are here for the people and to make sure that we’re making those bridges as well.”
Communitas’ goal is to highlight that community matters. Support is essential to building inclusive workspaces such as Little Sprout.
While the hiring process is unique, Karema feels that shouldn’t be the case.
“One of the hopes that we always
[have] is that social enterprises or cafés like this … might not be needed in the future. We hope that more and more employers realize or at least plan to remove any sort of barriers, to provide easy access to employment to all people, and providing whatever necessary accommodations to support them in their development as well.”
Little Sprout does a lot of good for the community, and that is maintained in the kitchen as they prepare meals with care and keep their menu inclusive as well.
“We have the most delicious food … which is fresh, local. We have vegan, gluten free [food]. We have all kinds that we accommodate. We’re very inclusive, trying to make everything accessible for all people that walk into this place, so there is a plate, a drink, or something for everybody, so they can come and celebrate.”
Interviews have been edited for length and clarity.
Trainee Mariel with Laura: Trainee Mariel (holding mug) is learning her latte art skills from Little Sprout Café Barista Laura. (Photo by Krista Petrie for Communitas/Little Sprout)
Cook Nav training Joseph: Cook Nav shows trainee Joseph proper knife use (Photo by Krista Petrie for Communitas/Little Sprout)
Kerry Chef: Chef Kerry Martins brings decades of experience to his role at Little Sprout Café. (Photo by Krista Petrie for Communitas/Little Sprout)
CULTURE
Visual Arts // “Lenses” student exhibition celebrates diverse perspectives
Check out the unique expressions of memory, humanity, dreams, and more
VERONICA POWELL
Five talented UFV SOCA students have had the opportunity to showcase their artistic talenxxxts at the student-led exhibit titled “Lenses” located in the S’eliyemetaxwtexw art gallery. From Jan. 7-23, the gallery is available for viewing and invites people to see how the art can capture the experiences of life lived through various perspectives. The Cascade had the chance to speak to some of the artists about why they make art and what having their work displayed means to them.
Finn Toews’ impeccable acrylic work “Delayed enlightenment” is vibrant and poignant, drawing me in first. It captures how seeing a memory through rose-coloured glasses can become a search for progress in his past self, while his second piece “Tethered” calls attention to his
relationship with his past and future, making me wonder if memories work as memorabilia we hold close, even if we have regrets about how we once lived.
“This is the second time I’ve been in a gallery so this is exciting. With Lenses, I feel it really is for me about my personal views and everyone here will all have something a little bit different going on with how we hear the world. So it’s really cool to celebrate that people see things differently.”
Zöe Crowley’s painting “The Ballad of Chaotic Digression (From the body of a ‘Weird Fish’)” brings focus to and honours the differences humans have from one another. It visually describes the many eyes of society that can habitually choose to see a person through a mask, only for how they want to see them, not for who they really are. Crowley discussed how she decides what kind of art she wants to create.
“It very much gauges on subjects of social standings [and] political uprisings. There’s various different disciplines to that, but when it comes to my art, I visualize more on body choice, more on trying to visually please the community and the crowds that might find their own kind of space.”
Kay Ber’s mixed media collage “NEWS OF THE WORLD” was impactful and well thought out. The magazine and newspaper cut-outs of images from around the world unite different places in different times into one frame, the entire piece becoming a symbol of humanity — representing the powerful dynamics of life on Earth. From the scene of a small American family Christmas in the 1980s, to striking images of child poverty in India, it’s raw and overwhelming at first but so wonderfully cohesive creating a surprising strength at its centre.
Gray Engler’s work, “The Tree, Spark of Inspiration” is a textual piece that highlights how dreams affect what thoughts come to you consciously. The piece made me think of a trail in the woods, on an uncertain path with an unknown destination. On the outside of the sewn paths were images that reminded me of a fantasy world, or what Engler might consider a
dreamscape. It was a very creative way to interpret the transition between what our dreams look like inside our minds versus what they tell us when we reflect on them.
Chandradeep Majumder’s sculptural installation piece “Not Decided Yet” touches home for him and for me. I felt his emotion while looking at it as it reflects his feelings about returning to his home country. Even though I’ve personally never moved out of the country and away from my family, I resonated with the half-completed human body he crafted to express not being ready and healed enough to face past trauma, since he moved to Canada as part of his healing process.
“To me, making art is expressing being a part of the community. [It’s] the most valuable thing I have as a weapon to feel or deal with my emotions.”
Each artists’ pieces were exceptional and I strongly encourage everyone, whether you’re interested in art or not, to take the time to view them because you never know how much it might inform your own perspective on yourself and the world.
Interviews have been edited for length and clarity.
“The Ballad or Chaotic Digression (From the body of a “Weird Fish”)” Acrylic on Canvas (2025) by Zoe Crowley (Photo by Gabriela Gonzalez / The Cascade)
“NEWS OF THE WORLD” Mixed Media Collage (2025) by Kay Ber (Photo by Gabriela Gonzalez / The Cascade)
OMW!
The Cascade hits the road
THE CASCADE
When we hear “data visualization,” most of the time it brings to mind numbers, charts, and bars. In the following pages however, you’ll find something more personal — visual stories around how each of us experience transportation.
During the week of Jan. 5 to 10, some of us at The Cascade recorded our movement from one place to another. In tracking things like moods, time spent travelling, and time wasted looking for parking, we discovered how surprisingly emotional our daily commutes can be, how our expectations change, and ultimately, that how we perceive our trips is often different from what actually happens
This was an experiment, we’re not all artists or designers, but we wanted to explore our commutes and a small slice of our daily lives in a new way. Travel is something essential, something we do every day without really reflecting on it.
This practice helped us carve out a space in our lives to truly reflect, to pay attention, to slow down for a moment, and see this piece of our life in a different way. It forced us to reflect and sit down afterwards and put pencil, felt, crayon, or pen to paper. They’re numbers, sure — but it’s more than that. It’s us, in a unique, personal, and new way.
These graphics invite you to see the lived experience behind them, sure, but how do we tell that story in a new way? In a way that is personal, unique, and creative. How can we sum up an experience without using words? We know parking is limited, we know transportation can be challenging, and we know filling gas is like gambling, so we invite you to read the stories behind our commutes.
LEAVING PROCRASTINATION STATION…LATER BY CAITLYN CARR — FEATURES EDITOR
JUST CAUSE I DON’T HAVE A CAR YET BY PRATI KAPOOR — STAFF WRITER
MUSICAL MOOD BOARD BY DARIEN JOHNSEN — EDITOR IN CHIEF
THE CYCLICAL NATURE OF ONE’S COMMUTE BY ANNA MCCAUSLAND — PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
VACATIONS VS REAL LIFE COMMUTE BY GABRIELA GONZALEZ — CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Clubs and Associations // Inside UFV’s Communist Club
UFV’s Communist Club shares its mission to educate students on Marxism and Communism
PRATI KAPOOR
UFV’s Communist Revolutionary Students Club, currently in its third semester of operation, has been focused on creating a space for students interested in Marxism and communism. The Cascade sat down with President Jordan Holmes and Treasurer Jonas Dower to discuss the club’s history and what it aspires to do.
When was the club formed and what are its core missions?
Jordan: “I started the Communist Club two semesters ago. I noticed that there was really nothing on campus that advocated for communism. Nothing where students could talk and further their knowledge on campus.
“Academia is heavily indebted to communism [and] Marxism. Communist literature is heavily referenced in most classes, but they don’t get to hear what communists have to say about it. They hear it from their professors who may or may not be communists but not from students with real academic interest in it.”
How would you describe the club’s values to anyone unfamiliar with communism?
Jonas: “Marx tells us to always patiently explain. A key tenet of ours is patiently explaining to students what Marxism is and what we stand for as Marxists and communists. To help spread that education, we sell literature about Marxism and communism.”
UFV //
Can you explain what Marxism means?
Jordan: “Marxism is the study of history [and] economy. It is the only scientific study of capitalism taken to its full extent. There are students who understand what capitalism is, but [not] what capitalism does. It’s a study [which] leads Marxists to communism. This idea that capitalism eventually leads to its overthrow, that capitalism is inherently unsustainable… we as Marxists understand the societal ills that face you are because of capitalism.”
Do most of your members come in already agreeing with communism or are just curious?
Jonas: “Both. We’ve had people who are curious … understanding communism under the Red Scare and thinking that we support Stalin… We don’t support Stalin at all — Stalin wasn’t a Marxist or we would argue even a communist. We have people who join out of curiosity and people who already agree with us and want to learn more.”
What role do you feel your club plays at UFV?
Jonas: “We hold lectures and public events where we discuss a certain topic under Marx’s perspective. So far, we’ve done six public events [and] a movie night. Our main priority is to help educate. We have a mini lecture afterwards that discusses the main tenets of the movie and how they ascribe to Marxism, followed by a hangout session to get to know us.
“I think a misconception about
communists is that we’re so stern and steeled almost. Nerds. And we are nerds, but we like to have fun.”
What events are you planning to organize this semester?
Jonas: “We have requested a weekly reading group and an event on American imperialism [in] regards to Venezuela. I’ll be presenting [on] the differences between Marxism and Stalinism [and] Jordan will be presenting a communist perspective on the UFV deficit.”
Jordan: “Our big approach this semester is looking at what students on campus care about [and] what they’re talking about and connect those to a communist program. Venezuela has been an ongoing talk around campus and we want to be able to educate them. Same with the UFV deficit; this is something that’s affecting the faculty [and] the students.
“UFV has such a large Mennonite community and so does Abbotsford. We get people who have family members who lived in Ukraine, USSR and were subject to repression under Stalin. It’s understandable for them to come to us with apprehensions about communism. But if we’re able to communicate to them that this is not what we stand for — this is not communism, then that’s a success.”
What conversations do you hope your club encourages on campus?
Jordan: “I hope that we can get students thinking about where their tuition goes.
“We want to get students asking, why is UFV run the way that it’s run? Faculty
Richard Kelly Kemick, the fox
UFV welcomes 2026 Writer in Residence
DARIEN JOHNSEN
Each year, the University of the Fraser Valley welcomes an experienced Writer in Residence (WIR) to join the campus community for a semester. The Writer in Residence is available to students who want advice, guidance, or consultation on writing. Despite being an award-winning author with a PhD in English Literature, Richard Kelly Kemick describes himself as“just a normal person.” Kemick has published works spanning from the realm of non-fiction, short fiction, plays, and even a bit of journalism.
The Cascade sat down with Kemick and his young son, Sullivan, to talk about
his writing, his background, and what he hopes to come of his time at UFV.
You’ve been on campus for about a week now, can you describe your experience thus far in one word?
“I’m getting lost a lot, so I want to say labyrinthine.”
Tell me about how you came to find yourself at UFV.
“I was a presenter at the literary festival here two years ago. [And] I know Rob Taylor from literary stuff [so] when the posting for the Writer in Residence came up I heard about it and applied.”
And how long will you be here for?
“I will be here until [the] end of March.”
Do you have a campus bestie yet?
“The security guard. The security guard has given me directions a few times.”
How would you describe yourself?
“Normal. Just normal. Really, just like a normal person.
“I used to not tell people I’m a writer for a few reasons. When you tell people you’re a writer one of the first things they ask is what have you written? Or what do you write? I feel like it’s a situation [where] what they’re really saying is are you a successful writer? There’s like a suspicion and a kind of demand for proof,
and students have so little say in how UFV is run, despite really being the backbone of the school. As people get more familiar with what capitalism means, we hope to encourage conversations around better democracy and participation within UFV students.”
What are your club’s goals for the rest of the year?
Jordan: “We’re hoping to connect to as many students as we can [and] build a really vibrant political community. We want to grow to a size that we can interact with movements outside of UFV. We want an energized student body who understands what’s going wrong in society and understands what needs to happen to fix that. I don’t think that we’re going to see that at this campus without a communist movement.”
If a student is interested in learning more and joining your club, what’s the best way to get involved?
Jordan: “See us at a table on campus [and] keep an eye on Rubric. We’re going to be more consistent with posting our events.”
Jonas: “I would encourage people who don’t agree with us to come to the event. Come hear what we have to say, but if nothing we say is persuasive enough, then we’ve got some more work to do.”
Interview has been edited for length and clarity.
which I’m sure just exists all in my fucking head.”
I’ve noticed a slight hesitancy to talk about your own work, do you feel like you struggle with imposter syndrome at all?
“When ask[ed] to quantify my writing [it feels like] it comes across as an imposter talking about my own work … I will edit a piece for so long that when it’s done I feel like the last thing I want to do is talk about it … It’s just way more exciting or interesting for me to talk about other writers’ works … A lot more fruitful comments can be made about the writing of other
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15
writers. It’s sort of hard to comment on your own work.
“It’s very kind and generous when someone says, I thought this about this trait of the character, which was unspoken … And I don’t want to be like, that’s right, or that’s wrong.”
In an ideal world, what influence would you like to have on students at UFV?
“When I was in school, a poet really encouraged us to submit our writing. He found students would write and then tinker for years without submitting to journals or publishers … If he hadn’t told me that, maybe I wouldn’t have submitted, and if [he hadn’t said] there’s an onslaught of rejection, I feel like that rejection would have been debilitating to me. So he encouraged you to submit, because you would get rejected, just because it’s part of it.
“I feel like [that was] him saying: go out there as a writer. I feel like I was really fortunate to have learned that lesson when I did in my life. So maybe that’s what I’d
like to encourage.”
What would you, personally, like to get out of your time at UFV?
“It’s really edifying to work in an office. It’s very ‘big kid’ … It’s also nice to chat with students and faculty, writing is often so solitary. It’s nice to be in a community.”
In a couple articles online it’s mentioned that you were raised Catholic. Would you say that’s influenced your relationship with writing at all?
“I think because I went to Catholic school … there’s like a worshipping of stories, a value of stories, that I don’t think would have necessarily been conveyed in a public school. I think that maybe kind of got the ball rolling on me writing my own stories.”
You seem to be somewhat politically inclined, does this influence your writing?
“One of the many weaknesses in my personality is that I’m obsessed with Canadian politics. Oftentimes I feel like it’s a shortcoming in my writing, that it’s not politically engaged … I don’t know why my interest in the news, Canadian
Campus Fashion: what’s new for 2026
Five on-trend styles of the year
RACHEL TAIT
This is Campus Fashion, your source of inspiration for seasonal trends, cool finds, and wardrobe basics to keep you looking stylish throughout the year.
Gone are the subtle, softer looks of 2025, as 2026 is all about bolder fashion, vibrant colours and textures. With a new year of fashion to look forward to, The Cascade compiled a list of the top five trend styles to watch out for in the coming season.
Cobalt blue
A bold colour to wear this season, this vivid blue shade was big in 2024 and is still popular today. For an all out look, pair black dress pants with a white knit turtleneck, black heels, and a cobalt blue statement coat. For a more muted look, wear a pair of sneakers in this rich blue colour with an all-black sweatsuit for running errands around town.
Bold and glamourous
Looking chic is an aesthetic that is being revisited on the runway. This style is more dramatic yet remains elegant, reintroducing trends like bold chunky jewellery, and structured loser fitting suits. Combine a black oversized suit with a white long sleeve body suit, black statement heels, chunky gold earrings, and a statement black and gold accented belt for a fun evening out. For a casual look, pair a grey funnel neck sweater with a pair of your favourite jeans, tall black leather boots, a biker leather jacket, and oversized sunglasses.
politics in general, hasn’t translated into my writing.
“There’s nothing more tiresome than a novel that’s trying to get you to agree with a political point. The political point is often so broad and ubiquitous that everyone at the fucking literary festival already agrees … By no means would I ever dissuade someone from writing about politics, even in a fictional capacity … I think there’s a difference between writing about politics or including politics, and writing politically, where the former is like an exploration of the ideas and systems under which we currently live, and then the latter is a championing of a soul idea. And I think in that the writer assumes they’re right and better than the reader, that the reader needs to be corrected or educated in that way.”
Your dog is all over the internet, does she help you write?
“She does. We actually put her down 12 days ago and actually, I have been kind of worried about it. I started writing seriously, with intent and drive, and career ambition in Fredericton, and it just naturally coincided with getting Maisie.
As long as I’ve really been trying to be a writer, she’s been with me.”
If you could be an animal what would you be?
Sullivan: “A fox!”
Kemick: “A fox would be great. I would go with fox.”
Interview has been edited for length
Playing house
Whoever thought aprons could be on-trend? This fashion style draws from the traditional 1940’s-1960’s housewife aesthetic and is a top trend for 2026. To help recreate this look, pair a tea-length white paperbag skirt with a chocolate-brown ruffle long sleeve shirt and pumps. The skirt creates the allusion of an apron, especially if you add a ribbon as a belt. For a more toned down look, wear a short sleeve navy buttondown shirt, a matching tea full length skirt, a white belt, and white pumps.
Textures
It’s all about texture this season. Some of the popular choices for the upcoming season include feathers, lace, and fringe. For a dramatic look, wear a full length red gown made from feathers with a string of pearls and towering black velvet heels. In a more casual setting, a white lace camisole under a lace white long sleeve top
pairs well with medium wash jeans, tall brown leather boots, a long cream cardigan, and a brown suede handbag with a fringe trim.
Colourful elegance
Adding a pop of colour to an otherwise neutral and elegant look is very trendy at the moment. For this style, wearing a pair of camel dress pants with a cream crewneck sweater and khaki trench coat is only half of the equation. To update this timeless look, add colourful accessories like a red and navy print scarf with red pumps. For a more casual event, pair a black cardigan and black jeans with a colourful T-shirt peeking out or coloured sneakers to help balance the look.
There you have it, a list of five popular trends that are emerging in 2026. Be bold in your fashion choices and see which trends are your favourite to style this semester!
Illustration by Natasha Zilcosky / The Cascade
Photo by Litia Fleming
Horoscopes //
By: Lilith of Rhiannon
Aries - Mar. 21 to Apr. 19
The new semester means fresh challenges and an opportunity to jam-pack your calendar with exciting tasks to distract yourself with. Try your best to focus, though, because that hare-brained and ambitious project that was once just a jumble of chaotic scribbles might just come in handy if you’re looking to make some money this year. Be warned, this will require focus and “constructive criticism” — put the ego to bed and take it.
Taurus - Apr. 20 to May 20
How dare they! (You say about a partner who fucked you over by speaking too long to an attractive classmate two years ago). It’s heating you up to think about, you’re longing for something more, something great! Something amazing and new and exciting! This calls for more than a trip to the grocery store. This calls for new adventures (and maybe even a new beau).
Gemini - May 21 to Jun. 20
Gem — you need to shut up. Or at least, tone it down for a minute. The holidays have left you snappy. The fake family facade you created to appease the cousins you don’t really like has worn you down. Try going internally this week. There’s divinity in you and in others, seek it, quietly.
Cancer - Jun. 21 to Jul. 22
Crack open that shell, baby! That weirdo you met over the semester break might just be the one. Throw a party and invite them. Bonus points if you invite a bunch of eccentric deviants.
Leo - Jul. 23 to Aug. 22
Enough with the selfies. Put your phone down and pay attention to your crumbling life behind the screen. You might be surprised at the ease with which your problems can be solved this week.
Virgo - Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
You’re like, really horny this week. Try to pay attention to what the hottie is saying to you instead of looking at them like they’re a snack. They might have something interesting to say.
Libra - Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
The spirits are literally about to kick down your door and redesign your life. Let them.
Scorpio - Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
Have you seen Wicked: For Good ? That’s kind of like your life rn. Elphaba and Glinda should have been a couple, we all know that. You’re most definitely Elphaba, so try to cheer up (just a little) and quit boring your usual friends with your complaints. That “friend” that’s always been just a “friend” that you’ve kept at a distance for like, ever, might actually be the best person for you right now. Cast some spells together, see what happens.
Sagittarius - Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
Didn’t think that reckless spending over the holidays would catch up to you, did ya? Well, it has. Time for some bookkeeping, budgeting, and getting your fucking shit together. Clean up your inbox already.
Capricorn - Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
You’re not as awky-taco as you think, Capri. It’s time to pull out that statement coat you’ve been stashing at the back of your closet. Dust off the shackles of winter and let yourself shine (maybe even express a positive emotion or two?)
Aquarius - Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
Hide.
Pisces - Feb. 19 to Mar. 20
Put the distractions aside and go talk to someone for Christ’s sake. It’s not healthy and people are starting to ask questions…
Awards
Campaign SZN: one movie after another
Predicting the 2026 major Oscar winners
JEFFREY KENNETT
If 2025 proved anything, it’s that cinema belonged to the ensemble. From Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal’s devastating tragedy in Hamnet; to Teyana Taylor and Benicio Del Toro carrying One Battle After Another (OBAA) — at times even over shadowing Leonardo DiCaprio; to Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgard, Elle Fanning, and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas unpacking generational trauma in Sentimental Value — greatness was rarely a solo act.
With the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards behind us, the awards circuit has already shifted its focus to the 2026 Actor Awards presented by-SAG AFTRA (SAG) on Mar. 1 — the final major indicator before Hollywood’s most prestigious night, the Oscars, arrives two weeks later.
All of which brings us to the real question: who’s leading the Oscar race in the major categories?
OBAA appears poised for a strong showing at the Academy Awards. Paul Thomas Anderson has yet to win an Oscar, and it feels increasingly likely he’ll finally break through with at least one of Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, or Best Director. The Academy has long shown a tendency to reward resumes over truly groundbreaking technique, making OBAA a relatively safe bet this year.
Still, Hamnet has re-entered the race following its Golden Globe win for Best Drama, and Sinners remains the lurking threat. Released last summer, Sinners has carried steady momentum from the get-go — the kind that can knock off a frontrunner late in the season. There is a
plausible scenario in which Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan hit the Vanity Fair after-party with multiple statues in hand.
Pick for Best Picture: One Battle After Another
Female actor in a leading role has become a clear-cut two-horse race. Jessie Buckley’s moving turn as Agnes in Hamnet, and Rose Byrne’s anxiety-inducing performance as a less-than-ideal mother in If I had Legs I’d Kick you, stand out as two of the year’s most talked-about showcases. Byrne’s work is exhausting — in the best way — with the camera often pressed directly into her face as she navigates a spiralling home renovation, delivering some truly top-tier phone acting along the way. Emma Stone, meanwhile, has largely sat out of aggressive Bugonia campaigning. A win would give her a third Oscar, but even without a full push, she remains a near-lock for a nomination.
Pick for Best Actress: Jessie Buckley, Hamnet
Last year, Timothee Chalamet took home a SAG award of his own, punctuating the moment with his memorable “pursuit of greatness” speech. This year, the Oscar appears to be Chalamet’s to lose for his commanding presence in Marty Supreme, where he delivers a magnetic performance anchored by a character with virtually no redeeming qualities. Still, a second consecutive SAG win feels unlikely — and the sleeper performance to watch may not be the one you expect. DiCaprio delivered a performance that, on merit alone, should earn him a second Academy Award. But don’t be surprised if SAG instead turns to the distinguished Ethan Hawke. Hawke has always been an
actor’s actor. His portrayal as Lorenz Hart in Blue Moon is the kind of work that tends to resonate with other actors — unfolding through long, static, dialogue-heavy scenes that read like a stage play. It feels tailor-made for recognition from fellow actors, even if it ultimately falls short with the Academy.
Wagner Moura’s stock is also rising tremendously after his Golden Globe win for The Secret Agent
Pick for Best Actor: Timothee Chalamet, Marty Supreme
Supporting actor and actress were clearcut races last year, with Kieran Culkin and Zoë Saldaña piling up hardware
en route to their 2025 Oscar wins. This year, however, the landscape is far more difficult to predict. Skarsgård seems like a safe bet on résumé and longevity alone, though the Sentimental Value star was notably snubbed for a SAG nomination in favour of Sinners standout, Miles Caton.
Pick for Best Supporting Actor: Stellan Skarsgård
The supporting actress race may be the most competitive category still in play. Teyana Taylor has been a consistent presence throughout awards season, punctuated by her Golden Globe win. Odessa A’Zion has mounted a serious campaign for her role opposite Chalamet, earning a SAG nomination for her work. Ariana Grande also has a shot, thanks to her dedicated campaigning, though the conversation around her Wicked: For Good co-star Cynthia Erivo has cooled considerably since Erivo’s 2025 nomination.
Pick for Best Supporting Actress: Teyana Taylor
With Oscars nominations arriving Jan. 22, ahead of the Mar. 15 ceremony, no matter how the ballots ultimately break — favourites could falter and surprises may emerge — but the real victory of this year is the reminder that greatness isn’t about singular domination in one’s craft, but the collective force of an entire cast.
Television // Death, deliverance, and dinosaurs (rawr!)
Jurassic World: Chaos Theory — real stakes, real heart, real queer storytelling
SKY S. TERRONES
On Jan. 7, the 37th Annual Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Media Awards announced their fabulous contenders — which means your trusted rainbow dealer has returned to bring the spotlight to an underrated gem: Jurassic World: Chaos Theory (2024-2025).
Before diving in, a little context. Once upon a Jurassic time, Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Michael Crichton’s novel, Jurassic Park, launched a massive dinosaur franchise that grew across many more films, games, and TV shows. Its original trilogy became a cultural phenomenon, eventually paving the way for Jurassic World (2015) — a successful reignition of the hype for dinosaur movies.
In this revival, the newly reopened dinosaur theme park creates a hybrid specimen, the Indominus Rex, whose escape leaves the park in chaos. The film later inspired the animated spin-off: Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous (20202022). And this is where things get really juicy.
Camp Cretaceous follows the “Nublar Six,” who survive the Indominus Rex’s attack and become stranded on the island during Jurassic World (2015). It runs alongside the film’s events, enriching the Jurassic universe with parallel scenes, easter eggs, and cameos.
Although some people were put off by the animation style and the age of the characters — writing it off as a kids’ show — this series deeply understands a hard truth: life and death don’t wait for adulthood. And Darius, Yaz, Sammy, Ben, Kenji, and Brooklynn learn this all too well.
Its sequel, Jurassic World: Chaos Theory (2024-2025) turns its attention to the fallout of what the Nublar Six endured on the island, and to the grief that follows losing one of their own, all as yet another evil corporation drags them into fresh danger. This series asks and answers what life is like with dinosaurs as part of the new normal — something Jurassic World: Dominion (2022) failed to do.
Yes, this is a series about dinosaurs, but it goes beyond. It tackles issues of trafficking & exploitation, alluding to animal cruelty. It examines corporate corruption and profit over ethics/morals. Unlike the movies, the series leans into character-driven themes — survivor’s guilt, identity, and the messy task of rebuilding trust. Threaded through it all is a tender, emotionally mature queer storyline: characters navigating love, hurt, fear, and compassion with a familiarity anyone who’s had to grow into themselves under
strain will recognize.
This is a fantastic animated series whose third season already earned the GLAAD award for “Outstanding Kids & Family Programming or Film –Animated” back in 2025, and it is now, of course, nominated once more.
This series is so well-constructed, respectful, and a stellar contribution to queer representation. It’s no wonder its fourth and final season has also been nominated for this year’s race — yet,
despite the popularity of its movie franchise, and the quality of the series chances are you’ve never heard of it.
As a queer person myself, I’m often surprised by how unknown this series is within the queer communities I frequent. It seems outrageous to have such an incredible piece of representation that even people who are on the lookout for queer content aren’t aware of.
Its fourth season truly encompasses how much actions can be driven by past
ordeals and how hard it is to break from patterns that, although born out of self-defence and survival, can harm our present interactions with those we love. Is there any merit in taking an isolationist route, or is it just easier? Is it best to ask for help even if that means dragging someone into a dangerous situation? How willing are you to help someone who doesn’t know how to receive it? Communication becomes its own battlefield, especially for our favourite queer couple, who try to find peace in the ache of loving someone while still learning how to heal themselves.
I love these characters, and I’m always rooting for their relationships to last, but these are flawed people who need to look inwards before they can truly grow. But rest assured, at its heart, the series champions chosen family as they face external pressures that constantly threaten to break their bond. And this mighty group refuses to go down without a fight, even if they don’t make it out unscathed.
Am I someone who believes dinosaurs are unironically and universally cool? Of course I am — this is my hill to die on. Do I also believe Jurassic World: Chaos Theory (2024-2025) is worth watching even if dinosaurs aren’t your thing? Absolutely. You don’t need to watch the movies to enjoy the series (and vice versa), though doing so will definitely enhance the experience — especially given how much better the series is than the newer films.
Whether they win the GLAAD Media Awards again and despite Jurassic World: Rebirth’s (2025) mixed reviews, Chaos Theory apologists are already speculating on a potential third animated series sequel — and yes, that includes me.
Photo courtesy of Netflix
Photo courtesy of Netflix
Tier Lists // Cascade Picks : top five movies of 2025 (according to us)
We braved the streaming chaos so you don’t have to. Here are the films that actually delivered
THE CASCADE
Ah, yes — a new year, a new semester, new teachers, new classmates, new killer assignments… but also new movies to add to the endless list. At The Cascade, we’re all for focusing on your classes, but sometimes it’s nice to let yourself get lost in someone else’s story — more specifically, in the vast universe that is film. But let’s be real for a second: in this new streaming era, choosing what to watch
Posters courtesy of the film’s distributor
next can feel overwhelming. Not like I’m that ancient, but I still remember when cable made the decision for you — no endless scrolling, or trailer snippets, just a title that looked interesting enough to commit to.
So, in the spirit of honouring simpler times — and as we bid 2025 goodbye — here are some of our staff’s picks for their top five movies of last year.
Anna McCausland, Production Assistant (High-octane existentialism)
2. One Battle After Another 3. Wake Up Dead Man 4. Sinners
Novocaine
Darien Johnsen, Editor-in-Chief (Loving, with a kill switch)
1. Die My Love 2. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You 3. Sentimental Value
Sinners
Wicked: For Good
Sky S. Terrones, Arts Editor (Soft sincerity in a minor key)
1. Little Amélie or the Character of Rain
2. Wicked: For Good
3. The President’s Cake
4. 100 Nights of Hero 5. Good Boy
Cassie Williams, Managing Editor (Blaze-born grief and love)
1. Bugonia 2. Hamnet 3. Marty Supreme
Die My Love
Frankenstein
Veronica Powell, Staff Writer (Haunted but functional )
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20
There you have it, dear movie enthusiasts. A new year may bring new classes, new deadlines, and new streaming rabbit holes — but at least we can agree on one thing: Sinners clearly stole our collective hearts. Consider it The Cascade’s unofficial favourite of 2025.
What about you — did any of our picks make your list? Could this collection have used a bit more rainbow-flavoured seasoning? When could it not. Either way, here’s to another year of stories worth getting lost in.
From all of us at The Cascade, happy watching — and happy surviving the semester.
Cascade Rewind: growing up with Pokémon
BRANDON GILL
No one could have predicted the history-making, world-shaping force about to be unleashed. This tiny yellow demigod of Thunderbolt and market dominance. It was 1998 — the year Pokémon launched in North America with the trading card game, and the Game Boy titles Pokémon Red and Blue. If anyone was actually someone, they played it on their Atomic Purple Game Boy Color, possibly armed with accessories, evolved (hah) into its final form — a handheld Mega Evolution of translucent purple glory with extra speakers, a magnifying glass and a built-in light (way before backlit screens were a thing).
Now, nearly 30 years after Pokémon first debuted in Japan, we’re celebrating the franchise’s legacy by taking a closer look at its newest game release: Pokémon Legends: Z-A (Z-A) for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 — its second major departure from the ‘classic’ style of the previous games and shifting the gameplay to something more adventure based and less turn based.
We’ve been playing with a third-person camera ever since the Nintendo 3DS era, when Pokémon first shifted from sprite-based art into full 3D. But Z-A — like its predecessor Pokémon Legends: Arceus — pushes things further, focusing on a more interactive battle system that moves away from strict turn-based actions and toward a real-time, action-oriented style.
Outside of combat, wild Pokémon roam freely, going about their business, occasionally reminding you that nature can be… surprisingly realistic. The games also include Alpha Pokémon: bigger, meaner,
and stronger versions of familiar species that you can attempt to fight — or run from. Encounters like these show how much the traditional Pokémon formula has evolved, feeling closer to an adventure-type game than the usual Pokémon game — in a very good way.
But let’s be honest: as someone who has played every Pokémon game since 1998, this last installment is… fine. And I mean that in the most scathing way possible. The game is fine! Which might be worse than it being bad, because it leaves no impression at all. It’s forgettable and that’s the real let-down.
Z-A starts strong: it feels genuinely different, and the battle sequences are really cool. I loved exploring the world and stumbling into fights out in the wild. Trainer battles were another highlight — being able to sneak up on trainers and ambush them (or get ambushed yourself!) added a fun bit of chaos. There
is also the city; climbing up and down and running all around exploring like never before in a Pokémon game! Despite these great additions, I still struggled with much of the game.
The game held my hand for far too long — offering help I didn’t want, drowning me in dialogue, and forcing me through cutscenes that weren’t even skippable because they needed constant player input. Just let me play! All that over-guidance also stripped away any real challenge. Legends: Arceus was far less forgiving, in a very fun way since you had resources on the line. Z-A is just plain easy. Trainer battles barely lasted two minutes before the victory jingle kicked in and locked me into a “wow-you-did-it-good-job-here-is-your-reward” screen. Boss fights were just as monotonous. Maybe the new Pokémon games just aren’t made for me anymore — and that’s ok.
Pokémon has come a long way since I first picked it up, now nearing the 30th anniversary of its original launch. Even if I didn’t love the latest game, it’s genuinely heartening to see the franchise still thriving — and to see other people enjoying it the way I did for so long. I can still fondly remember so many moments from my “Pokémon career:” flipping through the pages of the “Pokémon Gold & Silver: Prima’s Official Strategy Guide,” admiring the old watercolour art, getting goosebumps from those eight-bit battle themes, and feeling that same nostalgia squeeze my chest when the remakes reinvent them. I’ll never forget stumbling onto the mystery trainer in Mt. Silver in Pokemon Gold, wondering who this lost fisherman was only to realize he was anything but. It has been an absolute joy to watch the franchise evolve with every iteration, and this latest shift in the formula really does feel like a step in the right direction. Despite all my gripes, I know I’ll keep playing these games.
Pokémon Day — and the 30th anniversary — hits on Feb. 27, 2026. They already announced a Lego collaboration! So, mark your calendars because it will be a big one!
Photo courtesy of Nintendo
Photo courtesy of Nintendo
Movies // Summer romance for the winter blues
A heartfelt look at People We Meet on Vacation’s leap to screen
KARA DUNBAR
She’s a travel blogger in New York; he chose a steadier life in their small Ohio town. Yet every summer for a decade, polar-opposite best friends Poppy and Alex have taken one week of vacation together. But there’s been a question lingering beneath their friendship — and this summer, they have one last chance to answer it.
People We Meet on Vacation (2026) is a new romantic-comedy based on the bestselling novel by Emily Henry. Tom Blyth and Emily Bader lead the movie, with Brett Haley directing.
For many — myself included — this movie is a long awaited, highly anticipated adaptation. Book-to-film projects are always tricky, especially when the beloved source material has passionate fans; there’s always the worry that the final product will fail those who were there from day one. So how did this romance play out?
The story honours romcoms of old; Henry has said that a major inspiration for Alex and Poppy’s story was the classic When Harry Met Sally (1989). That influence shows in the familiar tropes and character dynamics of People We Meet on Vacation. These tropes could invite criticism for being cliché, but the story earns them, making the moments feel more fun than cringe.
The casting and chemistry of the main couple felt nothing short of perfect. These two swept me off my feet; for book lovers, it was as if they’d been lifted straight from the text. Their back and forth had me laughing, swooning, and crying in all the right places. Poppy especially takes up space in the best way, and I adored her for it. I wanted to steal her amazing wardrobe and all of her stupid jokes.
The book spans multiple vacations over several years, so it was inevitable
that some destinations would be cut, combined, or completely reimagined for a two-hour movie. I thank the writers that my favourite trip survived the transition — and that I still got to feel some British Columbia love on screen.
Unfortunately, the build-up of their relationship felt awkward. The stakes never reach the heights they do in the book, and I worry the dynamic might fall flat for viewers experiencing the story for the first time. While many changes were understandable for the sake of time and simplicity, quite a few deviations from the book felt unnecessary — and even detrimental to the characters’ depth. Alex, in particular, never gets to be the fully realized lead he is on the page. We only catch brief glimpses of his motivations, and the alterations to them strip away the nuance that would have made us sympathetic to his actions. These changes and lack of depth weaken the final conflict, and gives those not already attached to the characters less reason to root for them. The shallowness extended to the soundtrack as well; some song choices like august
by Taylor Swift seemed aimed at creating viral moments rather than supporting the emotional beats of the story.
The format of this book is a tricky one to adapt and some internet discussion has suggested that a limited series like One
Day (2024), Normal People (2020), or Heated Rivalry (2025-) would’ve had an easier time being a faithful and effective adaptation, which I am inclined to agree with. But I understand the desire to adapt this into a classic style romcom like the films it was inspired by.
Overall? The release of this bright summer movie was just what I needed to chase away the winter blues. It had been a while since I’d felt so entangled in a film and the conversations around it, and it reminded me how fun it is to be fully invested in a story. I see myself in Poppy — in her insecurities, her backstory, her growth — and that connection didn’t fade. The climax made me weep both times I watched it.
Despite its shortcomings, it balances being sweet, sizzling, fun, and earnest like only a good romcom can do. A story that acknowledges pain but still chooses joy was just what my January 2026 called for, and I will certainly be pulling this movie out again for a slumber party with friends, to laugh, swoon, cry, and criticize it all over again.
MICHELE K. SHORT/NETFLIX
Daniel Escale/Netflix
ARTS
Video Games // “Tomorrow comes”
Navigating grief and guilt in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
ZACKERY FITZPATRICK
This review contains spoilers for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
I always hate when people say something is “like catching lightning in a bottle.” I get it’s meant as a compliment, but to me, it evokes a sense of luck — a once-in-a-lifetime sort of sentiment that downplays the labour that crafting a true work of art demands. The time, the minds, the love… all of which a game like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (2025) (Ex33) is so evidently brimming with.
And alright, this isn’t unique to video games, but Sandfall Interactive has created something so evidently beyond just a game. This turn-based, spiritual successor to the JRPG genre, serves as a deeply literary exploration of love, loss, and the impossibility of rewriting the past. From its art direction to its sound design, to the sucker-punch twists, I’d call Ex33 a modern-day masterpiece — and critics are falling over themselves agreeing with me. So, an indie studio comes out of nowhere, produces something extraordinary, and still people chalk it up to luck, rather than the cultivated passion and skill behind it.
Let’s uncork the lightning, then, and break down why Ex33 resonates so strongly for me.
From the very beginning, your fellow expeditioners drive home messages such as “when one falls, we continue,”
“tomorrow comes,” and that everything you do is “for those who come after.” At first, these mantras fit neatly within the idea that you’re working to save the world — each small breakthrough paving the way for the next expedition. But once the story reveals itself as an elaborate coping mechanism built by a grieving family, those messages are recontextualized.
The Dessendre family is shattered by the death of a son in a house fire — a tragedy for which their daughter is blamed. In their denial, they construct entire worlds, retreating into the painted reality of the canvas where the game unfolds. As long as that world exists, they don’t have to face each other or the truth of what happened. But eventually they are forced to confront their past, navigate guilt, and reconcile. The player is looped into the intense sense of loss, pushed to grapple with philosophical quandaries, like whether the canvas and its inhabitants are sentient beings worth saving, or whether erasing that world is justified if it’s the only way for the Dessendre family to move forward. Even this brief summary raises a deeper question: when grief is all-consuming, and living in the comfort of ignorance is a real and appealing option, is moving on truly possible?
Along the way, the characters — their humour, relationships, and internal conflicts — pull at the heartstrings and make it clear how their struggles have led them here, making the choice to move forward hard to commit to. In a world of palimpsestic narratives, and nesting-doll realities, deciding where to draw the line, what counts as real, had me pulling out hairs. The characters of the canvas feel real to me, and I am too emotionally attached to cast them aside — yet keeping them means preventing the Dessendre family from healing.
This exploration of grief — how we move forward, leave the world better than we found it, and honour the dead — is accompanied by stunning design work, enticing gameplay, and a generational score. Together, they create an experience that’s been sweeping awards shows, and one I doubt could be as well achieved in any other medium. But is it lightning in a bottle? A once-in-a-lifetime achievement? I sure hope not. Imagining a future where nothing matches up to Ex33 feels impossible, because it’s shown just how far experimental storytelling can go. There will be other great stories in the meantime, and I have no idea what Sandfall Interactive has in store, but I’m waiting with bated breath.
CHARTS SHUFFLE
CIVL’s Aaron Levy is getting the jump on Black History Month with these four songs from stellar artists who know a thing about the Motherland and “Her story.”
Beyoncé - “Black Parade”
Despite, in spite of, or as we learn of the systemic and pervasive, concerning habits of the rich and powerful, this song gives a wink to the fact that the Queen Bee is still married to the King G, Jay-Z, while tributing the rich legacy of Africa and womanhood.
Lil Baby - “The Bigger Picture”
A COVID-era banger that was, in my opinion, the high point of Lil Baby’s popular releases to date, this song addresses, among other things, police engagement with marginalized communities. It arrived directly on the heels of the summer 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, and the social change it ushered along.
Kendrick Lamar“Not Like Us”
Last year’s Super Bowl highlight — a performance that could have been the stake to the heart of the 6-God trajectory that one Mr. Graham was ascending through, leading up to the crippling beef that ended up pushing Drake toward his party-time summer vibe, which has continued ever since.
Shad - “The Revolution/The Establishment”
A song that I’ll always hold as one of my favourites from one of Canada’s most beloved independent/underground rappers, formerly known as Shad K. This track plays through two “warring” perspectives: one fighting the revolution in a very One Battle After Another way, and another justifying the bureaucratic systems of violent war.
01. RAQUEL COLE Fire Child
02. JOEY VALENCE & BRAE HYPERYOUTH
03. SAVANNAH JADE Savannah Jade 04. SEYBLU Day Dream
05. ALEX LITTLE Spider in the Sink 06. SHAD Start Anew
07. JOHN MICHEL AND ANTHONY JAMES Egotrip
08. MILK & BONE AND CHROMEO A Little Lucky 09. TOPS Bury The KeY 10. JULIET RUIN Regime
11. GEESE Getting Killed 12. TRISKELYON Maelstrom of Chaos
13. SAM FENDER People Watching (Deluxe)
14. DJO The Crux 15. NEVER PLENTY Never Plenty 16. KERALA DUST An Echo Of Love 17. MODEL/ACTRIZ Pirouette
