The Cascade Vol. 26 Issue 13

MAY 2 TO MAY 16, 2018

VOLUME 26 ISSUE 13

In favor of community over gentrification since 1993

Atangard Community Project pages 8-10

3

UFV chancellor

7

Re: Wrestling

15

New chancellor takes office.

A response.

Isle of Dogs Great movie.

WWW.UFVCASCADE.CA

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2018

Editorial //

STAFF Editor-in-Chief Joel Robertson-Taylor joel@ufvcascade.ca Business Manager Quintin Stamler quintin@ufvcascade.ca

Managing Editor Kat Marusiak kat@ufvcascade.ca News Editor Jessica Barclay jessica@ufvcascade.ca

Production Manager Caleb Campbell caleb@ufvcascade.ca

Opinion Editor Jeff Mijo jeff@ufvcascade.ca

Production Assistant Renée Campbell renee@ufvcascade.ca

Features Editor Jen Klassen jen@ufvcascade.ca

Copy Editor Cat Friesen cat@ufvcascade.ca

Culture & Events Editor Cassie de Jong cassie@ufvcascade.ca

Illustrator Amara Gelaude amara@ufvcascade.ca

Arts in Review Editor Martin Castro martin@ufvcascade.ca

Illustrator Simer Haer simer@ufvcascade.ca

Staff Writer Aleister Gwynne aleister@ufvcascade.ca

Online Editor Jeff Mijo jeff@ufvcascade.ca

Honk if you’re hungry

Distributor Alena Zheng distributor@ufvcascade.ca

THIS WEEK’S CONTRIBUTORS April Jordan Harsh Kang Panku Sharma Cover: Renée Campbell Back Cover: Caleb Campbell

WWW.UFVCASCADE.CA JOEL ROBERTSON-TAYLOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

@UFVCASCADE FACEBOOK.COM/UFVCASCADE INSTAGRAM.COM/THE.CASCADE Volume 26 · Issue 13 Room S2111 33844 King Road Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M8 604.854.4529 The Cascade is UFV’s autonomous student newspaper. It originated under its current name in 1993, and achieved autonomy from the university and the Student Union Society in 2002. This means that The Cascade is a forum for UFV students to have their journalism published in an entirely student-run setting. It also acts as an alternative press for the Fraser Valley.

The Cascade is funded with UFV student funds, and is overseen by the Cascade Journalism Society Board, a body run by a student majority. The Cascade is published every Wednesday with a print circulation of 1,000 and is distributed at Abbotsford, Chilliwack (CEP), Clearbrook, and Mission UFV campuses and throughout the surrounding communities.

The Cascade is open to written, photo, and design work from all students; these can come in the form of a pitch to an editor, or an assignment from an editor. Writers meetings are held every second Monday at 12:00 p.m. in The Cascade’s office on the Abbotsford campus.

In order to be published in the newspaper, all work must first be approved

by The Cascade’s editor-in-chief, copy editor, and corresponding section editor. The Cascade reserves the right to edit submissions for clarity and length. The Cascade will not print any articles that contain racist, sexist, homophobic or libellous content. Letters to the editor, while held to the same standard, are unedited, and should be under 200 words. As The Cascade is an autonomous student publication, opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect that of UFV, The Cascade’s staff and collective, or associated members.

2

You may have noticed the two Canada geese who’ve made the SUB green (seasonally the SUB swamp) their home. Some talk about the nuisance of goose deuce, others delight in the novelty of animals living so near.

I’ve heard some hissing about geese, but I think we should embrace the new tenants. Geese can be a problem, the City of Abbotsford has a “Goose Control Program” to curtail the “unnaturally high populations of Canada geese.” I think we should embrace the geese until they’re ready to carry on.

How should we do that?

In The Humane Society of the United States’ “Solving Problems with Canada Geese: A Management Plan and Information Guide,” it is recommended that one devises a plan to deal with problem geese. The five steps to do so are listed as follows: “Examine how, when, and why geese are using the site. Select the best combination and timing of techniques to make your site less attractive to geese.

Develop a plan of how you will apply these techniques at your site. Implement your plan. Monitor how it works, adjusting where needed.”

When planning a plan, never forget to plan to implement it. That’s rule number four.

According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the resident Canada goose population has increased dramatically in the last couple decades. Possibly taking notes from millenials in another familiar species who similarly have trouble leaving the nest.

According to Canadian Geographic, geese are waterfowl, but they spend about as much time on land as in the water. In the spring and summer, they eat leaves, flowers, stems, roots, seeds, and berries. Apparently they’ll also eat for up to 12 hours or more a day.

Is it really a surprise that they hang around a university campus? They fit right in.

As it turns out, UFV does not have a post-detection protocol for geese.

Or maybe they do, but to avoid causing widespread panic (like the government not having — or admitting to having — an alien post-detection protocol), they’ve not listed it on the website.

The Cascade Journalism Society has its own suggestions for best practices when dealing with the resident

UFV Student Union Building geese.

Guide to geese peace rule number one: don’t feed the geese, unless it’s something easy to digest like Camus or Sartre, nothing weird. Post-structuralism is way out, unless you want the birds to leave.

Avoid stepping in feathery feces by not texting while walking. It’s pretty easy to avoid when you watch where you’re going. The nesting phase is coming to a close. If you see goslings running around, try to be friendly.

These goslings don’t play jazz piano, so don’t ask.

It can be pretty frustrating having them hang around all day, eating and pooping, but remember, these geese aren’t freeloaders, they’re university students.

Some final goose facts: You can tell a goose apart from other birds because of the way it looks.

Geese purr, according to Mary Lou Simms writing for Huffington Post, though she also notes that “the Canada goose is the most joyous creature” she’s ever known and “[c]ontrary to popular belief, Canada geese don’t stay in one place,” so I doubt her expertise. Last but not least, geese are not fond of belly rubs.

NEWS

Jessica Barclay — News Editor news@ufvcascade.ca

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2018

UFV Chancellor //

NEWS BRIEFS

Harper named interim director of innovation and entrepreneurship at UFV

Andy Sidhu takes office as UFV’s new chancellor

Dr. David Harper has been named as UFV’s interim director of innovation and entrepreneurship. In this position, Harper will work to reach out to faculty, department, and stakeholders to gather input on the new I&E@UFV initiative.

The initiative will focus on working internally and with the community on developing innovation at UFV, and creating working relationships with government, businesses, and the community. “[Harpers] familiarity with B.C.’s tech sector, in addition to his extensive business and government network, will provide UFV with the direction to become a leader of innovation in British Columbia,” Craig Toews, VP external of UFV said.

-UFV Today

Defund “elite” private schools, urges Bercic Vancouver school board trustee Carrie Bercic introduced a motion in the April 3 board meeting to discontinue provincial subsidies to Group 2 private schools, excluding designated special education schools. Group 2 private schools are classified as such when they spend more per student than public schools. She believes redirecting funding to public schools would have a significant impact on education quality.

“As a trustee, right now I am focused on getting our public system to a point where every student has the resources they actually need to succeed, and I really feel this motion is a step in the right direction toward putting the focus back onto public schools,” Bercic said.

-The Tyee

(UFV Flickr)

JESSICA BARCLAY NEWS EDITOR

UFV’s newly appointed chancellor Andy Sidhu was formally sworn into office in a ceremony Thursday, April 19. Sidhu will be taking over the position from Dr. Gwen Point, who has served as chancellor since 2015.

As chancellor, Sidhu will act as the ceremonial head of UFV, presiding over convocation, attending senate and board meetings, and representing the public's interest at UFV. He will act as a representative for UFV at a variety of events both on and off campus.

“Over my term as chancellor, I look forward to seeing our success stories, I look forward to seeing our UFV stars shine here, in the Fraser Valley and beyond,” Sidhu said during his first address as chancellor of UFV. The chancellor is appointed by the UFV Board of Governors at the recommendation of the Alumni Association and in consultation with Senate.

“The UFV chancellor is chosen for having an exemplary character, for the way they treat people, for their wisdom, and for their appreciation and passion for the importance of education,” John Pankratz, chair of the UFV Board of Governors,

said.

Sidhu has a long history of involvement with the Fraser Valley community since his immigration from Malaysia in 1974. Sidhu worked first as a labourer on a dairy farm in Abbotsford, then as a bookkeeper with the Canada Agricultural Labour Pool. Being multilingual, many government offices used his services as an interpreter, and Sidhu became an unofficial ambassador for new immigrants to the area.

Sidhu is well known for funding Canada's first multi-language newspaper, the Patrika. The Patrika has been in print once per week for 22 years, and today is one of two multi-language newspapers in Canada.

Today, Sidhu continues to be an active member of the Fraser Valley community.

He has contributed financially to local healthcare, education, and recreational activities, as well as having volunteered his time to help over a dozen groups, including the Abbotsford Hospice Society and the UFV South Asian Institute. In addition to being regularly listed in Abbotsford News “Top 100 Most Influential People in Abbotsford”, Sidhu is the recipient of Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Award, and holder of an honorary Doctor of Letters Degree from UFV,

which he received in 2017.

“He is, needless to say, a champion of postsecondary education, and has demonstrated his ongoing commitment to building community with compassion, with integrity, and with dedication,” Dr. Satwinder Bains, director of the UFV South Asian Studies Institute, said.

“Your commitment to this university has been tremendous over the years, and I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say how proud I am to see you take this important role,” Nav Bain, UFV Alumni Association Chair, said to Sidhu. “You truly represent the spirit of the University of the Fraser Valley, and our commitment to building community and changing lives.”

Sidhu will be the third chancellor of UFV, following Dr. Gwen Point, and Dr. Brian Minter, who served two terms as UFV’s first chancellor.

Point has been involved with UFV since it was a college, and is a respected Stó:lō leader, mentor, and cultural advisor. She has worked as an assistant professor in the School of Social Work at UFV, been on the Board of Governors, served as UCFV’s Aboriginal Curriculum Coordinator, and as B.C.’s Chatelaine.

“I have a daunting task of following in the footsteps of my predecessor,” said Sidhu.“It is humbling to be part of this group.”

3

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2018

SUS AGM //

AGM presents SUS audit and goal plans from 2017 year

JEN KLASSEN STAFF WRITER

The Student Union Society’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) did not meet quorum this past Friday, April 27.

The outcome of the financial audit, as well as a review of the goals made and met by Gurvir Gill, the re-elected SUS president, and Jaleen Mackay, the re-elected vice president internal were presented to the seven audience members in attendance. Planned motions were moved to the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) that will be held in late May. Heaven-Leigh Petersen, CPA from MNP began by giving a presentation on the results of an independent audit of SUS’s 2017 fiscal year finances. Peterson looked at the society’s assets, expenses, and revenue for the year in order to assess SUS’s status.

SUS received a clean audit report overall. Nothing was found that was glaringly concerning regarding the society’s financials, according to Petersen.

“We take a sample of transactions that happened

4

throughout the year and make sure that they are recorded in the right year, the right time frame, the right amount, and that they are being allocated to the right expense category,” said Petersen. “We also look at changes from year to year.”

The presentations progressed to a review of Gill’s goal plan and activities from his 2017-2018 year in his role as president. A calendar overview revealed the day-today meetings and the conferences attended, as well as the various tasks to be accomplished. In addition, Gill provided a breakdown of the goals he made at the beginning of his term, and what was accomplished through to completion, as well as tasks unable to be done.

Among the accomplishments were the introduction of the Advanced Leadership Program, extended hours in the SUB during finals, the opening of the Pride Centre, the Collegium, and the New Student Orientation day added in January. It was mentioned that the intended film showcasing the breakdown of services offered by SUS was not completed due to time and technology constraints.

“When I came to this role I was really excited. My expe-

rience in student involvement was leadership,” said Gill.

“Trying to give students opportunities. ... From there we were able to get some type of leadership program going, the Advanced Leadership Program, which I was really excited to see happen.”

Mackay’s colour coded 2017– 2018 Goal Plan presentation followed Gill’s. Two of her larger goals that were made at the beginning of her term — the video breakdown of documentation and forming a committee for Clubs and Associations — were not met due to the election platform not working and unavailable equipment.

In addition, both her and Gill ran into time constraints due to illness and extra duties added throughout their term. Among her successes were the Health and Dental Plan brochures being translated into languages including Punjabi and Japanese.

“I met most of my goals. … 14 out of 19 of my general goals were met. Five out of six major goals were met,” said Mackay.

The audit documents will be available for viewing online. The SUS EGM will be Tuesday, May 22, at noon in Evered Hall at UFV’s Abbotsford campus.

OPINION

Jeff Mijo — Opinion Editor opinion@ufvcascade.ca

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2018

A greener future? //

Social justice //

The hempire strikes back What is

feminism?

HARSH KANG CONTRIBUTOR

Illustration by: Simer Haer

APRIL JORDAN CONTRIBUTOR

Somehow in the early 2010s, nerd culture became cool, and found its way into the mainstream in North America. After decades of being treated like an outsider relegated to eating lunch on its own in a crowded cafeteria, nerd culture suddenly saw the crowd part and was offered a seat at the cool table.

Judging by the seemingly endless opinion articles floating around the internet about the phenomenon, not many people saw this coming. Now there is a new kid elbowing its way into inclusion at that same table, and its name is Industrial Hemp. Riding the coattails of its already trending cousins marijuana and the sustainable living movement, I believe that within the next two to three years, industrial hemp products are going to follow in the footsteps of nerd culture by finding mainstream acceptance.

Why? Because industrial hemp sits perfectly at the intersection of two highly hot and trendy topics: the upcoming legalization of marijuana, and the slow but steady growth of interest in the sustainable living movement.

Although both marijuana and industrial hemp had previously suffered greatly in the realm of North American public opinion (due to smear campaigns and the eventual criminalization of marijuana several decades ago), it’s clear that both marijuana and hemp are due to make their respective comebacks.

According to a 2017 study by Dalhousie University, attitudes toward marijuana are now overwhelmingly positive on the west coast, and at least over 50 per cent positive in the rest of Canada. Lift News also reported in 2016 that attitudes had been growing increasingly positive toward marijuana from 2014 to 2016. Marijuana will be legalized Canadawide by July 2018, and multiple American states have already legalized it. This is significant because although they are made from different strains of the cannabis plant, marijuana and hemp are inextricably linked in the minds of today’s North Americans.

If attitudes toward one improve, attitudes toward the other must follow.

Indeed, according to a 2017 article from Green Market Report titled “Hemp’s Rocky Road To Market Domination,” millions of dollars have been invested in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland into the hemp food and fiber industries recently, as well as hundreds of acres being purchased for industrial hemp cultivation. Clearly, this industry is just itching to take off.

The other factor pulling industrial hemp into the spotlight is the sustainability movement. As a person who constantly consumes news related to sustainability and writes a blog on the topic (called The Honest Root), I have noticed a distinct rise in interest in industrial hemp and acceptance of hemp products. Previously thought to only be good for brown macramé plant hangers and hippie friendship bracelets, hemp is becoming a superhero for those interested in sustainable living because it is known for being one of the more environmentally friendly and versatile materials to cultivate. Plus, this topic is even on the rise with big brands like Nespresso and Maple Leaf Foods touting their supposed sustainability practices, indicating a larger cultural interest.

My experience as a sustainable lifestyle blogger has further convinced me that the budding industrial hemp business is about to hit puberty, and become that casually cool indie kid that everyone suddenly takes notice of in the halls.

I’ve been blogging for about three years, but within the last nine months I have received a lot of pitches and emails about hemp products. Everything from underwear to shoes to hand lotion to tshirts, all from companies trying to bust onto the radar of people interested in being more conscious with their purchases. The companies sending these pitches are savvy, have attractive models on their website home pages, and produce on-trend products. Clearly, there is money to be made as industrial hemp gains wider acceptance.

I can only assume that my position as a Vancouverite has something to do with companies thinking that my readers could be interested in their products, but many other bloggers in the sustainability niche have also been promoting hemp products to their readers. The promotions are almost always met with highly positive receptions, and I must say, my articles about hemp products are some of my most frequently viewed. Clearly, the trend is picking up steam.

As industrial hemp gains acceptance with mainstream audiences, I believe the legalization of marijuana and the growth of the sustainable living movement will only fuel this more, because industrial hemp sits directly at the crossroads of these two trendy topics. Hemp is about to make its comeback and take its place next to nerd culture at the cool table, as another niche interest that somehow began to take over the world.

Feminism: an eight-letter word that in its simplest form is the belief that both men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. That is it, as simple as equality between the sexes. Why is it then that society finds the concept of it so unpopular? Being an advocate for feminism, it is absolutely soul crushing to hear people, especially women, claim that they are against feminism. What is the alternative then, I ask? Abiding by the patriarchal norms that society has held women to for centuries?

The discussion of gender equality is a conversation that makes people so very uncomfortable and whatever the reason may be, it is something that needs to change. Women make up approximately 50 per cent of the global population, and each and every woman deserves equality in all aspects.

The patriarchy is the subordination of women to men, and the concept of feminism was formed due to the patriarchal norms that surround us every day. There is no denying that the rights and opportunities that women have in this day and age far exceed those that existed even a few decades ago.

However, that does not mean that we have achieved gender equality.

Pay gaps for equal work still exist, even in Canada. Women are still victims of sexual violence in alarming numbers. The list goes on, and it is a reality we live in. It is because of these inequalities that feminism exists and aims to achieve equality for the sexes in economical, political, and social aspects of life.

A primary concern for those who are against feminism is simply a lack of understanding. Many believe that the purpose of feminism is for women to have more rights than men. However, this is as far from the truth as possible. This belief is due in part to extremists who push the limits and inadvertently portray feminism in a negative light. This, however, is not an excuse to live in a world of ignorance.

Throughout their education in university, students are encouraged to become their own critical thinkers, so it is now time to deeply reflect on what feminism (AKA gender equality) really is.

I have seen individuals argue that they are not in support of feminism because they want gender equality, not realizing that the two are the exact same. This is where the awareness aspect comes in. Rather than letting people who

do not understand what feminism is live in a world of obliviousness, there must be more awareness to promote the reality of what feminism is.

International Women’s Day (March 8) tends to spark a debate as to why an International Men’s Day does not exist. My answer is simple: the rest of the 364 days are a man’s day. The reality is, society has been accustomed to patriarchal norms for centuries, and though things may be changing, there is much more work to be done. The reason that International Women’s Day exists is that women have had to face inequalities and injustices for far too long, and the time has come that they demand what is rightfully theirs: equality and equal opportunity. Being a feminist is not an unthinkable thing to do: it is striving for equality for all.

For those who believe feminists are radicals, yes, some of them are, and it is not necessarily a bad thing.

But remember, a radical and an extremist are two different things. A radical is a person who advocates for political or social reform when needed, and there is no denying that such work is needed when it comes to gender equality. Cheris Kramarae once said, “Feminism is the radical notion that women are human beings,” and that is all that is radical about feminists: wanting men and women to be given equal respect, as they are both human beings.

Men should not have to be reminded that they have a wife, mother, sister, aunt, or grandmother to respect women; women should be respected because they are human beings and deserve respect.

Whether it’s presentations in elementary, middle, and high schools, or mandatory course requirements in universities, there is a need for greater awareness of gender equality. If society believes that feminism is a word with a negative connotation attached, we must change the narrative to what the reality of it is. Feminism is not a bad word; it is a concept hoping to achieve gender equality. Next time someone tells you that they are not a feminist, ask them why not. More often than not, the answer will be because they want gender equality.

At that point, educate them that two are the exact same.

5

OPINION

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2018

Than-NOs Thought experiment: genocidal superbeing with reality-bending powers is sweeping across the universe with the intent of killing exactly half of all life so as to instill a “balance” that will allow more people a higher standard of living, as they won’t be competing over limited resources. Is he justified, or should you band together with your super-powered acquaintances to have an obligatory and lackluster battle over a period of like, three hours?

Both answers are wrong. You should address the central ideas and theoretical principles that underlie his plan of action. If there are limited resources, does that necessarily mean that overpopulation is the cause of hungry mouths and competition? No, of course not, as the superbeing mentions his solution will kill “rich and poor alike.” Well, there you have it: the rich by definition have more than they need, and the poor less. The solution isn’t culling, it’s redistributing so people have what they need, not what they can horde and compete over. Giving agency to everyone, not just the rich, the powerful, and the well-gauntleted.

Socialism.

And that’s how you use logic to defeat your genocidal enemies.

Brief bits of bite-sized brevity

Metabolism wonders

Panku Sharma

SNAPSHOTS

Illustrations: Amara Gelaude

6

Simran Kaur Aulakh

Curtailed commentary on current conditions

Ladybird, ladybird, fly away home

Scorching hot chocolate I like to think I’m a smart person who makes good life choices, but there’s considerable evidence to the contrary every time I go to Tim Hortons. I’m not a regular and not really a coffee drinker, but when I do go, I usually order a hot chocolate. And when I do, I burn my tongue. Not sometimes. Not usually. Every time.

Why do I have no control, no ability to hold myself back? I know I’ll burn my tongue, I know I should let it cool a little first, or ask for it with extra milk. But do I? No, I say “Hey, maybe this will be the time it’s not so hot!” Spoiler: it’s always that hot.

I always burn my tongue. I always curse my impatience for the subsequent week.

I say afterwards that it was dumb of me, that I should know better, and that I’ll remember next time. And I do remember next time, but it’s been a few months and hey, maybe I’ll chance it. Maybe this time it’ll be cool enough to drink right away.

Leaning to the mirror, I gaze at my body.

Wow! I seem to look skinnier… the thought makes my day. Me and my pal often argue about my weight: never finding myself plump before, I always insist on describing myself skinny, but the other day I brought the argument to a close, finally conceding.

After giving in, I made changes to my life that were a nuisance initially. Lime juice and lukewarm water became the first part of my day. Yes! I stand on the battlefield, still uncertain if my mission to pare down some weight will be successful.

It seems as if all the temptations in this world are lurking somewhere, and come out in the form of cheat days. According to a gentleman I met at work, the average man cheats two to three times per day. Pizza, shortbreads, croissants, and cookies are the most prominent offenders. My diet regime is stricter than ever, with me ramming down spinach and kale smoothies. No more couch potato! But even as I say this, I know it never really disappears from our lives. Anyway, I figured out I’ve lost six to eight pounds in the past two months. It’s working!

Jeff Mijo

I am terrified of ladybugs. I hate them. I know that most people find them super cute, but I am not among those. It is not cute when they land on my finger. It’s horrifying. Their little spindly legs feel like creepy tickles. They fly in nonsensical directions and could at any time zoom up your nose. My childhood bedroom had a ladybug infestation, and every spring they would flock to my window, coating the one inside corner. Every night I would turn the lights off, bolt to my bed, and throw the sheets over my head in fear. I could hear them flying around the room, bumping into walls and the ceiling. I was terrified one was going to fall out of the air and land in my open snoring mouth while I slept. I was so terrified that, in the dead of sleep, I would wake up to them crawling on my body. I have never reconciled with the tiny beings, all these years later. Little ladybird, stay far away from me.

Jen Klassen

OPINION

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2018

Article response //

RE: Bare knuckle wrestling: professional wrestling pays

PANKU SHARMA CONTRIBUTOR

The question of what makes professional wrestling so popular was raised in the The Cascade’s April 4 issue, and the author of that article concluded it was controversy, base human bloodlust, and “history” (which I read to mean exploitative and unethical business practices). The latter is of course just the reality of capitalism that disregards the worth of workers (it’s what makes Uber and Amazon so popular as well), but let’s not get into that feature-length screed.

Just a bit about me first: I’m into wrestling insofar as I regularly check up on Reddit, and will watch most NXT Takeover PPVs, and the big ones from WWE. I don’t watch it week to week, but I enjoy learning about its history and intricacies while still acknowledging that fake fighting in tights with outlandish names and characters will always be rooted in hokey carnival bullshit.

I’m also probably more into the politics and entrance theme songs than I am in most ring performances, or watching midcarders try to emote. The stuff I hate about wrestling is as important to me as the stuff I like.

To address the controversy: I’d say it’s just as much an explanation for its popularity as it is for why it isn’t more popular to begin with. When we talk about wrestling, the conversation of course centres around the WWE and its CEO Vince McMahon — who former superstar CM Punk justly described as “A millionaire who should be a billionaire” but couldn’t because he has a preteen’s maturity, temperament, and shallow pockets, ala Donald Trump or Ted DiBiase.

Yes, it can bring eyeballs to the screen and butts to the seats, but it can also drive people away and make audiences uncomfortable. It’d be a failure to bring up the topic of controversy without mentioning how the lack of regard for performers has led to literal in-ring deaths (Owen Hart), lax and nonexistent wellness policies that contributed to murder (Chris Benoit), numerous sexual assaults, bullying, union busting,

and even more recently, literally platforming propaganda for heinous and violent regimes. (The Greatest Royal Rumble this past week spent little time entertaining and more time shilling for Saudi Arabia, a country which wouldn’t let the female wrestlers perform.) That’s also just the stuff behind the scenes. The in-ring storylines under McMahon’s reign have been baked with blatant racism, gay panic, and objectification of women (which thankfully has shifted to actually respecting them as top-tier performers).

I’m glad we got that out of the way so I can prove that I’m not a shill. Now let me try and address the question: what makes it popular?

I think part of it isn’t necessarily a bloodlust akin to UFC, although there is of course crossover for probably a majority of audiences. While both sports feature incredible displays of athleticism and the upper limits of the human body’s potential, wrestling is just as much concerned with stories, narratives, connections, and characters as it is the blood and sweat that spills in the squared circle. Yes, it has its problems, but if you take the time to look at its best aspects, it certainly earns the right to be regarded as performance art with the same degree of seriousness that we approach Kabuki, dancing, and Bard on the Beach.

The goal of these performers is to tell a story, something that connects with the audience in that arena, stadium, bingo hall, or through the television. They do this not with just their words and emotions, but with the psychology and movement of their bodies in the ring. People can mock the “realness” of it as much as they want, but there is a kayfabe consistency to the world they operate in. The grit shown by the face (“good guy”) that even after devastating abuse they can kick off a pinfall, or the hesitation before a performer sacrifices their body to take a leap from the top rope and secure the win.

I wasn’t in tune with this aspect as a kid, but looking on in recent years as I’ve reconsidered wrestling, there are effective show-

cases of stories being told.

Take Daniel Bryan, a bearded vegan with a positive attitude, who won over the crowd and audience of WWE to the extent that show runners had to change their plans and storyline. The tragedy of his career-ending injuries, and the triumph of his return when doctors finally cleared him to compete after this past year of languishing on the sidelines. Or the NXT rookie Velveteen Dream (only 23 years old and a rising star) taking on the dominant veteran Aleister Black (now NXT Champion; a stoic kickboxing black metal satanist) not for a win or a title, but just so Black will finally acknowledge him and “say his name.” Probably the best recent example of how story works in performance would actually be the “unsanctioned” match between Johnny Gargano (good guy, husband, rebel heart) and his former tag-team partner and friend

Tommaso Ciampa (bald, angry, possibly a pirate). It was the culmination of a long build-up, a story of jealousy and inevitable betrayal. In the ring, though, it’s not just flips or fake punches; it’s getting across that they know each other so well they can anticipate each other’s actions, that the relationship they had was so strong that Gargano would hesitate before brutal spots, until finally being driven to the edge.

Yes, it can be hokey, yes, it can be immature, and absolutely how it’s run as a business (industry-wide, not just the WWE) can be abhorrent. But it’s popular for the same reason people like familiar stories, bad Marvel movies, or the Olympics: because there is something to connect with, and an appreciation for spectacle and achievement.

Illustration by: Simer Haer

Student life //

More like scantr-yawn JEFF MIJO OPINION EDITOR

Listen, I know that once I’m done with university I’ll have to get to work early in the morning every day, but at this point in my life, there’s a lot of late nights of studying and doing homework. I know this is how I operate, and I choose my courses responsibly based on this: I’ve made it through two years at UFV without ever starting a class before 11:30 a.m., and I hope to keep it that way. But that system, which works great for me, is always shattered at final exam time, when my classes get 9:00 a.m. exam slots.

If a class is late in the day, odds are good that people attending it are comfortable working late in the day. So why schedule it

for the morning? As someone with a decent commute to school, all this means is that when I sit down to do a tough exam, I’m half asleep, haven’t had time to read over my notes, and just want to get it done as quickly as I can.

Interestingly, the studies that have been done on the topic don’t seem to back up my personal experience. A Danish study from 2016 made headlines by reporting that students performed best on tests taken at 8:00 a.m., and their results decreased by 0.9 per cent for every hour later in the day, meaning that a morning exam at UFV should go a whole 9 per cent better than one at 7:00 p.m.

However, the study focuses on children aged 8-15 who are likely taking a full day

of school that starts at 8:00 a.m. regardless of their exam schedule, whereas university students with an afternoon or evening exam are free to sleep late, and spend their day reviewing notes before the exam.

I’m sure there is some complicated wizardry that goes into deciding which classes write exams at which times, and I won’t pretend to know the details of that. But it seems to me that it should be feasible to favour scheduling exams at roughly the same time of day as the classes they go with.

Another solution that I think is worth considering is to adjust the structure of the final exam period. Why not run exams in the same room and at the same time as the class, effectively just adding one more week onto the schedule? Certainly there is a

possibility for conflicts once you add online courses’ exams into the mix, but the same is true for midterms, and those usually run without any major hitches, and contingencies are already in place for students with conflicting schedules.

Waking up early sometimes is a part of life, and that’s fine. But, at an institution that largely gives students the ability to craft their own timetable and cater it to their needs and preferences, it just makes sense to continue to respect those choices during one of the most stressful parts of the semester. I can’t speak for anyone else, but when I have a 9:00 a.m. exam, I’m more stressed about waking up on time than I am about the material on the test.

7

Atangard Community Project

By: Joel Robertson-Taylor

In a dimly lit lobby, immediately through rustic green French doors off Essendene in downtown Abbotsford, there’s an upright bar piano where Beethoven’s Sonata No. 8 anticipates and sits anticipated. A hangboard (a pull-up board for rock climbing finger strength training) is bolted into a crossbeam above. A streetlamp stands across the room.

Hang right up the worn stairs, turn right on the scuffed landing. Someone’s sitting at a café table beside the railing, working on a laptop.

“Hey buddy, welcome back,” a smile says to a stranger. Dinner’s spice is the welcome

mat: Moussaka, a Middle Eastern dish, tonight. It smells amazing and everyone’s a friend.

Atangard Community Project is the rooming division and top floor of the Fraser Valley Inn, a two-storey brick building down on the corner of Essendene and West Railway, across the street from the train tracks. It’s above New Passage to India and Gator’s Pub. It’s across from the eternally closed Essendene Vacuums & Janitorial Supplies.

Atangard is a not-for-profit society on paper, though it lives as a community. In it are 19 units: each with a private bathroom, some rooms built for two, most for one. They rent

for $375 to $510 a month and tenants pay a $10 stipend to stock shared grocery staples.

Laundry is also shared, as is Wi-Fi and Netflix. Residents must be between 19 and 25 years old, employed or in school to live here.

Seconds after the dinner bell rings, boots and bare feet thud down the swollen and dipping dark hardwood floor, halls lined with a collection of assorted paintings, portraits, and photographs. A dozen millennials sit and instantly engage in sharing their day’s experiences and revelations.

Though it’s not brought up at dinner, Atangard may undergo some changes.

“There’s the initial shock but then also, I think, as we move beyond that and accept it, we realized it’s a longer process,” David Fawcett said. “They haven’t put up rezoning signs yet.”

Fawcett is an Atangard resident and president of the society.

“Maybe people want a six-storey building, right? I don’t know, maybe that’s what they want here.”

The Fraser Valley Inn’s landlord recently submitted a rezoning application to the city.

Atangard is slated for demolition potentially as early as August, but more likely within the next year. A six-storey, multipurpose development is the proposed replacement.

Fawcett moved into Atangard in February 2015. After seven months living at Atangard, he moved to Guelph to work on a master’s degree.

“I moved back the May before I went to do my field season. I was like, ‘I’m coming back to Abbotsford, I want to live at Atangard again.’”

Fawcett moved back to write his thesis remotely. Now he’s been a resident for seven months plus two years.

“I really love it here.”

Being a part of the community means having a part in it. At Atangard, dinners are communal, everyone is expected to cook two meals a month. They’ll pair up and sign up with another resident. Chores are shared. A garden out back is maintained by the residents, and the community also owns a car, which can be booked and used by any tenant.

Prospective tenants must apply for a room and undergo an interview. The living space has had a near double digit waitlist almost since its inception. If accepted, new tenants sign an agreement to participate in the household tasks.

“Living here, I’ve been pushed to live simpler and be more focused on relational community elements,” Fawcett said. “That becomes what you value, relationships with people.”

Right now, Atangard has no future home. If the property is rezoned and the community evicted, there’s nowhere for the Atangard vision to continue.

For the rezoning to pan out, the initial application will be reviewed. If it’s approved, a development proposal sign will be posted.

The first and second reading of the rezoning bylaw will be given at a city council meeting.

If it’s approved further, the zoning amendment bylaw will be subject to a public hearing held before city council. At this meeting, any member of the public may express concerns. This is the last opportunity for council to receive input from the applicant and the public. Council will either approve, deny, or return the application to staff for revisiting. If approved, council will give the third reading to the zoning bylaw. If all the requirements for adoption are met, the bylaw will be presented and the applicant will then proceed with the proposal.

Fawcett said they will definitely oppose the rezoning at the public hearing.

“I think there’s a lot of people downtown

and others connected to us or in the community that don’t want that kind of building, or who at least want this, as an artifact of historical downtown, to be maintained,” Fawcett said.

Abigail Flom has called Atangard home for three years.

“When I first moved in I was very shy,” she said. “Moving in here, I was thrown into a group of people I didn’t really know — but they’re all so awesome in their own different ways. I felt like I could expand myself, and I was now in this environment where I could challenge myself and not worry about epically failing. I have people and a solid place I can fall back on if I need to.”

She explained how being a part of this intimate community has benefited and changed her.

“For me, there’s been a lot of learning how to be understanding and respectful of other people and where they come from,” she said. “We’re all similar to a degree, but we’ve all had different experiences and everyone

has their own opinions and reasons why they have those opinions.”

“Some of the most fun times have been listening to people have conversations where I’m hearing all their opinions, and I’ll throw in mine, but I like witnessing people have discussions where you can challenge each other, but it’s safe because you know each other enough.”

As of November 2017, Abbotsford’s vacancy rate was 0.2 per cent, Mission’s was 0.6 per cent. These are among the tightest in Canada according to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) annual report. The average apartment rent increased by 2.5 per cent between 2016 and 2017. In the primary rental market, bachelor studios on average cost $627, one bedrooms $765, and two bedrooms $934.

In March, Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun acknowledged that “We are not in a healthy market,” according to Abbotsford News.

“We are in a bubble, and I’m surprised it hasn’t burst yet.”

According to the CMHC report, apartment

“Being a community, its future is completely dependant on the individuals that embody it,” Suderman said.

units in Abbotsford and Mission that were vacant at the survey’s time asked for an average rent of $1,014, putting them in the top quintile of rents. That represents the marginal rate prospective tenants would face in the market.

In this market, a $400 room and communal sharing of household duties exists as the antithesis of radically unaffordable housing.

“I’ve gone through enough fluctuations with jobs that having the affordable living has been so important,” Flom said. “I know I couldn’t afford my own place right now. If I were to move outside of Atangard, I’d probably have to have one, maybe two more roommates, just so we could have a decent place and be able to afford it.”

The idea for Atangard began in 2007. A group of friends and family started meeting to develop communal and relationally-oriented living space. Planning took two years of meetings, preparations, paperwork, and intense renovations. Before they could move in, the group spent half a year cleaning up the old hotel, which had been shut down in 2005 by the city because of health hazards and a reputation for drugs and prostitution. The new Atangard opened to its first residents September 1, 2009.

The project was the brainchild of Sophia Suderman. After returning home from travelling in Latin America she was compelled by the generous and community-focused hostel culture.

“For me, starting it was an attempt to facilitate a lifestyle that was based on community and relationships, and really emphasize that, as opposed to just getting ahead in life,” Suderman said.

Suderman herself lived at Atangard for eight years.

“It’s a funny place compared to what a lot of other people call home, but it has its own community, it has its own set of norms, and there’s things that, outside of it you might think sound horrible, but inside there’s this comfort in the things that make it home.”

Affordable housing for young students, creatives, and professionals is a part of the ethos.

But a huge component was to remove the emphasis on material gain, consumption, and accumulation. Instead, the community aims to create valued relationships, collaborate on projects, and put their energy into passions rather than just getting by. This means living socially- and environmentally-minded. That’s achieved through their emphasis on shared

“Living here, I’ve been pushed to live simpler and be more focused on relational community elements. That becomes what you value, relationships with people.” space and values.

Though the affordability is nice, most live here for the atmosphere.

“I know for a lot of people, mental health is a big reason,” Fawcett explained. “We don’t necessarily have an at risk population, but we mainly have a millennial population and there’s a lot of anxiety and mental health trends with that age group, especially from things like social media.”

“There’s a lot of people who feel that living in a community like this fills so many gaps in self care. It has a positive impact on life, especially when we have feelings meetings.”

Every month, the tenants do a house meeting, which alternates between business and feelings meetings. Feelings meetings are an open space to share as much or as little as one is comfortable with. It’s about talking about how you’re doing personally and what’s happening in your life.

“It’s like having a family,” Fawcett said.

This isn’t a commune of burnt out artists or lazy hippies. It’s probably not what you’d imagine and yet it’s the realization of an intentional community. These are the children of hard hardworking Boomers, and they’re hard working themselves. They’ve formed a collective to stedy themselves against the past generation’s proclivity towards materialism and consumerism, and the current generation’s tendency to experience loneliness and isolation.

“It’s funny because when people ask what I do with my free time, I’ll say ‘Oh I just hang out at home with my housemates,’” Flom said.

“Because I can walk out of my bedroom door and there’s five people in the dining room. I’ll just sit there and talk if I feel like hanging out with friends.”

This household may embrace some unconventional practices, but it embodies relational

“Being a part of a community makes you a better person.

You really become more aware of the people around you, and you become a family.”

living. Here they think with their hearts and their minds.

“Being a part of a community makes you a better person,” Flom said. “You really become more aware of the people around you, and you become a family.”

Atangard’s influence resonates further than the restored building’s walls. Suderman, with Dave Vandergugten, an Atangard resident at the time, created Abbotsford’s Jam in Jubilee arts and music festival. Suderman was also the executive director of Abbotsford Arts Council until fall last year before taking a job with Vancouver’s Pedal Society.

“I think Abbotsford loses something that’s very innovative, Fawcett said. “We have a lot of young people who’ve taken something that’s run down and have renewed it, and living together, they’ve started to reach into the community to help revitalize it.”

A lot of ideas have been tossed around to keep Atangard open. Flom noted that though it would be great to stay downtown, ideas like a tiny house community have come up. If the rezoning sends Atangard away, it’ll likely take a few investors who believe in the idea of community living to find a new location for the project.

“It’d be cool to have an entire floor of a new building, purpose-built for this,” Fawcett said.

“That’s a huge dream and maybe too pie-inthe-sky. But something similar to this, just in a building that’s not as old, would be great.”

“We can adapt to our situation, whatever that looks like,” Fawcett added.

In fact, that was the mentality of Atangard’s genesis. Suderman explained that at the project’s beginning, they never thought the Fraser Valley Inn was ideal — it was affordable and available. She and the others focused on making the best of what they had.

“So I don’t know what will happen,” Fawcett said. “At this point it’s about being open to any possibility, and also recognizing that we’re still here for now.”

CULTURE

Cassie de Jong — Culture Editor culture@ufvcascade.ca

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2018

GDD Grad Show //

Discovering new muses

UFV’s graphic design grad show 2018 attracts creative crowd CASSIE DE JONG CULTURE & EVENTS EDITOR

Graphic design is a growing and happening industry with a supportive community full of creative people. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that more and more creative individuals have begun to pursue a career in such a rewarding field.

On Tuesday, April 24 the graduating class of UFV’s Graphic and Digital Design Diploma held a show to display their portfolios and personal style in an empty building at Highstreet Mall in Abbotsford.

The show celebrated the accomplishments of the up-and-coming designers, and gave them a chance to present their skills to a massive crowd of family, friends, community members, and possible employers.

These students had been preparing for this night since the beginning of their program. Mountains of hard work on projects, individual skills, and self-branding all fell into place for a wildly successful event.

Graphic design graduate Cooper Symonds was able to provide more insider information in an interview. Symonds detailed the main themes of the show, and explained the meaning behind the key phrase used in the event’s advertisements, “Discover your Muse.”

According to Symonds, the definition of a muse is “an artist’s inspiration.” This one idea evolved into “Discover your Muse.”

This phrase was intended as an invitation to visit the show and discover new graphic

designers who may inspire you and suit your needs. In addition to being inspired, it is important to find someone who also inspires you.

In regard to the amount of planning and dedication work that goes into an event such as this, Symonds stated he was proud of how he and his fellow grads worked together to pull off such an outstanding event.

“It’s endless. People don’t realize, and I didn’t as well, how much work goes into an event like this. Not only everyone’s individual portfolio and work, but just the organization of the event itself. There’s so many details you need to consider.”

The grad show was completely studentrun, with some guidance from UFV graphic design professors. Each of the graduates had to develop self-branding, individual websites, and portfolio books. As a group, they worked to create a website for the event, various social media campaigns, and much more.

The participants researched past grad shows by UFV students, as well as events put on by neighbouring schools, such as Capilano, Kwantlen, and Emily Carr. The purpose of such research was to examine their events, determine what worked and what didn’t, and apply that information to their planning process to ensure a successful evening. Students also looked into current design trends, since a major purpose of the show was to attract industry members. Symonds stated: “That’s who we re-

ally want and that’s who is going to offer us the jobs. Grandparents are fantastic, but we really wanted people that are in the industry. We definitely wanted to make sure that the branding is the top of the line.”

Many students mean to return to school as their next step. Symonds’ plans include taking a year off to study elsewhere until UFV’s major in graphic design becomes available for the Bachelor of Fine Arts program in 2019. The designer has a fivemonth internship lined up in India, and he also plans to study abroad in Singapore.

Stepping stones such as these are incredibly valuable and enriching for any budding design career.

Various other graphic design students are planning to travel after their recent graduation. According to Symonds, the list of destinations includes France and Japan.

Symonds also mentioned that several of the graduates have already landed graphic design jobs here in the Fraser Valley. “Everyone here is so talented. Everyone that wants to be successful is definitely going to make it.”

GDD showgoer’s mix and mingle. High Street Mall, April 24, 2018. (Cassie de Jong/The Cascade)

Interpret Festival //

Arts festival livens up UFV’s Friday evening Interpret arts festival displays the work of UFV artists and performers JESSICA BARCLAY NEWS EDITOR

Over 200 staff, students, and alumni attended UFV’s first ever collaborative event between the creative writing, visual arts, and theatre programs. The Interpret Creative & Performing Arts Festival featured works and presentations from UFV students, faculty, and alumni in a four-hour event the evening of Friday, April 27.

The event began with an opening reception in the Student Union Building. After being welcomed, participants were left to explore the presentations and displays set up around the UFV campus festival grounds.

Artwork from various classes were displayed throughout C building, the S’eliyemetaxwtexw Art Gallery, and outside on campus, including interactive displays, performance art, and short films. Theatre students put on seven performances around campus throughout the evening, and a variety of student, alumni, and faculty writers read their poetry and stories, captivating audience members in D building.

The evening ended in djembe and live music by Myriad of Whispers in the beer garden, set up by Ravens

Brewing, outside of the SUB and C building. The music, provided by CIVL, also featured local favourite Kristin Witko and DJ Simon Bridgefoot live earlier in the event.

Dr. Bruce Kirkley, associate professor of theatre at UFV, believed that the Interpret festival was a very exciting milestone for the arts at UFV. “I think today really showcases the collaboration and community we have here at UFV,” Kirkley said during the opening ceremony.

According to Katherine Searle, president of the Visual Arts Student Association and member of the Interpret committee, the event evolved from the show that creative writing and visual arts students put on at the end of each year. Their goal with the festival was to integrate in the theatre program, and they took the opportunity to grow the event to include the community as well.

Planning began in October 2017, and took a committee of eight members and the contributions of many participants, volunteers, donors, and sponsors to bring the event to life.

Much of the artwork at the event will continue to be displayed until May 11, and all are welcome to view it.

Interpret Creative and Performing Arts Fest.

Kristin Witko performs at the Interpret Creative and Performing Arts Fest. UFV Abbotsford.

April 27, 2018. (Cassie de Jong/The Cascade)

11

CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2018

Creative Compositions //

Chicken today, feathers tomorrow Our thin sandals flap in rhythm with one another as we walk down the cobblestone street.

Mother is ahead of us. It feels as though I have a chain around my neck, and I’m being pulled to the slaughterhouse where any last shred of my dignity will be sacrificed.

My mother yells back to us, “Hurry up girls, the food bank is only open for another half hour.”

“Geez, do you think she could’ve said that any louder?” My sister groans.

Cringing from the blisters on our feet, we pick up the pace and press on. Throngs of people lean against the foodbank wall. A woman states how she has lost her welfare cheque and has no food for her three kids, though the sores on her face and dark circles under her eyes tell a different story.

“Next,” yells the food bank clerk. A few moments later the same lady walks past us with bags of day-old bread and unsellable produce.

“Are we vegetarians?” asks one of her kids.

“Not on purpose,” replies the woman.

Privileged people in cars drive by and glare at us as if we are criminals in a police lineup. My sister and I raise a finger to salute the snobs.

Mother slaps our hands.

“Show some class,” she demands. The hypocrisy of her words sends us into a fit of laughter. Picking through boxes of wilted vegetables and bins of dented cans, our paper bags are full.

“Free food,” I scoff.

“There’s nothing free about it.”

Walking home, we pass a beautiful heritage house.

Loud music escapes from

the open windows. “I Want to Break Free” by Queen plays. I start thinking about my exam tomorrow. I plan to study all night; failure is not an option.

When our government cheque arrives, my mother treats us to take-out.

“Eat girls, eat. It’s chicken today and feathers tomorrow.”

-Janice Lang

Cascade Events Calendar May

2 3

4

Note: Some of these events require tickets, most are on Facebook.

If something catches your eye, take to the internet for more details.

JATSWorker/Faps/Casinos @ Carport Manor (Abbotsford), 10:00 - 11:59 p.m.

6

Poetry Reading & Artist Talk: Hear and See @ The Reach Gallery Museum (Abbotsford), 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

9

Chicken-Like Birds @ Tractorgrease Cafe (Chilliwack), 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

10

Jane’s Walk Abbotsford Launch @ Trethewey House Heritage Site (Abbotsford), 3:00 p.m.

11

Civic Abbotsford @ Kariton Art Gallery (Abbotsford), 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

12

J.D. Miner Live @ The Stage in Mission, 7:00 - 11:59 p.m.

5

12

Betty & the Kid with guests @ Tractorgrease Cafe (Chilliwack), 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

Gallery Opening Reception: Artist Christopher Friesen @ Mennonite Heritage Museum (Abbotsford), 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival @ Chilliwack Heritage Park, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

PUNKD OUT @ Vicinity Lounge (Abbotsford), 7:00 p.m. - Midnight

13

Author Book Launch, Signing & Sales with Myrtle-Anne Rempel @ The Reach Gallery Museum (Abbotsford), 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

24th Annual Wine & Beer Festival @ Sevenoaks Shopping Centre (Abbotsford), 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Spring Film Series (5/7) – Final Portrait @ Cottonwood 4 Cinemas (Chilliwack), 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Viper Central @ Tractorgrease Cafe (Chilliwack), 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

UFV U-District Walk @ Abbotsford Centre, 10:00 11:30 a.m.

Maan Farms Goat Yoga @ Maan Farms Country Experience & Estate Winery (Abbotsford), 10:00 a.m. - Noon

Roots and Blues Night with Reed Turchi @ Tractorgrease Cafe (Chilliwack), 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

Desirée Dawson with Jody Okabe @ Kariton Art Gallery (Abbotsford), 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Roots & Blues Night with Joe Nolan @ Tractorgrease Cafe (Chilliwack), 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

16

Colin Linden @ Tractorgrease Cafe (Chilliwack), 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

STUDY BREAK Crossword //

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2018

Made by Cassie de Jong ACROSS

DOWN

1: A domesticated type of European polecat kept as a pet.

2: A festive holiday beverage containing milk, eggs, and cinnamon or nutmeg.

6: A nocturnal burrowing mammal known for its tubular snout and long extensible tongue used for eating ants.

3: A hot beverage prepared by pouring boiling water over cured leaves and herbs.

7: An amusement park ride that consists of a light railroad track with fast turns and loops.

9: A ballet position in which a dancer stands on one leg, with the other leg extended quite high behind the body, both held straight.

11: A plant that consists of many individual flowers called florets, and produces the fruit “ribbed achene.”

13: The capital city of Manitoba.

15: An alcoholic beverage consisting of white rum, lime juice, sugar, mint, and club soda.

4: A professional trained to care for sick persons in a hospital.

5: A hypersensitive and damaging immune response by the body to a substance such as pollen or fur.

8: An individual who sacrifices their sleep and general well-being, all in the name of earning a degree.

10: The eighth month of the year.

12: A popular American brand of ketchup.

14: A room or building used for gymnastics, athletics, and other methods of working out.

LAST ISSUE’S ANSWERS: Across 4: Chrome 7: Aquifer 8: Freedom 10: Tartans 11: Eldest

Down 1: Beowulf 2: Camaraderie 3: Surrealists 5: Heart Attack 6: Eiffel Tower 9: Meander

Horoscope //

Astrological mysteries rudely interpreted by Lady May

Aries — Mar 21 to Apr 19 You are content so long as your cell phone battery is above 90 per cent. Once it hits 89 per cent however, your crippling anxiety sends you searching the far corners of the universe for a charger cable. Go on a walk this week and leave the phone at home — you’ll be surprised what new bits about your neighbourhood you’ll notice.

Taurus — Apr 20 to May 20 You are eternally optimistic, and can’t help but see the best scenario of any possible situation.

In other words, you have no real sense of reality, and live in a complete fantasy world.

Get your head out of your teen section fantasy books, and start living in the real world again, at least for five minutes.

Gemini — May 21 to Jun 20 It’s a great week to get out and do all those crazy things you’ve been wanting to do. Of course, with how clumsy you are, you will likely end these adventures with broken ankles, a black eye, and at least 15 other bruises, but don’t let that stop you! At least it will give you something to complain about.

Cancer —Jun 21 to Jul 22 Your week has consisted of several consecutive days of failed adulting. You’ve left an iron-shaped burn mark on your best shirt, dyed all your underwear pink in the wash, and somehow managed to burn water. My advice would probably be to go ask your mom for help instead of reading a horoscope.

Leo — Jul 23 to Aug 22 You like to be the one with all the answers, but have no real experience with life in general. I think you’re way past due another trip outside the non-fiction section, and out into the great expanse of the unknown. Climb a mountain, go whitewater rafting, or simply go out for coffee. Take baby steps.

Illustration by: Amara Gelaude Sagittarius — Nov 22 to Dec 21 This week you have been feeling ready to take on the world, and have developed a taste for adventure and new experiences. You should become a stunt performer or a bungee jumping instructor. We’ll all come to your funeral, I promise.

Virgo —Aug 23 to Sep 22 This week would be a good time to work on your listening skills. You have this nasty habit of drifting off into space when people are pouring their heart out to you about their problems. If you paid more attention, you would probably have more friends.

Capricorn — Dec 22 to Jan 19 Your workaholic nature has been getting the better of you this week. Your peers and coworkers are starting to become legitimately concerned as they’ve watched you work for 14 hours straight with no breaks or coffee.

Try not to collapse, and remember to eat something once in a while.

Libra — Sep 23 to Oct 22 For some reason, Libras encounter neardeath experiences on a daily basis. It’s almost as if you’re trying to complete a punch card that earns you a free coffee at the end or something. Try to get through just one day without nearly losing a limb, and I promise I will buy you a coffee myself.

Aquarius — Jan 20 to Feb 18 You accumulate lists upon lists of interesting but ill-timed facts. You are quick on the draw with the easy shortcake recipe three hours after you and your friends burnt one to a crisp doing it the hard way. Try to be a little more perceptive on when these hints would have been helpful.

Scorpio — Oct 23 to Nov 21 You are known for your forgiving nature and inability to hold grudges. Unfortunately, this has labeled you as a human doormat, and everyone comes to you for favours with no intention of returning them. This week a friend will want to borrow your car. Say no, or you’ll never see it again.

Pisces — Feb 19 to Mar 20 You are the type of person that likes to eat their Froot Loops in the bathtub. So, either you are so incredibly dextrous that you manage to avoid splashing water in your milk, or enjoy eating soggy cereal. I’m not sure whether to applaud you or seal you away in that bathroom forever.

13

ARTS

Martin Castro — Arts Editor

arts@ufvcascade.ca

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2018

Podcast Review //

CHARTS 1

BLESSED Tunic/Blessed Split

2

NAP EYES I’m Bad Now

3

FRIGS Basic Behaviour

4

FUTURE STAR Cryorities

5

DRINKS Hippo Lite

6

YAMANTAKA // SONIC TITAN Dirt

7

ANGEL FORREST Electric Love

8

PEACH KELLI POP Hello Kitty Knife (Single)

9

SUUNS Felt

10

CHRIS-A-RIFFIC Post-Season

11

LINDI ORTEGA Liberty

12

NICK MOSS BAND The High Cost of Low Living

13

PEGGIE PERKINS Influences

14

SUPERCRUSH I Can’t Lie b/w Walking Backwards

15

GOODNIGHT, ST. IDIOT Goodnight, St. Idiot

16

SAMANTHA MARTIN & DELTA SUGAR Run To Me

17

FRANKIE COSMOS Vessel

18

DAVID VEST David Vest

19

OUROBOROS Kitchuses

20

MILD ORANGE Foreplay

14

SHUFFLE AARON LEVY DOESN’T HAVE A VAN

Stories of ordinary life made extraordinary on The Memory Palace

As we quickly approach the dog days of summer, CIVL Station Manager Aaron Levy has some advice, some news, and some fun to address in this week’s shuffle!

MIA — “Amazon” To celebrate Vancouver’s supposed victorious acquisition of Amazon’s new 3000-job-creating headquarters downtown in the old post office, here’s an original MIA track from the Piracy Funds Terrorism mixtape she produced in 2004-ish along with, you guessed it, the dippest of dippers: his decent name is Diplo.

The Eagles - “Hotel California” This song is one that I heard covered this past weekend by a full band with a lead acoustic guitar player in a dingy little basement set, at a venue potentially familiar to some, or perhaps even many readers. Bands: do not do this. No one needs to revisit it.

Kenny Loggins - “Danger Zone” Another song provided the same treatment as that from above. It persists as a favourite of H. Jon Benjamin’s classic cartoon character Archer (who looks NOTHING like Benjamin, which I thought he would), and is another song you don’t have to cover at a local show with your band.

Raffi - “Bananphone” “Ring ring ring ring ring ring ring, banana phone / Ring ring ring ring ring ring ring, banana phone!” I enjoy the banana bread from Fair Grounds, your SUS-operated local cafe, located right here in the Abbotsford SUB’s first floor atrium. I’m eating some now, and so should you!

JEN KLASSEN STAFF WRITER

Growing up, I knew that a road trip with the family meant books on tape. One of mom’s choice, one of dad’s, rarely one of mine. Never one of my younger sister’s choosing. We were to sit passively and listen along to the story threading in and out of the speakers, a word picked up here and there breaking through the plotline of the book I was reading in the sweaty back seat of the Astro van we owned.

I don’t remember one of the titles of the books we listened to on those numerous hours spent on the road, but what I recall clearly was the timbre of the voices reading the books. That smooth, even, male voice, enunciating and tasting each word as it was passed through the microphone, out of the crackly speakers and into my now treasured memories, creating a soundtrack to those adventures.

When I stumbled across The Memory Palace, a podcast on iTunes hosted by public radio host Nate DiMeo, that soothing voice filled my speakers and created that nostalgic sensation of contentedness. I was instantly transported once again to the backseat of that Astro van.

DiMeo weaves non-fiction tales focusing on everyday life from the past, “sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes hysterical, often a little bit of both,” the podcast description reads. The podcast has 125 episodes as of April 25. The latest installment telling the story of Indian cobras showing up in a small town, and how a garden hoe saved the day.

Since 2008, this podcast has seen a decade’s worth of stories hit the airwaves, each episode with the power to captivate audiences and transport them to a different time and place. The podcast was named a 2016 finalist for the Peabody Award, the Pulitzer equivalent for electronic media.

Every installment discusses a subject that time may have forgotten. The topics include events that make up the lives of everyday people, nothing usually special, nothing usually noteworthy. Stories about a man who dubbed himself a colonel and gave a large block of cheese to one of the first presidents of the United States. Then, narratives branch out to cover people that history should remember, like Mary Mcleod Bethune, an African-American activist whose “life was too full to fit on a plaque.”

Each episode runs only 10 to 15 minutes in length. Except for one, in which DiMeo reads Walt Whitman’s A Song of Myself on the eve of the 2016 presidential elections. Listeners can choose to jump in anywhere, and lose themselves in the dreamlike quality of DiMeo’s voice, accompanied by faint background music that adds to each anecdote.

There are 146 installments to choose from, accompanied with vague episode descriptions, encouraging the listener to enter into the experience created.

DiMeo’s ability to inform and evoke emotion is a special skill, especially within the short amount of time the podcast runs. If you’ve got a few minutes, check out The Memory Palace. It’s worth it.

ARTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2018

Movie Review //

Isle of Dogs? More like I love dogs!

MARTIN CASTRO ARTS EDITOR

Wes Anderson, director of Isle of Dogs, is perhaps best known for his quirky, idiosyncratic films, most of which deal with loveable outcasts making their way (somewhat clumsily yet aided by luck) through some sort of caper. In this regard, Isle of Dogs is no different. In near future Japan, a dog flu outbreak prompts a mayor with ulterior motives to declare an indefinite quarantine of all dogs. Our canine protagonists are sent to “trash island” to live out their days in squalor.

At this point it’s appropriate to state that although the film is set in Japan, it is not an inherently Japanese story. Yes, we are surrounded at all times with auditory and visual cues that bring to mind now-outdated representations of Japan as an imperial power sterilized by its post-collapse state of being: democracy (or, in the film,

a pro-cat/anti-dog oligarchy) is present, but the cultural symbols we are presented with never fail to harken back to Japan’s imperial history. Is this particular stylistic decision reductive insofar as it condenses Japanese culture in the mind of the viewer to a narrowly-defined, socio-political landscape that is, in reality, non-existent?

Yes. Is it damning? No. Although the visuals blend lazy representations of Asia meant for Western consumption with call-backs to the stylistic hallmarks of directors like Akira Kurosawa (static main elements juxtaposed in still frames with constant movement in the background, for example), the film is decidedly Anderson’s in that its pace is quick and to-the-point. Understanding the film as a fable, then, not meant to portray Japanese culture, but rather use it as a backdrop, Isle of Dogs proves to be intensely enjoyable.

Firstly, the animation is captivating

and, although stop-motion has a tendency to be associated with kitsch (Wallace and Gromit, anyone?) Anderson uses the format to tell a story through short, uniquely bright instances of plot or character development. Scenes begin by highlighting a visual element (a dinner plate, for example), and unfold in such a way that said element is always in consideration. A microcosmic journey begins and ends in every scene so that with every cut, there is at least some momentary pay-off that furthers our anticipation of the next.

Oddly enough, the film takes place over a longer period of time than most of Anderson’s other work, and is punctuated by exposition through either text or dramatic voice-over. Although the story itself is riddled with side-bars which give us some insight into the personal intricacies of many characters (dog and peoplekind alike) the central plot, which focuses on a young boy’s quest to reunite with his dog, sim-

mers throughout the film with a vibrancy that will no doubt have many viewers grinning in spite of themselves.

In the end, the crux of Isle of Dogs is as universal as the bond between two friends, and while the main plot could be summarized in a five-page children’s book, the magic of the film lies in its ability to enrapture its audience, and command their attention in a fashion which few recent major blockbusters have been able to achieve.

As major Hollywood producers scramble (and, in the case of some, fail) to attract viewers to the big screen, Isle of Dogs stands out as a film that successfully brought viewers out in droves by promising (and delivering) two simple things: an interesting premise, and a follow-through which is fun from the first second to the last.

The World’s Longest Running Play

“Deservedly a classic among murder thrillers” ~Observer

Matsqui Centennial Auditorium

MAY 18 – 26

By Agatha Christie

For play information and schedule, visit:

WWW.GALLERY7THEATRE.COM

Production Presenting Sponsor:

The Mousetrap is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

15