the griff - February 2023

MacEwan waste & trash

Esports in Alberta

SAMU Student

Advocacy Centre

JUNOs coming to YEG

BLACK HISTORY

MONTH &

5 ARTISTS 1 LOVE

On the cover

Resident graphics editor Nawaal Basha highlights our feature story on Black History Month and local organization 5 Artists 1 Love, written by Aajah Sauter on page 8.

Thanks to our contributors

Jacquline Ohm, for their wonderful comic on page 24.

Teagan Sywyk, for their charming comic, also on page 24.

Sam Poier, for their fantastic illustrations on Jason Husak’s final thoughts on page 31.

The Bolo Tie Collective, for their nurturing of creative writing on campus and their submitted works on page 26.

The Design Students Organization, for their continued support of design students and their student spotlight on page 5.

And all our contributors who show up and make the griff happen every week.

Thank you for reading the griff, MacEwan University’s student media. The griff is funded by students and is considered a service under the Students’ Association of MacEwan University. For four years, the griff published a weekly newspaper, before transitioning into a monthly magazine in 2015. We print seven issues from September to April and publish articles and content online all-year long.

As the student media at MacEwan University, our mission is to provide diverse, well-researched articles written from a student perspective. Our content is hyperlocal, with a focus on issues affecting our university and the greater downtown area. We aim to create in-depth articles that promote wellbeing in our community. We want to engage in a dialogue about the things that matter to you.

If you are interested in volunteering for the griff, join us at a contributor meeting, which are every Thursday at 5 p.m. inperson in the SAMU offices (third floor of the SAMU building). Check our social media for exclusive online coverage and content of your campus and more.

Contact for any inquiries, story pitches, or letters to the editors: managing@thegriff.ca

/thegriffmag @thegriffmag

@thegriffmag info@thegriff.ca thegriff.ca @thegriffmagazine

Thai Sirikoone managing editor managing@thegriff.ca

Payton Phillips assistant editor payton@thegriff.ca

Aajah Sauter assistant editor aajah@thegriff.ca

Nawaal Basha graphics editor nawaal@thegriff.ca

Mya Colwell assistant editor mya@thegriff.ca

Brett Boyd photo editor brett@thegriff.ca

Eva Driessen online editor eva@thegriff.ca

Jason Husak digital content editor jason@thegriff.ca

What’s happening this February?

A monthly collection of events happening around MacEwan.

Creative spotlight: Nisha Patel

By Mya Colwell

Edmonton’s eighth poet laureate shares her poetry origin story and advocacy goals.

Black history month

By Aajah Sauter

5 Artists 1 Love curator Darren Jordan talks art, the power of unity, and celebration of Black art and joy.

Journey to the JUNOs

By Eva Driessen

Three Edmonton-based artists share their success stories ahead of the 2023 Juno Awards.

MacEwan’s sustainability

By Mya Colwell

Waste audits, paper towel composting, and more sustainable initiatives to come.

Horoscopes

By Catherine Lieu, Julietta Harvey, & Thai Sirikoone

SAMU’s Individual Advocacy Support Hub

By Mya Colwell

Support is available to students at SAMU’s Student Advocacy Centre.

Esports in Alberta

By Payton Phillips

Explore esports in Alberta from a new perspective and learn about the upcoming event from AESA.

Food for thought: El Furniture Warehouse

By Payton Phillips

Does this new spot fit in with YEG’s downtown scene?

The Great Show & Act As If | The Farmhouse

By Derek Lantz & Ashley Alton

Poems and a short story contributed by the Bolo Tie Collective.

Reviews: God of War Ragnarok, Staged season 3, & The White Lotus season 2

By

Jason Husak, Mya Colwell, & Payton Phillips

Corporate cheerleading

By Jason Husak

Companies are getting bigger, but your dollar still matters.

what’s happening

On-Campus

Pool Tournament | Bi-weekly on Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. at Towers.

The Undergrad Variety Show | Bi-weekly on Mondays, 5:30 p.m. at Towers.

Ukraine Week | Jan. 30 to Feb. 4. Events and activities to get all your questions about what’s really going on in Ukraine answered. There will be information booths, a student Q&A panel, and much more.

Education Abroad Fair | Feb. 1, 16, & 27 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the MacEwan International area on the first floor of Building 7.

Black History Month Student Pop-Up Shop | Feb. 2 & 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the first floor of Building 6. This on-campus pop-up shop will showcase Black student artisans.

Black Lives in Alberta Film Screening and Panel Discussion | Feb. 6 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in Allard Hall. Over a Century of Racial Injustice Continues is a documentary film that tells the story of five generations of Black Albertans and shows their experiences and hardships faced while living in Canada.

London Road Musical Theatre Performance | Feb. 8 to 12 in the Tim Ryan Theatre Lab in Allard Hall.

Off-Campus

International Festival of Winter Cinema | Feb. 10 to 19 at Hawrelak Park. The International Festival of Winter Cinema (IFWC) celebrates local and international winter cinema. It’s the world’s only free, outdoor, winter film festival where the public watches the films on a giant screen made from snow.

AESA Alberta Esports Expo | Feb. 18 to 19 at the Edmonton Expo Centre.

Black History Month Opening Ceremonies | Feb. 1 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Edmonton City Hall.

Pageantinta - RUNNER UPS | Feb. 2 at 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m.) at the Evolution Wonderlounge. Tickets are available through @partyqueensyeg. $10 entry fee.

MacEwan Sports and Wellness Curling Bonspiel | Saturday, Feb. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Avonair Curling Club located next to the Kingsway Garden Mall across from the NAIT LRT Station.

A Heartbreak Actually | Monday, Feb. 5, starting at 9 p.m. at the Evolution Wonderlounge. $10 entry fee. This show will be about campy breakup songs, angry love letters, and everything anti-romance.

Unpacking the N-Word online presentation | Feb. 14 from 5 to 6 p.m. Slam poetry, stand-up comedy, and interactive audience engagement, via Zoom.

Bolo Tie “Read It and Weep” Valentine’s Day speed reading event | Feb. 14, 1 p.m. at Towers.

Business and Tech Career Fair | Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Building 6 cafeteria.

Black Professionals and Students Networking Event | Feb. 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Allard Hall Atrium. This networking event allows Black MacEwan University students to connect with Black professionals across different fields.

Grant Writing Workshop Series: Grant Budget Planning | Feb. 28 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Building 7, Room 7-170. A workshop that will teach you the basics of creating research grant budgets and cover the “how-tos” of expenses.

The Inquiring Mind: Campus Mental Health Workshop | Feb. 21 to 22. A workshop put on by the Mental Health Commission of Canada for all post-secondary students. Upon completion, students will also receive a certificate.

Griffins Games in Edmonton

Friday, Feb. 3

Men’s Hockey | vs. Mount Royal University — 7 p.m.

Men’s Volleyball | vs. Thompson Rivers — 7:30 p.m.

Women’s Volleyball | vs. Thompson Rivers — 6 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 4

Women’s Hockey | vs. Mount Royal University — 5 p.m.

Men’s Volleyball | vs. Thompson Rivers — 4 p.m.

Women’s Volleyball | vs. Thompson Rivers — 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 10

Men’s Hockey | vs. Calgary — 7 p.m.

Men’s Basketball | vs. Regina — 8 p.m.

Women’s Basketball | vs. Regina — 6 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 11

Women’s Hockey | vs. Calgary — 5 p.m.

Men’s Basketball | vs. Regina — 4 p.m.

Women’s Basketball | vs. Regina — 6 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 17

Men’s Volleyball | vs. Mount Royal University — 7:30 p.m.

Women’s Volleyball | vs. Mount Royal University — 6 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 18

Men’s Volleyball | vs. Mount Royal University — 4 p.m.

Gemma’s Dollhouse VII - It’s Raining Them | Feb. 10 at 9 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m.) at Evolution Wonderlounge. $10 entry fee. This is an all-trans and nonbinary drag show celebrating camp, theatricality, and clownery!

Black History Month Showcase | Feb. 12 at 9 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m.) at Evolution Wonderlounge. $10 entry fee. Tickets are available through @partyqueensyeg. Black excellence is on full display at this drag show featuring burlesque and queer Black talent!

Embrace the Freeze - Ski Trip |Feb. 21 to Feb. 24, registration required.

PQ Presents: Hunny’s House of Horrors | Feb. 26 at 9 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m.) at Evolution Wonderlounge. $10 entry fee. Register at eventbrite.ca. This killer cast of drag monsters promises horror and gore.

Women’s Volleyball | vs. Mount Royal University — 5:30 p.m.

Oilers February Schedule

*Away @ Detroit Red Wings | Tuesday, Feb. 7 — 5:30 p.m.

*Away @ Philadelphia Flyers | Thursday, Feb. 9 — 7 p.m.

*Away @ Ottawa Senators | Saturday, Feb. 11 — 10:30 a.m.

*Away @ Montreal Canadiens | Sunday, Feb. 12 — 10:30 a.m.

Vs. Detroit Red Wings | Wednesday, Feb. 15 — 7:30 p.m.

Vs. New York Rangers | Friday, Feb. 17 — 7 p.m.

*Away @ Colorado Avalanche | Sunday, Feb. 19 — 1 p.m.

Vs. Philadelphia Flyers | Tuesday, Feb. 21 — 7 p.m.

*Away @ Pittsburgh Penguins | Thursday, Feb. 23 — 5 p.m.

*Away @ Columbus Blue Jackets | Saturday, Feb. 25 — 10:30 a.m.

Vs. Boston Bruins | Monday, Feb. 27 — 6:30 p.m.

Significant Academic Dates

Family Day - no classes | Monday, Feb. 20

Reading break | Tuesday, Feb. 21 to Friday, Feb. 24

SAMU has six pairs of tickets for each Edmonton Oilers game at Rogers Place, available at discounted prices exclusively for MacEwan students. For more information, visit the SAMU website or offices in the SAMU building.

NISHA PATEL

Nisha Patel, Edmonton’s eighth poet laureate and award-winning poet, fell in love with poetry a little unconventionally — through performance.

Her introduction to performance and public speaking happened during her eight years as a competitive debater in high school and university, “which is this super nerdy hobby,” she interjects good naturedly. “I just really loved the idea of putting words and thoughts and ideas out into the world for people to engage with.”

But Patel didn’t realize that performance and poetry was something she was really passionate about until she had established herself in an entirely different career path as a political advisor.

Instead of writing speeches for politicians, she wanted to perform herself and share her own stories and ideas. “I actually had something I thought was worth performing and worth talking about,” she says. “And that was my really personal stories and being vulnerable to an audience.”

So, Patel took a leap of faith and left the political sphere behind to explore writing and performing.

“(There’s) a moment when you perform — and if you’re lucky you get that moment all the time — where you know someone is really connecting with you,” says Patel. “It feels almost inexplicable sometimes to rationalize how a person you’ve never met before, or a person whose interior life you don’t know, can understand you — even if you come from completely different backgrounds.

“It turns out (that) almost everyone has something in common with another person. And being a performer means you get to find that connection more often.”

Now, Patel has been writing poetry and working on other arts-related projects for the past five years. She has published numerous poetry chapbooks and her debut poetry book, COCONUT; she was a semi-finalist in the 2022 Poetry Slam World Cup; and she served as Edmonton’s eighth poet laureate from 2019 to 2021 — a role that brought considerable visibility and a feeling of being charged to change the world in some way. She tackled this responsibility by writing about COVID deaths, about what justice means, about marginalized groups, about loving the Edmonton arts scene, and about renaming Churchill Square.

“There’s something about poetry in which you really can be really honest and truthful,” says Patel. “It’s my favourite medium because it allows people to imagine the world with you and co-create it without being prescriptively told everything about it, like fiction might.”

As she continues to write, a major theme Patel explores in her work is family, although the stories she explores aren’t always positive. “When you do grow up in multi-generational and intercultural households, there’s such a big disconnect between what your parents might think a good life is and what you think a good life is. And how you both pursue that can often clash.”

Patel also writes about love, kindness, politics, feminism, and the political space around disability.

“I do consider myself disabled — in more direct terms, as someone who is diabetic and has a

medical disability in which large parts of my body don’t function the way as everyone else’s. And as… someone with mental illness living within a marginalized body of queerness and being a woman of colour,” says Patel.

“These things all really interact with each other. They’re all the same thing. And disability writing has been a way for me to show kindness to my own body and understand myself, as well as rethink my relationship with the world.”

The path as a poet hasn’t always been easy for Patel. “This year I lost the ability to write with a pencil regularly and to type regularly. And as a writer, that’s super, incredibly difficult to lose that kind of fine motor skill,” she says. “When I do (write), I do it with incredible pain and long periods of recuperation. And so, I’ve had to find new ways to be an artist and be present.”

“It turns out (that) almost everyone has something in common with another person. And being a performer means you get to find that connection more often.” — Nisha Paetel, Edmonton’s eighth poet laureate

“There’s something about poetry in which you really can be really honest and truthful”

— Nisha Paetel, Edmonton’s eighth poet laureate

Words MYA COLWELL Photos SUPPLIED

She feels a strong calling to write about disability in her art so that other people can be let into that perspective and help work for disability justice.

Patel has also come up against mental roadblocks. “It’s so difficult sometimes to even capture the amount of self-doubt that goes into being a writer,” she says. “You don’t feel like you’ve made it for very long, even when you have a success because the writing world is so fickle.”

So much of success as a writer comes from circumstances, privilege, or even dumb luck, says Patel, which means that many incredible writers might never have their work published. And because being a full-time writer isn’t financially viable for the vast majority of writers — Patel included — aspiring writers can easily feel discouraged.

But Patel is quick to point out that there is no one way to be a writer, and that pursuing writing and artistic pursuits means you get to create something you are passionate about and really enjoy, even if that happens part time.

Writers don’t have to write every day or every month or even every year, she says. “You have a body, and you have family, and you have other (responsibilities). And that’s totally OK.”

“There are so many different ways to be a writer and to love writing,” she says. For Patel, embracing an evolving role as an artist and writer has meant creating her first graphic novel, Graphic Medicine, and taking up more photography. She is also in the process of submitting her second manuscript for publication.

For more information about Patel and her latest projects, visit her website nishapatel.ca/ or see what she’s up to on social media (@anothernisha).

5 Artists 1 Love

Words AAJAH SAUTER

Photos SUPPLIED

Black History Month is in full swing. For people like me, it’s a time of reflection, immense joy, and celebration of my roots and the past and present accomplishments of Black individuals. Emphasis on the present, though! While it’s vital to acknowledge the abundance of past achievements and contributions made by African and Caribbean individuals, it is equally essential to celebrate history in the making, accomplishments, and talent in the here and now.

This month is not only for us; it’s meant for everyone of all racial backgrounds to learn about and appreciate the rich African and Caribbean culture among us. It’s a time of honouring and uplifting Black individuals and cultivating healthy conversations around anti-racism. Most importantly, it is a time of genuine unity.

One of the best ways to commemorate Black History Month is to actively spotlight and provide a stage for Black individuals in our community to show off their excellence. Talent exists right in our backyard and deserves proper praise. Darren Jordan, MacEwan University graduate and curator/producer of 5 Artists 1 Love (5A1L), is doing just that.

The birth

Celebrating its 17th anniversary this month, 5 Artists 1 Love is an organization that promotes and uplifts the diverse talents of Black creatives in Edmonton under the canopy of one unified love for arts of all mediums. Since 2006, the organization has brought artistic skills of all mediums under one roof during their annual event, which is a celebration of art, music, dance, and poetry, highlighting five artistic individuals, including Jordan. Before the birth of 5A1L, it was rare to stumble upon an event where art and music made by Black people was so proudly — and loudly — celebrated and displayed. “It was born out of what I felt was a void,” says Jordan. “I didn’t feel that (something like this) was going on.”

Jordan has always been a visual artist and was an avid painter in the early 2000s. As he worked on his craft, he noticed the deep lack of representation in the Edmonton arts community. “Anybody who knew me knew I always griped and complained that I didn’t see any representation of Black artists in the city,” he says. “I saw that particularly problematic in February because it’s an opportunity to celebrate what we do, who we are, our history, and our accomplishments in the present day.”

Eventually, Jordan’s discontentment got all the way to 124 St. Tu Gallery owner Alex Patterson. The Tu Gallery — now home to Duchess Bakery — was a studio space Patterson had for emerging artists to utilize. Jordan and Patterson connected. “Patterson invited me to do a show for Black History Month,” Jordan recollects. “I thought this would be a great opportunity to see if there is a community of Black artists in Edmonton.” There was.

They put out a call for artists to participate in the art show that would later prove to be a huge success. The criteria for being an artist in the show was that you had to be Black and live in the Edmonton area. The aim was to provide local artists an opportunity to showcase their craft.

“I wanted to make sure that people were connected and that people had the opportunity to learn how to work with a gallery,” he says. “I wanted (the show) to be accessible so that people who would never venture into a gallery would see this event and feel comfortable; it wouldn’t be this sense that they don’t belong.” Every 20 minutes during the art show, there is some form of live entertainment, from a solo saxophone player to a choir to spoken word. Music plays from their curated playlist between the performances to keep the good vibes going.

Although Jordan has a core group of diverse artists who display their work, the goal is to provide a platform for emerging artists to shine. “The Wall,” which is a collection of submitted art works, was created to encourage community engagement in the show. The art is based on a different theme each year. This year’s theme is “Some Of My Best Friends Are Black.” Through this theme, Jordan hopes to answer the question: Is it a simple statement of fact or racially charged language? The audience experiences the answer through the artist’s interpretation.

Thanks to 5 Artists 1 Love, for 17 years, Black individuals living in Edmonton have had a place to gather under one unified love for culturally diverse art. “Every year, I have the opportunity to hear how people didn’t realize that there was such a community that was so diverse in their own backyard,” Jordan exclaims.

Opportunities amidst uncertainty

Established in 2010, the music concert is an addition to 5A1L that provides a stage for the diverse talent the Black community of Edmonton has to offer. During their last show before the pandemic hit, the CEO of the Winspear Centre and Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Annemarie Petrov, paid Jordan and his team of artists a visit.

“She saw the elation and the commitment of the beautiful people that were involved in that project, and afterward, she extended the invitation to having us at the Winspear Centre for the next year,” Jordan explains. “We were poised to have this event in the next year and then COVID hit, so that dream got shelved.”

“Every year, I have the opportunity to hear how people didn’ t realize that there was such a community that was so diverse in their own backyard.”

— Darren Jordan, curator, and producer of 5 Artists 1 Love

Fortunately, having forged this relationship with the Winspear Centre, the venue hosted 5A1L for their 2021 music concert. The restrictions were still very strict, so everything was pre-filmed and virtual. In May of 2022, 5A1L finally had the chance to throw its annual music concert in person. The show was fittingly called “Reunited.”

“People were just really glad to be back,” Jordan recounts. “It was the first time we’d ever done a show outside of Black History Month.”

We need to hold space for these types of events outside of Black History Month. We should be gathering under one roof more than once a year. We should have Black talent, accomplishments, and stories on display for longer than that. We deserve more than that. “We’re Black every day,” says Jordan. “Not just on the shortest and coldest month of the year.”

Tell your own story, or someone else will tell it for you.

During Black History Month, the common themes are often “struggle” and “trauma.” Many corporate Black History Month events (those organized by non-Black people) focus primarily on slavery and the hardships of my ancestors. While it is crucial to our healing in Canada as a “cultural mosaic” to contemplate and acknowledge the role the past plays in shaping our present, it is just as important to witness history in the making by amplifying Black talent and voices in the now.

“That trauma is definitely part of our story. Slavery happened, and Jim Crow happened. Struggle and trauma is real and is part of who we are, but it’s not all we are,” says Jordan. “There’s so much more there. Centuries before slavery, we were kings, queens, and masters of industry.”

Through his work with 5A1L, Jordan strives to create and nurture a space where Black artists feel comfortable and empowered to tell their own stories instead of it being told for them. The danger of letting someone else tell your story is it won’t always be accurate. There’s often an agenda attached, and the storytelling is no longer for the Black community but it serves to fulfill a quota, minimize guilty consciences, or satisfy another group’s saviour complex. Jordan encourages Black people in Edmonton and surrounding communities to take charge of their own stories. Through 5A1L, he gives the Black community the opportunity to do exactly that.

Jordan hopes to hold space for more cultural events outside of the month of February, but he has received pushback from venues on holding these types of events that celebrate Black culture outside of the “typical” time frame in February. Our Blackness and all it encompasses cannot be confined and reduced to a single month.

“It’s easy to relegate a time or a date to acknowledge the accomplishments of people that have been historically oppressed and having the experience of having their stories reduced, altered, or erased,” he expresses. “There’s value in having a date set aside for that. I think as a community, it’s incumbent on us to keep that narrative moving forward throughout the year.”

It is so imperative that all minority groups are afforded the time throughout the year to take up space and speak their truth. Only when Edmonton venues begin to recognize this as a fact can this city claim to be a diverse cultural mosaic that cares for all of its citizens. No more performative inclusivity bullshit.

Jordan dedicates his work to allowing Black individuals, whose voices and bodies have been historically and presently oppressed, to take up space inside and outside Black History Month. “If you’re not telling your stories, somebody else will,” he says. “I don’t want to be confined to a particular month.”

What does the Black community of Edmonton have to say about Black joy?

I took to Instagram and asked my Black followers what Black joy meant to them. To some, Black joy means being able to exist in their skin without fear of condemnation. To others, it feels like a space to exist without explanation and anywhere where they can be embraced unconditionally. Others define Black joy as a feeling of belonging and being enough by simply being themselves.

Black joy is a revolutionary act in a world that works to maintain systems of oppression that keep marginalized groups silenced and low on the socioeconomic and political hierarchy. Black joy is resistance to the limiting stereotypes of Black struggle and pain perpetuated by systems and groups who uphold and practice white supremacy. The term “Black joy” is not meant to minimize other forms of joy experienced by other groups. Rather, its intended purpose is to make an empowering and safe space for joy and self-expression, no matter the existence of historical and present discrimination against them.

Looking ahead

5 Artists 1 Love is hosting their annual all-black wear gallery affair on Feb. 4, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Art Gallery of Alberta. The music show is in the works and is expected to take place sometime in June as a recognition and celebration of Juneteenth (Emancipation Day in the U.S.).

Jordan’s ultimate goal for 5 artists 1 Love is to make it a sustainable, long-anticipated, and staple event in Edmonton. Recently, Jordan was asked to sit on the board of directors for the Winspear Centre and Edmonton Symphony Society. “This potentially puts me in a position where I can open up doors and opportunities for diversity and inclusion on a larger scale,” he explains.

5 Artists 1 Love looks forward to future collaborations with one of their sponsors, the Edmonton Arts Council, in throwing fun and culture-infused events for the city.

Closing thoughts

How can MacEwan nurture a healthy space for Black students all year round? This can be done by cultivating physical safe spaces in accessible locations on campus for students of colour to experience a welcoming community of people who look like them. This safe space would give them the opportunity to debrief and build reliable connections with other students of colour.

Don’t let this month go by without learning something new about Black culture. Read, Google, or listen to podcasts. Learn about it until you no longer fear it. Better yet, actually attend a cultural event like 5 artists 1 Love to be in a space full of Black excellence. Know that being anti-racist does not just mean “not being racist” but radically being against racism in everything you do. This takes a lot of unlearning of subconscious biases and stereotyping. This is an especially crucial mindset to nurture as students in a racially diverse educational institution. Choosing love, appreciation, and empathy over fear will lead us toward a path of healing and a better understanding of each other in the long haul.

Why attend this year’s art 5 Artists 1 Love art show? Jordan says it best: “There’s free entertainment, refreshments, a very unique and infectious vibe with Black excellence on parade.”

The submission date to be a part of The Wall 2023 has passed, but for future submissions, email 5artists1love@gmail.com. Visit 5artists1love.com for more information about tickets, upcoming events, and this year’s artists.

“We’re Black every day, not just on the shortest and coldest month of the year.”

— Darren Jordan, curator, and producer of 5 Artists 1 Love

Journey to the JUNOs JUNOs

Words | EVA DRIESSEN Photos | SUPPLIED

The Canadian music scene is quite the wonderful melting pot of different cultures, influences, and genres. From francophone pop legend Cœur de pirate to notorious “love to hate” rock band Nickelback, there is something for everyone.

The annual Juno Awards celebrate the best of Canadian music and for the first time since 2004, the Juno Awards — more commonly called “the Junos” — are coming to Edmonton on Monday, March 13, with “superhero” host Simu Liu returning for the second year in a row.

GARTH PRINCE

2022 Award: Children’s Album of the Year for Falling in Africa.

Garth Prince is a Namibian-Canadian vocalist, drummer, and educator who creates and performs children’s music. Prince decided to pursue music in Canada after starting his career in Namibia, Africa. He now works with schools in Edmonton to pass on his love for music to young students.

Prince previously took a year of the music program at MacEwan University (with fellow 2022 Juno Award winner Jessia), and he is currently studying arts & cultural management at MacEwan.

Before focusing on children’s music, Prince was a boy band member in Namibia where he started focusing on creating “positive music” with uplifting messages. He explains his band in Namibia didn’t like “the way (other artists) talked about women…and some of the topics seemed like they misguided the youth back home.”

After moving to Canada in 2008, Prince explains that with the help of his new team he decided to continue pursuing this idea of “positive music.”

The Junos are the most prestigious awards for Canadian music artists and while they sometimes seem to play second fiddle to the American Grammy Awards, the Junos boasts its own week of all-Canadian music and events.

The griff caught up with three Edmonton-based artists who won the coveted golden statuette in 2022 to reminisce about last year’s awards and learn more about what inspires their music.

“We had a song on the first record called ‘If You Can Walk, You Can Dance,’” he says with a smile, “and that’s what I mean (by positive music).”

When asked where he gets his inspiration, he explains that “sometimes I just wake up with a song as a writer and then I’m just like, ‘I’m writing this song,’ and honestly, there’s nothing I can do to stop a song.”

His 2022 Juno nomination came as a shock because he completely forgot the nominations were out until he received a Facebook message congratulating him for the nomination.

“I thought it was a prank… or that my account got hacked,” says Prince. But after checking, sure enough, he had gotten a nomination.

Prince explains that there are two award shows associated with the Junos. There is the main Juno Awards Night with the most prominent awards and performances, while the Juno Opening Night Awards is for all the other awards not given out during the main event.

Prince went to the Opening Night Awards and ended up winning the 2022 Juno Award for Children’s Album of the Year. While winning the award was a monumental moment for Prince and his team, the day he won was bittersweet.

As a children’s music artist, most of Prince’s concerts are at elementary schools instead of big concert venues, “so on the red carpet, and wherever I went, nobody knew who I was,” says Prince.

“The reporters too,” he continues. “I felt kind of disappointed because the questions they asked me, it felt like they didn’t even listen to the record, so they knew nothing.”

But even with the disappointing reaction the night of the event, “the award opened up a lot of good opportunities. It’s helped me grow much faster and it’s now easier to get booked,” says Prince.

When asked what his advice is to young musicians, he suggests investing in your craft through education and continuously improving your skills. “There are many different paths,” says Prince. “If you’re willing to take the risk, I think it’s worth it. I saw students who were with me (at MacEwan) who did that, and it worked out for them.”

MARIA DUNN

2022 Award: Traditional Roots Album of the Year for Joyful Banner Blazing

Inspired by stories of resilience, Maria Dunn creates folk music for the people. She released her seventh studio album, Joyful Banner Blazing, in January 2021.

Dunn immigrated to Canada from Scotland as a young girl, and she explains that “Scottish culture very much has a tradition of sharing music at parties. You never have a party that doesn’t involve people playing instruments.”

As a child, Dunn embraced her musical genes and took piano lessons, sang in school choirs and did high school band. Her love for folk only grew when she started working at CJSR, the campus community radio station at the University of Alberta, where she was studying psychology in the mid-1980s.

“I had all these years of really listening closely to other songwriters,” Dunn says, “learning about the tradition and learning more broadly about music.”

She started writing her own music not long after and discovered that her walks to work across the High Level Bridge were the perfect time to get inspiration.

Dunn explains, “I started to write things. Things would come to me as I was walking, you know,

when you sort of open your mind.” She started to play at open mics across the city, doing covers of famous songs and then sometimes throwing in a few originals to see how the crowd would react.

Now, over 20 years later, she has released seven studio albums, gotten two Juno nominations (among other award nominations), and has played her music for audiences worldwide.

Dunn made sure to do some prep work before attending the Junos last year. “My homework was to listen to all my fellow nominees,” she says. “I downloaded all of their albums, and I listened to them because I thought when I meet them, I want to be able to say I’ve listened to their work.”

She ended up winning the Juno for Traditional Roots Album of the Year. She notes that it was a long trek up to the stage and that the Juno was really heavy (heads up for all future Juno winners!) but all in all, “it was an honour to have (my) music acknowledged in that way,” she says.

Dunn’s advice to young artists is to “take some time to really listen and dive into the genre that you’re interested in. Learn the history and learn who your predecessors are.”

She adds, “also create some space to let those inner voices bubble up…go for walks where you’re not giving yourself a soundtrack.”

“If you’re willing to take the risk, I think it’s worth it. I saw students who were with me (at MacEwan) who did that, and it worked out for them.”

— Garth Prince

Pictured: Maria Dunn. Photo supplied.

Pictured Garth Prince Photo supplied.

BRETT KISSEL

2022 Award: Country Album of the Year Award for What is Life.

St. Paul native Brett Kissel claims that “music found me,” and based on his success, it’s not hard to believe that music runs through his veins. Kissel has been playing country music since he was young and has been nominated for over 50 awards, including seven Junos.

“My Grandma Irene (who we call ‘Mema’) bought me my first guitar just before I turned seven,” says Kissel. “I loved listening to country music on the radio, and she said she always saw me tapping my foot and always heard me singing along.”

“When she bought me that first guitar, all I wanted to do was sing and play country music. I wanted to be like George Strait. And I’ve been very, very fortunate to have been able to play and sing literally every day ever since,” says Kissel.

Growing up in small-town Alberta, Kissel is inspired by “stories of late night, backwoods parties, or hard-fought battles, young love, everlasting love, or even heartbreak,” which are events that many young Albertans can relate to.

Kissel’s first Juno nomination was in 2014 and came as quite the surprise.

The young artist got a call from the at-the-time president of Warner Music Canada, Steven Kane, and Kissel says, “when he called, originally, I thought it was to give me hell for something I may have said or done in an interview. As a rookie, I was afraid I may have done something I

shouldn’t have. That’s why I thought he was calling. I looked at my phone and thought, ‘Oh shit! What did I do?’”

But instead, when I answered, Steve gave me a giant, ‘Congratulations. You’ve been nominated for two Junos.’”

Although last year’s Juno Awards wasn’t his first rodeo, Kissel explains that his album What is Life is very special to him — “it was introspective, extremely vulnerable, and a piece of art that I’ll always be proud of,” he says. “To win for something that was so deeply personal was something I’ll never forget.”

Kissel is looking forward to the Junos being held in Edmonton this year.

“I think it’s going to be amazing to showcase just how amazing Edmonton is to the rest of Canada,” he says. “We work hard, take care of our sponsors, take care of our artists, and we are really passionate about our music scene here.”

When asked what his advice is to young artists, Kissel says he gets asked that question a lot, and most people want to know how they can “make it” in such a fast-changing industry.

“The answer is the same no matter if you’re an artist from the 1960s, 1990s, or 2020s,” says Kissel. “Hard work pays off. The harder you work, the luckier you get. So keep working hard.”

The 2023 Junos will be held at Rogers Place in downtown Edmonton on Monday, March 13. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.ca.

“I’m inspired by the stories that country music is famous for telling. Stories of late night, backwoods parties, or hard-fought battles, young love, everlasting love, or even heartbreak.”

— Brett Kissel

Pictured: Brett Kissel.

Photo supplied.

Aries: Mar. 21 to April 19

Your heart is taking charge this month, leading to affection, friendship, and general good vibes with the people around you. Idealism may lead you to balance, whether that’s study-life balance or settling into a new routine. Optimism is all good and well when things work out, but don’t be too stubborn when it comes time to accept the reality of things.

Taurus: April 20 to May 20

There’s a lot on your plate right now. When juggling so much, we can forget to do the things that make us happy. Balance is your key word this month: See your friends, take breaks, go for a walk in the snow — anything that makes you happy to be here.

Gemini: May 21 t0 June 21

Sometimes things don’t go the way we plan, and that’s OK. Mourn your losses as much as you need to. In a slump? Push yourself to move on and focus on what’s going right. Make a list of everything you’re grateful for this month. Whatever’s got you down won’t keep you down for long — there’s abundance on the way for you this month.

Cancer: June 22 to July 22

Just like the sun, it is your month to

shine with warmth, heal some old wounds, and find some courage in yourself. You are your own sun, at the centre of your solar system. Let your relationships heal your sick sunburn from the truth, and in return nurture said individuals.

Leo: July 23 to Aug. 22

You have tons of confidence, skill, and love to offer. People love being around you and want to hear what you have to say. Reconnect with yourself this month by indulging in creative projects, meeting new people, and writing your own story of who you are and who you want to be. Step into your potential and embrace your full self without fear.

Virgo: Aug. 23 to Sep. 22

Appreciate all you’ve been building for yourself and recognize that you deserve it. Don’t get tripped up by the little things; at the end of the day, you’re the one who’s securing your place in the world, not others. If there’s one thing in the cards for you this month, it’s you doing your thing and bringing home the bacon, baby.

Libra: Sep.23 to Oct. 23

The weight of progress can be heavy — good thing you’re tough as nails. You’re still moving forward, despite everything trying to stop

you. Nurture your self-confidence to keep that fire inside you burning, but be careful to not let that fire grow too big, lest ye be burned!

Scorpio: Oct. 24 to Nov. 21

Although you indulge in secrecy, you feel intense jealousy, protect those you care for, and cry during movies. Right now, focus on you. It’s time to explore your positive emotions and desires, because your intuition is at its height. Keep track of your dreams, they carry important messages. Nurture yourself and others around you, but don’t become overbearing.

Sagittarius: Nov.22 to Dec.21

You got it locked in this month. Basking in your achievements will keep your mood good and balanced, like all things should be. One thing to avoid: don’t brag. We wouldn’t want you becoming a little smug guy, would we? No one likes a smug guy. Instead, count your blessings and appreciate them!

Capricorn: Dec. 22 to Jan. 19

We know that being productive and meeting your goals is satisfying, but you don’t have to do it alone. Help can come in all forms. Coworkers, friends, your bus driver — there is a lesson in every conversation, in every person you meet. Lean into

the world around you and see what others can offer you. This February, be open to receiving.

Aquarius: Jan. 20 to Feb. 18

As the seasons change, luck fluctuates. What might have started as a hectic month could now bring you enlightening changes. Get that job, win a contest, commit to longterm plans. This isn’t a sign to invest in your luck, but to appreciate all of the efforts you have put in, and be patient for opportunities. Transitions are difficult, but we know you’re able to move with the stream.

Pisces: Feb. 19 to Mar. 20

Let people hear your ideas and take charge. Attacking might be your first impulse, so work with those around you and develop your perspective. Ideas are simply that — ideas. Find a space to release all of your conceptions so you don’t become overwhelmed by the idea of perfection.

EDAW, Eating Disorder Awareness Week, is celebrated in Canada every February 1st to 7th to support and spread awareness for eating disorders and related behaviours

EDAW, Eating Disorder Awareness Week, is celebrated in Canada every February 1st to 7th to support and spread awareness for eating disorders and related behaviours

Show your support and spread some awareness An estimated 1 in 10 Canadians fit the diagnostic criteria of having an Eating Disorder

Show your support and spread some awareness An estimated 1 in 10 Canadians fit the diagnostic criteria of having an Eating Disorder

Learn more about EDAW and local resources near you

Learn more about EDAW and local resources near you

Awareness MacEwan, is a student group based out of MacEwan University meant to support students directly or indirectly affected by an eating disorder, as well as spread awareness regarding eating disorders, disturbances, and dysfunctional behaviours

Awareness MacEwan, is a student group based out of MacEwan University meant to support students directly or indirectly affected by an eating disorder, as well as spread awareness regarding eating disorders, disturbances, and dysfunctional behaviours

While EDAM has only been started recently its impact has been large We aim to become a resource at MacEwan, but none of that is possible without your support

While EDAM has only been started recently, its impact has been large We aim to become a resource at MacEwan, but none of that is possible without your support

This year's EDAW at MacEwan will be supported and hosted by EDAM We encourage all of MacEwan, faculty, staff, and students alike, to attend our pop-ups and events throughout the week For more information, visit our website

This year's EDAW at MacEwan will be supported and hosted by EDAM We encourage all of MacEwan, faculty, staff, and students alike, to attend our pop-ups and events throughout the week For more information, visit our website

www edamacewan ca

edamacewan ca

THE COMPOSTING BAGS THAT WE USE TO GO INTO THE BINS, THEY’RE FOUR, ALMOST FIVE TIMES THE COST OF A REGULAR GARBAGE BAG.

— Joe Stack, operations manager with facilities

This year, MacEwan University resumes its sustainability commitments after some pandemic disruption. Joe Stack, the operations manager with facilities, has big plans to improve MacEwan University’s sustainability when it comes to recycling and waste management.

In March of 2022, Stack and the facilities team conducted a waste audit at MacEwan, and they found that only 22 per cent of MacEwan’s waste was being diverted from landfills and being recycled. The other 78 per cent went directly to landfills.

After seeing these numbers, Stack and the facilities team decided to implement some changes. “We set a goal of increasing our diversion from 22 per cent to 30 per cent which is still very, very low,” says Stack. “I think we should be much, much higher.”

To improve MacEwan’s diversion rate, Stack is working with waste management company GFL Environmental to develop new signage to be used on MacEwan’s waste bins. Instead of labelling bins as “waste” or “garbage,” they will be labelled “landfill.”

“We’re doing that here because it’s right in your face,” says Stack. “You know where (the garbage) is going — it’s going in the ground. It’s not… going to some lovely little place.”

Starting Jan. 5, Stack is also running a composting pilot program in the washrooms in three MacEwan buildings: Robbins Health Learning Centre, Allard Hall, and the University Service Centre (USC). The paper towels will be composted to reduce some of the university’s waste output.

So far, Stack only has funding for this project to continue until the end of April, but he hopes that he will be able to secure additional funding to keep the composting project going and to implement composting throughout the entire university, particularly in the SAMU building.

Eventually with the right funding, Stack also hopes to get the cafeterias and food facilities in on the composting project.

“One of the biggest things about composting, which is quite shocking, is how expensive it is,” notes Stack. “You think… just throw (the compostable waste) in… no big deal. But the composting bags that we use to go into the bins, they’re four, almost five times the cost of a regular garbage bag.”

Stack explains that the university pays $15 for a case of 200 regular garbage bags but $96 for a case of compostable

Words | MYA COLWELL Photos | UNSPLASH

garbage bags, and the university goes through between 80 and 100 cases of garbage bags a month. “That’s an enormous expense,” says Stack.

In an effort to double down on their sustainability efforts, MacEwan hired Bonnie Dong as the sustainability manager with facilities, to implement sustainable changes across the university. She started her position in late December of 2022.

This year, her primary goal is to connect with sustainability allies across campus and start revisiting the MacEwan sustainability plan. Implementing more tracking and reporting is also important to Dong.

She also plans to resubmit MacEwan for STARS (the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System), which is a program that recognizes the sustainable efforts of higher education institutions. MacEwan’s past silver rating with STARS expired in 2021.

“We’ll be looking to either match or improve that (score),” Dong says.

But right now, the university is focused on small steps toward a more sustainable reality. “This is the first step for us, reinvigorating my role here and then us trying to just get active in this space again,” says Dong. She notes that many sustainable initiatives that the university was working on were disrupted by the pandemic. “Now, I think that we are going to bring some focus back to (sustainability),” she adds.

But improving MacEwan’s sustainability, and particularly Stack’s diversion-rate goal, isn’t something that the facilities team can do all on their own. They need the cooperation of students to lower the amount of waste that goes directly to landfills.

“Take a moment and think about where you’re putting your waste,” Stack asks of students. “Don’t just throw it in the garbage or throw it in the recycling because not everything is recyclable and not everything is garbage.”

“We found when we did our waste audit (that) we had way more stuff designated to go to compost or recycling. But because people are throwing stuff in (the bins) that contaminated (these recyclable items), then it goes to garbage,” continues Stack.

Stack and Dong plan to do another waste audit to see how MacEwan is progressing on the diversion-rate goal. Additionally, GFL will be on campus providing waste and recycling education later this winter.

Plans are in place to reduce MacEwan’s waste output

“This is the first step for us, reinvigorating my role here and then us trying to just get active in this (sustainability) space again.”

— Bonnie Dong, sustainability manager with facilities

SAMU Individual Advocacy Support Hub

Words | MYA

In 2019, MacEwan University dissolved the ombudsperson position on campus, whose role was to support students through the academic and non-academic challenges they experienced during their time at MacEwan. This dissolvement left a gap in services that the Students’ Association of MacEwan University (SAMU) filled with the SAMU Student Advocacy Centre (SSAC).

The SSAC launched in July 2022, and the goal of the centre is to support students with academic or non-academic issues they are facing at MacEwan. If the centre doesn’t personally have the resources to help students, they connect students with the people who do.

“There’s definitely a need for this type of support for students at MacEwan,” says Isha Leibel, the student advocate and policy support specialist at the SSAC. “There’s a lot of different things that students have to deal with and go through.”

The SSAC has several different branches: internal advocacy, external advocacy, and individual student advocacy and policy support.

Internal and external advocacy are handled by the SAMU Executive Committee (EC). This advocacy can involve advocacy within SAMU

or MacEwan and broader issues about student concerns that EC members can bring up with politicians and advocates outside of MacEwan.

Individual student advocacy and policy support is handled by centre representatives, including Leibel. She provides one-on-one support for students and will sit down with them and listen to the challenges and concerns they are facing academically and non-academically.

The support she provides can be anything from editing letters students plan to send to MacEwan, supporting students through meetings with the university, explaining university policies, helping students navigate plagiarism or academic misconduct accusations, and referring students to other resources if additional expertise or support is required.

Leibel says that the centre is also there to support students generally. “It could really just be (that) they’re having a tough year and they need some support, and they don’t know how to get through the year successfully without some support,” she says.

COLWELL Photos | SAMU

Leibel is a MacEwan alum, so she understands where students are coming from. “Although I had a really great experience at MacEwan — I really loved being in university — I know it’s really tough,” she says. “Student issues just within the university are tough, let alone facing (additional challenges) like familial issues.”

“Life comes up, stuff happens, and then you’ve got an exam the next day, or you’ve got three assignments due, and these things just really pile up,” she adds.

Leibel’s favourite part about her role is being able to connect with students. “We’re really happy to just be there and help them get through (difficult situations),” she says. “I know it can sound kind of scary, this big centre and going through policies, and the whole process with a lot of this stuff is quite nerve wracking…. So just being able to do some of that leg work for students… and just being able to talk to them and just being able to hear them out (is) my favourite part.”

“When I came across the job, I was just really excited to be that kind of support that I really had no idea existed when I was at MacEwan,” says Leibel. “I had no idea that there were these types of supports that you could lean on and that you could have someone to walk you through (university) policies.”

Right now, because the centre is so new, Leibel’s main goal is to let students know these advocacy services are available for them to utilize and that the centre isn’t as intimidating as it might seem.

“The biggest thing that we want students to know is that they’re not alone, that they have someone to go through really tough things with,” says Leibel. “If they’re ever overwhelmed and they’re not sure who to talk to, even if we’re not the right person for it, we will find the right person for them and we will connect them with the people that they need to get to.”

“We’re just here to support students.”

Students can get in touch with representatives at the Individual Advocacy Support Hub online. Alternatively, students can come directly to the SAMU building and talk to the front-of-desk staff on the third floor about meeting with a centre representative.

“The biggest thing that we want students to know is that they’re not alone, that they have someone to go through really tough things with.”

— Isha Leibel, student advocacy & policy support specialist

Esports in Alberta: From gaming in basements to a billion dollar industry

Over the past few years, esports in Alberta have risen to the top of the entertainment industry. With its large video gaming community and provincial esports association, Alberta is quickly on its way to becoming a central hub for competitive gaming around the world.

The Alberta Esports Association (AESA), founded in 2020 by Brad Jones and Vic Ly, is a non-profit organization that is “dedicated towards fostering the growth and development of esports within Alberta.” Created during the pandemic, AESA had been in the making for a few years in hopes to create a governing body for esports and to bring communities together.

The billion-dollar industry of competitive video gaming is both fast-growing and constantly evolving. It’s expanding from something as simple as at-home gaming to creating event opportunities, jumpstarting careers, and bringing people together in a tight-knit community.

So, what are esports? “It’s sports, electronically,” event operations manager and co-founder of AESA Brad Jones says. “But more colloquially, people might refer to this as video games played professionally.” It can include gaming for pleasure or at a professional level, and it can get extremely competitive as the players fight to the end for prizes.

Esports can be played on a computer, mobile device such as an iPhone or iPad, or more traditionally, on a console. On this professional, competitive level, both individuals and teams are able to play each other in one-on-one competitions or tournaments, which are often watched by spectators and online audiences.

In the early 2000s, Jones and Ly grew up playing video games together. “We both joined through Super Smash Brothers Melee when we were in high school, and we just started playing video games….it was very grassroots — hanging out in people’s basements, going after school to a club room, or whatever it might be,” Jones says. Over time, they got more involved in running clubs and connecting with various individuals, and noticed that the esports communities were vastly growing. “Vic actually reached out to me and said, ‘Hey, we should turn this into something a little more than it is,’” he adds, “and the rest is history.”

Although esports in Alberta have only been picking up in the past few years, the practice has actually been around for a long time worldwide.

“Some of the first clubs started over 17 years ago,” community engagement manager Courtney Nickerson says. Now, with the development

of unlimited digital access and online opportunities, people from not only Alberta, but all over the world can join together through their love of gaming. “With esports in Alberta, there are a lot of individual communities. The whole ecosystem runs on (community).”

AESA found ways to connect people together without the face-to-face aspect during the pandemic. Many didn’t have the luxury of being together in front of a TV to play video games, so as esports began to shift online, it opened up an entirely new opportunity for the province. Those who were interested in gaming but never felt comfortable enough to do so in public were now able to experience esports from the comfort of their homes. “(When) building the people and the community…there’s a very vast difference between the people who grew up playing the games (and those who did not),” Jones says.

This year, AESA has been given an $85,000 grant from the Government of Canada to take esports to the next level. Through this, the organization will be putting on a huge event for the public to learn about, participate with, and practise esports in a safe, inclusive setting. The upcoming Alberta Esports Expo event will be free to all individuals and will be held at the Edmonton Expo Centre on Feb. 18 and 19.

At the event, gamers will be able to connect with one another, compete against each other, and learn about what the organization — and industry itself — has to offer. It will be the first federally-funded esports event to occur in the province, and include tournaments, learn-to-play opportunities, local vendors, and much more.

Nickerson says AESA is aiming to make this event something where people can try esports out and see what they think. “You look at these people who are now in their 20’s and 30’s that are having kids, and we’re encouraging them to finally try esports for the first time,” she says. “It’s giving people the opportunity to explore esports in a new way….without the pressure.”

The cash-prize tournaments will have almost 20 different game options and are $10 to enter. The local vendors will include individuals and companies who work in the esports industry, as well as local artists. For those who are unsure about what esports really are, there will be trivia and interactive learning sessions. There will also be an academic

Disclosure: managing editor of the griff, Thai Sirikoone, currently sits on the board of AESA. None of Sirikoone’s opinions were included in this article.

Discover what esports really are and what’s happening at the Edmonton esports Expo this month

“It’s so exciting. I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity for us to show esports.”

— Courtney Nickerson, community engagement manager with AESA

“If you enjoy games and you enjoy esports, then there’s really nothing stopping you.”

— Brad Jones, co-founder of AESA

corner with networking opportunities from the University of Alberta and various high schools and junior highs that offer esports as a team, club, or program. The free-play and learn-to-play areas will be set up for people who are curious about the sport and want to give it a try, or for those gamers who might not be confident enough to compete at a high level.

Everyone is welcome to join, and the event will be a great networking opportunity for attendees. Although the typical demographic in esports is currently males aged 16 to 28, that’s something that’s quickly changing.

“We’re starting to see that kind of shift,” Nickerson adds. “Looking at statistics, pretty much 50 per cent of gamers are women, but we’re not seeing that translate to an esports space. We’re only seeing about 5 to 10 per cent.” AESA advocates specifically for the support of women and gender minorities in esports. This event aims to push these boundaries and expand the demographics by providing a safe space for everybody. “It’s so exciting,” Nickerson exclaims. “I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity for us to show esports.”

General tickets can be purchased up until Feb. 18 and up until Feb. 12 for tournament competitors. To learn more about the Alberta Esports Association and to register for tickets to the Esports Expo Event, visit their website (esportsalberta.ca).

This federally-funded event is just the beginning. For the future, the hope is to encourage new players to join, expand to other provinces, and reduce the set ideas surrounding the world of playing video games professionally. “I would like to see it be backed by the government, treated very (similarly) to other sports….with conditioning and mental health and physical health (resources). I want esports to look like volleyball,” Nickerson says.

It’s one of those things that you can pick up at any age, go at your own pace, and try out different forms to see what works best for you. “If you want to get involved in esports….where do you go? A lot of people don’t know that answer,” Jones reveals. AESA provides an outlet for all individuals in the gaming community to get involved and make the sport more than just a hobby. “I want people to actually be able to make a career and a living in esports….and be respected for making that choice.”

As far as jobs in the industry, they are endless. From marketing, public relations, sales, and legal, to design and programming, esports has options for almost everyone. “I think that there’s so many people who don’t realize that they love esports, and they have a career path, but they could have those things together,” Jones says.

Alberta’s passion and success in esports is something to be proud of. It’s allowed individuals to be themselves and pursue what they love. Jones shares that AESA aims to keep esports inclusive and diverse, all while continuing to push the boundaries and take on leadership roles. “If you enjoy games and you enjoy esports, then there’s really nothing stopping you.”

“I want people to actually be able to make a career and a living in esports….and be respected for making that choice”

— Brad Jones, co-founder of AESA

Relatable by TEAGAN SYWYK

Disclosure: All of the reviewed items were provided at no cost to the griff

El Furniture Warehouse, a new bar and restaurant on Jasper Ave., is the place to be on a Friday night when you only have $20 in your pocket. I know what you’re wondering, and no, it’s not a luxury furniture store that sells ottomans and dining room tables. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

The premium dive bar is under the umbrella of the Warehouse Group, which was started in Vancouver by two good friends in the early 2000s, and it now has 20 locations across Canada and the U.S. With their cheap food selections, awesome atmosphere, and energetic staff, El Furniture is a great option for students on a budget.

The Edmonton location opened on Aug. 24 of last year, just a few blocks south of MacEwan University’s City Centre Campus, in the building that previously housed the now closed BLVD Bar and Kitchen at 10765 Jasper Ave.

The industrial layout of the bar makes it seem like you just stepped into a huge luxury warehouse, full of shelved booze and loud music. Every wall is plastered with all kinds of art — ranging from posters and paintings, to lifelike creations with pop culture references. The walls behind the set of stairs that lead to the bathrooms in the basement are decorated with one large, ongoing collage, featuring prints of money, cutouts of Brittany Spears, rock band posters, and more. The back patio, which is currently closed for the winter, is a huge wooden deck with its own bar, capable of accommodating a few hundred people.

The layout and decor are both super cool, but the food and drinks are the real highlights of the bar — you can go with a very limited budget and still leave with a full stomach. The best part is, everything on their food menu is under $10. The salads, sandwiches, burgers, tacos, and

a self-proclaimed premium dive bar

other entrees, like their fabulous spicy rigatoni, are all between five and ten dollars.

The menu at El Furniture Warehouse is pretty diverse. I tried the warm tortilla chips with spinach dip, garlic cheesy bread, chicken street tacos, rigatoni pasta with chorizo, beef dip with fries, and, my personal favourite, the refreshing and tangy Union Street salad, which is only $8.95. It comes in a huge bowl that’s big enough for two people and includes greens and chow mein noodles topped with fantastic salad mix-ins: chicken, avocado, toasted almonds, cilantro, cucumber, and mandarin oranges. The best part of the salad was the sweet sesame-soy-ginger dressing that it was tossed in. All of the food was delicious and came in huge portions.

They also offer daily, weekly, and monthly specials. They have a new drink feature on rotation each month, as well as a daily “power hour” everyday from 2 to 5 p.m., which offers delicious drinks for as low as $4 each. Another great promotion is their “Tuesday deal,” which offers $3 tequila shots and $5 cans of PBR beer. On weekends and holidays, they offer brunch, where you can order mimosas, beermosas (in my opinion — yuck), breakfast sandwiches, waffles, and eggs benedict. Whether you’re gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, or looking for a tasty non-alcoholic drink, the El Furniture staff can accommodate your needs.

The low prices are just one of the reasons that make El Furniture Warehouse stand out. The cocktails here were some of the most gorgeous, flavourful drinks I’ve tried in a long time.

While we were having dinner, I asked for a random drink from the menu. The bartender brought over their Strawberry and Basil Gin Smash, which is Tanqueray gin with basil, strawberry puree, lime, and simple syrup. It’s something that I would never typically order

for myself, but I’m not kidding when I say that it was one of the best drinks I’ve had this year — and it only costs $7.75.

Next, I tried the Hendrick Lamar, which was a solid drink for $9.75. It was simple and flavourful, and the mix of pineapple, citrus, mint, Hendrick’s gin, Triple Sec, and soda made for a really refreshing drink.

The last drink I tried (before starting to slur my words) was the Ginger Pineapple Express. It was made with pineapple juice, Ancho infused Jose Cuervo Silver Tequila, Mezcal, ginger, and spicy salt on the rim of the glass. It had a really bizarre aftertaste that I just couldn’t put my finger on. It took a few sips to get used to, but it ended up being one of the best tequila-based cocktails I’ve tried. It reminded me of a strong margarita on the rocks, minus the flavoured liqueur.

The staff at El Furniture made sure I had a great experience during my visit. They described each dish that they brought out in detail and were constantly checking on me to make sure that we were enjoying everything.

Edmonton has a great bar and restaurant scene, so what makes El Furniture Warehouse so special? It’s something new and different. It may have the standard menu items — burgers, beer, salads — but it also has that special something that is lacking from so many up-and-coming spots around the city.

If you’re a student, downtown-worker, or resident in the area, El Furniture Warehouse is a great deal for kick ass food and drinks. This laidback, casual dive bar aesthetic is the perfect vibe for a night out with friends when you wanna ditch the heels and pick up the sneakers.

Words | PAYTON PHILLIPS Photos | SUPPLIED

somewhere in the gallery feeling the tension ,the spring of release, as my inhabitant reacts.

Weave yourself into your life’s tapestry. Dig deep into Fate’s opportunities. Find yourself trusting luck, then the truth: It is a miracle we are here. We are, all of us, miracles. Act as if.

—Derek Lantz

—Derek Lantz

The Farmhouse

Dasha acquired a nervous hum at the age of eight years old when she followed her younger sister into their family’s old farmhouse to invoke a witch that supposedly haunts their maternal lineage.

“I heard that she hangs kids from the ceiling after she drinks their blood.” Katya said as she pinched Dasha’s arm.

“That’s not true! Dad says that all those stories are made up. We aren’t supposed to be here without him after dark.” Dasha rubs her arm and peers behind her at their house half a mile away.

Katya scoffed. “Well, maybe because the stories are true. Auntie Anna said that there were witches on this property long ago.” Katya lit a single wax candle and got closer to Dasha.

“Let’s see if we can contact them.”

Dasha gulped as she looked up at the farmhouse roof. A single light swung. Katya snapped her fingers to get Dasha’s attention. “Or are you too much of a baby to help me?” Katya sneered.

“I’m not a baby! You’re the baby.” Dasha lunged at Katya and got her foot caught in the floorboards and her face slammed on the ground. She tasted blood. Dasha looked up and saw Katya slap her knees in laughter.

“Oh man, Dasha.” Katya shook her head and blew out the candle. “Suit yourself.” Katya walked out the farmhouse doors.

Dasha heard Katya’s footsteps rescind. She spat out blood and removed hay from her mouth. She heard a floorboard creak. She turned her head, and nothing was there. Must be Katya playing tricks again. Dasha made her way up onto her knees and she heard the farmhouse doors close and lock.

“Katya, stop! This isn’t funny anymore” Dasha hurried to her feet and ran to the doors. She peered through one of the cracks and saw it was getting dark. No sign of Katya. As she pulled on the doors, she heard someone whisper her name. She turned and looked up. The single light that swung went out. She sunk slowly to the ground and wrapped her arms around her legs. Quietly humming. /////

Dasha strikes a match and lights a candle in the kitchen then lifts her gaze outside.Twenty years later and eight hundred meters away, that abandoned farmhouse is in plain view. “Fuck that place.” Dasha’s lips quiver as she throws the match in the sink, not breaking eye contact with that farmhouse. The one her dad told her and Katya to never go in again. He boarded it up the morning he found Dasha and grabbed her bloody arm and took her back into their home. The one covered in crosses and statues of Mary.

“I’m ready.” Auntie Anna is pacing the kitchen floor. One time, she hitchhiked during a manic episode to an alien landing site after ripping all her hair out. After being in the hospital, she inherited the farm when Dasha and Katya’s parents passed away. Katya gave her and Dasha the finger and drove off to Nevada. Anna can’t live alone and Dasha reluctantly came back home.

“For what?” Dasha furrows her brows while studying Anna’s movements.

Anna stops. Her face darkens and she turns to look out the kitchen window at the farmhouse. She moves to lean on the counter and fingers the knife rack while not breaking eye contact with the farmhouse. “I remember when we found you. You looked cute with dried blood on your nose.”

Dasha closes her eyes and shifts back and forth on her feet. She remembers the night six months ago when Anna was screaming in Russian outside the doors to the farmhouse. She slit her wrists so the cops couldn’t cuff her as they took her to the hospital.

Anna is still staring at the farmhouse, fingering the scars on her wrist. “I need to get in, Dasha.”

“To the farmhouse? No way. Not after everything that we’ve been through.” Dasha crosses her arms and Anna shifts to look at her. Anna catches sight of a toolbox under a wooden bench by the kitchen table. She bolts to grab the toolbox and runs out the back door.

“Shit!” Dasha sprints after her to the farmhouse and quickly comes to a stop. A hammer, screwdriver, and bolt cutter are thrown in all directions while an exasperated Anna picks up a small axe and flings herself screaming at the doors.

Pee trickles down Dasha’s legs.

Huffing and puffing, Anna kicks through the splintered doors and laughs. She takes a deep breath and turns to a shaking Dasha. “You weren’t the only one locked in here that night.” Anna grips the axe and makes her way past the rotting farmhouse doors.

“Mama’s home.”

— Ashley Alton

GOD OF WAR RAGNARÖK

Words JASON HUSAK

Warning: this review contains mild spoilers for God of War Ragnarök based only on trailers and promotional materials, as well as spoilers for previous God of War games.

Aside from its numerous Game of the Year awards and other cultural accolades, 2018’s God of War ultimately defined the PlayStation 4 generation and was arguably the best game on the console. Not only did 2018’s God of War reinvigorate the long-dormant franchise, but it also brought PlayStation’s once flagship studio, Santa Monica Studio, back from the brink of collapse—all it took was by fixing gaming’s most unlikeable Greek god, Kratos, giving him a son, and transporting him to the Norse realm of Midgard from ancient Greece. As a result, creative director Cory Barlog and co. will forever go down as producing one of the best video games and video game characters in history while bringing Santa Monica Studio back up from the depths of Hades into the shining new world of Norse lore.

So, what does all of this praise mean for 2022’s sequel God of War Ragnarök ? Big shoes to fill and an expectation the size of Jötunheim’s mountain to overcome. With designer Eric Williams now at the helm under Barlog’s advisement, Ragnarök provides a worthwhile sequel that sees a fitting end to Kratos (Christopher Judge) and Atreus’s (Sunny Suljic) journey throughout the Nine Realms. Even though it might not hit the highs of 2018’s God of War, Ragnarök still provides a formidable adventure filled with explosive gameplay, masterful storytelling, and deep characters that kept Ragnarök interesting throughout my 50-hour completionist run.

God of War Ragnarök picks up shortly after the events of God of War : Atreus learns he is the trickster giant god Loki, Kratos’ death is forthcoming, and Ragnarök is on its way. In search of answers and hoping to reverse fate, Kratos and Atreus set back out to the Nine Realms while Fimbulwinter plagues the land for the upcoming apocalypse.

Gameplay/Graphics

In many ways, Ragnarök takes an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach. Ragnarök is equipped with the same chaotic gameplay fans know and love from 2018’s God of War. Kratos is still armed with his iconic Leviathan Axe and Blades of Chaos that slice through enemies like butter when using the R1 and R2 buttons. With the help of the PS5’s DualSense controller, vibrations from axe hits and slams feel all the more real with the controller’s dynamic rumble. Furthermore, the game runs like a dream when using Ragnarök ’s Performance Mode (a mode that standardizes smooth gameplay over resolution) that locks the game at 60 frames per second at 1440p—a mode I highly recommend playing all PS5 games

on. God of War has never looked better, with environments looking crisp, facial animation capturing subtle emotions, and smooth set-piece action that never stutters (aside from some minor glitches with Atreus). As with the previous game, playing as Kratos is the main staple of Ragnarök and is a blast from start to finish.

However, as good as specific PS5 elements are, the full capacity of what the PS5 can do is not utilized in Ragnarök Due to the game being cross-gen (i.e. it is also available on PS4), Ragnarök does feel like a PS4 game. Like the previous game, you still need to lift stone blocks to let companions through to new areas, wait in Yggdrasil (the World Tree) to access new realms, and slowly crawl through dark corridors. Though 2018’s God of War is known for its iconic one-shot cinematic style—therefore, these elements can be justified narratively—what these sections are really used for is to hide the loading and rendering of new areas instead of using typical loading screens. Though these sections were needed for the PS4 due to technology limitations, these moments become much more apparent and tiring when playing on PS5, knowing the console’s SSD makes loading times nonexistent. Because of this downclocking for PS4, the game feels held back technologically, which is a shame due to the blockbuster calibre of Ragnarök

Regarding the core gameplay, there are some new elements that Ragnarök introduces. There are new weapons for Kratos, arrow types for Atreus, and armour sets and relics to find. Like the previous game, Ragnarök rewards those who go off the main path and doing so will significantly help you defeat enemies and level up. Those familiar with the make-up of God of War will be right at home as these collectibles can be found by exploring the Nine Realms, completing side quests and challenges, and defeating boss enemies. For instance, the unforgiving Muspelheim trails return along with Berserker Gravestones that mirror the Valkyrie challenges of the previous game. Because it is roughly the same song and dance as God of War, these challenges do feel more tiring this time around, even with the previous game being four years old. However, these new gameplay elements spice things up enough for the game to feel more dynamic (and challenging, depending on your difficulty selection) even with this more copy-paste mentality to quests and challenges.

Unfortunately, Ragnarök is also a lot more puzzle heavy this time around, which puts a halt on the gameplay. Even with the previous games, there was always a personal disconnect

as to why Kratos, a god that slayed Zeus, Hercules, and Ares, was doing Uncharted -like puzzles for loot. Though 2018’s God of War was more balanced when it came to juggling puzzles with combat , Ragnarök ’s puzzles are a slog to get through especially considering the solutions are a lot more ambiguous due to these new gameplay elements. Additionally, Ragnarök introduces a major change to its gameplay never seen in previous God of War titles (something that won’t be spoiled in this review). Though it provides a unique perspective for Ragnarök ’s story, it doesn’t fully pan out as a fun gameplay aspect. Luckily, these sections aren’t the mainstay of Ragnarök and remain at the level of mid-annoyance rather than being outright bad.

Story/Characters

From a story aspect, Ragnarök is easily one of the strongest story’s ever told on PlayStation. Where God of War explored themes of grief, single parenting, and redefining your past, Ragnarök builds on these aspects while delivering a more mature story grounded in love, pacifism, and choice over one’s actions—themes that are quite wholesome despite the game being violent, bloody, and visually cold.

These themes are echoed throughout the journey of the Nine Realms as Kratos and Atreus return to previous areas now impacted by the frozen tundra of Fimbulwinter. Though some may find returning to the same environments from the last game as a cheap repackaging, seeing Kratos and Atreus come back to these areas, like the now frozen-over Lake of Nine, provide a new definition to these realms—aided by more cheeky commentary by from Alastair Duncan’s loveable Mimir. For instance, instead of using God of War ’s boat to move around the game’s setting (you will still do so in realms not fully affected by Fimbulwinter), you use a dogsled (yes, you can pet the dogs eventually) to get to new areas not seen in the previous game. From the lush jungles of Vanaheim to the warm beaches of Svartalfheim, each environment feels completely different from one another and introduces unique mechanics that make them special. These areas make the Nine Realms feel brand new and provide greater context and nuance to the excellent worldbuilding God of War is known for.

As good as Ragnarök ’s story is, it’s all made possible through the game’s excellent characters. As God of War focused on redeeming Kratos from being the misogynistic god murderer of previous games, Ragnarök ’s central message is to stop the cycle of fate and be better for generations that will carry on your legacy. Therefore, unlike God of War, Ragnarök makes numerous references to Kratos’s time in Greece. For instance, Kratos talks about the boat captain he wronged in previous games and his own slaughtering of his family that started the events of the franchise—matched with some great PlayStation Easter eggs for eagle-eyed fans. Christopher Judge brings his best performance as Kratos by showcasing a lot more emotional depth this time around rather than being more hard and standoffish depicted in 2018’s outing. There is a lot here for God of War fans to bask in, and it’s nice to see Ragnarök finally refer to these past events not only to grow Kratos as a character but to add a much-needed connective tissue that brings the franchise together.

Furthermore, unlike 2018’s iteration, Ragnarök does not only focus on Kratos’s path. Ragnarök spends much of its time building Atreus into the adult worthy of his father’s name. Seeing Atreus forge his own path outside of Kratos was incredibly satisfying. I never found Atreus’s story annoying or frustrating, which is surprising, considering he is in his teenage years during Ragnarök. Though the typical teenage angst is there, it is more nuanced and formative than conventional. Sunny Suljic does a great job in bringing Atreus’s inner turmoil to life as Atreus explores his identity as Loki, the prophesized giant champion and as Atreus who has been moulded by the lessons of Kratos and hopes to save his father from death.

Ragnarök also does a great job of balancing its strong supporting cast of characters. Freya (Danielle Bistutti), Brok (Robert Craighead) and Sindri (Adam J. Harrington), and even Mimir get their time to shine, with each of them providing nuance and purpose to the world of the Nine Realms. Ragnarök does an excellent job of giving enough time to these characters so that they feel complete by the end of the game.

Ragnarök also features the introduction of the Aesir, and players finally get to go to Asgard as alluded to in the previous game. However, unlike Chris Hemsworth’s chiselled, lovable Thor, Ragnarök ’s Thor, played by Ryan Hurst (The Walking Dead, The Ladykillers), is a bumbling drunk that has eaten one too many Saehímnir (Norse pigs) and fails to be the supportive husband and father to his wife, Sif (Uncharted ’s Emily Rose), and daughter, Thrúd (Mina Sundwall). Additionally, Thor’s behaviour is due to the cycle of abuse and exploitation by his father, Odin (The West Wing’s Richard Schiff), ruler of the Nine Realms. Odin poses a formidable villain that is cunning, manipulative, and in need of knowledge that only Atreus can help with—with Odin taking on the pseudo grandfather role to Atreus in the process. It was refreshing to see Ragnarök take a sympathetic approach to the broken family of Asgard and the impact Kratos and Atreus have had on them (i.e. their murder of Thor’s sons Magni and Modi in the previous game). This approach doesn’t instantly vilify the Aesir but gives them more nuance in line with the game’s overall themes and message. For instance, the relationship between Thor and Odin and even Thor and Thrúd provide great foils for Kratos and Atreus’s relationship, showcasing the different approaches to parenting: the former being abusive, while the latter two are founded on love and trust.

Verdict

By the time the credits rolled on Ragnarök , I felt there were no loose ends to the game’s story or character beats that needed revisiting. Aside from some annoying puzzle-solving, technological underclocking, and occasional glitches, Ragnarök is the complete AAA package PlayStation is known for delivering. From its excellent well-crafted story, deep characters, and fun and chaotic gameplay, Ragnarök is a fantastic video game that every PlayStation owner should experience.

Warning: This review contains mild spoilers for Staged season 3 in addition to spoilers from seasons 1 and 2.

The comedy series Staged , starring Michael Sheen (Good Omens, Frost/Nixon) and David Tennant (Good Omens, Doctor Who), is back for a third season, thrilling fans of the squabbling comedic duo.

The show, which originated during the initial pandemic lockdown in 2020, features the two actors playing exaggerated versions of themselves alongside their real-life partners. They muddle through their insecurities, professional ambitions, and domestic hiccups in conversations over Zoom. Sheen and Tennant are joined by a slew of high-profile guest stars, including Judi Dench, Michael Palin, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Samuel L. Jackson.

The lines between the actors and the characters they’re playing become increasingly blurred throughout the three seasons, providing a behind-the-scenes flavour to the show. Not only do they rib each other about Doctor Who, Broadchurch, and Sheen’s tendency to “lose himself in his roles,” but the actors appear in their own homes and are occasionally interrupted by their children and pets.

The first season saw Sheen and Tennant attempting to rehearse a play over Zoom with director Simon Evans, the real-life writer and director of the series. The second season employed a meta twist, where Sheen and Tennant are recast for the American remake of the Staged episodes from the first season and reeling from the rejection.

In the third season, Evans deploys yet another twist that sees the actors venturing away from the Zoom format and into the real world. Sheen and Tennant have returned to normal life, but Evans has not. No one will hire him unless he works with Sheen and Tennant, but they want nothing to do with him. In a last-ditch attempt, he manipulates the two actors into working on a Christmas radio show with him. Naturally, chaos ensues.

Sheen and Tennant’s friendship takes centre stage yet again in this season, and their easy rapport carries the episodes; however, it feels a bit more tired this time around. The bickering between Sheen and Tennant wears a bit thin, and their irritation-affection fueled relation -

THE WHITE LOTUS - SEASON 2

ship leans more heavily toward the former. You can only watch two grown men shout at each other for so long.

But that doesn’t mean the season lacks humour. Georgia Tennant and Anna Lundberg, Tennant and Sheen’s partners, have an expanded role this season, and their amusement/exasperation with Sheen and Tennant’s relationship offers plenty of memorable moments. The running gag with their mugs is particularly delightful. And at one point, Neil Gaiman pops in, refusing to talk about George R. R. Martin.

The transition from pandemic entertainment to post-lockdown (fingers crossed) reality happens relatively seamlessly, but it is still jarring to see the characters walking around outside of their Zoom boxes. It’s a significant departure from the last two seasons. There are still Zoom calls — Zoom is a normal part of professional life now, after all — but we also get to see more trips away from the screens and also more of Sheen and Tennant’s homes.

Additionally, while this season’s twist admittedly keeps the premise fresh, it also leads to confusion that distracts from the plot at times. It takes a few minutes of recalibrating before you’re clear on which sections are supposed to be “acting” and which sections are supposed to be “real.”

The addition of intentionally bad writing and acting in this season — a move that’s both endearing and wildly chaotic — is thoroughly entertaining, but I did find myself wishing for the absurd (but slightly more contained) interactions of the previous two seasons.

Although Staged season 3 loses some of the magic from the first two seasons, overall, Sheen, Tennant, and their miscellaneous shenanigans are still a joy to watch.

Episodes of Staged are available on Hollywood Suite and BritBox.

Words

Warning: This review contains some spoilers regarding The White Lotus’ season two characters and storyline.

HBO’s hit series, The White Lotus , is back. The second season begins the same way as the last one — with an unidentified dead body, character flashbacks, and the oh-so-catchy intro theme song.

The season focuses on love, betrayal, and each of the many different characters, all privileged one-percenters, who vacation in Sicily at the White Lotus Resort. The seven, one-hour episodes kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time, wondering whose wife would cheat or which hotel guest would end up dead. The second season is full of drama, lust, comedy, and discomfort; at times, it’s even hard not to cringe while watching some scenes.

The cinematic shots of various locations across Sicily are beautiful, and the characters are so complex and intricate, adding to the fun and mystery of the series.

Finance bro, Cameron (Theo James), and his wife, Daphne (Meghann Fahy), invite an old college friend, Ethan (Will Sharpe), and his lawyer wife, Harper (Aubrey Plaza), on a getaway vacation to the resort. From cheating and lying to blowing money on drugs and alcohol, the foursome brings a whole new meaning to “romantic vacation.”

Between their marital problems and wandering sexual desires, the chemistry and tensions between all four actors really made this season shine.

Meanwhile, a family pack — including grandfather, Bert (F. Murray Abraham), father, Dom (Michael Imperioli), and son, Albie (Adam DiMarco) — visit Sicily to reconnect with their Italian family heritage. Yet, the tension between Dom hiring hookers and Albie’s desire to save young, helpless women grants the family an experience worth much more than a history lesson during their stay at the White Lotus.

The family’s story cleverly draws attention to their issues with masculinity and shows that, in the end, the father’s character is deep and, although greatly unlikeable, somehow vastly human.

The only returning character for the second season is Tanya, an irrational multimillionaire in crisis, played by the fantastic Jennifer Coolidge. While on a romantic trip with her new husband Greg (Jon Gries), she manages to drag her young personal assistant, Portia (Haley Lu Richardson), into her mess. While in Sicily, Portia struggles to form connections with men, resents her boss’ chaotic lifestyle, and models an interesting array of outfits (seriously, they are mortifying). Meanwhile, Greg’s sketchy behaviour during the trip triggers Tanya’s suspicions of cheating, and as more secrets are revealed, it becomes clear that maybe he didn’t marry her for the right reasons.

Mia (Beatrice Grannò) and Lucia (Simona Tabasco), are two sex workers who force their way into many of the guests’ lives — and hotel rooms. Their swindling of both men and women in order to get what they want is what makes the two girls truly the show’s most cunning, lovable characters.

The White Lotus has it all. From sexual mind games to disastrous murders, this series is beautifully filmed, cleverly written, and never boring. With its lovable — if not slightly idiotic — cast of characters, satirical storylines, and jaw-dropping acting, this series absolutely nails its second season. As for season three, I’m hoping for a new, beautiful hotel destination, more murder-mystery, and the return of a few iconic characters.

final thoughts

Let’s Stop the

We all have our vices. Nothing feels as good as that dopamine hit when you purchase the new must-have product from a company that you swear by. Whether it be a video game, cosmetic, or seasonal Starbucks cup of coffee, purchasing can feel so, so good. The “treat yo self” mentality is sometimes all you need to bring your day around. As such, we use these items, brands, and vices as a means of cultural identity.

Sarah Banet-Weiser, a communications professor at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Southern California, provides context to this phenomenon in her book Authentic: The Politics of Ambivalence in a Brand Culture, stating that “building a brand is about building an affective, authentic relationship with a consumer, one based— just like a relationship between two people— on the accumulation of memories, emotions, personal narratives, and expectations.”

Therefore, we are now more prone to identifying ourselves with these brands, with some of us even going to war over which company is better. A quick Google search will still show how true this phenomenon is as the war continues to rage online on if PlayStation is better than Xbox or if Coke is better than Pepsi. Hell, even last year, the griff published an article about one of our past editor’s undying love for Starbucks.

Now, there is nothing wrong with liking the things you enjoy. If buying products from specific brands makes you feel good, that’s great! However, it’s helpful to have healthy skepticism with brands, their dominance in the market, and consider their importance to you. It’s important to keep in mind that companies are here to make money and need a community of buyers and brand reps to do that. Corporate suits only care about your dollar and will use any slimy economic scheme to get it. Whether it’s appealing to your

needs (or fabrication of needs), your identity, or even cultural touchstones, these companies are masters of manipulating the public to buy into the culture and community they are selling.

Companies are getting bigger and, because of globalization, are becoming more well-known and economically successful at an international level. For instance, Microsoft is currently in a

Companies are getting bigger, but your dollar still matters.

own Xbox consoles and subscription services.” Additionally, the FTC says Microsoft “could raise prices or degrade Activision’s content for people who don’t use its hardware to access the developer’s games, or even cut off access to the games entirely.”

Though fans of Xbox may be championing this deal to go through because their brand would win, it’s useful to look at the impacts of financial moves like this. According to Forbes, in 2021, Microsoft was (and still is) valued as one of the most valuable companies in the world. Therefore, Microsoft has the privilege to undercut prices and take upfront losses without impacting their overall net income. Though this sounds great for the consumer, this practice allows companies like Microsoft, such as Amazon, Walmart, and Google, to reduce competition and create an unsustainable market—especially for your local momand-pop shops down the road. Though a jar of jam is cheapest at $10 on Amazon, it’s because Amazon has more economic resources and financial power that allow them to undercut prices. Alternatively, a local mom-and-pop shop must charge $15 for the same jar of jam to stay open and see any profit, as they do not have these privileges. The bottom line is that companies are getting too big, and we need to push back and stay conscious of their predatory economic practices.

So, what are you supposed to do in a world where love for these brands runs amok?

legal battle with the United States’s Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) over their purchase of gaming titan Activision (a company valued at $75 billion). According to the Wall Street Journal, the FTC is investigating the deal under grounds of being anti-competition, saying that it would “give Microsoft the ability to control how consumers access Activision’s games beyond the Redmond, Wash., company’s

Don’t buy into their artificial identity and let them overtake your personality. Keep these large companies at arm’s length and use them as you see fit. But, the next time you fight a war for a large company or brand, be more conscious of what you are defending. Let’s stop the corporate cheerleading and maybe use that dollar (if you can) to support a local business. We all know they could use it more.

Bringing