Volume 24, Issue 5 —January 2025

The Sputnik,We Orbit Around You.

Volume 24, Issue 5 - January 9, 2025

News, pg. 3-5

Sports, pg. 6-7

Arts & Culture, pg. 12-16

Infinitum, pg. 8-9 & 12

Opinion, pg. 17-19

POSTAL WORKERS STILL FIGHTING

PUCKS, PASSION AND PROGRESS

ARE YOU A GOOD OR BAD WITCH?

A COMET’S TALE: PART THREE

HOW LIFE’S LACKING COLOUR

How the postal service workers are continuing to fight for their rights

Halfway through the NHL season, where do all the teams stand?

Thoughts on the broadway hit turned on-screen musical

Fresh start

The next installment in series about a martian completing her mission

As we get older our lives lack colour because of our outlook and biology

The kickoff issue

OLGA STEBLYK/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

02

THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 2025

WWW.THESPUTNIK.CA

THE SPUTNIK STAFF LEAD OPINION WRITER Niyati Pancholi

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexa Ford eic@thesputnik.ca

INFINITUM EDITOR Samuel Bowering infinitum@thesputnik.ca

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Thando Bhebhe creative@thesputnik.ca

LEAD INFINITUM WRITER Mckenzie Martin

NEWS EDITOR Piper Force news@thesputnik.ca

PHOTO EDITOR Serena Anagbe photography@thesputnik.ca

LEAD NEWS WRITER Harsimrn Lidder

THE.SPUTNIK

THE.SPUTNIK

Editor’s Note: Detoxing resolutions

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Olga Steblyk

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SPUTNIK_NEWS

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ALEXA FORD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

As soon as the ball drops on Jan. 1 people all around the globe shout “Happy New Year,” pop champagne, kiss loved ones and begin making their resolutions.

New year’s resolutions are a part of the ritual of ringing in the new year as we make promises to ourselves that we will be the best version of ourselves this year.

Being healthier, cutting back on indulgences and saving money are some common goals that many people will set for themselves.

However, is it the right time to make goals?

In my opinion, no. This is exactly why, only 25 per cent of people stick to their goals after one month and a mere 10 per cent achieve their goals. I don’t believe the goals are the issue, I think the timeline when we set them is a problem.

It is the dead of winter — peak seasonal depression season — and a new slew of classes, professors and assignments are about to flood your inbox. Is this really the appropriate time to rejuvenate your life?

The media does a great job of making us all feel like we are not doing enough to be the best versions of ourselves.

Many tell us that we must be more mindful, go to the gym more and meet all sorts of milestones by a certain date.

Scroll through TikTok this time of year, and you’ll be flooded with messages of goal setting, healthy living and how to make the most out of 2025.

The word detox is thrown around a lot this time of year

OLGA STEBLYK/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Inside of a suspsended circular christmas tree covered in lights and ornaments.

—for some reason January is the time of year when we are supposed to purge our lives of all things deemed “bad” for us. An article written by Jennifer Yoon for the CBC titled “A flood of products promises to “detox” to the body. But do you really need any of them?” reveals that there truly is no detox product or routine that could give real results. Yoon interviews David Juurlink, a toxicologist who works at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, says there is no silver bullet to detox our bodies.

We have all the necessary organ functions to ‘detox’ ourselves and products on the market right now really do not do anything to improve those processes.

Even though it is a prevalent part of our culture to see Jan. 1 as a fresh start, I disagree with this.

January is a stressful and gloomy time of year.

Instead of new year’s resolutions in January, I believe people should make resolutions in the spring or summer when we are all in a more cheerful mood and have the motivation to make lifestyle changes.

For now, Golden Hawks, my hope is for all of you to start the semester off strong and just make it through!

No new routines, stick to what you know and what has worked for you in the past and revisit the resolutions when the sun doesn’t set at 4 p.m.

THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 2025

03

THE SPUTNIK · NEWS

GLOBAL

Over 5,000 Syrian prisoners freed

Northern Syrian prisoners freed following collapse of Syrian regime now have the chance to tell their stories

HARSIMRN LIDDER LEAD NEWS WRITER

Early in November, approximately 5,000 Syrian prisoners were freed from Aleppo Central Prison.

The prison is located in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo.

This occurred after the collapse of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime following an attack by rebel forces. As reported by Al Jazeera, the rebel forces were led

by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in late November; Within two weeks, they had located the Aleppo Central Prison, freeing thousands.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, according to BBC is an Islamic political organization involved in the Syrian civil war. They are known as a powerful military force within Syria and according to United Nations Security Council, they were deemed a Terrorist group in 2021.

Abu Mohammed Al-Jolani leads Hayat Tahir al-Sham, the group has since become one of the most potent armed opposition forces in Syria.

According to Al Jazeera, al-Jolani has changed the trajectory and focus of the group which is part

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/SHAFIULLAH KAKAR AFP ALJAZEERA

Syrian refugees gathering together on the outskirts of a town.

of the reason why they were so successful at freeing thousands of Syrian Prisoners. Al-Julani switched the focus from armed forces and other transnational operations to an Islamic republic in Syria. Distancing it from its earlier ties to al-Qaeda and transnational jihadist goals.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported there were more than 136,614 people incarcerated in the prison, some being imprisoned for more than 33 years. There were three central prisons within Syria.

The Sednaya prison is known for its extreme brutality, mass executions and conditions that were

described as a “slaughterhouse” by survivors interviewed by Al Jazeera.

There was also the Mezzeh prison, which was a key site for interrogations and torture where prisoners were subjected to dehumanizing treatment. The third was the Aleppo Central Prison, which was one of the main sites for imprisonment and was liberated during the HTS led offence.

Al Jazeera reported on the prison conditions, highlighting the torture and abuse survivors faced, as told by those who have been freed in interviews with Al Jazeera.

One notable survivor is Hala who asked to be called “Hala” as she is

still afraid of using her real name.

“My name was number 1,100,” Hala said, explaining how prisoners were seen as numbers. She recalls witnessing the death of a 16-year-old while in prison and was tortured shortly after her arrest.

Hala also described escaping the fear and inhuman conditions inside the prison and running outside of the prison, as unbelievable.

Saying “We could not believe it was real, and we would see the light.”

Another survivor that Al Jazeera interviewed was Safi al-Yassin; he had described years of physical and psychological torture, highlighting the extreme brutality in the Saydnaya prison.

Yassin witnessed horrific acts, such as an elderly man bleeding to death. He said witnessing those traumatic events left him with lasting scars and the memories of what he saw cannot be erased.

Yassin mentioned witnessing a relative who had suffered amputation and mental breakdowns after enduring prolonged abuse and just as Hala had described how he and the other Syrian prisoners were treated as numbers.

Celina Shamon, an Iraqi Assyrian, belongs to an Indigenous ethnic group native to Mesopotamia — specifically northwestern Syria, southeastern Turkey,

northern Iraq and parts of Iran. “It is something that we never thought would happen… seeing all of the prisoners run out, seeing kids who have never seen the sun point at it because they were born in the prisons, and seeing the women run out after having to endure pain and go through labour in those prisons… my first initial feeling is a blissful shock,” Shamon said.

Shamon says there are misconceptions of people thinking the prisons were filled with “terrorists” and “killers,” without recognizing how diverse Syria is. “They think it is just another Muslim country, as they think of the entire Middle East,” she said.

Shamon says that if the Syrian prisoners who have been freed want to celebrate and be happy about being free, we should be celebrating with them. She also says the only way we will learn about what is happening in Syria and be able to support them is by talking to Syrians and listening to their stories.

Shamon reflects on how situations in the Middle East, specifically Syria and Palestine, have changed her viewpoint on global conflicts: “Why did it take the beheading, the burning and the partial destruction of these Middle Eastern countries for us to humanize them?”

POLITICS

Tariffs spark ripples What do Donald Trump’s proposed policies surrounding tarrifs mean for Canada’s economy and leadership?

HARSIMRN LIDDER LEAD NEWS WRITER

With less than two weeks remaining until President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, he has already announced as of Nov. 25 that there will be a 25 per cent tariff on all goods and services crossing the Canadian border.

According to The Guardian, the tariffs have caused tension for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as leaders and politicians are waiting to see how the prime minister will respond. As a result, Canada’s finance minister for almost 15 years, Chrystia Freeland, announced her resignation on Dec. 16 due to

ongoing tensions with Trudeau.

As reported by The Guardian, Chrystia Freeland was just hours away from announcing Canada’s economic plan and how to best respond to Trump’s tariffs before resigning. The Guardian reported that Freeland expressed concerns about the government’s fiscal direction in her resignation letter to Trudeau. Saying, “We need to take that threat extremely seriously. That means keeping our fiscal powder dry today, so we have the reserves we may need for a coming tariff war.” The announcement of her resignation surprised Canadians, leaving Trudeau without a key cabinet ally.

According to CTV, along with the shock came doubts about the prime minister’s political survival in future elections, with The Guardian reporting that Trudeau

could be pushed towards resignation after a possible tariff war.

CBC reported that the possible 25 per cent tariffs on imported goods could devastate Canada’s economy and impact Canada’s relationship with the U.S. as an ally. For example, Investopedia, a Canadian financial media website, reported that many products could get more expensive under Trump’s implemented tariffs. For instance, the article “These Products Could Get More Expensive Under Trump’s Tariff Plan” says electronics and appliances will likely see price increases as the majority of the technological appliances are imported from the U.S, with approximately $463.36 billion worth of electrical and electronic equipment being imported, as reported by the U.S Census Bureau.

Global News has also reported

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/EVAN VUCCI (THE NEW YORKER)

Donald Trump and Justin Trudeau shaking hands.

that the U.S. tariffs might affect Canada’s agriculture industry, “The Canadian food supply is very integrated with the U.S,” said J.P Gervais, chief economist at Farm Credit Canada. Gervais spoke on how the tariffs raised the cost of business and squeezed profits for Canadian producers. He said it could worsen the market and make it more difficult for companies to expand their business and plan investments. For instance, an article by Global News says Canada imports a variety of fruits and vegetables from the U.S., especially during off-season periods, where tariffs could lead to increased prices for consumers and supply chain disruptions.

However, according to CBC,

some Canadian industry leaders suggest that Trump’s threat to implement tariffs on Canada is a “bluff,” as said by Jenna Benchetrit at CBC. The U.S. Census Bureau has reported that the U.S. has heavily relied on Canada for natural gas, machinery, plastics, gold, electricity, wood and agriculture products in recent years.

The highest imports were more than $103.22 billion in oil and gas and $73.44 billion in transportation equipment in 2023. If Trump moves forward with implementing the 25 per cent tariffs on Canada, “Americans will have to absorb the higher prices from the proposed tariffs,” said Benchetrit, raising prices of goods like oil and vehicles in the U.S.

THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 2025

THE SPUTNIK · NEWS

04

Artists Laurier Laurier Had Had on on Loop Loop in in 2024 2024 Artists 2

1

Drake

3 Lana Del Rey

4 King Von

Sabrina

Carpenter

5 Kendrick Lamar JAHNAVI JAGDEO/ARTS AND CULTURE WRITER

STUDENT POLL

Laurier Brantford’s Spotify wrapped What music, artists and genres did Laurier Brantford students listen and sing along to the most in 2024?

JAHNAVI JAGDEO LEAD ARTS & CULTURE WRITER

SATHYASHINI SURESH SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Laurier students have spoken!

After surveying over 200 Golden Hawks both in-person and on Instagram, the results showcase an exciting overview of what music has defined 2024 for the Golden Hawks.

Topping the charts among Laurier listeners is Sabrina Carpenter, whose album Short n’ Sweet has

dominated playlists. With tracks like “Espresso,” “Taste,” and “Please Please Please,” Carpenter’s music has become a staple for everything from commutes to study breaks. “Sabrina’s music has been my go-to this year,” said Naomi Dunn, a fourth-year social work student. “Her album was definitely my album of the year, and I’ve had it on repeat for 2,618 minutes!”

Carpenter’s ability to blend catchy songs with reflective lyrics has contributed to her rise as a breakout star of 2024.

There’s more to it than catchy and upbeat songs. Carpenter’s music brings fun, but her lyrics also offer moments of reflection, making the mix lighthearted and deep.

A perfect combination of energy and thoughtfulness has made her one of Laurier’s top artists in 2024.

Hot on Carpenter’s heels is Drake, the undisputed king of the

6ix. His latest album, For All the Dogs, the year’s highest-selling rap album, secures him the number two spot.

Despite his ongoing feud with Kendrick Lamar which continues to fuel fan debates, Drake’s influence remains undeniable.

Even students who wouldn’t call themselves fans can’t escape his impact. “When I saw he was my top artist, I was shocked,” said Milena Rios, a fourth-year social work student. “I don’t even like him as a person, but apparently, I listen to him a lot.”

Lana Del Rey claims third place, her melancholic tunes and cinematic lyrics continuing to strike a chord with students.

Whether it’s the nostalgic pull of “Summertime Sadness” or the introspective depth of her latest album, Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, Lana’s haunting ballads have become

the backdrop for late-night study sessions, deep heart-to-hearts or moments of quiet reflection.

Her raw, heartfelt lyrics are a breath of fresh air, offering students an escape from the chaos of school life or a chance to get lost in their emotions.

Del Rey’s music provides a quiet refuge in a loud world, encouraging students to slow down and fully embrace their feelings.

Meanwhile, King Von claims fourth place with his gritty beats continuing to leave a lasting impact even after his untimely death.

His posthumous album, What It Means to Be King, still makes an impact, keeping his legacy alive after his tragic death in 2020.

Though he’s gone, Von’s raw energy continues to resonate, proving his mark on the rap scene is far from fading.

Rounding out the top five is Kendrick Lamar, the lyrical heavy-

weight who quickly shuts down anyone who questions his genius.

His album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, solidifies his place as one of hip-hop’s most influential voices.

Whether addressing societal issues or dropping punchlines that land like thunder, such as his unfiltered line, “Let’s speak on percentage, show me your splits,” Lamar shows that, when it comes to rap, he’s playing chess while others are stuck on checkers.

As 2024 comes to a close, Laurier students’ Spotify Wrapped reveals more than just their favourite artists—it showcases the diversity and depth of the music that has shaped their year.

From upbeat anthems to introspective ballads, these top picks reflect the unique rhythm of life on campus, offering a soundtrack to the Golden Hawks’ journey through another memorable year.

THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 2025

05

THE SPUTNIK · NEWS

DOWNTOWN

Market brings support for vendors

The Brantford farmer’s market transforms into holiday market with Christmas treats and Santa visits for locals LAUREN KUIVENHOVEN NEWS WRITER

Brantford Farmer’s Market transformed into a holiday market on Dec. 7 and Dec. 14, with the appearance of Santa Claus and holiday-themed vendor booths.

According to local vendors, the holiday event, hosted by the city of Brantford drew in more attendees than usual.

“There’s a lot of different people that come in, some people only come in around Christmas,” said Danny Prowse, a vendor who sells Hewitt’s dairy products and farm fresh eggs. He’s been a vendor at the market for 20 years and said the holiday market is good for business.

“You get other people coming in, you got Santa Claus coming in, and people coming to see Santa Claus,” Prowse said. He said the holiday market brings people together, including those coming to visit

Brantford for Christmas. Like many vendors, he decorated his booth for the holidays.

Mary Lou Chatland is a regular customer at the market, and said many people don’t know about the year-round market. “They come to the market and discover that it’s more than just a holiday event,” she said. Judith Piets sells baked goods from Pete’s bake shop at the market and has noticed the influx of attendees during the holiday market this year. “You get more like newcomers,” she said.

Piets says her booth is busier, and many people have orders for family get-togethers. “It brings a lot of people out, and everybody is cheerful,” she said.

Her booth sells a variety of Christmas baked goods, including fruitcake, shortbread and almond-filled gingerbread.

Since 1848, the Brantford Farmers’ Market has provided the

LAUREN KUIVENHOVEN/NEWS WRITER

Vendors and customers mingling at the Brantford farmers market.

community with locally grown and sourced products.

“You get the things that are actually made in a bakery not the commercial line of stuff,” Chat-

land said. Chatland believes it’s important to support the local vendors. “You find some items that are better priced and better quality than the grocery store,” she said.

The market currently provides fresh produce, meat, dairy, flowers, baked goods, crafts and décor to its weekly 1,500 to 3,500 attendees according to the City of Brantford.

LOCAL

Post workers say the fight isn’t over Canada post workers say they refuse to give up on the ongoing strikes against the Canada Post corporation

Some workers are scared that the negotiating may never happen, such as Julie Taylor, a letter carrier for the company since 2017.

PIPER FORCE NEWS EDITOR

After 32 days on the picket line in front of their office, Brantford’s Canada Post employees were instructed to return to work by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) under the direction of the Minister of Labour.

Canada Post workers in Brantford say this isn’t the end of the fight.

Kamila Mancuso, union representative for local 508, says that after a year of negotiation, a strike before the holidays wasn’t something they wanted to do.

“We were at an impasse. We were in a legal, striking position on November 5th, and we waited an additional week, hoping that Canada Post would come to the table. So, the fact that we had walked out on strike on November 15 is just how the timing played out. It certainly wasn’t planned,” Mancuso said.

Mancuso says a large misconception believed by the public is that Canada Post is funded by taxpayers.

Canada Post is a Crown corpora-

I’m petrified what’s going to happen in the next five months -Julie Taylor, letter carrier

PIPER FORCE/NEWS EDITOR

Canada Post workers gathered on the picket line during strike.

tion, a government owned company that is self-sustained, structured and funded privately.

Canada Post workers are fighting for more fair wages, other items include a standardized eight-hour day with overtime pay, the continued status of health benefits and equal contracts with the urban operations, meaning the drivers and walking delivery workers would be under the same contract.

While the workers are facing backlash from the public on social media about the simplicity of their

job and wanting better wages.

Multiple videos have surfaced over the time of the strike of users claiming that Canada Post isn’t necessary, and they should find new jobs if the workers aren’t happy. Andrea Riga, a rural subdivision mail carrier whose been with the company since 2020, says that’s why she wishes the workers could fight harder.

“They gave them a two-year extension during COVID, and we helped all those small businesses and people that are crying the

blues right now. We bent over backwards and helped them with all that and made them money off our back. So, for them to complain and do what they did, it really upsets me,” Riga said.

Riga referred to the contract renewal in 2022, when the union workers originally wanted to fight for these new terms.

The workers agreed to maintain the current contract at the time so as not to disrupt small businesses and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m petrified what’s going to happen in the next five months, because if they haven’t been working towards an agreement, what’s going to make them move forward to help us if they change the whole way Canada Post runs, we’re already hurting with health and safety issues,” Taylor said.

After renewing their contract in 2022, Postal workers of Canadian Union of Postal Worker (CUPW) began negotiating with Canada Post in December 2023.

The negotiations are now at a pause and will be revisited in May 2025.

THE SPUTNIK · SPORTS

06

THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 2025

NFL

Super Bowl 59: Who will make it?

After a unique football season, the Super Bowl creeps closer and teams are fighting to make it to Louisianna

ALEXA FORD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The 59th Super Bowl will be on Sunday Feb. 9, 2025, at Ceasers superdome in New Orleans, Louisianna with Kendrick Lamar headlining the halftime show.

With anticipation, NFL fans are watching these next few weeks closely to see which two teams will battle it out on the field to win the coveted NFL championship trophy, more commonly called the Vince Lombardi trophy named after the historic Green Bay Packers coach who won the first two Super Bowls in history.

So, who are the favourites to take the trophy home?

According to Sports Grid, the top five contenders are: the Kansas City Chiefs, the Detroit Lions, the Buffalo Bills and the Baltimore Ravens.

Each team has had their own unique season and journey to the Superbowl.

The Kansas City Chiefs have had an impressive season, with a

record of 15 winning games to only one loss. The one loss being against the Buffalo Bills 21-30.

The Chiefs are returning champions to the Super Bowl, they won both in 2023 and 2024, vowing to make it back again this year.

Iconically, Travis Kelce who plays tight end said in his speech at 2024’s Super Bowl parade he is ready to “run it back”.

This season, the Chiefs have been named the NFL’s most clutch team because of their 16-game winning streak, because of this and their exceptional playing this season they are seen as this year’s favourites to return and win the Super Bowl.

The Detroit Lions have also had a successful season, their record is 14 wins to 2 losses, and they are sitting in first place in the NFC (National Football Conference) North Division.

This year, the Lions have set a franchise record for total wins and on-the-road victories. In 2024, the Lions had an 11- game winning streak and their offense scored 533 points – the highest in the league.

The Lions are the first NFL team to have two running backs and two wide receivers each play more than 1000 scrimmage yards in a single

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/ANUSHKA SRIVASTAV ON UNSPLASH

A football resting on the sidelines of a football field.

season. The Lions have never played in a Super Bowl.

The Buffalo Bills’ 2024 season has been a strong one, sitting at a 13-3 record and leading in the AFC (American football conference) East division.

They are second in the league in offense, averaging around 32

points per game but defensively they are 11th among NFL teams.

Household name, Josh Allen, Quarterback has 3731 passing yard with a 63.6 per cent completion rate, 28 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.

The Bills are a strong contender to be in the Super Bowl and the

deciding game will be in the next few weeks during AFC playoffs.

The last time the Bill’s competed in the Super Bowl was 1994 and they have never won a Super Bowl.

The Baltimore Ravens 2024 season was a record breaking one, with their quarterback Lamar Jackson setting an all-time career record for rushing.

The Ravens have an 11-5 record and are the number one team in the AFC North Division. Offensively they have average 30.2 points per game and defensively they have allowed 21.9 points per game. The last time the Ravens were in the Super Bowl was in 2013 which they won as well as winning in 2001.

Ravens players Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers were selected for the Pro Bowl, an annual game held by the NFL to recognize the leagues best players.

Flowers a wide reciever for the Ravens, made franchise history as the first wide receiver to be selected for the Pro Bowl. The Ravens’ success this season sets them up as contenders to be on track for the Super Bowl.

No matter who makes it to Ceasars superdome, the next few weeks of playoffs are shaping up to be exciting for football fans.

LAURIER ATHLETICS

Winter wellness made easy at YMCA No resolutions needed, just fun fitness group classes offered at the LBYMCA to jumpstart the winter semester

ALEXA FORD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

As the holidays come and go, people have been gathering with family and friends and sharing meals together, many times over.

Once the new year rolls around, most people have had their fill of rich foods and sweet treats, so when the ball drops at midnight people make resolutions to get back into shape and commit to a gym. At Laurier, students’ tuition prices include a membership to the YMCA and almost full use of the facilities.

These facilities include a fully functioning gym and access to large spaces for community sport programs, as well as a plethora of fitness classes.

The LBYMCA is located at 100 Water St. and offers a wide variety of fitness classes to jumpstart a fit-

ness jounrey in a safe and inclusive environment.

There are many different options for classes at the YMCA to pick and choose from based on personal interest and fitness level. There are cardio clasess which focus on cardiovascular health and workouts based on raising the heart rate and heart health. Cardio classes like cycling, aerobics, low impact walking and high impact kick boxing.

For those who don’t want to feel too structured, there are Zumba classes as well to learn a new skill while maintaining health.

High impact cardio is not everyone’s cup of tea, and the YMCA has options for all preferences.

Mind and body classes offer the health benefits of a workout class with less impact and more mindful movement.

Yoga, pilates and many variations of these practices are offered to members as well as a class called BallFit. BallFit is a version of pilates using a stability ball in the practice to train the core, stability, posture and balance.

All YMCA classes provide the equipment needed so members can show up as is.

For those looking for more of a challenge, the YMCA offers resistance and toning classes that work all muscle groups.

Barre inspired fitness classes combine traditional strength and cardio training by fusing exercises from Pilates and dance to build muscles, get the heart rate up and improve balance.

TRX (Total resistance exercise) is a fun class that works the whole body by using gravity and bodyweight while on a TRX suspension trainer. TRX may sound intimidating, but it is welcome to all fitness levels.

For the best of both worlds, the YMCA offers a combination of strength and cardio classes.

Cardio kickboxing is an intermediate class that provides all the equipment to learn the joy of kick-

ALEXA FORD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

boxing. Step and sculpt is a breath of fresh air in the workout week to get the heart rate up and strenthen and tone.

VIPR Pro is a big commitment for fitness members, it is an eight-week circuit class that uses a variety of weighted training tools and free weight training.

No matter the fitness goals for 2025, the Laurier Brantford YMCA certainly has many options for Golden Hawks to choose from.

THE SPUTNIK · SPORTS

THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 2025

07

HOCKEY

Pucks, passion and progress

Halfway through the season, fans of Canada’s beloved game are eager to see what lies ahead for their teams

JAHNAVI JAGDEO LEAD ARTS & CULTURE WRITER

As January marks the halfway point of the NHL season, hockey fans across Canada are buzzing about how their teams are shaping up. The 2024-2025 season has been anything but predictable, packed with surprises and its fair share of controversies.

Here’s a closer look at where Canada’s NHL teams stand and their playoff chances.

Toronto Maple Leafs While fans are happy to see the Leafs staying competitive, the team is still haunted by the pressure to make it past the first round of the playoffs. Defensive struggles have been a weak spot and with the trade deadline just around the corner, there are a lot of conversations about potential moves to shore up their blue line.

Reflecting on the team’s goals, Auston Matthews said in April 2023, “We’re a team that wants to be playing in meaningful games in the playoffs and have success in the playoffs. We know the work that’s ahead of us, and we’re excited to take it on.” As always, Leafs

fans are hopeful this will finally be the year they see the Cup return to Toronto.

Edmonton Oilers Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continue to showcase their team’s determination with their offensive firepower, but their defensive struggles and inconsistent goaltending have raised questions about their playoff viability. However, fans are hopeful the team will still progress despite their shaky start to the season.

Calgary Flames After an offseason of change, the Flames are still finding their footing under new leadership. As players like Jonathan Huberdeau adjust to the system, Calgary’s playoff hopes will hinge on finding consistent scoring and defensive stability.

As head coach Ryan Huska stated in an interview with TSN in June 2023, “We’re still in the process of putting the pieces together.”

Vancouver Canucks The Canucks have been one of the season’s biggest surprises, showing significant improvement under head coach Rick Tocchet.

Young star Elias Pettersson and veteran J.T. Miller have been essential to their success. While the team’s improvement has been impressive, fans remain cautiously optimistic about their chances of

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/JOHN E. SOKOLOWSKI USA TODAY SPORTS (CBC)

Toronto Maple Leafs players Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews on the ice together.

returning to the playoffs.

Montreal Canadiens The Canadiens are continuing their rebuilding process, with emerging stars like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield leading the charge.

While a playoff spot may be out of reach this season, the team is displaying encouraging signs for the future, building a solid foundation of skill and optimism for what lies ahead.

Ottawa Senators The Senators have had their ups

and downs this season, with standout performances from Tim Stützle and Brady Tkachuk. While they’ve shown potential, consistency has been a challenge. As Travis Green commented in an interview with Sportsnet, “They’re a team that’s building with a lot of young talent, and when they get the consistency they need, they’ll be a tough team to play against.”

Winnipeg Jets The Jets have surpassed expectations this season, with Connor Hellebuyck playing outstanding

in goal and balanced scoring throughout the lineup.

Players like Kyle Connor, PierreLuc Dubois and Mark Scheifele have been key contributors, while the defence, led by Josh Morrissey, has been solid. With momentum on their side, Winnipeg fans are optimistic about the team’s playoff chances, including first-year Business Administration student and Laurier hockey defenseman Nolan Bettens, who is hoping the Jets’ strong play continues well into the postseason.

LAURIER ATHLETICS

The Game Plan: January Dates New year, there are new dates to pencil in for upcoming tournaments, tryouts and fun new activities in 2025 MEGAN JACKLIN LAURIER REC COORDINATOR

Athletics & Recreation is home of the Golden Hawks and housed in the Laurier Brantford YMCA, just across from Harmony Square.

Your membership to use the facility and its amenities is included in your tuition so all you have to do is scan in with your OneCard.

The LBYMCA is open Monday to Thursday 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fridays 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays/Sundays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

INTRAMURAL OLYMPICS Introducing a BRAND NEW multi-sport intramural league!

Build a team or join as a free agent and we’ll make a team for you. Every week will be a new challenge, with sports changing each week to shift the competitive edge. Sports range from volleyball, dodgeball, ultimate frisbee, floor hockey, etc.

Sign up or learn more about the league by scanning the QR code!

IMPORTANT DATES: Jan. 17 – Extramural Men’s Basketball @ UTM Jan. 23 – Extramural Men’s & Women’s Hockey @ Fanshawe (Western Sports Arena) Jan. 24 – Extramural Volleyball @ UTM Jan. 31 – Varsity Men’s & Women’s Indoor Soccer @ Ontario Soccer Centre

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/MEGAN JACKLIN

INFINITUM

08

THE SPUTNIK · INFINITUM

THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 2025

FICTION

The wind taxi: A young man’s tale A young man has a mystical experience with an element that takes him on a life-changing journey he won’t forget

SAMUEL BOWERING INFINITUM EDITOR

“Kid, you lost?”

Kenny looked up from his phone, blinked, peered through the night, searching for the voice.

“Over here kid,” the voice said accompanied by the sharp click of snapping fingers.

Kenny scanned the empty street in front of him, the bright lights from the department store behind him shone out over an empty parking lot, a vast expanse of asphalt and yellow painted lines.

“No not lost,” Kenny called out into the dark.

“You sure, it’s late, kids like you are supposed to be asleep, dreaming big dreams. But you don’t seem to be doing that.”

“I…” Kenny paused, frowned, he focused on thin air, the place he was sure the voice was coming from. “I’m waiting for someone.”

“No you aren’t. Been watching you for a while.”

OLGA STEBLYK/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Kenny froze, a prickle travelled up his spin across his flesh.

“Don’t mean any harm kid, just looking to give some perspective.

How about you take a few steps closer.”

With those words Kenny moved, his shoes scuffed the ground. Then his curiosity crescendoed, and he took a firm step forward.

He found himself seated in a yellow taxicab. The driver, a man with salt and pepper stubble looked at him, the lit end of a cigar waved in the dim interior.

“Perspective?” Kenny asked.

In the rear view mirror the Cabby smiled, met Kenny’s gaze, turned the key.

The cab began to thrum, the engine whistled, a high pitch sound like rushing wind, the taxi shuddered once and then it became one with the Wind.

The Wind, guided by the Cabby, began to swirl around the empty lot, a gentle loop, then throughout the town. It rustled the leaves of young oaks planted only a decade ago in the new residential streets.

And even though Kenny did not notice, they lingered where his

nameless comrades on the journey; I take pieces from each of them, before they fade away – bursting backpack, worn boots on this bus.

How did we all find ourselves here? Desperate to go the same direction, at the same time, so many stories colliding for a time in this bus.

the stomach, satiating the beast’s hunger, fading into this bus?

heart stirred.

The man smiled and suddenly Kenny was in the driver’s seat. He laughed, the Wind jumped forward in three short bursts of speed. The world was his, total freedom, he could be anywhere, be someone the world would want to know.

Then it leapt forward, clouds parted as the Wind punched through them and the horizon bloomed before Kenny. He spun in sky, saw the twinkling lights of cities as small little motes on the surface of the planet. He flew onward, below the skyline vanished, then the coast

appeared, then they were out over open water. In the total dark.

Kenny’s giddiness vanished. Go anywhere, be anyone, do anything.

As the Wind, his options were limitless, the earth was his to explore. I could be as influential as the Wind.

In the dark the Wind jumped, spun, twisted in upon itself.

“There’s the trouble,” the Cabby said. Suddenly Kenny found himself in the back seat.

“So many options, so many people, so many opportunities for comparison.” The Cabby drawled.

The Wind turned in a gentle arc and drifted back the way they came, began to spiral downward.

They drifted through Kenny’s town, past the church steeple, past the glass walls of the public library, around the squat red brick community centre. Here was home.

“If I were you kid, I wouldn’t be so quick to abandon this place.”

The wind touched down in front of Kenny’s front porch. He found himself standing there. He looked out at the street, the wind rustled the leaves of the young trees, planted only a decade before, they swayed back and forth, gently waving. Kenny waved back and smiled.

POEM

MCKENZIE MARTIN LEAD INFINITUM WRITER

Its doors shudder open like the jaws of a creature yawning, and swallow me whole - the bus, as I step over the crater where rain loves to pool, between sidewalk and vehicle, onto the bus.

Its hunger never ceases, packing pedestrians tight as sardines; we sway in the belly of the beast, hitting each other with bags and sharp joints, its engine growling with indigestion on this bus.

We are more like fleas, parasites hopping in all to go to many somewheres – things to do, places to be after stepping off the bus.

So many faces. They blend,

A mother stresses to soothe her baby’s cries, lest it upset the creature’s focus, disrupting the balance of whispered conversation and the hum of breath, ours and its, on this bus.

I wonder if they chose to be here, what circumstances led to this moment of symbiosis, Do they have someone waiting for them when they escape the maw of the bus?

Do they observe me too, snippets of my image buried in their memories like theirs in mine, or am I merely another particle in

The creature runs fast, its wide body maneuvering between vehicles, around bends and turns, following the path like a predator follows its prey, stalking its next meal - this bus.

Sometimes music accompanies the ride, moods lifted and shared, tapping my foot alongside the beat of the creature’s heart, the rhythm that steadies the speed of this bus.

I know my route like I know the sky is blue, the blurry movie of houses, rocked like a child in the embrace of the creature, sometimes lulled to sleep by the bus.

I retreat into myself when the belly’s capacity is met, it reaches inside for me, often I join the creature we’ve become one and the same, Mckenzie the name of this bus.

ALEXA FORD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

INFINITUM

THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 2025

THE SPUTNIK · INFINITUM

09

HORROR

Catastrophe

An accident leads to a traumatic haunting

MCKENZIE MARTIN LEAD INFINITUM WRITER

It isn’t my fault. Those words keep repeating over and over in my head with each wave of ice that pelts the car. My grip on the steering wheel is so tight my knuckles are as white as snow. I swerved, but it was too late.

In the rearview mirror I can see it. The unmistakable pointed ears of a cat. A flattened furry mass laying on the snowy road, the snow around it turning pink.

I don’t remember the drive home.

Days pass and every time I close my eyes all I see is the cat. My mind imagines its eyes, bright yellow, burning into my soul.

The weather hasn’t gotten any better. The snow blocks my front door and huge, sharp icicles bar each window. I haven’t been outside since it happened. I can’t sit comfortably, I’m constantly pacing, cleaning to keep myself busy.

Today while sweeping, a tuft of grey fur rolls to my foot. At first I

thought it was dust, but as I continue to clean more and more have shown up. I pinch one between my fingers, raise it to the light. It’s fur, alright, not dust.

Right before my eyes the grey fur starts to grow red, sopping and red.

I throw it into the trash and rush to wash my now stained hand. Only when the last drop of red goes down the drain can I try to relax and move on with my day.

At night, I shut the last light off and crawl into bed. Yet my heart beats faster and my eyes remain open. Outside my bedroom window the wind blows, the harsh whistle that comes with falling snow. Then the scratching starts.

It’s probably just a branch or one of the icicles, I tell myself. But it never stops even as the wind dies down into the morning.

My hallway is littered with scratch marks when I check at dawn.

I’m sure I’ve gone crazy now; too much time trapped inside with no fresh air. But I can’t deny how real the marks are, how real the fur was.

And the blood…

I try to shake the images from my brain. I need to eat, I need to keep myself busy. I open the fridge and take out some leftover soup.

OLGA STEBLYK/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Once it’s done heating up in the microwave, I sit down to eat, trying to ignore the trash can at the other end of the kitchen.

The soup is nice, warm and creamy. I stick my spoon in for another bite. I don’t know what made me look down, maybe the

spoon felt heavier, but I did. In my spoon is a yellow eye with a diamond shaped pupil staring up at me. When I meet its gaze, its pupil widens.

I scream and fling the spoon across the room, knocking over the bowl in the process. Blood soaks

the table as I back away.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” I cry, but the scratching starts again, like it’s inside my head, ringing in my ears, stinging pain behind my eyes.

As tears blur my vision, I hear the low, guttural sound of a cat’s growl behind me.

SHORT STORY

A comet’s tale: Three days later

Part three of the long awaited story of a martian sent to earth from Mars on a mysterious mission continues

MCKENZIE MARTIN LEAD INFINITUM WRITER

The older woman’s house sat in a row of identical houses, each the same square shape, same tan colour.

It reminded her of the uniformity of the bunkers back home on Mars, the same way Eileen reminded her of the Elders.

The Elders were great teachers, they were the only caretakers she had ever known, so it was easy to trust this human elder.

Eileen’s face was marked by time, each wrinkle etched into her skin evidence of her wisdom. She could learn so much about being human from someone who had been human so long.

Humans really cared about comfort; most of Eileen’s floors were covered in carpet, and pillows and quilts were strewn over every

OLGA STEBLYK/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

seat, things she had never had on Mars. The bed she was given was more comfortable than any she

had ever slept on before. For once her body let itself relax, she never realized how much it longed for

these luxuries.

Yet Eileen never simply enjoyed the coziness. The woman was always moving about, always doing something with her hands. She spent half the day in the kitchen, cooking meals with food she had never heard of on Mars, and the other half behind her house in her own patch of nature.

The backyard garden was beautiful, full of vegetables and flowers in all different hues. Her favourite were the flowers. The Elders taught them about when Mars’ surface had been like Earth’s, and showed them sketches of what some plants had looked like. The sketch that had always been her favourite was of a purple flower with upright and cascading petals. Eileen had several.

After a few days, they had become accustomed to each other’s company. She still struggled to form human words and so barely spoke, but Eileen didn’t mind.

There was one question Eileen repeatedly asked her, however. What was her name?

This was where the human differed from the Elders. She had only ever been given a number, no name. It was easier to navigate life in the bunkers that way. But the more she was asked, the more she wanted one.

She helped with the garden in exchange for staying there, though she had to be taught most of the basics. Eileen watched her carefully and could see how her eyes lit up each time they gazed upon those purple flowers.

“That’s your name, isn’t it?” The woman asked, pointing towards the flower. “Iris.”

She didn’t know what to say.

“I’ve always liked them. Y’know they say Iris was a goddess who carried messages between heaven and earth.” Eileen’s stories were always interesting. Each short story revealed little bits of human beliefs that she wanted to know more about; like what was heaven?

Maybe heaven was a planet even farther than Mars.

“Iris.” She copied the sound, uttering her name for the first time.

THE SPUTNIK · FEATURES

10

FICTION

The Women’s Republic of Herland vs the United Queendom The first casualty of the revolution had been the revolution itself.

THANDO BHEBHE/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

THANDO BHEBHE SPORTS EDITOR

I

You remember it as a warm day in summer. You were gathered with friends, all of you sitting across a round table. You imagined yourself as the center, stealing all the attention, you were the loudest after all.

“I think its our duty to keep dreaming, nothing’s ever going to change if we just let things keep on going as they are.” You said.

You were in the middle of an argument with your brother, Nick, or Old Nick as you’d taken to calling him. why Old Nick, well – “The naiveté of youth, be very careful now dear Icarus, the sun’s far closer than it appears.”

You rolled your eyes.

“You know Nick, you’re just as youthful as all of us.” Quipped Jeff, one of your best friends since childhood.

“You know Van’s got a point, how else are things going to ever get better if we just sit down and do nothing. Its all in the action man, that’s how you get a reaction.”

Continued Jeff.

“All I’m saying is it’s easy to take a swing, ain’t so easy when you got to deal with the recoil. Consequences children, that’s the word of the day,” replied Nick.

This was a usual battle for you and your friends.

You’d be the optimist speaking of change and a better world, it was this activism that drove you, the reason why you’d chosen journalism as your major despite your parents’ reservations.

It wasn’t about money, you’d never have to worry a day in your life about that, your parents’ ambition had more than taken care of that facet.

Rather, it was the fact that your ambition, though cute, as your father would say, simply wasn’t big enough.

“I’ve given you the whole world, now its your job to seize it!” Father would say.

Your brother Nick had taken it upon himself to fill the void of ambition you had abandoned, and his ambition more than made up for it, doubling if not even tripling in scale.

Instead of attending university like you, Nick had chosen to drop out, taking a sizeable loan from your father and beginning to build the foundations of his own business empire.

He’d already made more than enough money in investments to retire long before even reaching the middle of his twenties, yet it wasn’t enough.

Nick was insatiable, and with wealth and power, he made for a very tough opponent.

Hence whenever you’d let yourself wander in the imaginings of a better tomorrow, he would slime into the argument, exquisitely dressed in the finest suits as he played devil’s advocate, forever your greatest contrary.

At least you’d always have sup-

THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 2025 · 11

port in the form of Jeff, your oldest ally, and Nick’s arch nemesis.

Jeff emboldened your optimism, but in usual Jeff fashion, he always had to up it by more than enough.

With the example of Daedalus and son, Jeff would be the real Icarus.

He was a romantic at heart, blue blooded like you and Nick, yet another heir within the new royalty, Kings of gold and coin.

With his comfortable safety net, Jeff pursued the arts, falling in love with literature as he fancied himself a writer in the making, pursuing an English degree.

He lived and breathed a better world, yet his optimism was blinded, for his blue blood had never actually allowed him to truly understand why this world wasn’t working for so many below him, those he supposedly championed.

He knew not how totalizing their foe was, seeing himself as a David, wielding stones against goliath, watched over by God. Yet in the real world, those below him knew, God was long dead.

All that remained were golden idols.

II

You and your friends enjoyed many dinners, engaging in bouts of intellect and wit, but on that warm day in summer, talking about change was no longer going to suffice. You wanted a more hands on view, thus you brought about a proposal.

“As lead correspondent for the university newspaper’s news section, I have finally found my next publication’s subject… I want to write a story on the women’s revolution in Atlantis.”

Your announcement was met with both rapturous applause and ridiculing laughter, I’m certain it’s quite obvious who was clapping and who was laughing.

“That’s wonderful news Van, I’m glad you’re getting your voice in that conversation, it still shocks me how so many of us know nothing about what I’d imagine to be truly history worthy events,” said Jeff.

“More like a historic circus, instead of a women’s revolution, I’d rather say, human devolution, I mean Christ, where’s the world gone to.”

Nick’s chauvinism didn’t surprise you one bit, he was his father’s son after all, and you’d all grown up in the same house.

You always imagined that you’d likely have just been as misogynistic under such tutelage if it wasn’t for the fact that you were his daughter.

After all, one is not born, but rather becomes a woman.

Being the target of sexism, you had no choice but to see its flaws, its oppression, and thus hope for its demise.

The women in the north Atlantic subcontinent of Atlantis had taken this hope literally, launching a revolution, and you wanted to write about it.

You were writing this story for yourself, writing it for your peers here on the other side of the pond who suspiciously didn’t receive much coverage on the historic happenings.

But last but not least, you were also writing for the future, hoping

that years and decades from when you wrote this, future generations would be able to look back on your work, and discover this revolution in vivid detail, from the frontlines, through your very own words.

The generations of tomorrow, like me.

III

In the future I will look at your story now written, the story of a herstoric revolution which will be well known to us all over the world. It’s a story that will inspire, its heroes now immortalized and worshipped worldwide. A story of unprecedented trailblazers, of new legacies.

But it will be so well known that it will now be deconstructed and reanalyzed.

New truths will be discovered, old myths debunked and villains of yesterday now seen for the true heroes whom they’d always been.

A new treasure discovered, and new eyes wise enough to see this treasure, and realize what we lost.

That’s what makes your story so interesting, for you saw it long before many others hadn’t seen it, you were the first to shed a tear at the first casualty of revolution, the revolution itself.

IV

On that warm day in summer, you’d brought forth your proposal, and taking advantage of the summer break, you planned to travel to Atlantis in order to write your story.

You’d be a real journalist.

You were also a good friend and invited your two compadres to tag alongside you for the journey.

It was being a good sport, but it was also a way to try and combat Nick’s sexism with the undisputable truth. The truth that women were in no way lesser than man, and where more than capable of wielding the reins of power.

“The queen of England exists for goodness’ sake, and you’re technically her subject.” said Jeff.

“Well, it’s called the United Kingdom for a reason now isn’t it.” replied Nick.

“Then let me introduce you all to the Queendom!” said you.

V

You travelled to Atlantis in the summer of the 1980s, headed North of the subcontinent. Atlantis had once been home to numerous nations, all colonies of multiple European majesties.

That was until the revolution happened in the 60s, now what was left were two major states, the Upper Queendom in the North, and the Women’s Republic of Herland in the south.

While the northern Queenlanders eyed the British Isles above, their former masters.

The southern Herlanders flirted with west African coasts, having been inspired by their African neighbors as they led the revolution forming the 1st women’s republic that the world had ever seen.

The Herlanders ran as pioneers, so that the Queenlanders could walk as innovators.

In the future, all of Atlantis will become the United Queendom, yet this union did not come easy. It

was earned in blood, and the seeds of civil war were blooming right as you landed in Lion’s Den, the capital of her majesty Queen Bridgette I’s Upper Queendom.

VI

Walking within the streets of Lion’s Den, you were met with a modern industrialized superpower modelled after the western states of the free world.

This was democracy, free markets, industry, secularism and individual liberties. Unlike the free world of that time however, women had achieved near parity with men if not even surpassing them in certain fields as the patriarchy was declared to be dead.

Though it was following in the tradition of the new women’s republics, the Upper Queendom was not exclusionary, men where present and were a very crucial part to its society, just like in the south.

The difference was the Queendom’s promise to liberate and empower women from patriarchal oppression.

Many women and some men from all over the world had migrated to this new promised land, all clamoring to be subjects of a female Sovereign, Queen Bridgette.

Their parliamentary governments were run by female ministers and representatives alongside some men, though it was certainly a woman’s world as a female prime minister led the Queendom in the form of Emelie De Gouges, the Queendom’s first prime minister.

De Gouges styled herself in the model of innovative western leaders like Roosevelt, especially in her first term as she enacted popular policies such as a patriarchal reparations program aimed at financially empowering women all across the Queendom, funded in part by the coffers of the former imperial oligarchs who had pillaged North Atlantis before the Queendom’s independence.

Women joined the workforce, dominated the universities, leading in private and public spheres with subsidized government policies and programs meant to uplift them and make them competitive.

Women’s issues took primary precedent with abortion, menstrual products and gender-based violence no longer being after thoughts.

The culture was feminized, economically, politically and even socially.Yet the 1980s brought about a new shift in Queendom politics as they were affected by the neoliberal cloud sweeping throughout the free world.

De Gouges’ radicalism had to be tamed as a new class of recently empowered female elites wanted to consolidate their wealth.

Their lobbies and talking points began molding the new prime minister that succeeded De Gouges, Harriet More, into the image of a Reagan, or her Iron sister on 10 downing street, Thatcher.

A battle for the soul of the Queendom was ensuing as conservatism and liberalism fought on the theatre of what was supposed to be the country of tomorrow.

VII

“You know I’ll give these gals

one thing, they sure learn fast. I’m impressed, I’ll admit it, this here is a new goldrush, and I want in.” said Nick, sipping a coffee as the three of you had breakfast at a café overlooking a giant statue of Queen Bridgette I, armored, galloping upon a horse and raising a sword to heaven.

“That’s all it takes for Old Nick, the almighty dollar.” Quipped Jeff.

“Throw in a little dinner after the deal and I’ll gladly call myself a Queenlander.

These gals are a sight for sore eyes I tell yah, I’d love to do business with that.” Said Nick, raising a glass to a woman seated opposite to him on another table.

She was dressed in white business chic and had on some fashionable large black tinted glasses, the type you’d see models on the cover of magazines wear.

While she sipped her coffee, her wristwatch glistening silver, she read a newspaper, the headline being about a recent scandal as churches were decrying the moral decline of the Queendom as more and more same-sex couples were becoming more public with their engagements.

The headline read, “The Queendom is NOT for Queers!”

With the advent of AIDS, homophobia was at an all-time high worldwide, you had believed the Queendom was going to be a safe space for these marginalized communities, after all, so many queer people had been at the vanguard of feminist movements.

You guessed you were wrong.

A black server then cleared the businesswoman’s empty coffee cup and all of a sudden you realized the businesswoman was white.

It’s funny, but suddenly you begun to see that most of the staff where people of color serving white people.

The Queendom had a history of colonialism, after all it was a descendent of a British colony.

Yet when De Gouges empowered women, why hadn’t she empowered women of color, or people of color for that matter.

What about all the other oppressed and marginalized people that had stood alongside feminists, feminists themselves.

What of black women, weren’t they women too?

While middle- and upper-class white woman who had mostly been housewives under the old order were empowered into the workforce, the black and brown and lower-class women who had already been working menial jobs were completely forgotten.

Many of them still worked those same jobs, and other lower paying positions, few ever getting to climb to the top and join their white peers in positions of power.

It wasn’t about to get any easier either as More was cannibalizing De Gouges’ safety nets, echoing her British sister in power’s statements about there being, “No society, only individuals!” There would be no more handouts as women were now supposedly more than capable of lifting themselves up by their bootstraps. After all, patriarchy was now dead, and the Queendom had killed it!

Read the rest at thesputnik.ca

INFINITUM

12

THE SPUTNIK · INFINITUM

THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 2025

FICTION

Joan Bonaparte & the three musketeers

A daring battle ensues between spies

THANDO BHEBHE CREATIVE DIRECTOR

I

Paris, France Her name is Bonaparte, Joan Bonaparte.

Her nom de guerre is the Silver Serpent, and her codename is Athos. Joan is a DGSE intelligence operative, highly skilled in the arts of war and deception. Joan also happens to be the spymaster of a covert spy ring known as the Musketeers within French Intelligence.

Joan is currently being watched from the scope of a high-powered sniper rifle as she makes her way across the Parisian streets. The Sniper has a red dot hovering on Joan’s forehead, her grey eyes completely unaware of death’s proximity. She’s dressed in French chic, a white loose shirt tucked into some navy-blue pants, loose flowing. A silver watch glistens on her right wrist, her right hand raising as she brushes away her overgrown pixie cut hair, black.

The Sniper thinks she’s beautiful, what a waste indeed.

Joan enters a lavish hotel, the Sniper shifting their scope as they set their sights on the balcony of the hotel’s royal room. From behind the balcony, glass doors illuminate the room’s interior, classical and grand.

This is where Joan Bonaparte will die.

As a Musketeer, Joan will die gladly for she believes in her creed of one for all. Conversely however, the creed also declares all for one, and the Sniper intends to honor it, Joan being merely one of their targets.

As Joan makes her way to the royal room, another Musketeer shifts through the streets, earning the Sniper’s eye.

Her name is Jeanne Bonaparte, her nom de guerre is the Twisting Tigress, and her codename is Aramis. Jeanne is a wanderer, having used her deathly expertise in the intelligence services of many flags from Verland to the USA. Currently, she is fully dedicated to the cause of the Musketeers, hellbent on destroying their bitter enemy, the Grand Orchestra, the Sniper’s

masters.

Jeanne crosses the street, her eyes hovering from corner to corner, on edge. She’s dressed in ash blue jeans, a white top, and a burgundy leather jacket. Her bare wrists push the hotel doors open as she enters with her head turned back, peering peril. The Sniper stares, locking eyes with Jeane’s olive orbs, but only momentarily as she turns away, her brown curly hair flowing within the scope.

In a few moments, Jeanne will meet her sister in blood and arms, Joan. Once united, the Sniper will then finally have their chance as all the pieces will have fallen into place. It was a very risky move luring the sisters here. With their capabilities, they might sniff out the Sniper’s plot, they’ve certainly lived through multiple ambushes and thus have learned to notice the methods in the madness. The Sniper has no choice though, with highly skilled targets like this, no quarter can be given. The Musketeers are the stuff of legend within the espionage community, getting the drop on them is as rare as a black swan.

It isn’t impossible, but it isn’t easily within reach either, even for the Sniper, one who has a legend of their own.

The Sniper had to bring them all here, in one place, seating ducks floating in a pond of death. Picking them off one by one would backfire as they’d soon learn they were being hunted, and once aware, the tables could so easily shift – a risk the Sniper cannot take. No, they have one option, kill them all, together, at once.

All for one, and one for all.

II

Kingston, Jamaica Joan thought about her death long before the Sniper’s plot.

She’d found herself seated under a beach umbrella which covered her from the Jamaican sun. Sounds of thrashing waves from the sea sung in her ears as she sipped her martini, seemingly unbothered.

Yet within her, a war raged on.

It always came back to the same question… Why? Why was she doing this, why was she risking her life. She’d lost so many comrades, so many friends, and for what.

This became pertinent to her, because right as she set her martini glass on the side table,

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/LAUREN GUY

she also picked up a dossier from command. Within that file was an image of the man who made her, and like the Sniper, she had orders to eliminate him. He had been the original Athos, and he was the man who recruited her. Joan still remembered it like yesterday, back when she had merely just been an agent, unaware of the Musketeers and their secret exploits.

She’d been on the hunt for revenge after having been declared dead, murdered. The brother of her killer was a notorious Assassin King, and his trail had led her to the Dragon’s Eye Casino and Hotel in Macau. After a game of poker gone wrong, Joan had finally grasped her moment as she murdered the Assassin King, fleeing his disciples of death. Joan had also attained the location of his brother, the man who killed her, getting one step closer to her revenge.

Her flee was brutal and bloody, her mission in peril if it were not for a mysterious good Samaritan that drove up to her at the casino entrance just as she fled, opening his door to her. Joan entered and the pair fled the disciples as a car chase ensued. Joan would then

lean out of the car window, exchanging bullets with her enemies as a fiery gun fight occurred amidst a heated car chase.

The pair eventually lost their pursuers, living to fight another day, and back then, Joan had so much fight in her, fueled by the spite of vengeance. Athos wanted her to think about more than just revenge however, having been observing her vengeful quest from a distance. He was impressed with her skill, she was a dead woman walking after all, not many can say they’ve cheated death like that. Yet she had, escaping it, and now becoming death, destroyer of worlds.

He would help Joan achieve her vengeance – and the fact that the man who killed her was also part of the Grand Orchestra certainly helped indeed.

After the debt was paid, and Joan had indulged in her cold vengeful serving, Athos had made her promise to join him, knighting her as D’artagnan, making her a Musketeer.

Now she had inherited his title, and command now tasked her with hunting down her old Master.

Joan didn’t know where to begin,

wondering why Athos would do this, why would he make her have to kill him. In his recruitment pitch, Athos had portrayed the Grand Orchestra as this chorus of terror hellbent on causing chaos throughout the entire world.

Their Maestro’s song demanded the end of everything from governments to economies and society as a whole.

They could not be reasoned with, for they only wanted to watch the world burn by whatever means necessary.

The Musketeers had to stop them, being one of the most effective intelligence counter – terror and special operations group active, deeply shrouded in secrecy and discretion, even within French intelligence itself.

To many they only existed as a myth, and that was the point.

Now one of their most mythical spies had turned, falling to the very enemy he swore to destroy. Joan had been granted the mission – if she so chose to accept it, tasked with hunting down Athos, who had now joined the Grand Orchestra.

Read the rest of the story at thesputnik.ca

THE SPUTNIK · ARTS & CULTURE

THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 2025

13

CINEMA

Are you a good or a bad witch?

A continuation of the lifelong debate – is the book or movie better? Now, is the play better than the film?

SIENNA BILANCIA ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

The originals are always better, or so the critics say. When books are adapted into movies the people who are original fans of the book have very strong opinions on how things should be when the movie is produced. There are good adaptations and bad adaptations. Wicked, written by Gregory Maguire, was a book to begin with but is more well known as a musical that opened on Broadway in 2003. The musical has been produced on stages all over the world in the years since it has opened.

Wicked is the story of what happens to the character from the movie The Wizard of Oz, leading up to the events that happen in Oz when Dorothy arrives. The show’s original cast including the very talented Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, had a cameo in the Wicked movie. Since its Broadway debut, Wicked has had a cult like following.

“I’ve seen the play three times.

The first time would have been 2006 or 2007 then it would have been 2016 and then 2018. Two were in Toronto one was in New

York,” said Sophie Deakin, a local theatre enthusiast.

Wicked the film has been a box office hit. The movie was released on Nov. 22 in Canada and stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo who both received glowing reviews from critics and the audience.

From the cast sets, soundtrack and choreography there were minimal negative comments made.

“I was nervous going into it just because, I wanted it to be right.

Before it even started, I had this weird feeling the first time I went to see it, I said it was gonna be good.

And then by the Wizard and I song, I said, ‘oh my God, this is gonna be perfect”’, said Lucas Sferrazza, a local theatre enthusiast.

Fans of the musical production had their ideal cast when there was first word that there was a movie in the works. While there were numerous fan castings, the movie went in a different direction.

People were skeptical at first for the movie and the casting, but many were pleasantly surprised.

“Even though I have some doubts about Ariana Grande because I’m not the biggest fan of her acting and her singing was phenomenal. I thought that the costume design, the sets, l the acting, everything, was phenomenal and you’re engaged the whole time,” Deakin said.

Many people who had seen the

play before they saw the movie, knew what was going to happen and how the story should play out according to the musical.

Wicked fans had higher expectations for the screen, anticipating their favourite song or scene whereas first time viewers are just excited to see where the story will take them and what will happen next.

“It was better than I expected. I was blown away by the acting and the singing,” Deakin said.

The golden globes took place on Jan. 5 this year. Wicked was nominated for a multitude of awards like; best motion picture, musical or comedy, best performance by a female actor in a motion

picture, musical or comedy, best performance by a female actor in a supporting role in a motion picture, and cinematic box office achievement.

Some of the Sputnik staff have thoughts on who may win Golden Globes in the following categories: • Best actor: Sebastian Stan, Cillian Murphy x2 • Best Actress: Demi Moore, Emma Stone x2 • Supporting Actor: Denis Quaid, Robert Downey Jr., Ryan Gosling • Supporting Actress: Ariana Grande x2, America Ferrera • Best motion picture: The Substance, Oppenheimer or Barbie

he has to take care of his mother with dementia and how he needs a girl to take care of his mother when he can’t.

First of all, that is a lot to talk about on one date.

Dude was straight forward and to the point in the worst way.

So much judgement about your field of study and future career,

about what he expects his wife to do. This man showed all his true colours on the first date.

He started way too strong and mildly entitled.

You deserve someone who is going to treat you as their equal.

They should respect your profession and not judge you based on stereotypes.

•

OLGA STEBLYK/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Best Director: Coralie Fargeat, Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer), Martin Scorsese • Visual effects: Dune 2, Avatar: the way of water, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 • Original song: “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie • Adapted screenplay: Dune 2, Wicked or Barbie • Best Documentary: 20 days in Mariupol • Costume design: Barbie What the sputnik team got correct • Best actress (musical or comedy): Demi Moore • Best actor (musical or comedy): Sebastain Stan

RELATIONSHIP ADVICE

SIENNA BILANCIA ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

The following submissions have been edited for clarity and readability. As a special treat for January, this month’s issue has two submissions I went on a first date once with a guy from Niagara Falls.

He took me to a sports bar and ate two pounds of extra hot chicken wings pretty ferociously, not cleaning his hands or face once.

He watched the hockey game the whole time, barely making conversation.

A few days later he changes his relationship status to taken on Facebook.

I guess he was seeing more than one person!

Well, he definitely took one approach to a first date.

I am not totally sure what his tactic was for this date, but it clear-

ly wasn’t good.

Why ask someone out on a date to not talk to them.

Good luck to whoever he ended up in a relationship with.

Personally, I think that you dodged a bullet in this case.

He was not worth your time or your energy.

You deserve someone who reciprocates the same effort you put into the relationship.

I went out with a boy, and he took me to Denny’s, terrible start.

The second we sat down he started to talk to me about how much he hates his ex and how he wants his next girlfriend to be his wife.

He then asked me what I’m in school for; I said criminology and that I want to be a lawyer.

He said all lawyers are liars and that you can’t trust anyone that is a lawyer.

He then proceeded to say that he wants a wife that will cook and clean for him because he is a hardworking blue-collar man.

Finally, he talked about how

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER/OLGA STEBLYK

Scan the code to submit your story!

14

THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 2025

THE SPUTNIK · ARTS & CULTURE

CULTURE

True celebration or clever marketing?

Common marketing tool, the power of nostalgia in pop culture: How hits of the past shape the present

JAHNAVI JAGDEO LEAD ARTS & CULTURE WRITER

In recent years, the past has become present in pop culture, with nostalgia pushing revived trends.

Classic TV shows and movies are being rebooted, and fashion from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s is making a triumphant return.

This fascination with what once was offers comfort and familiarity in an ever-changing world.

However, it also prompts a deeper question: Is this resurgence of old trends a genuine celebration of culture, or is it simply a marketing tactic that capitalizes on our emotional attachments to yesteryear?

Today’s entertainment landscape is dominated by reboots, remakes, revivals and sequels, with iconic franchises like Star Wars, Ghostbusters and The Lion King revived to rekindle fans’ nostalgia.

Television has followed suit, bringing back beloved shows such as Fuller House, Cobra Kai, iCarly and How I Met your Father (a

OLGA STEBLYK/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

modern reboot of How I Met your Mother) to capture the hearts of audiences longing for the comfort of the past.

While these reimaginings introduce new generations to timeless classics and give loyal fans a chance to revisit old favourites, they also shed light on an industry increasingly reliant on previously established successes.

“In my opinion, they are coming back because of nostalgic reasons,

then it is turned into profit because people love vintage things,” said Ghina Dandach, a first-year criminology student.

Beyond film and television, nostalgia is infiltrating fashion, music, and social media. Clothing stores are reviving 90s trends like baggy jeans, flannel shirts, and scrunchies.

Music streaming platforms showcase renewed interest in retro playlists, with artists like Nirvana

and Whitney Houston surging in popularity. Modern musicians like Dua Lipa and The Weeknd incorporate vintage sounds into contemporary hits. On TikTok, trends and challenges often reference past eras, with viral dances and throwback songs like Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag” gaining millions of new streams.

Celebrities too have embraced nostalgia to connect with fans and solidify their brands. Sabrina Carpenter, channels a Polly Pocket aesthetic, blending bright, playful styles reminiscent of early 2000s pop culture. Similarly, Ariana Grande has recreated iconic looks from Clueless and Mean Girls in her music videos. Harry Styles has leaned into retro fashion, often sporting 70s-inspired flared pants and bold prints, creating a distinct image that both incorporates the past and feels fresh. Even Taylor Swift’s 1989 (Taylor’s Version) capitalizes on her fans’ nostalgia while reclaiming her earlier works.

The commodification of nostalgia is a clever marketing strategy, especially during uncertain times when people are drawn to what feels familiar and comforting.

For businesses, nostalgia-driven

content is a reliable way to generate attention and profits.

This growing trend raises concerns about originality and the future of creative expression. When the entertainment industry relies heavily on recycled ideas, are we stifling innovation? By constantly looking back, are we failing to embrace the future?

“Nostalgic trends are popularized through social media by our generation,” said Bhindya Benoy, a second-year Health Management student. “I can see how companies would use this nostalgia to bring in more consumers and gain profit, but it is definitely something that was started by the people. Since most of us [at Laurier] were born in the 2000s we grew up on the music and fashion trends of that time and we really resonate with that and it’s kind of been brought back to life over the past few years.”

Nostalgia may offer a temporary escape; its commodification undeniably impacts creative industries. Perhaps it’s time to reflect on whether the celebration of nostalgia is more than just a marketing tool and what this means for the future of art, culture and entertainment.

LITERATURE

New year, new reads: This year’s must-have books Fresh stories and bold voices, 2025 brings a wave of books ready to challenge and thrill readers all year-long KATIE BIRD LLBIU PRESIDENT

It is now January which means it is time to look at new books being released this year in 2025!!

Here are three books that will be released this year in order of soonest to the latest release date!

The first book is The Crash by Freida McFadden which will be released on Jan. 28!

This thriller follows Tegan who is eight months pregnant and is realizing everything in her life is falling apart.

She decides to make the choice to jump in her car heading to stay with her brother and leave everything else behind her.

What she didn’t realize she was headed straight into a snowstorm.

Now stranded, pregnant, and injured, in the middle of rural Maine she is desperate. Things start to look up when Tegan is rescued by a couple who offer her a room in their warm cabin until the snow clears.

Just when she thought things

were starting to her way, she realizes that she might be in bigger danger than before.

Something is not right with the couple that took her in and now she must find a way to save herself and her unborn baby.

The next book is Wild Side, the third in the Rose Hill series by Elsie Silver and is to be released on March 4.

The book follows Tabby, a strong-headed woman struggling to get guardianship of her nephew.

She finds herself willing to do anything even if that means marrying her enemy, Rhys Dupris.

Rhys has betrayed her, is secretive, broody and he comes home from work covered in bruises.

When asked about it he is silent, he barely talks to her at all. When they end up being forced to move in together this only adds to the burning tension between them.

Tabby thought she would never forgive him but the more she sees the real Rhys the more she realizes he is patient and protective.

Most of all he is the one who shows up for her and her nephew when they need him most.

The last book is a prequel in the Hunger Games series called Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins which is to be released March 18.

This book is the story of the fiftieth annual Hunger Games. Fear is rising in the districts of Panem as the day of the reaping grows near.

This year is not like any other hunger games, it is the Quarter Quell and in honour of this, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.

Over in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy just wants to get the day done and over with. But when his name gets called, he knows everything is over for him.

Haymitch is taken from his home and family and shuttled to the Capitol with three others from District 12.

A young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/KATIE BIRD

in town.

Haymitch knows the game is set up to watch him crumble but he feels the fight deep inside him.

Make sure to add these new releases to your cart and check out other books that are getting released this year!

THE SPUTNIK · ARTS & CULTURE

THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 2025

15

VISUAL ARTS

Where is the line between inspiration and immitation?

When, if ever, is copying art a respectful tribute?

JAHNAVI JAGDEO LEAD ARTS & CULTURE WRITER

In the world of art, the line between imitation and forgery is a thin one, often blurred by discussions over intent, originality and value.

While copying a piece of art can be seen as a form of admiration, it also raises ethical questions about authenticity and intellectual property. So, is it ever okay to fake a piece of art? Or does replication always equate to theft?

Throughout history, artists have studied and replicated the works of great masters as part of their training. Michelangelo for example honed his craft by sketching statues and paintings from classical antiquity. In this context, imitation isn’t about deception, but about learning and preserving artistic traditions.

Today, art students continue this practice, creating faithful reproductions of renowned works to understand technique and style.

Some argue that reproductions can serve as tributes to the original artist.

A carefully crafted replica can celebrate the genius of an iconic piece, making it accessible to a

wider audience. Museums, for instance, often display replicas to protect fragile originals while still offering the public a glimpse of artistic brilliance.

“I think it’s amazing that art inspires more art, and even with replicas, as long as the original artist is credited, I don’t think it’s a bad thing. Intentionally stealing/copying art without crediting the original artist can definitely be harmful though,” said Ania Donachy-Taylor, a second-year social work student.

In the digital age, it’s not just about creating; it’s about ensuring what you create is truly yours -Anna Paulina, Psychology Major

In certain cases, replicas have even sparked creativity among contemporary artists. By engaging with the techniques and ideas of past artists, individuals may reinterpret classic works giving them new life and relevance.

Andy Warhol’s reimagining of

famous imagery in his pop art highlights how replication, when openly acknowledged, can transform art into a commentary on culture itself.

Not all copying is innocent.

When an artwork is passed off as an original, it is forgery—a fraudulent act that undermines the art world’s integrity.

Forgeries exploit collectors’ trust, distort the value of genuine works and overshadow the creativity of original artists. Beyond financial harm, forgeries erode confidence in the market and lead to skepticism about authentic pieces and devalue emerging artists’ work.

Famous cases like Han van Meegeren’s Johannes Vermeer forgeries emerge during conversations around ethical dilemmas of forgery.

Initially celebrated as masterpieces, his works earned him immense wealth—estimated at the equivalent of $30 million USD today.

Van Meegeren’s forgeries, including Christ with the Woman Taken in Adultery, were sold to prominent figures such as Hermann Göring, one of Adolf Hitler’s top officials. Göring was reportedly proud to have acquired “an authentic” Vermeer piece. However, van Meegeren’s deception was discovered after World War II, when he confessed to avoid charges of

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER/ OLGA STEBLYK

collaboration with the Nazis. His exposure shocked the art world, revealing flaws in authentication processes and leaving a lasting impact on the market.

The financial implications are staggering, with Erin Thompson and Richard Polsky estimating up to 50 per cent of art in circulation could be fake.

Forgeries divert funds from genuine artists and burden institutions with costly legal battles and reputational harm. This debate often hinges on transparency.

Copying art with clear acknowledgment enriches cultural appreciation and inspires new creations.

Technology makes forgery easier, so the art community must balance tradition with protecting creative integrity.

Blockchain offers a promising solution by verifying artworks’ provenance. Whether copying is an act of respect or theft depends on intent and honesty.

By fostering transparency and innovation, the art world can celebrate its rich history while safeguarding originality. As Anna Paulina Currie-Reyes a Psychology major says, “In the digital age, it’s not just about creating; it’s about ensuring what you create is truly yours and recognized as such.”

16

THE SPUTNIK · ARTS & CULTURE

THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 2025

ALEXA FORD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CAMPUS

Is getting a job in 2025 impossible?

No it is not, Laurier Brantford’s career centre has a plethora of resources for students, alumni and faculty to use

ALEXA FORD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

As a new semester begins for Laurier students, some entering their last semester of their university careers, the looming thoughts of getting into the job market and the desired industry start to creep in.

A scary thought for sure, especially considering that as of November of 2024, the unemployment rate in Canada was 6.8 per cent – the highest it has been since Jan 2017 excluding 2020-2021.

Many students may be feeling doomed heading out into the world and expected to find a job in this market.

What can they do?

Laurier Brantford’s career centre offers a glimmer of hope in uncertain employment times such as these, “Don’t struggle, book appointments,” says Angel Evans further education and employment consultant on the Brantford campus.

Booking an appointment with the career centre to develop a plan, fine tune a resume or get some professional advice is always a great option, says Evans.

The career centre is located at One Market 206-40 and is open from Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Students can pre-book appointments with a consultant or same day appointments are available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.

To book an appointment with the centre students, faculty and alumni can use the navigator on their website.

Workshops for resume building run online in Brantford weekly.

In this workshop attendees learn how to sharpen their resumes and how to tailor their resumes to the job description they are applying for.

Tailoring resumes, says Evans, is a crucial step all job seekers should take the time to do in order to stand out from the hordes of resumes that employers receive daily.

“Have a look at job description, pick out what skills they’re looking for and then make sure that you’re speaking to that. You might not have direct experience in an area, but likely you have a lot of transferable skills,” said Evans.

Evans encourages students to look at the Laurier competency framework for a list of transferrable skills that Laurier students develop while completing their courses, “you’ve likely developed these skills over the course of your studies and demonstrated them in your academics or volunteer work or anything you were involved in and it is a great asset to be able to articulate that on your resume,” said Evans.

The competencies can be found

on Laurier’s website.

In addition, the career centre focuses on teaching students, alumni and faculty the difference between passive and active job searching.

Passive job searching is applying to jobs on job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn and submitting a resume virtually. It is passive because there is no interaction between the employee and employer, all the work is done virtually.

Active job searching, which Evans says is the better approach, is the art of networking.

Networking is the practice of connecting with others for mutual benefit, either at a networking event, in class or at get involved fairs.

Evans encourages, “everybody, from first year onwards to start networking, and making those connections, nurturing those connections as well and using tools and resources that are available to you.”

Networking opportunities are not hard to find.

The next event available to students is the Partnerships for Employment (P4E) job fair taking place on Jan. 29 at Bingemans conference centre in Kitchener from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Students are encouraged to drop in at any time based on their class schedule.

Laurier students and alumni are welcome to attend the event for free as long as they have a valid student/alumni ID. A shuttle will be provided and

ALEXA FORD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

will leave from the Carnegie building at 9:10 a.m., and will leave the event at 1 p.m.

To arrange the complimentary bus shuttle for Brantford, email careerbrantford@wlu.ca.

The event will feature over 60 potential employers looking for a range of opportunities, either coop positions or full time employment after graduation.

Another networking opportunity that is available for Laurier students is access to an account on Ten Thousand Coffees (10KC).

10KC is a virtual networking platform for people to find mentors

or become mentors for people in the industry.

Laurier Students have access to this platform through the career centre.

If students are looking for a mentor to help them learn more about the field they are interested in, Evans highly recommends that students take advantage of this tool.

Other tips that Evans suggests for students beginning to look at the job market are to keep LinkedIn profiles up to date and to use as many of the resources available while they are available.

THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 2025

17

THE SPUTNIK · OPINION

CRIME

Luigi Mangione: What we know Is he a murderer or a man who has sparked a critical conversation about the flaws in America’s insurance system?

NIYATI PANCHOLI LEAD OPINION WRITER

At 7 a.m. on Dec. 4, Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old, assassinated Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Thompson was shot in the back and right calf outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel where he had attended an annual business meeting. Mangione, who fled on foot and then by an electric bike was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after being recognized at nearby McDonald’s.

This came after a $10,000 reward that was imposed on his name.

After the police investigation, it was found that Mangione had a 3D-printed gun, a manifesto and a notebook detailing his plans for the attack. Currently, Mangione’s charges account for second-degree murder, weapon possession and forgery in New York along with additional charges in Pennsylvania.

Further, the manifesto also showed anger toward corporate America, especially the insurance industry, and called Thompson a “parasite.”

Authorities think Mangione may have acted alone, but they haven’t found a clear reason for the attack yet. Currently, Mangione’s lawyer is questioning the evidence, in-

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/ BENJAMIN B. BRAUN PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE/AP (NPR)

LUIGI MANGIONE IN A COURTROOM.

cluding the ballistics and fingerprint matches.

As this case came to light, it became viral on social media, especially TikTok. Edits showcasing his life, the crime and public reactions have garnered widespread attention. Some of these edits — especially “thirst” edits — have been picked up by major outlets such as Fox News, sparking debates about the case’s deeper repercussions.

So, what is the Mangione case truly about? Some see him as a symbol of resistance against the flawed U.S. healthcare system while others view his actions as criminal. To better understand, it’s important to examine the broader narrative: America’s healthcare industry, particularly UnitedHealth-

care and its relation to frustrated and financially burdened Americans.

UnitedHealthcare, the largest health insurer in America, brings in over $300 billion annually and employs around 400,000 people. UnitedHealthcare has faced countless criticism for a major scandal involving an AI system called NH Predict. Allegedly, this system was designed to process individual healthcare claims faster and cost-efficiently, however, it had a 90 per cent error rate, often wrongfully denying claims.

Despite these issues, ever since NH Predict launched in 2019, it boosted United Healthcare’s stock price, benefiting the 2021 CEO, Brian Thompson. What’s more, is that

Thompson received millions in pay and even sold $15 million worth of stock at the beginning of 2024.

Mangione’s actions might have been motivated by a deep frustration with a system he saw as one-sided and for the most part, UnitedHealthcare was unfair to their customers. Americans, or those in countries without “free” healthcare, rely on these companies for help, only to be let down.

I agree that no one should ever resort to violence to make a point, but at the same time, I can’t help but see this as a wake-up call for America and those involved in corporate greed. Insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare, profit off people’s suffering without any incentive to change is a major problem.

Mangione came from a wealthy family that owns many businesses, including some in the healthcare industry. He was a valedictorian, went to an Ivy League university, was incredibly intelligent and by all accounts had a bright future ahead of him. He wasn’t some “nobody” who decided to act out of insanity.

Further, the media can’t frame him as they do with similar cases, claim he is a: Poor person, lost his mind, trauma growing up, killed someone and nothing to lose.

My stance on this case is complicated. I don’t support taking one’s life, as there are other ways to address injustice. However, this world

is so disordered that people won’t see the problem unless someone speaks out against it — usually through the law — or something drastic happens in broad daylight.

Part of me supports Mangione against the injustice that has left Americans with rage, but another part doesn’t necessarily support murder as an answer. But then again, validating murder varies from case to case.

Moreover, I seem to have come across a debate on social media regarding the fact that Thompson had kids and a wife. However, so do the countless Americans who chose UnitedHealthcare as their insurer. What about them?

What about the families that paid hundreds of dollars to save their loved ones and then looked to their insurance company for help and were rejected because of a failed AI system? What about those who are now suffering with more financial burdens? Thompson’s family is not the only one suffering — if anything, more Americans are grieving under UnitedHealthcare and their AI system. If corporations weren’t fueled by greed, the outcome might have been different.

The anger Mangione expressed toward Thompson wasn’t just personal — it reflects the anger of many Americans who feel neglected and betrayed by the system — that they pay for — that’s meant to protect them.

REFLECTING

Life’s lacking colour: Cynical or biological?

As we get older, do we lose the joy because of society or does biology start to take its toll on us?

ANNA PIECZULA OPINION EDITOR

Have you ever noticed that as you get older things start to lose their allure. Colours are not as vibrant; holidays are not as exciting, and days seem to drag on but simultaneously fly by. It seems that only yesterday snow falling was an exciting ordeal that we could use for our enjoyment, but now it is another task to do or a hinderance of everyday life, making us not want to go outside, drive or do errands.

However, it is not just life that becomes dull because of our societal outlook and the current state of the world, but because of our very own

biology. The mix of these things creates for a lack luster existence.

As we age and start to understand that the world is in some ways falling apart, with the collapse of governments, the current economy, and the lack of drive this provides, not only are our views transformed but our vision changes as well. Biologically as we grow older the lenses of your eyes become thicker and less flexible, there are less photoreceptors and list continue on and on. We literally begin to have a duller experience of life. With this realization it is important to not hold a heavy head or heart. If you are like me and existential dread falls upon you with everything going on, I urge you to look for those that make life colourful.

During the great depression people found ways to continue to

connect and when there was nothing to turn to, people turned to each other. Parties, gatherings, and any fun activities were not based in what one had or could acquire. In fact, there was a lack of everything.

Find some good music and gather your friends, put down your devices and start conversations, and you will yourself become full of love.

When we cannot see colour in the world around us, the laughter of those we love can be a light that illuminates the way of change in viewpoint. To share with people is the most important thing one can do. I promise once you find those that will be a comfort and safe space life become exciting again.

Slowly but surely things start to get exciting. The jokes you make and reminders of people you love are all around you in the simplest

ALEXA FORD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

forms. Life is exciting when you regain childlike wonder and let yourself be excited over the little things. It is in the little things that you will find yourself smiling.

Whenever the seemingly crushing weight of existence is on you, just look around for you don’t

know what your calming factor will be. For example, whenever I see plants of any kind I think of my mom, and how she loves them and to care for them. Don’t just observe the world in the grand scheme, look at those closest to you and they will be your saving grace.

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THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 2025

THE SPUTNIK · OPINION

SOCIETY

Not like how it was back in my day Things just aren’t built the way they used to be. Why is it things don’t last as long as they once did ?

ANNA PIECZULA OPINION EDITOR

The title of this article is a phrase that has been said and heard so many times, often used by the older generations but they were onto something. Why is it that old box TVs could have things thrown at them and continue to work for decades? Why is it that the vacuum my parents have was over 40 years old before it had to be replaced?

It seems that nothing is built to last anymore and perhaps that is because we are a generation of consumers.

Often, we buy things so that they are new, whether it is phones, laptopsor shoes. It is rare that things are completely worn out before they are replaced. Even when taking walks around cities, old architecture is still standing in relatively

amazing shape today. If it weren’t for weather erosion, a lot of them would be in proper condition. Why is it that now houses are updated and renovated nearly every time they are bought and sold. Is this necessary?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. But not because we all need the newest and best things, but because materials used nowadays are not built to last, and we are sold the idea that newer things are better, and we need to update them consistently.

Materials used to build homes are no longer used — older homes tend to have their inner walls built with brick, whereas today most home are made with wood.

Beyond this, companies that make houses do not want them to last. In fact, nothing is really made to last.

Our clothing is not made of high-quality materials and fast fashion consistently changes trends. Our washers, dryers, cars and phones all need to constantly

be replaced. We are always buying new things, and that is exactly what companies want to happen.

In the vast capitalist market, the main drive for businesses is not customer satisfaction but rather money. For sellers the number of zeros before a decimal increase when people purchase things.

A company like Apple for example releasing a new phone every year or so promotes people to constantly upgrade their products and conveniently, these super computers which we hold in our hands start to run slower, or their batteries die faster because they want us to buy new ones.

Things just aren’t built like they used to be. And the objective of buyers and sellers is not like it used to be, everyone allows for the decrease in quality of goods and services. But I suppose with such a lack of human connection and the lack of third spaces nowadays, buying things is a coping mechanism and dependency which all of us have.

ALEXA FORD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

POP CULTURE

Spotify Wrapped sucked this year Say bye-bye to human creativity as Spotify uses artificial intelligence to create treasured Wrapped playlists

NIYATI PANCHOLI LEAD OPINION WRITER

For those who use Spotify, the end of November or early December marks an important date for all music lovers. During this time, millions of users wait to see their top songs, favourite artists, most played genre and the total minutes spent listening to music. For many — including myself — it’s a digital capsule. A way to reflect on the music that defined my year, but this time, something felt off. To put it bluntly, Spotify Wrapped 2024 missed the mark and it felt like a slap to the face. It didn’t live up to many people’s expectations compared to Spotify’s previous years.

Being a user since 2017, I was always excited to see my Wrapped as Spotify makes cold data feel personal. By that I mean, it turns numbers into a story about who we are, what we love, our music taste, our auras and so much more.

Somehow, it can show us how we have grown throughout the year

ALEXA FORD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

and which artists have resonated with us more. But this year, Spotify seemed to lose sight of what makes the experience so special. Instead of delivering something insightful or memorable, the platform served up AI-generated content, inaccuracies, a product that felt rushed and a lack of human creativity.

One report stated that Spotify laid off 1,500 employees earlier this year. Many on social media have speculated that the company made the move to cut costs, avoid paying workers and lean more heavily on AI to produce the 2024 Wrapped.

Hence why people argued that 2024 Wrapped felt like crap and was incorrect.

I have always loved Spotify’s marketing and app features, especially during the wrapped season.

They have always tried to balance creativity with functionality. Sure,

past additions leaned more into silliness, but they felt engaging and relatively meaningful. There was no “top genre” and nothing to make this 2024 version special.

There was a lack of goofiness, artist specials, no categorization of one’s personality and so on. It felt like Spotify didn’t care about their users and gave them content that felt like a year’s summary instead of something more personal and reflective.

On top of that, the algorithm seemed off. Within hours of Wrapped’s release, people flooded social media to call out listening stats that didn’t add up. Many argued that a song played once in February ended up as their moststreamed track of the year. How does that make sense? Not only that but, how did a random artist you barely remember outranked

your top favourites? Similarly, I have had the same problem. Some of my top artists and songs made no sense. I spent more time listening to Travis Scott, but I ended up with an artist that I barely played.

Some of these results were so out of touch that they hovered on buffoonery.

The experience also felt hollow. Spotify spent weeks hyping wrapped with teaser campaigns, countdowns and graphics. By the time it dropped, expectations were sky-high and when users opened the app, the excitement was soon met with disappointment. Beyond the “visuals” and shareable slides, there wasn’t anything more.

At its core, Spotify wrapped has always been about connection. Music is personal — it tells us things about ourselves that we don’t know, and it’s tied to moments, emotions and memories. The songs we listened to on repeat after a breakup, the playlist that got us through hard times or the album that defined our year.

Wrapped is supposed to reflect those experiences, but now it feels more like a generic ad rather than the deeper meaning that music plays in our lives.

It also doesn’t help that the competition is catching up. Apple Music, once dismissed as a weak imitation of Spotify, now offers regular listening updates throughout the year. Platforms like Amazon or YouTube Music are also stepping up with recaps that are clean, accurate and engaging.

The issue with Spotify Wrapped 2024 shows that AI isn’t always the answer. AI can be helpful, but when it comes to something creative like a yearly recap, it can do more harm than good. Spotify is a creative company, and instead of relying on an AI model to produce low-quality content, they need real creative people who understand people’s needs and their emotions.

Nonetheless, Spotify Wrapped is still a fun tradition. Most of us will keep sharing our results, even if they don’t make sense, because it’s part of the end-of-year routine.

However, I strongly feel that if Spotify wants to keep wrapped relevant, it needs to go back to the basics; accuracy, depth and features that feel personal.

Until then, Spotify will take for granted its top place and will risk losing what made wrapped so special.

THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 2025

THE SPUTNIK · OPINION

19

ECONOMY

Is buying a home in 2025 a fantasy?

After years of the housing market being insane, is it ever going to be possible for our generation to own a home?

ALEXA FORD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

In the past five years, the housing market in Ontario has been a rollercoaster. With interest rates jumping and falling, buying or selling a house since 2021 has been a challenging endeavor and leaves many first-time buyers wondering, ‘will we ever be able to afford anything in this market?’

Who knows?

“The pain has been felt,” said Jason Lesky, sales representative at Pay It Forward realty in Brantford.

Prime rates are the rates financial institutions use to determine the interest rate on loans, mortgages and credit cards. Prime rates have jumped incredibly since 2021.

In January of 2021 the prime rate was 2.65 per cent, a very low rate which made buying and selling quite lucrative, before jumping all the way up to 7.79 per cent in October 2023. This huge increase in a relatively small amount of time destroyed the market and people’s spirits.

“I’m seeing a lot more people in situations where they have to sell because they just can’t afford it [their house]. They bought, they didn’t lock in [on a rate] and all of a sudden, their payments are doubled, and they can’t afford

their lifestyle and dip into their life savings,” said Lesky.

Since the increase in rates, the Bank of Canada (BOC) maintained a steady rate from mid-2023 to June 2024. In December, the rate was sitting at 3.25 per cent.

Now as 2025 begins, Lesky is heading into this year’s market with cautious optimism, “the current state, I think it’s unknown.

I think there’s a feeling of the calm before the storm,” he says.

Experts in the field are also projecting a rate decrease, according to an article written by Vikram Barhat for Morningstar titled, How Much Will the Bank of Canada cut rates in 2025? A strategist from Desjardin Insurance named Tiago Figueiredo predicts by the end of 2025 the central bank will lower the policy rate to 2.25 per cent.

It is fair to say that hope in the housing market has been bleak the past few years and young adults have all but written off the prospect of buying a house in their lifetimes.

Alla Sharma, sales representative at REMAX Twin City Realty in Brantford, understands the frustration of being a first time buyer in Ontario, as she was once one herself.

When she and her husband came to Canada they had to work hard to get into the housing market themselves, “it’s very hard, sometimes there are major challenges along the way, but I guess it is about taking it one step at a time and doing whatever needs to be

ALEXA FORD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

done. Taking it day by day or week by week, there will be setbacks but you just keep trying and perservere and think about the bigger picture.”

Lesky has advice for first time home buyers to keep in mind as they consider getting into the market and rates look more optimistic.

Find a trusted local realtor who really knows the area well and will be involved in the whole process along the way, Lesky stresses the importance of asking questions to the realtor often and making sure that everything is clear before moving forward in a sale.

Having a clear plan is an asset.

Being realistic with the budget, expectations and goals for the home will make the process easier.

Checking in on that plan often in the procedure is important as well

says Lesky because without sticking to the plan people can stray away from their original thought.

Saving as much money as possible to put the most down on a down payment is a recommendation, depending on the type of home being purchased. If it is a first-time buyer, putting up to 20 per cent is recommended to avoid interest fees on the loan for the mortgage. However, if buying a duplex or rental property putting less down for a downpayment makes more sense because renter income can supplement the mortgage, and some lenders will give more money to a rental property. Lesky says it really is a case-by-case basis, but the best practice is to save as much as possible leading up to purchase.

Also there are many programs

set in place for first time home buyers to ease them into the process and encourage young people to get into the market. Such as first time home buyer’s savings accounts available at most banks for people to start setting aside money for down payments tax free. As well as a resurgence of the 30 year mortgage length option, lowering payments and helping affordability.

So, even though many young adults may have shelved their dreams of owning a home in this economy, there may be light at the end of tunnel if the rates stay consistent, and they start saving right away. As Lesky puts it, everything is timing in real estate, so start to prepare and lock in when that time comes.

LITERATURE

Alicia and Rachel’s 2025 must reads With so many books being released this year, we believe these two deserve a spot on your bookshelf ALICIA WOUTERS OPINION WRITER RACHEL COON OPINION WRITER

As the calendar turns and we step into 2025, we are met with a new year full of surprises and no shortage of excitement. The dawn of a new year also means more opportunities to read new and enticing books. The new year brings the promise of thrilling new releases from our favourite authors. Two new books that we are most excited to read this year are Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros and Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. We highly suggest getting these new releases hot off the press and starting off the new year right!

The first book, Onyx Storm by

ALEXA FORD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Rebecca Yarros, is being released on Jan. 21. Onyx Storm is the third book in the TikTok famous series Fourth Wing. This series is a thrilling and emotional fantasy trilogy that combines adventure, romance and complex world-building. This series follows the main character, Violet Sorrengail, who is forced to join the academy of military

dragon riders. Although Violet feels out of place amongst these brute riders, she is able to form deep relationships and feelings of comradery with her fellow students. Throughout this series, Violet wrestles with her fears and personal identity, all while navigating an unforgiving and dangerous world where loyalty, love and trust

are constantly tested. This is a fivestar series with endless twists and turns. I highly suggest pre-ordering Rebecca Yarros’ new release, Onyx Storm!

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins is going to be the fifth book in the Hunger Games series. It is planned to be released on March 18 and I am so excited to continue to read more about this universe. The novel takes place 24 years before the first book and follows the story of Haymitch Abernathy’s experience in the 50th annual Hunger Games. This series has done a tremendous job in capturing how the main characters feel during these suspenseful moments, starting with Katniss Everdeen, followed by President Snow, and now Haymitch, also known as

Katniss’s mentor. This perspective is one I needed without knowing I did and I can not wait to dive right back in. If you enjoyed the books and movies growing up as much as I did I am sure you are just as excited as me to read this in the new year.

Now that it is a new year you get to make a new goal of how many books you want to read, we just hope these two will make your list! Both Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros and Sunrise on the Reaping

by Suzanne Collins offer a moment to step out of reality and enter the worlds of the unknown. This year brings many new releases and adventures so why not add these two to the list? Happy reading and here’s to a year of unforgettable stories!

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THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 2025

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

SERENA ANAGBE/PHOTO EDITOR

Laurier Men’s basketball team player mid-shot.