The Cascade, Volume 34, Issue 01

JANUARY 07, 2026

VOL. 34 // ISSUE 01

Microwaving cans of coke zero since 1993

11

LIVING WITH ENDOMETRIOSIS

5

NEWS

RECAPPING CANADA-U.S. POLITICS

16

CULTURE

TRANS DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

22

ARTS

SAYING GOODBYE TO STRANGER THINGS

VOL. 34 // ISSUE 01

NEWS Editor-in-Chief

Managing Editor

Business Manager

Creative Director

Darien Johnsen darien@ufvcascade.ca

Aneesha Narang aneesha@ufvcascade.ca

Production Manager Sherryl Agingu sherryl@ufvcascade.ca

Features Editor

Caitlyn Carr caitlyn@ufvcascade.ca

Cassie Williams cassie@ufvcascade.ca

Gabriela Gonzalez gabriela@ufvcascade.ca

Production Assistant Anna McCausland anna@ufvcascade.ca

News Editor

Rachel Tait rachel@ufvcascade.ca

3.............News Briefs 3 ������������The impact of flooding in the Fraser Valley 4 ������������IKEA plan & order opens in Abbotsford 4-5..........Abbotsford’s getting knotty 5.............Revisiting the politics of 2025 6.............Meet Dr. Tetsuro Shigematsu

Sports Editor

Jr. News

OPINION

Arts Editor

Copy Editor

6,7,8,9 ����Snapshots 8 ������������Care for your battery 7 ������������The Environmentalist: AI and the environment 8-9 ���������On being frightened 9 ������������Your intuition is there to protect you 10 ����������The 2010s deserves a spotlight

Jeffrey Kennett jeffrey@ufvcascade.ca Sky Terrones sky@ufvcascade.ca

Digital Media Assistant

Reza Keshavarz

Snapshot Illustrator

Iryna Presley

Staff Writer

Prati Kapoor

Staff Writer

Jasleen Sandhu

Staff Writer

Liam Pyper

Distributor

Kirat Dhami

Shuffler

Aaron Levy

Natalia Toscano Murua natalia@ufvcascade.ca Zackery Fitzpatrick fitz@ufvcascade.ca

Opinion Editor

Natalia Toscano Murua natalia@ufvcascade.ca

Digital Media Assistant Manak Bakshi

Illustrator

Natasha Zilcosky

Illustrator

Hannah Bricknell

Staff Writer Veronica Powell

Varsity Writer Ethan Paulson

Columnist

Faby Cruz Alderete

FEATURE 11-13 ������Endo: managing chronic pain

Feature & Cover Illustrator Chelsea Isbister

CONTRIBUTORS Brandon Gill Kara Dunbar

SPORTS 14 �����������Slapshots 14 �����������UFV’s scoring by the numbers 15 �����������De Souza goes where no Cascade has gone before 15 �����������Off to Quinnesota: another captain out the door

WWW.UFVCASCADE.CA INSTAGRAM.COM THECASCADEUFV TIKTOK CASCADE_FY Volume 34 · Issue 01 Room S2111-33844 King Road Abbotsford, BC,V2S 7M8 604.854.4529

The Cascade is UFV’s autonomous student newspaper and alternative press for the Fraser Valley. It originated under its current name in 1993, and achieved autonomy from the university and the Student Union Society in 2002. The Cascade is funded with UFV student funds, is a forum for UFV students to have their journalism published in an entirely student-run setting and is overseen by The Cascade Journalism Society Board, a body run by a student majority.The Cascade is published every other Wednesday with a print circulation of 800 and is distributed at Abbotsford, Chilliwack (CEP), Clearbrook, and Mission UFV campuses and throughout the surrounding communities. In order to be published in the newspaper, all work must first be approved by The Cascade’s editor-in-chief and the corresponding section editor. The Cascade reserves the right to edit submissions for clarity and length and will not print any articles or be a platform for any contributor or contractor who has shared racist, sexist, homophobic, or libellous content online in any form. Letters to the editor, while held to the same standard, are unedited, and should be under 200 words. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect that of UFV, The Cascade’s staff and collective, or associated members. The Cascade is published on the traditional, unceded territory of the Stó:lō peoples. We are grateful to be able to work and learn on this beautiful land.

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CULTURE 16 �����������Transgender Day of Remembrance 17 �����������Campus Fashion: 2025’s best fashion 16-17 �����Abbotsford’s really not all that bad

ARTS 18 �����������Before starting that fight online… 20 ����������Cascade Rewind: still admiring Pride & Prejudice 21 �����������Reviewing Wicked: For Good 22 ����������Goodbye Hawkins 23 ����������Hades II’s path to Game of the Year recognition 23 ����������CIVL Shuffle & Charts

Editorial //

The oil snake vs. the cheeto On Jan. 3, Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by United States military forces in Caracas. President Trump declared that the U.S. would now be “running” Venezuela (whatever that means), and while narratives of democratic freedom for Venezuela are opportune veneers, we know what this has always been about: oil. Numerous articles from The Globe and Mail have speculated that this seizure could mean the American oil market would become more competitive, making the American economy less reliant on Canadian oil imports. The Globe even referred to it as a “national emergency” in their editorial this past Sunday — how convenient. The imposition of tariffs has already fuelled a narrative in Canada that promotes the expansion of our energy infrastructure. To be fair, the argument for pipelines is a damn strong one, given they reduce our dependence on the bilateral natural gas production agreement we have with the States. Oil is a strong bargaining tool, fair enough, but it also means that our climate change initiatives will be left drowning in a sea of goopy black sludge. Thanks for kowtowing to the shit climate agenda laid out in the federal budget, Elizabeth May, and thanks for backtracking and claiming it was a “mistake” (too little, too late, Lizzie). What good does some arbitrary agreement to follow some random piece of paper like the Paris Accord even do for our country if we’re willing to trudge up another pathway for a liquefied natural oil snake slithering across our lush provinces? (Now’s a bad time to be neighbouring Alberta). Late last year, Carney signed an MOU with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, laying the groundwork for pipeline construction, an agreement that led to the resignation of Steven Guilbeault, the Minister for Environment and Climate Change. And although she hasn’t said so, I’m left wondering if the resignation of Rebecca Shulz, Alberta’s Environment Minister, has anything to do with the fact that having an environment minister at all is a damn waste of time? I’d be wanting new career opportunities, too, Rebeca. On our own wild, wet coast, B.C.’s (so-called NDP) Premier David Eby has welcomed American oil money (wait, wasn’t this whole thing about sovereignty?) onto our coast with the Ksi Lisims offshore LNG project (but it’s fine because, like, one First Nations group said it was cool). This narrative of national sovereignty is far too convenient for energy conglomerates. After countless decades of fighting for climate change action, this is where we’ve landed? Is there really no better alternative? I’ve been reflecting on the 2019 Wet’suwet’en pipeline activism that took all of Canada by storm, sparking national blockades of rail and transit routes. What an inspiring time to be alive. What happened to that spark? Have we all really caved to fear and apathy? Are we willing to allow imperialism to dictate our country’s future? What a dystopic illusion of choice — do we cave to the oil snakes or the orange cheeto next door?

Darien Johnsen

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2026

VOL. 34 // ISSUE 01

news@ufvcascade.ca News Editor — Rachel Tait

NEWS

N E W S

B R I E F S

LOCAL //

PROVINCIAL //

Social Innovation Certificate to debut Fall 2026

Grouse Mountain turns one hundred

The Social Innovation Certificate program will be implemented at UFV in the Fall 2026 semester. This two year program was created to help students grow as leaders and hone in on their collaborative and communicative skills. They will also receive applicable field experience, networking, and have “a social innovation portfolio” by the end of the program. Put together by the Changemaking team — Dr. Linda Pardy, Dr. Anna Griffith, and Dr. Martha Dow — this program intends to prepare students to navigate tough problems in innovative, inclusive, and creative ways. Students have the option to study this certificate separately or combine it with their degree. In the UFV Today blog, Dr. Griffith commented on the uniqueness of the certificate program. “You’re learning the theory and practices, but then you’re actually working on and then leading real social innovation projects. It bridges students into a workplace that they might want to be part of as they develop their career.” The program will be located at the Abbotsford campus and everyone is welcome to enroll. The certificate requires students to take four Social Innovation courses and five accepted electives that can also count towards other UFV programs for credit.

Grouse Mountain will be celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2026 and they honoured this milestone by hosting a New Years Eve party on Dec. 31, 2025. The event was open to the public and activities went from 4:00 p.m. to midnight. When reserving their spots, people were offered a special edition evening ticket price of $39 that gave them access to the mountain after 8:00 p.m., but most activities were included with a regular admission ticket. They had a full itinerary of two fireworks displays, a family show, a Pyro Musical show, a light walk, ice skating, complimentary snowshoe tours around the Blue Grouse Lake trail, a First Nations crafting station, and a fire pit with complimentary hot chocolate. Live music carried the night forward as some visitors enjoyed a seven course dinner at The Observatory restaurant with the option of watching the fireworks, complete with wine pairings. Those who dined there also received complimentary Gondola/Skyride tickets. There was also a family buffet option available that was suitable for all ages. For the New Years Eve celebration itself, complimentary champagne was provided as people counted down and welcomed 2026.

VERONICA POWELL

KARA DUNBAR

NATIONAL //

INTERNATIONAL //

Canada’s increasing need for food banks

Large-scale air attack on Kyiv in wake of peace talks

Food banks are pillars of support for Canadian communities, providing much needed support for food insecure Canadians. CTV News reported that in every 10 people living in Toronto, one person is utilizing their service. Daily Bread Food Bank CEO, Neil Hetherington emphasized that there is no need for Canadians to be in this position, but expressed that due to economic shifts, more Canadians rely on food bank services. “In a country as wonderful as ours is, that just shouldn’t be the case.” This concern continues to grow as there has been talk of food prices rising by four to six per cent in the new year. Hetherington spoke about the importance of food banks, but lasting solutions need to be implemented by the government to ensure that citizens achieve food security. “The long term solution is decent affordable housing, income supports that allow people to thrive in community and a work environment for Ontarians so that they can live.” The average Canadian can help by donating non-perishables and money to local food banks and Hetherington urged those able to donate, to do so all year-round.

On Dec. 27, 2025 a Russian attack on Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine, occurred using over 500 drones and at least 40 missiles. This attack killed two people and injured over 30. They mainly targeted energy infrastructure that cut off heat for at least a third of the population, during a time where temperatures are normally at zero degrees Celsius. This strike occurred the day before another set of peace talks were scheduled between the U.S. President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida. On the same day of the attacks, Canada promised Ukraine an extra 2.5 billion dollars in economic aid, in tandem with European affirmations of support. As a condition for ceasefire, Russia has demanded that Ukrainian troops retreat from the Donetsk region while Kyiv wants fighting to stop immediately. The United States has attempted to find a middle ground, suggesting that a free economic zone could be established in Donetsk if Ukraine relinquished parts of it to Russia. However, attacks such as those on Kyiv have overshadowed the recent peace talks with President Zelensky declaring that Russian missiles speak far louder.

JASLEEN SANDHU LIAM PYPER

Tag //

Atmospheric river floods parts of the Fraser Valley How December 2025’s flooding affected schools, farms, and highways in Abbotsford NATALIA TOSCANO MURUA

Water levels began to recede on Saturday, Dec. 13, and evacuation orders were reduced to evacuation alerts with access to the affected areas becoming available with the decrease of the water levels. As a precautionary measure, closures in areas of Highway one and 99 were not lifted until the morning Monday, Dec. 15. Although not in abnormal levels, rain did not stop falling on the already water saturated Fraser Valley. Despite this, most advisories in Abbotsford were lifted on Tuesday, Dec. 16. It was at this later date when the updated information on the affected farms revealed that six poultry farms had been flooded and the number of livestock lost were estimated to be several thousand birds. While the events of 2025’s December floods were not as severe as those in November 2021, little progress has been made to help reduce flooding in B.C. since then. The B.C. government’s plan to reduce flood related risks, last updated on July 31, 2024, will require billions in funding from the government whose operation deficit stands at 11.6 billion Canadian dollars. Tara Martin, Applied Conservation Science professor at UBC emphasized the concern for more flooding in the future. “The chance of another 2021-like flood increases exponentially over the next 60 years.”

Beginning on Dec. 8, 2025, a combination of different atmospheric rivers coming from south-eastern Asia hit British Columbia. The forecast estimated between 50 to 75+ millimetres of rainfall until Wednesday, Dec. 11. The Cascade remained vigilant throughout the flood period to report on its events and provide an overview for readers. On Tuesday, Dec. 10, the B.C. Government issued a flood watch due to over 100 millimetres of anticipated rainfall in areas of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Hope, and the Sumas River. The warning urged citizens to stay safe and alert to the signs of flood-related hazards. B.C.’s Fraser Valley also entered a state of emergency on Dec.10, as the Nooksack river was on the verge of overflowing, multiple highway closures occurred due to flooding, and evacuation orders were issued to people in danger zones. The abnormally high amount of rainfall received by the Fraser Valley affected several of its highways, including highways one, five, seven and eight. Flooding, debris, and landslides surrounding these highways made transport to and from areas like Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Hope and Mission hazardous or impossible. Consequently, public schools such as the University of the Fraser Valley, were closed on Friday, Dec. 12 because transport conditions made it unsafe for students and staff to travel. A major sector affected by the floods brought upon by the atmospheric river were farmers situated in the Fraser Valley. Their livestock and equipment were affected by the rising water levels, rendering several barns waterlogged. Over 60 farms were placed on evacuation order and almost 100 were advised to be ready to evacuate. However, at least two poultry farms were lost. Not only were farms alerted or ordered to evacuate, but civil structures were as well. By Friday, Dec. 12, around 1,000 homes and properties in Abbotsford remained under evacuation alert, with almost 500 being ordered to evacuate. “City of Abbotsford Atmospheric These events in some capacity mirrored River Update December 12, 2025” by 2021’s Fraser Valley floods, which devastated the valley and its inhabitants in Province of British Columbia, CC BYNC-ND 4.0 November of that year.

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NEWS Abbotsford //

IKEA plan and order point opens in Abbotsford New Abbotsford location brings IKEA closer to Fraser Valley customers PRATI KAPOOR On Dec. 10, IKEA Canada opened its first plan and order point in Abbotsford, B.C. Located on 32700 South Fraser Way, the store offers personalized experiences while also bringing IKEA closer to its customers in the Fraser Valley. In an interview with The Cascade, Christophe Adrien, IKEA Coquitlam’s market manager, and Janet McGowan, market area manager of Western Canada, shared more about the launch, IKEA’s sustainability goals, and future expansion plans. Abbotsford City Councillor Simon Gibson marked the grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Representatives from IKEA Canada, the Government of B.C., Abbotsford City Council, Corporate Sponsorships and Economic Development, the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, Archway Community Services, and partners from Leeswood Construction and Colliers attended the special occasion. McGowan shared that the launch was driven by the growing population demand in the Fraser Valley. She added that travelling to IKEA in Coquitlam can be difficult for customers from an accessibility standpoint. “When we specifically looked at British Columbia, we saw that many people were moving into the Fraser Valley and … it’s not so easy today for the people that live here in Abbotsford to get to IKEA in Coquitlam.” The 5,790-square-foot store showcases up to 100 products for immediate

takeaway. McGowan said that despite being a smaller location, the pickup and order point is designed to provide home solutions relevant to the community in the Fraser Valley without compromising access to full-sized locations. “We have this beautiful ability by being right here in the community to tailor the inspiration and solutions to what life is like at home in Abbotsford.” McGowan explained how the products align well with IKEA’s long-standing sustainability goals. Some examples include disassembling the products into flat boxes which allows more products to be transported in a compact space. Some merchandise including chairs, front doors, and their rugs are made from recycled materials. IKEA also focuses on designing food storage products to extend freshness and reduce compost waste. “We’ve even tried to make those products available for immediate takeaway, because we know being able to live more sustainably in Abbotsford is a priority.” IKEA has also partnered with Bolt, a delivery service company, to service its entire market and use electric vehicle deliveries to support its sustainability goals. The Abbotsford location strives to offer a peaceful and personalized experience for customers as they walk in. Design experts are available at the store to help provide one-on-one solutions to their concerns. McGowan highlighted that the customers are also welcome to place an order in-store, at home, for pick-up, or can have products delivered at their

“Ikea” by Ian Muttoo, CC BY-SA 2.0 convenience. “We’re quite proud of that as well. If you live in the Abbotsford area, we’ve been able to make sure that we make delivery [a] more affordable option as well, at $49 for our family members.” She added that IKEA also offers a free family loyalty program which allows customers and their family members to get discounts, collect points, and use it towards purchases. Members of the program can also benefit from the family offers and discounted home delivery. “It gives our family members an opportunity to collect points and to get discounts and it’s completely free.” McGowan highlighted the efforts the team put into understanding the needs of the Abbotsford community. “I think [the team] really did their homework on understanding what is life at home in Abbotsford and have really come up with some very good, relevant ideas and solutions. I think that anybody coming here will be inspired by what they could create at home … I’m really excited

for the customer to meet these co-workers. They’re so passionate [and] happy to be here.” McGowan added that IKEA plans to eventually expand and continuously grow in the BC Market, starting with a store launch in Kelowna. “We see a massive potential in the British Columbia market … The fondness for IKEA, the fact that many people in the market are so happy and in love with IKEA … We start with Abbotsford [and] we move on to Kelowna in the spring.” Adrien added that having a smaller store will in many ways help create a deeper bond between their company and the B.C. customers who visit their store. “The relationship between the customer and the co-worker will be much closer than in a bigger store, I would say … That’s what excited the team to move here, to have that kind of relationship with the customer.” Interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Abbotsford //

The Knotty Brew: spilling the coffee and creation A chat with Beatriz Davila about the crochet community they are bringing VERONICA POWELL On Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, Downtown Abbotsford saw the grand opening of The Knotty Brew — Canada’s first crochet cafe — on Essendene Avenue. Owner, Beatriz Davila, shared with The Cascade more about her cafe, what they offer, and why their work is important. The Knotty Brew follows three pillars; Coffee, Create, and Connect. Their beverage selections, such as lattes and matchas, are of high quality with unique flavours. Their Create aspect allows people to crochet with a variety of yarn that they provide. Lastly, Connect refers to the workshops they host after hours for those 4

who want to learn how to crochet. During their hours of operation, customers are also encouraged to try their hand at the craft. Davila explained how every aspect of the cafe is playful and curated with care. “I think that’s really what sets us apart [from] other cafes … we really do want people to come here and be able to chat with each other, see what projects everyone’s working on, make new friends, have new connections, and build that community.” The crochet cafe’s story began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Davila took up the hobby to fill her time. “Art and creating has always been part

of my life, so when we got locked down something I took on was crocheting … I [thought], ‘I have all the time in the world, so I’m going to do it now.’ I loved it.” Davila spent countless hours learning and creating. That is when she realized that a crochet-focused community was rare. “It always amazed me how you could literally get a piece of yarn and turn it into anything you wanted, whether that’s a plushie, a piece of clothing, or a hat … but something I always recognized and realized was that there wasn’t much of a community for it … I started to think that it would be amazing to be able to have a community like this, where we can share

our creations with each other.” The idea of combining coffee and crocheting was officially formed in Davila’s mind after visiting a flower-themed cafe in Alberta. Davila also shared what inspired the theme and aesthetic of her cafe. “I think it stems back to our values and what we uphold –– positivity and playfulness, and the ability to create and have no limits in your creation. I think pink is that colour for me. It’s a very playful [and] pretty colour. It makes you happy. When you walk into here, it’s like ‘wow,’ it’s not all black.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

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NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 04 Through their vendor program, The Knotty Brew cafe has searched far and wide to feature yarn that is less commonly found, bringing it in from global small business sellers from the United States, Canada, Peru, and select places in Europe. They take pride in ensuring vendors get 100 per cent of their profits. When it comes to customers, Davila said with confidence that the cafe has something for everyone regardless of their abilities, likes, or dislikes toward the art form. “I feel like we have done our absolute best to be able to offer something for everyone, so everyone can feel like they belong.”

Photo by Veronica Powell

Currently, the cafe doesn’t have any student perks. However, students or others who want to crochet but lack sufficient funds or materials can pick up a roll of yarn from their donation basket and crochet away. If someone has too much yarn, they can donate it to the cafe. Davila said that she focuses on how the customers feel when they visit. “I think the most important thing out of all this is the experience that whoever walks through the door has when they come in here … being able to have that really great experience where it wasn’t just about the cup of coffee or the crochet.” Interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Canada //

2025 political rewind Dr. Schwartz’s insight into last year’s political landscape RACHEL TAIT Dr. Noah Schwartz is an assistant professor of political science at UFV. He wrote On Target: Gun Culture, Storytelling and the NRA in 2022 and Targeted in 2025. Much political change has occurred in Canada last year, from the resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the historic federal elections, and the U. S. tariff war. Dr. Schwartz spoke with The Cascade, about major events that helped define the political landscape of 2025.

What was significant about Canadian politics in 2025? I think the first one at the local level is the budget deficit at UFV … Decisions, as far as I know, haven’t been made yet, but it’s [going to] mean cuts, potential program cuts, layoffs to faculty and things like that, which ends up having second-order effects on students. One of the potential solutions is for the province to raise tuition fees. This would probably be politically unpopular, but if it did happen, it could hurt affordability for students. The biggest story is unfolding right now with the return of the floods. There’s a couple of aspects of the flood that I think are really relevant. First of all, I think it demonstrates how climate change is changing the world around it and making natural disasters more complicated, but it’s also a political failure. We saw the mayor of Abbotsford making an impassioned speech, chastising the federal government for not helping enough with the flood mitigation funds. I think they said it would take about a billion dollars to install the systems that they would need to be able to prevent this from happening, and that according to the mayor of Abbotsford, the federal

government hasn’t been willing to pony that up. I think the biggest political story of the year for Canada was the election. [On] New Year’s last year, it looked like we were going to have a conservative government, but [then] Trump comes in, he starts talking about [annexing] Canada [and] imposing tariffs. The Liberals get rid of Justin [Trudeau] … and they choose a new leader, Mark Carney. I don’t want to say [that is] the only time he could have been elected, but he seemed to be exactly what the situation called for. A boring central banker who is going to be the adult in the room and is going to guide Canada through this crisis.

How has Carney’s leadership impacted Canada? I think he sold Canadians on this image of elbows up, we’re gonna fight back. Since taking power, I think he has abandoned that in favor of the strategy that a lot of countries are embracing, which is suck up to Trump and wait till he’s gone. If Trump keeps going on the path of authoritarianism, then there’s that question of, will Mr. Carney be remembered as Neville Chamberlain? As the guy who didn’t stand up to Trump, like he said he would, when he could have.

Duncan Rawlinson from Vancouver, BC, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Where do you see the U.S.-Canada tariff war going in 2026?

On the Supreme Court ruling, it depends on the midterm election. It depends on what side of the bed Donald Trump wakes up on. I think there’s starting to be a recognition in the Republican Party that tariffs are affecting affordability, and that How likely do you think Trump will continue in his authoritarian rule? is going to be the issue in the midterm The trend line that I’m seeing is support elections, unless something drastically for Trump [is] starting to waver. Now, changes in the next year. if he starts a war in Venezuela, I think there’s two possibilities. One is a rally What political direction do you see Canada going in 2026? around the flag. Wars can be really popular for embattled domestic politicians … The latest polling data I saw from Abacus There is a formula here where unpopular showed [Carney] still has a lot of support leaders will use wars to boost their popu- amongst the 18-25 cohort and the 50-plus larity … The problem for Trump is that a cohort, but those middle cohorts are leanbig part of his coalition is very anti-war. ing narrowly more conservative, so, it depends.

Maybe the Conservative Party has a resurgence, people get tired of Carney, and they decide that it’s time to try to trigger an election. The Conservatives would have to partner with someone else to be able to do it, but it’s a possibility. Carney could have another Conservative MP come over and get into majority government territory, and that pretty much guarantees [that] they’re in power for the next three-and-a-bit years … It’s tricky to say. We’re in a really strange moment politically, where a lot of things are possible. Interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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VOL. 34 // ISSUE 01

NEWS UFV //

Professor Profile: thirty years of storytelling, art, and performance with Dr. Tetsuro Discover the story and passions of UFV’s assistant professor for Theatre that [back] is very important to me.” Shigematsu is involved in many exciting projects outside of UFV as well. One Dr. Tetsuro Shigematsu is an associate he is fond of is the Learn Early About professor in theatre from the School of Playwriting (LEAP) program within the Creative Arts. He is a professional artist Arts Club Theatre Company for ages 16 with several careers within the arts, to 25. There he mentors young people that including filmmaking, writing for telewant to get into playwriting. For him, the vision, acting, radio, and a professional most fun and meaningful part of his work theatre artist. is seeing their plays take off from the page Dr. Shigematsu has more than 30 and be performed by some of Vancouver’s years of professional experience, and his best actors. theatre works, such as Empire of the Son, Shigematsu is also involved in have toured not only all over Canada but Neworld Theatre’s Learning Ensemble also around the world. Shigematsu shared Across Difference program (LEAD), with The Cascade how he has been able which employs artists who are neurodito bring his love for performance and verse or have different learning capacities theatre and share it with students of the and styles. Shigematsu was moved by University of the Fraser Valley as an how dedicated the actors were, especially assistant professor for Theatre. those with Down syndrome, and how that “I’m always surprised whenever I meet has created some of the best acting expesomeone who’s told me they’ve studied riences he’s ever had. my theater work in far flung places such “When they commit to a performance, as Ireland, or even Mexico.” they do it with a lot of feeling and a starTo Shigematsu, the thing he enjoys tling amount of authenticity. When I the most about being a professor at UFV heard about this program, I auditioned to is helping students discover and nurture become a part of it.” their talents and skills. Shigematsu clearly Shigematsu directed the debut of the recalled a defining moment in his life, when he was in art school and had his play Moth Boy at UFV in 2025, which was written by Peihwen J. Tai, one of his former students from the LEAP program. He considers this project to be the most exciting one he was involved in last year. Shigematsu mentioned what a privilege it was to direct the global debut of a Canadian play, which is extremely rare in a university context. “[Being] able to do the world premiere of a new Canadian play and [having] the playwright come into the studio and rehearse with the students was pretty amazing.” Regarding future projects, Shigematsu anticipates helping to develop June Fukumura’s piece “Grant Writing 101,” which he has been assisting with for two years, with hopes that it may appear in a Canadian theatre festival in the future. Shigematsu also highlighted how he is currently transitioning from developing personal projects to helping other people with theirs instead — a mindset that he finds much more satisfying. “Going from a lead artist of my own projects to helping other people win in their own careers is a very different mindset. It’s one that I find very satisfying and more meaningful.” UFV Theatre Presents: Moth Boy 2025 / Interview has been edited for length Photo courtesy of the University of the Fraser Valley © and clarity.

NATALIA TOSCANO MURUA

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work critiqued. He was told by his professor that his work was okay, but what they really liked were the stories Shigematsu told about the artwork itself. Shigematsu was initially confused by this, but he was given VHS cassettes to show him artists such as Laurie Anderson and Spalding Gray, who told stories as a form of art and performance. This reshaped his view on what his talent and skillset as an artist looked like. “I didn’t know what I was doing, but I trusted them.” He recalled how he would get into arguments with his father and would tell his classmates about it on the following Monday at school, and to his surprise, they would laugh — but instead of rejecting that comedic aspect, he went with it. He believes that if his professor hadn’t told him to lean into storytelling, he wouldn’t have discovered the artform that he has now been performing for over 30 years. Shigematsu also stated that he wants to be able to do the same for his students. “It sounds like a cliché, but it’s such a privilege because that made all the difference for me as a young person. Knowing that I might be able to give a little bit of

SNAPSHOT An overdue note to forgotten friends

Illustration by Iryna Presley I thought I had said a proper goodbye to everyone before I left to study abroad. I hosted a dinner, gave lots of hugs, and wrote letters. But as the months here in the U.K. have passed, I realized there were some very important friends I forgot to say goodbye to, that I didn’t spend enough time with before I left. In fact, I barely learned their names. So to the Douglas fir, Sitka Spruce, and Western red cedar, to the Sword Ferns, Salal Berries, and to all those who grow beside you: I am sorry that I didn’t learn to recognize you sooner — and that I passed by without asking who you were — I look forward to our reunion. Now that I am over here, I won’t make the same mistake. I currently have the gift of learning beside the Manchester Poplar, Goat Willow, and Horse chestnut; I have the privilege of walking with the Bilberries, Midland Hawthorn, and many more new neighbours. Let me not forget to learn the names and faces of all those I have the privilege to visit. BY KARA DUNBAR

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OPINION

opinion@ufvcascade.ca Opinion Editor - Natalia Toscano Murua

SNAPSHOT Profs: change takes bravery

Illustration by Iryna Presley As a fourth-year student, it’s become increasingly obvious which of my classmates are using ChatGPT. If I can tell after four years of university, I can only imagine how glaring it must be to my professors. Yet every semester still begins the same way: a full class wasted on hollow warnings about plagiarism and AI, followed by little to no enforcement once it comes to submitting. But that’s only part of the problem. In Communications classes, students are allowed two unexcused absences per course, exceed that limit and you risk failing. Yet still, I’m flabbergasted by the number of strangers who materialize on presentation day, having not attended a single class since securing their spot on day one to avoid being replaced by a waitlisted student. I firmly believe professors should stand by their own policies. If you’re sick of grading AI-generated-slop, give it a 0. Fail the course, even. Watching students run their ChatGPT output through Grammarly or a paraphrasing tool and receiving the same grades as those who did the work honestly is infuriating. If you’re going to devote an entire class to laying out your rules, at least have the conviction to enforce them.

THE ENVIRONMENTALIST: are you an environmental problem by asking Chat GPT? Or is that the wrong question to ask? FABIOLA CRUZ ALDERETE Welcome to The Environmentalist, your column for understanding the natural world. This edition of the column is about AI usage and its environmental impact. It’s a tale as old as time: humanity reaches a new level of technological development but at what cost? AI opened countless digital doors, promising efficiency and convenience. Yet, the human and environmental costs behind these systems are only beginning to surface. So here’s the question; are you the problem for using AI like asking ChatGPT to help with an assignment? Or is that question missing the point entirely? As abstract as AI might seem to use when online, it’s surprisingly easy to find where it lives. AI data centres are the sites where the infrastructure needed to train, deploy, and deliver AI services are located. These centres are not the same as regular data centres. Although they both contain similar hardware, data centres usually have more central processing units (CPUs) while AI data centres require graphic processing units (GPUs) which need more space, energy, and cooling capabilities than CPUs. It’s important to consider the resource needs of that machinery: where do the raw resources come from? Whose water is being diverted for cooling? How are surrounding communities being affected? What happens with all the e-waste that often contains mercury and lead? Nowadays, AI centres account for approximately three per cent of the global energy usage, which is projected for a whopping growth of nine per cent by 2030. Is it even possible (or ethical) to direct that much energy to AI when 1.180 million people live with energy poverty? Is that what

we want to do? Large data centres can consume up to five million gallons per day, an amount that would be enough for a town populated by 50,000 people. So, if you personally stop using AI, what would be the impact? Asking 20 questions to ChatGPT uses roughly 500 millilitres of water, meaning that personal use is probably not very impactful, so what is? AI usage is hard to track since it is a new technology, but the answer is not that complicated. Shocking to nobody, it’s big corporations. As of 2025, 78 per cent of companies worldwide use at least one AI tool, usually to increase productivity through automation of customer service, document processing, scheduling, and even HR. Another huge part is marketing, where AI is used to track user behaviour, predict preferences, and make it personalized — which raises concerns about privacy and personal data security. We must also consider how AI is being used for financial speculation, military tech, and border control, which are all scary. When conversations about AI’s environmental impact are focused on individual use, we risk falling into the fallacy of blaming people and not corporations. It would not be the first time — think about taking 10 minute showers to solve water scarcity or turning all the lights off in your house, none of it matters if an AI centre opens next door. The question, then, is not whether we should stop asking AI questions, but instead ask how willing we are to question who controls this technology, who profits from it, and who bears its environmental costs? As the Lorax once said, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.” So, let’s care.

BY JEFFREY KENNETT

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OPINION Tips //

A crash course in battery health I’m terrified of my battery swelling, if you are too, then read this NATALIA TOSCANO MURUA Less than a month ago, I got my first “battery deterioration/reduction in performance” notification on my fouryear-old Samsung Galaxy S21, followed by a vague prompt to visit a Samsung store for assistance. I’ve long known my phone’s battery is past its peak, but that notification scared the bejeesus out of me. In the past, I had an iPhone battery swell on me, twice. Needless to say, it was traumatic, and I’ve stayed vigilant of my phone battery ever since. So when I got that notification I immediately sprung into action to determine what it was about and if my battery was in danger. I was determined to find out more and discover the right steps to take. Starting with basics, the age of phone batteries — usually lithium-ion — is measured in cycles, which is when the battery gets charged from zero to 100. Generally, batteries should retain at least 80 per cent of their capacity after 500 cycles, after which they start to degrade. Battery degradation is normal and it happens to every battery after the first charge. They are dispensable and it’s natural for them to degrade to an extent. However, degradation is not necessarily synonymous with swelling. If you notice your battery swelling (as it happened to

me years ago), power down your phone and replace the battery IMMEDIATELY. It means that your battery is chemically decomposing and creating gas as a result, and this also makes it a fire hazard. This doesn’t only happen to old, abused batteries, it too can happen to new batteries if they are defective. So, now you may be wondering how to avoid this and what is the best way to care for your phone’s battery. That makes you and me both! Here are the best tips I could find as a certified swollen battery fearer: 1. Charge percentage. I like to think of it as a 20 per cent cushion on both sides, because lithium-ion batteries operate at their healthiest when not charging above 80 per cent or draining below 20 per cent. This avoids putting too much stress on your battery’s cells and can extend their lifetime.

3. Avoid overnight charging. I know, this one sucks, but it is what it is. Batteries don’t like to be overcharged and especially not for long periods of time, so if you can charge your phone before going to bed instead of after, your battery will thank you. 4. Reduce background processes. Your phone might be chugging battery to keep up with all the background tasks it’s running. If you limit the quantity of background tasks your phone is executing, you can save your battery a lot of stress. I find limiting my phone’s GPS and Bluetooth to operate only when I need them instead of all the time has made a bigger difference than what I expected. 5. Handle with care. Dropping your phone or damaging it in any way can compromise the structural well-being of your battery, and unfortunately yes, there is a non-zero chance that the damage can lead to swelling. Best to avoid any harsh treatment.

2. No extreme temperatures. You shouldn’t use or charge your phone if it’s below 0 degrees Celcius or above 35 degrees Celcius. So next time you’re outside in the biting winter After researching more about the cold, consider shielding your phone from the extreme temperature. When notification and the current state of my it’s summer, avoid using your phone in battery, I came to realize that, in my case, the sun, it can heat up quickly! it was more of a gentle prompt encouraging me to replace my battery for optimum performance rather than an unnerving alert about my battery’s health. As it turns out, there are plenty of factors that can reduce a battery’s performance other than age and usage. These factors include power demanding software updates, the display’s brightness, background processing tasks, and even how full your storage is. Bottom line, my phone is a bit old and it might be a good time to replace the battery, but in my case, it should not pose a risk. Still, I will tenderly and diligently care for it until I hopefully manage to Illustration by Hannah Bricknell / The Cascade replace it in the next few months.

SNAPSHOT What the [REDACTED] Netflix?? Having grown up reading Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments (20072014) series, you can imagine my excitement when it was adapted into the Netflix television show, Shadowhunters (2016-2019). After three seasons of heartwarming moments, angsty confessions, and easily my favourite fictional relationship of all time, the show was cancelled due to financial issues — thus breaking my devoted teenage heart. At least I can always rewatch it, right? Wrong. On Jan. 1, 2026, Shadowhunters was removed from Netflix. That’s right, the show has been scrubbed from streaming platforms — unless you want to spend almost $100 to buy it on YouTube. As if the cancellation wasn’t bad enough, now they’re just pouring salt on the wound. What’s worse is it’s not the only one. Some Netflix originals like Taylor Swift: Reputation Stadium Tour (2018) have already been erased from the streaming site, with others like She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018-2020) apparently set to follow in Shadowhunters’ footsteps this February. Insane behaviour if you ask me. Netflix originals should have a permanent home on the streaming site. Now, if you’ll excuse me, my teenage self has to find $100 somehow…

BY CAITLYN CARR

Spooky //

Why do we like horror? Thoughts and reasons on what makes horror so attractive LIAM PYPER When it’s rainy and cold outside, the trees have lost their leaves and the branches scrape creepily against the window, all I want to do is curl up next to a warm fire and sleep. But why do I find comfort in turning on a scary movie, listening to a 8

spooky short story, or reading my favourite horror authors? Apparently I am not alone — as it turns out, many of us love horror and sometimes prefer it over cozier media. Studies show that there are several psychological reasons for our interest in the grim and dark, one of which is our

morbid curiosity. It’s what drives us to keep our eyes glued to the screen or page even during those really awful scenes. Dr. Coltan Scrivner argues that we use morbid curiosity to learn about dangerous situations, and with horror entertainment we can do that safely and without consequence. The same study revealed

that morbid curiosity and an interest in horror may also be linked to personality traits such as rebelliousness and is more inherent in younger people. Some people like horror because of the rush of chemicals such as adrenaline, dopamine and CONTINUED ON PAGE 09

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OPINION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 08 endorphins that it triggers, making the rush of fear fun and addictive. I am an avid horror fan, especially in video games and books. I think that they instill the dread I find so attractive better than other media. Dread is my main draw in horror content — a gradual increase of a creeping sensation in the back of my mind building up to something truly horrifying which is revealed at the end. I agree that morbid curiosity is definitely a driving factor in my search for scares, but I also love the adrenaline rush that hits during the experience. Despite being a certified chicken, practically jumping at the most basic nonsense, I still love it! I also realized that horror is a great medium for delivering stories and conveying the pain that people have experienced in the world. On that note, I’m including some spooky reads for January, as it is one of my favourite months to read horror other than October.

Annihilation (2014) by Jeff out to read, watch, or play horror media, I stuff can sometimes soak up too much VanderMeer has been on my mind encourage you to try it. There is a variety limelight, there’s so much more to the recently. It follows the journey of a biol- of horror out there and while the violent genre than blood and gore. ogist into an eerie and unknown place called area X. It is one of my favorite horror novels because it really captures that feeling of dread. Furthermore, climate change and the environment is a key theme in the book, and it made me reflect deeply. Another author I encourage everyone to read is Stephen Graham Jones, he is an American author and a member of the Blackfeet Tribe. His works are often brutal and touch upon themes such as colonialism, generational trauma (a big one), and Indigenous resistance. I recommend The Buffalo Hunter Hunter (2025) and The Only Good Indians (2020). These are great starting points and really capture the essence of Jones. So whether you are an experienced horror fan or just a casual enjoyer, I hope you learned something from this tidbit of Illustration by Natasha Zilcosky / The Cascade information! And if you rarely or never go

Intuition //

The science behind intuition SNAPSHOT

What we call a ‘gut feeling’ may actually be our brain protecting us PRATI KAPOOR

Shower thoughts I step inside and turn the knob to the left. Why do people want to run away from their ages? Honestly, how does a number even begin to quantify a person’s life? I can go “uh I’m 24” but it doesn’t mean anything on its own, it’s not saying anything about my lived experiences, it’s not measuring anything. Yeah, I’m not going to bend to that, screw running away from age. Why are some topics more popular than others? Surely for something to be popular it’s gotta inspire passion in a lot of people. No? Are passions randomly embedded into us, and do they determine how popular something is by summing how many people are passionate about one topic? I wonder what’s the science behind it, how interests and passions paint a picture of popularity and that sort of thing. Yuh. The more I think about it, the more I’m convinced nothing is real. I mean, we experience facts and truth through human eyes but that’s the only way we can experience them, it’s not the only universal way to experience everything, though. Huh. I turn the knob to the right and step out. BY NATALIA TOSCANO MURUA

Have you ever made decisions based on a gut feeling? It has happened to me on multiple occasions where I made decisions solely because it felt right — even when I didn’t have a logical reason to back it up. Science calls this inner consciousness “intuition,” which isn’t a mysterious force, but a function of the brain and

body. Even if intuition can seem vague and logicless, it is the process that gives people the ability to make quick decisions without deliberate reasoning. There are many subtle examples of using intuition in daily life, but I predominantly use my intuition when it comes to analyzing the intentions of someone else. For example, if I feel something about their vibe is off-setting, I try my best to keep myself away from that energy.

Another example of intuition at work can be taking an umbrella with you because you “feel” it might rain. You might think it’s a new-age phenomena, but it dates back to the stone age. It started as a survival tool where early humans would use quick decision making to protect themselves from environmental threats. These threats would put them in a life or death situation which forced early humans to make split-second decisions. Today, intuition has evolved into a neurological phenomenon allowing the brain to quickly encode situations and generate analysis. The prefrontal cortex — the front part of the brain — acts as a centre where all our emotions, memories get put to generate decisions. This automates the feeling of ‘knowing.’ For instance, I feel I am very good at sensing dishonesty in a conversation. On one occasion, someone was selling me a fake narrative about a story and I just knew that person was fabricating the truth to protect themselves. I dug in deeper and found out my instinct was not wrong. The amygdala, another part of the brain, is the anchor for emotions. It helps the brain to process emotions quickly and flag any threats without having discrete information. This is perceived as ‘gut feeling’ when the brain quickly assesses any danger. For example, I was at work and was working near a long ladder. I stepped forward instinctively and the ladder

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OPINION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 09 fell right after. I strongly believe that with time and with experience, you can instinctively predict danger or just decisions. They won’t be right all the time but you will be thankful when they are. Has it happened to you that you get a sensation on your skin or in your chest indicating something? That physical indication is also due to another part of the brain called the insular cortex, a hub for processing body sensations including heartbeat and gut sensations. This cortex

uses these bodily inputs to generate neural intuition in the body. That’s when you feel something in your chest or skin that your body is trying to signal you something. One example could be when your body physically feels very fatigued or drained after hanging out with someone. This may happen if a person exploits your emotional availability and pulls your energy to feed their emotional demands. I strongly believe that how you feel during a conversation is an indication of whether or not they are good for you. In my experience, my heart giggles and I physically

feel happy when I talk to my best friend. On the other hand, I used to hangout with a person that would make me constantly uneasy around them. I believe it was my body clearly indicating to me which friendship was healthier. However, intuition is not infallible. Since intuition is heavily influenced by past experiences, it can also be subject to emotional biases or parental conditioning. How one is brought up influences their ability to make quick decisions. For instance, I have had friends who won’t leave their toxic partner because they had

a toxic childhood growing up. The conditioning blinded their decision-making as they found resonance in the toxicity. There are always two sides to every coin. Intuition is not a hypothetical or vague phenomenon, but rather a tool to navigate life’s circumstances with confidence when we don’t have all of the information. Listening to your intuition and gut feelings can protect you from uncertainties, but it’s also important to open yourself up to different perspectives and new experiences so you keep refining your cognitive thinking as you grow up.

Nostalgia //

What did the 2010s give us? A time reminiscent of innovation, connection, and experimentation VERONICA POWELL Out of the decades I’ve experienced, the 2010s is one of my favourites. As a young adolescent, the public figures, movies, music, and beauty of that era shaped my interests and the desires I have today. I figured that has to be a sign that they’re worth a mention. It wouldn’t be the 2010s without ombre hair and BlackBerry phones. Celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Nina Dobrev, and Chrissy Teigen all had the black to blonde gradient combo. It’s the kind of hairstyle that never goes out of style and tends to look good on anyone, which is why I still see people rock it — I think it should stay that way. Although it definitely got interesting when people started experimenting with color, like Kylie Jenner’s teal ombre look. It wasn’t a bad way to go though, and I fully support keeping the trend alive. A BlackBerry was the phone, and if you didn’t have one, you were out. That’s how it felt anyway. It came out in 1999 but stayed at its peak throughout the early 2010s, where texting became the greatest thing since WiFi. The full-size QWERTY keyboard was groundbreaking and transformed into any Millennial’s addiction, along with its classic ping making you feel popular when receiving a message. Even though I was too young to use a BlackBerry, I saw how the technological capabilities were enhanced as I compared it to what we have access to now. I don’t think it would be bad if we still had it around, although its clicky keyboard could get annoying. Perhaps this is an underrated piece of the 2010s, but the clothing retailer Justice was a highlight of my tweens. When I think about those glittery shirts with the horrible food puns, it just makes the corners of my mouth turn up. If I could establish a vibe to their clothing, it would be pink, peace signs, and ring pops. As a store marketed as just for girls, Justice clothing was an expression of female empowerment that uplifted girls’ 10

confidence by encouraging friendship and love. Wearing their clothes made girls, like me, feel like they belonged. Despite how most locations closed due to bankruptcy, they inspired girls by bringing out their strengths. I think that deserves to be remembered when designing clothes now. I watched YouTube compilations of celebrities doing the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS for short, Ice Bucket Challenge religiously. Thinking about why I find it nostalgic, I couldn’t tell you. The challenge’s purpose was to raise money for people affected by ALS disease and its research, but I only saw it as someone dumping a bucket of ice water on their head. Maybe it was because the actors and musicians I liked started participating, or because watching the reactions were hilarious, or I was excited to see who they would nominate. It’s a piece of the 2010s that hasn’t exactly stayed a consistent trend. For the good work it was doing –– and not that people aren’t still doing it off camera –– and the entertainment it provided, I wish I saw it happening more often. Justin Bieber was burned into my heart the second I started listening to “Boyfriend” on my sister’s iPod. Oh, the nostalgia is so real. His diamond studs alone gave me heart eyes, but his swaggyness was only a small part of what stayed with me. I remember his life lessons conveyed through his music the most. He grew from a 15-year-old kid trying to grasp the music industry and intense fame, to a troubled young adult learning about himself, to a leading man in his career and personal life. I can hear the journey in his music and the emotions in his voice, and I get goosebumps recalling it. When video rental stores closed indefinitely and watching movies from streaming platforms instead of DVDs became the new normal, I was devastated. They both hold a very special place in my heart, as I remember taking a trip around the corner to the video store to rent a

Illustration by Natasha Zilcosky / The Cascade movie was the highlight of my day as a kid. Changes in animation styles were another big transition for me. Animated movies and cartoons used to be handdrawn and traditional, whereas now it’s predominantly digital models using software programs. I miss how we used to enjoy movies and I wish it hadn’t changed. I think the 2010s technology was more simple, music had more meaning, pop

culture brought playful aesthetics that acknowledged identity, and people had stronger connections with each other. In some ways, the world was more tangible and therefore cherished. If I had to return to an era in my life, it would definitely be that one.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2026 features@ufvcascade.ca Features Editor — Caitlyn Carr

Existing with

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FEATURE

ENDOMETRIOSIS

More than just a painful period ANNA MCCAUSLAND During my first couple of periods, the cold tile on my parent’s bathroom floor was my only respite. I was 12 years old with pain ripping through my abdomen like someone was taking a hot knife to my insides. I was on the floor, nauseous and shivering with my knees to my chest. My hands shook so much I could barely open my bottle of extra strength ibuprofen, which never kicked in. Home alone, my only option was to try and ride out the pain as blood clots slowly exited my body — my thighs covered in blood. I wish I could tell you that when I went to the doctor about it she took me seriously. That she didn’t send me on my way to look for powdered Gatorade. That she could see what even my seventh grade science teacher could see when she sent me home after telling me I looked “white as a ghost” after almost passing out from the pain. That the doctor then gave me a diagnosis, medication, and maybe even sympathy. More than anything, I wish I could say that I’m the only person who this has happened to. Unfortunately my story is not unlike so many others living with endometriosis (endo).

W H AT I S E N D O ? To learn more about this unique and neglected disease, I spoke to Dr. Paul Yong (MD, PhD, FRCSC) a gynecologist working at BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre (BC Women’s) specifically in the centre for Pelvic Pain & Endometriosis, who gave a brief description of the condition. “We say there’s endometrial-like cells growing outside of the uterus. Its two main manifestations are pelvic pain and infertility. Pelvic pain includes probably the most common symptom — painful periods known as dysmenorrhea. It also causes sexual pain, deep dysuria, pain with bowel movements, and [it] can evolve into chronic pelvic pain.” The term “endometrial-like cells” stems from the endometrium which is the lining of the uterus that gets shed during a period. At one point it was believed, and some resources still believe, that these cells are endometrium, but the thinking on this has since changed. There is a separate disease called adenomyosis which is the endometrial tissue itself growing outside the uterus. Endo is most felt and directly deals with the uterus and period pain, meaning most people like to dismiss it as being a “period-only disease” or “just a very bad period.” However, Dr. Yong dispels that logic. “Endometriosis is associated with systemic symptoms beyond the pelvic region. So beyond pelvic pain, beyond infertility, it’s associated with things like fatigue, pain in other parts of the body ... “A minority of the cases show that the endometriosis is growing outside of the abdomen and pelvis … [like] the diaphragm and the thoracic cavity … [and] the brain, [which] is extremely rare …”

Illustrations by Chelsea Isbister @chelseaji.art

When I read that they had found endometrial-like cells on the brain, it felt like a Stephen King novel, but this is someone’s reality. Dr. Yong also talked about how endometriosis affects systems in the patients bodies. For example, endometriosis is known for increased inflammation not just surrounding the endometrial-like cells but across the body. He also commented that there seems to be changes to the central nervous system and or the adrenal glands. The presence of endo affects the entire body.

“As the person living with the disease, you want to be able to be a part of that conversation and make those choices based off of the knowledge that you’re given.”

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SYMPTOMS OF ENDO Talking with the Executive Director of The Endometriosis Network Canada (TENC), Katie Luciani, she outlined the characteristics that make up endometriosis. “Extreme period pain, pain with sex, painful bowel movements, [and] bladder pain. There’s a lot of comorbidities that come along with that, like pelvic floor dysfunction, [and] interstitial cystitis — painful bladder syndrome.” Infertility is also another common symptom of endometriosis. In fact, it sometimes is the only reason women find out that they have been living with the disease since not everyone with endometriosis experiences every symptom. According to TENC, roughly one in three people with endometriosis experience fertility issues and approximately one in 26 people with endometriosis will face recurrent pregnancy loss, which is defined as experiencing two or more miscarriages in a row. When asked about the effect on a person’s chance of conceiving, Dr. Yong agreed with TENC’s statistics. “Not everybody with endometriosis has infertility. Only a proportion, but there’s also some data now [suggesting] that if someone does get pregnant, there might be a higher risk of certain complications during pregnancy as well.” In my experience, endo shows up as overwhelming and debilitating pain. The first two days of my period are agony — think a searing hot knife slashing your abdomen. I often have to take two extra strength ibuprofen or Tylenol every couple of hours (sorry kidneys and liver) to get through the day. I usually get nauseous, and the pain is so bad that I can start to get light-headed. The pain isn’t only contained to the time when I’m on my period either, but it is less intense — more like a dull ache from a bruise — and is more sporadic. Endometriosis is unique to each person. Even with advancements in imaging technology to see the endometrial-like tissue, it can be hiding or go undetected.

DIAGNOSING ENDO

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endometriosis or has that kind of old school way of thinking about it. Like, ‘just get pregnant and everything will be fine.’ Or ‘just take some Advil and everything will be fine.’ That’s your first barrier right there. That person is like the gatekeeper in essence, because if they don’t know about endo or are not up to date with all of the science-based evidence information, then you’re fighting with yourself at that point.” Luciani shared that the constant dismissal and invalidation are normal mentalities people within the endo community tend to come up against. They have to take it upon themselves to research and advocate for themselves. For myself, I ran into several barriers like that. In true Gen Z fashion, TikTok was the first place where I learned about endo. This was, of course, after several years of telling my doctor something was wrong. Even after getting one doctor to take you seriously, Luciani explained that you need more people to listen and understand your pain before getting a diagnosis. “Let’s say you get a referral to an OBGYN and that doctor isn’t up to date on all of the endometriosis information. They’re not MIGS trained — minimally invasive gynecologic surgery ... Then that’s another barrier scare because that person is either going to advocate for you or not going to advocate for you ... I think a big piece of that is as the person living with the disease, you want to be able to be a part of that conversation and make those choices based off of the knowledge

“Without other people’s willingness to share their stories online I’d never have found out about endometriosis.”

that you’re given and not being told this is your only option. You want somebody that works with you and everybody’s life goals, everybody’s challenges, they’re all so individualized and so personal.” The ideal would be to have a primary care doctor who, even if they don’t know a lot about endo, are willing to research, to listen, and to take their patients seriously. Then send them to a well trained OBGYN who, if they aren’t MIGS trained, would refer the patient to a surgeon who is. On top of those barriers some patients face systemic racism, or are two-spirited or gender diverse, further preventing them from getting the care they need. I got my diagnosis in such a blasé way that even now I don’t know if it’s a real diagnosis. My OBGYN just said to me “yup, you probably have it.” All those years of pain for that? He gave me options for treating it including birth control, an Intrauterine Device (IUD), or a full hysterectomy. His suggestion for managing my pain in the meantime: take an ibuprofen before my period starts. Genius, why hadn’t I thought of that?

M A N A G I N G T H E PA I N Treatment plans can get tricky when it comes to managing the pain and symptoms of endo because each patient coming in for treatment has different goals and needs. According to Dr. Yong, there are two types of pain classifications that can present in patients with endo: nociceptive and nociplastic, which is why BC Women’s takes a holistic approach to treatment. “Nociceptive is due to events directly related to the endometriosis lesions. So things like inflammation that the lesions produce. They can be locally invasive. They can grow near organs or even into organs

The current average time frame to get a diagnosis is five years, which is a long time for a disease that starts to present itself during puberty. When asked about the diagnosis process, Dr. Yong explained some of the methods commonly used. “Historically the diagnosis required surgery, specifically laparoscopic surgery … The first [nonsurgical] way is what’s called a clinical diagnosis — where you [are] clinically suspected based on a history of examination … In the last 10 years or so, there’s [also] been a lot of advances in imaging diagnosis of endometriosis. So both [an] ultrasound and [an] MRI. Not all endometriosis can be diagnosed with it, but certain types can.” The problem is the many barriers that people can encounter along the way. Luciani outlined the usual steps and the road blocks to getting a diagnosis. “One of the first barriers that people come across is when they get their period, these symptoms start showing up, they go to their healthcare provider, and that person is the first barrier. If that person doesn’t know anything about 12

Illustrations by Chelsea Isbister @chelseaji.art

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2026

like the bowel. They can release factors that sensitize the nerve endings and the periphery. That’s nociceptive pain. “Nociplastic pain is [when] it seems like there’s these changes in the central nervous system that can mediate some of the systemic effects of endometriosis.” Dr. Yong further outlines how the two pain classifications need different methods of management as well as how BC Women’s approach treatment of a patient who might be experiencing both. “We try to understand … to what degree this person’s pain [is] nociceptive or nociplastic, or a combination of the both or what proportion. That guides the treatment because nociceptive pain is treated with hormone based ... therapies that suppress estrogen, because the disease does seem to be estrogen dependent. “If somebody also has a nociplastic part of the pain, that’s usually where pain is related to other body structures. So it’s related to muscle, to the bowel, related to the bladder. And then we use medications targeted to [those areas]. We do physiotherapy to focus on the pelvic floor musculature, the back, [and] the abdominal wall muscles.” Surgery has been a hot topic in the endo community for some time now. Some people like my primary physician say that surgery is no longer being used because it tends to make things worse for the patient, but it was once believed that surgery was the only way of diagnosing. Dr. Yong confirmed that it’s not always the way to go but that doesn’t mean it’s completely off the table. “Surgery is an interesting point. So what we’re trying to do is kind of both sides of the coin … We don’t want to overuse surgery, but there’s also an issue of patients not having access to surgery when they need it. So, you want to address both, and one way you do that is by trying to select the right individuals for surgical management or non-surgical management.” BC Women’s doesn’t just treat physical symptoms — they also recognize there’s a large emotional and mental toll that patients take on. “We do counselling. I’m not saying the pain is in someone’s mind, but pain is ultimately a biological, psychological, social phenomenon. So we try to address pain in a holistic way, and then educate about pain. I think patients find it quite useful.” Another way of addressing the mental toll could mean going to support groups. TENC holds monthly virtual groups facilitated by a designated support worker. Luciani stressed how helpful support groups were for her and how it inspired her to create TENC. “Being able to find a community that understands and just gets you, and you don’t have to tell them anything, they just know, and

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they know how to support you and lift you up and empower you — that’s life changing. Like really it is. I experienced that. That’s what made me want to give back to the endometriosis community: finding this support group years ago and going into it [with] no hope, [and in a] very dark place, and leaving that support group going, ‘wow, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. I’m not crazy. It’s not in my head.’ Finding that connection with people is truly so special and it really can have such a positive impact on your mental health because at the end of the day, although this is pain, it also has a huge impact on your mental health in so many ways.” Although I hadn’t spoken to anyone with endo until interviewing for this article, I felt this sentiment of community through a good friend who lives with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). She was the first person who I felt understood what I was going through and gave me the confidence to speak about it openly.

NEW AND EXCITING THINGS IN THE WORLD OF ENDO The biggest problem with endo is a lack of funding. A complicated disease requires more research than it’s been given. Luciani spoke about how the disease is always evolving, making it difficult for researchers to keep up. “There are a lot of great Canadian doctors across the country, but there’s always a need for more, and there’s always a need for more funding from the government to be able to have more research. I think at the end of the day, [endometriosis] is still evolving so much. Every year we’re finding out more and more about the disease. We still don’t know why it happens, but there’s still so much changing. The more that that funding comes from the decision makers, the policy makers, there’s more attention brought to this disease.”

“[It’s] a calculator that clinicians and patients can use. It’s not perfect, but it is the first of its kind that says [if] there’s a good chance pain’s going to get better after, or [if] there’s not a good chance because we don’t want to overuse surgery.” BC Women’s is also actively involved in working on a non-hormonal drug for managing endometriosis pain and symptoms. “The ideal is to provide another option of a non-hormonal drug that will offer efficacy when the hormonal treatments don’t work, have not the same side effect profile, and potentially can be used when someone’s trying to get pregnant. So that’s actively undergoing. I’d probably say more like five to 10 years away.”

L I V I N G W I T H C H R O N I C PA I N I’ve never really taken a moment to think about what living with chronic pain is like because even though I’d done the research, felt the pain, I didn’t think it was enough. Like without this whole parade of surgeries and diagnoses, I didn’t have a right to claim that what I was experiencing was wrong. Shitty, right? I was feeding into a system of shame and stigma by keeping quiet. When it comes to my pain, I adopted a shut up and get through it mentality. Life doesn’t pause for my pain, it keeps going and I felt like I had to keep going — otherwise I would never catch up. Only I haven’t been keeping up. Being in so much pain means that I don’t put my everything into what I’m doing. Sitting in class only half of my attention is on lectures. Hanging out with friends I get irritated and don’t feel like myself. Sometimes I have to disassociate just to get through the day. By writing this and researching more, I’ve begun to allow myself to process.

Funding is still going to misguided research projects like “A qualitative study of the impact of endometriosis on male partners.” Not to invalidate what male partners go through, but I do think that should come secondary to researching the actual disease itself.

I’ve felt hopeless a lot, but by talking to Dr. Yong and Katie Luciani, I’ve really felt seen — I’m not all alone in this journey. One thing both of them stressed to me was the importance of raising awareness and I can’t help but agree. Without other people’s willingness to share their stories online I’d never have found out about endometriosis. So this is my way of raising awareness. If you’ve read this all the way to the end and you think, “man I might have this” then I really encourage you to do more research and reach out to your primary physician. And if you face any barriers: persist, listen to your body, trust your gut, and know that you aren’t crazy and not alone!

Thankfully, not all the funding is going to research projects about male partners. Dr. Yong spoke about some of the newest exciting research projects that will change the way we see endometriosis.

Maybe one day those five plus years it takes to get a diagnosis will be much shorter. Until then I’ll be slipping in mentions of endo whenever I possibly can to spread the word and, hopefully, make someone else in the world feel a little less alone.

“The holy grail of diagnosis is a non-invasive blood test. And that’s a very active area of research right now. There’s a European test that actually just came out [which] has a lot of promise for a blood test diagnosis.”

Interviews have been edited for length and clarity.

Yong said we are still about five years away from blood test diagnoses becoming more standardized. BC Women’s is also working on something that will help determine when surgery is necessary or helpful. 13

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SPORTS

sports@ufvcascade.ca Sports Editor - Jeffrey Kennett

Basketball //

UFV’s imposing offence a product of consistency

SLAPSHOTS Blast offside review into the sun

Fair-weather forecast

Illustration by Iryna Presley

Illustration by Iryna Presley

When Matt Duchene scored a mile offside 12 years ago, I was screaming bloody murder for the NHL to implement some sort of offside goal review. The ante was raised when referees missed Danny Briere doing the same thing in a crucial playoff matchup. How could something as important as the Stanley freaking Cup be influenced by such a critical missed call in an age when instant replay was so readily available?

When it comes to sports fandom, two big choices must be made: which team you cheer for, and whether you will stick with them through the tough times. One moment your favourite team is leading the division and thriving; the next they have lost 10 straight games and are stuck at the bottom of the standings. The 2025-26 Canucks are a prime example, continuing to spiral downward with each passing game.

Cascades men’s basketball cruises into 2026 on a five-game win streak JEFFREY KENNETT The UFV Cascades are often synonymous with grit, conditioning, and will, but this edition of the basketball team can score opponents out of the building. Despite appearing far more intimidating on the scoresheet this season, as a whole UFV’s points per game are nearly identical to a year ago. What makes this team look so scary is how many smaller areas in which they have improved. Offensive rebounding is one. The Cascades are averaging 12 offensive boards per-game. Another is the addition of Marcus Flores, whose presence in the rotation has introduced a new scoring threat and added another dimension to the team’s offensive game plan. There is constant motion, plenty of size, and the starting five can all pass and shoot. UFV’s 18.1 assists per game rank third trailing only Victoria and Brandon. The biggest development, however, appears to be a clearer understanding of

“UFV’s comfort level on offence looks much more fluid this season, though their three-point shooting has yet to become a true weapon.” 14

who should have the ball in key moments. UFV’s comfort level on offence looks much more fluid this season, though their three-point shooting has yet to become a true weapon. The personnel are there, though. Bona fide sharpshooter Dilveer Randhawa leads the way, shooting 37 per cent from three, while Ismael Hernandez, Jaylen Lee, and Dario Lopez — now back in the lineup — are all credible threats from beyond the arc. Still, UFV does not gameplan around the three. The Cascades have attempted the fourth-fewest in the league and have made more than only MacEwan. Their 29 per cent success rate from deep is respectable, but pushing that number into the 30s would place them among the top 10 three-point shooting teams in Canada West (CW). One of the more interesting developments has been UFV’s defence on offence. The Cascades have limited opponents to a league-low 7.2 steals per game average, down from 8.9 last season, when they ranked 10th. UFV’s ball protecting prowess has led to the lowest turnover per game committed (13.8) of any team, down from last year’s 15.9. Bennett O’Connor has delivered in clutch moments, helping the Cascades close out seven wins already this season. However, it is his facilitation that has been instrumental to UFV’s potent offence. O’Connor’s 4.6 assists per game rank fifth in the league, and with multiple passing options at his disposal, the team has benefitted from the point-guard’s play alongside Lopez since the latter’s return, even calling him one of the best he’s ever played with. “He’s definitely top-two, and he’s not two. So I’ll give him that, alright, I’ll give him that. He’s a great player. I love playing with him.” The 2025-26 Cascades are shooters. They take a lot of shots, and they aren’t shy about it. Ending the first semester on a five-game winning streak, UFV’s 749 field-goal attempts rank fifth in CW, clicking at 43 per cent on the campaign. Victoria remains the benchmark in U SPORTS, converting on a league-high 47 per cent of field goals. If the Cascades could marginally raise their efficiency to, say 45 per cent, they would sit neck-andneck with perennial powerhouse UBC, and just behind Brandon at 46 per cent. UFV’s next opponent is the Victoria Vikes on Jan. 9.

Fast forward to today, and the coach’s challenges for offside have become a detriment to the sport. If it takes more than 10 minutes to determine whether a player was offside, just hang up the phone. Games are being halted for extended periods over fractions of an inch barely detectable to the human eye. In theory, offside should be black and white: either you’re over the blue line before the puck crosses, or you’re not. I’d rather see an illegal goal stand than watch one wiped off the board because someone’s right big toe crossed the blueline 45 seconds earlier on a play that has nothing to do with the goal itself. Sue me. JEFFREY KENNETT

And I get it — nobody likes cheering for a team that is counting down the days until the draft lottery. But rough seasons are part of the charm that defines being a fan of a team like the Canucks. Seasons like this leave only the die-hards, and that shared suffering helps build a stronger sense of camaraderie within a tortured fanbase, even if it is rooted in misery. Fair-weather fans may be quick to jump on the bandwagon the moment success returns, but they don’t represent what it truly means to be a die-hard fan.

BY ETHAN PAULSON

Photo courtesy of UFV Cascades

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2026

VOL. 34 // ISSUE 01

SPORTS Soccer //

History maker: De Souza paving the way The first player in UFV history has been selected in the Canadian Premier League draft ETHAN PAULSON Matheus De Souza had a rookie season to remember. In 16 matches, the first-year goalkeeper led the Cascades to an 8-4-4 record, earned Canada West First Team All-Star and All-Rookie honours, and set a UFV program record with 462 minutes and 35 seconds of consecutive shutout minutes. While his debut campaign was already historic, De Souza wasn’t done making history. The Cascade checked in with the trailblazing keeper following his selection to Vancouver FC in late November. “I didn’t think I would get selected in the first round,” De Souza said. “I thought if I was going to get selected, it would be their last pick, but to pick me [with] the fifth pick was a special feeling — especially being there with my family.” De Souza was the second selection for the local team in the Canadian Premier League draft, following Joseph Green of Mount Royal University, who was taken third overall. Despite the many standout players to come through the Cascades since the CPL’s inception, De Souza became the first player in program history to be drafted in the CPL-U SPORTS

draft. With only 18 total picks, the selection itself was a significant achievement — one De Souza credits to the support of his teammates. “They pushed me and really helped me get to the draft. It’s a special feeling because that’s what I worked for. That was my plan going into the season: go in, have a good season, and try to get drafted.” Vancouver FC knew exactly what they were getting in De Souza. His .808 save percentage and 59 saves across 16 matches ranked fifth in U SPORTS this season, as the rookie backstopped the Cascades back to the Canada West semi-finals before falling 1-0 to UBC in extra time. The cherry on top of De Souza’s selection was the fact that he spent time training with Vancouver FC earlier this year. “It was a really good experience,” De Souza said of his training experience with Vancouver FC. “I learned a lot backing up Callum Irving, he’s a great person to learn from and he mentored me a lot. Being in a professional environment is always good — it’s challenging; it [takes] dedication [and] hard work every single day.” Vancouver FC’s 2025 season was a mixed bag. Despite finishing last in the CPL standings, the feisty team from

Willoughby clawed their way to the finals of the Canadian Championship tournament against the Vancouver Whitecaps. The surprising Cinderella run came to an end with a 4-2 loss in Vancouver. “They didn’t have an ideal season that they wanted, but they changed in the last couple [of] games and started getting results,” said De Souza on his new club. “Going on a good Canadian Championship run lifted everyone’s spirits going into next season — especially now getting a spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup.” The Concacaf Champions Cup is North America’s premier soccer tournament, featuring the top talent from North and Central America, and the Caribbean. In 2026, Vancouver FC will make its tournament debut, but the challenge will be steep, as the club is set to face defending champions Cruz Azul in the first round. While De Souza’s eyecatching season was rewarded on draft day, another decorated Cascade did not hear his name called. UFV star forward Mateo Brazinha, the reigning U SPORTS Joe Johnson Memorial Trophy winner as U SPORTS men’s soccer player of the year, and two-time Canada West Player of the

Year, went unselected by the league’s eight CPL clubs. “I was honestly quite shocked,” De Souza said of his captain’s omission. “As arguably the best player in Canada and U SPORTS — he showed that last year [and] showed that this year again — it’s unfortunate that no team picked him up, because I feel like he could be a great addition to any team.” Despite the snub, Cascade’s men’s soccer has firmly captured the attention of professional scouts. With De Souza leading the way, future UFV players may soon follow in hearing their names called on CPL draft day. “When [De Souza] committed I was delighted, because not only is he a quality goalkeeper but he’s a quality person as well,” said coach Tom Lowndes. “He’s great around the guys, they enjoy his company, and he’s such a hard worker. We are excited for him to gain the experience and use that to have another great season with us in the fall of 2026.” Interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Hockey //

Culture crisis in Canuckland Vancouver’s franchise leader in points for a defenceman is off to Minnesota ETHAN PAULSON The culture of the Vancouver Canucks is not for the faint of heart. From the turmoil of the Mark Messier era in the 1990s, to the fan riots after the 1994 and 2011 Stanley Cup Finals, to the fallout after the J.T. Miller-Elias Pettersson rift, there is no shortage of examples that explain why players might hesitate to play in Vancouver. That is why it should not shock fans when key figures in the organization, such as Quinn Hughes, are reluctant to sign or extend contracts with the Canucks. Dec. 12, 2025, is a day Canucks fans will not soon forget. At 4:38 p.m., insider Darren Dreger reported that captain Quinn Hughes had been traded to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Marco Rossi, Liam Öhgren, Zeev Buium, and a 2026 first-round draft pick. Trade rumours surrounding Hughes had circulated for months, driven by his pending unrestricted free agency at the end of the 2026-27 season and his

hesitation to commit long-term amid the Canucks’ lack of playoff success during his tenure. Still, the destination came as a surprise. Rather than landing with a Stanley Cup contender such as the Colorado Avalanche, uniting with his brothers in New Jersey, or returning to his home state of Michigan to play for the Detroit Red Wings near where he played college hockey, Hughes was sent to Bill Guerin’s club in the state of hockey. The Wild haven’t advanced past the first round of the playoffs since 2014. In a quieter market, Hughes has an opportunity to win without the constant scrutiny that comes with captaining a Canadian team. While Vancouver’s on-ice performance during the 2025-26 season has been underwhelming, the culture surrounding the team still remains a central issue. Former captain Bo Horvat was traded to New York in 2023, and afterward famously remarked that the atmosphere around his new team was, “A lot better than Vancouver. I will tell you

that for free.” Though his comments were later framed as being taken out of context, they still raised questions about how players are treated by Vancouver’s media and how narratives are often exaggerated in pursuit of clicks. So, where does the Hughes trade leave the Canucks? Minnesota has thrived since acquiring the prolific defenceman, posting a 6-1-2 record at the time of writing, while Vancouver has continued their slide to the NHL’s basement. Now without their captain and sitting well outside of any sort of competitive window, the Canucks have once again proven to be their own worst enemy. From Messier infamously stripping away the captaincy from Trevor Linden as soon as he arrived in Vancouver, to the toxic relationship between Miller and Pettersson that Hughes was forced to sit in the middle of — being named captain of the Canucks is a one-way ticket to a terrible breakup that leaves the organization to pick up the pieces of a broken fandom. Fans have waited 55 years to see a

Stanley Cup lifted by the Vancouver Canucks. Based on how this season has unfolded, it appears that wait is far from over.

Illustration by Natasha Zilcosky / The Cascade 15

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CULTURE

culture@ufvcascade.ca

Community //

Remember the dead and fight like hell for the living The Trangender Day of Remembrance highlights the violence that Trans people endure everyday LIAM PYPER On Nov. 20th, UFV hosted an event for the Transgender Day of Remembrance, organized by No Space for Hate Abbotsford, the UFV Faculty & Staff Association, UFV School of Culture, Media, and Society, and CHASI. People both from the University and the Abbotsford community were invited to mourn the lives lost to anti-trans violence and to learn how to fight for those living. A space during the event was dedicated to those tragically passed, a wall with the faces and names of the hundreds of people, friends, family, and loved ones. The Transgender Day of Remembrance originated in 1999, with a vigil to remember Rita Hester and Chanelle Picket, two black Trans women who were brutally murdered a few years prior. It is meant to be a day of observance, a day where we recognize the persistence of violence and transphobia which affect trans folk around the world. In 2025, 289 Trans people were reported to have been murdered or committed suicide due to transphobia. This number likely underrepresents the actual scale of violence that Transgender people face. And in a world where transphobia and hate crimes are on the rise, it’s become depressing, stressful, enraging, and incredibly dangerous for many queer folks.

I believe that the event could have been advertised earlier and that an earlier time would have drawn a larger crowd. There were about 20 people at the event and while it was wonderful to meet and talk to everyone there, the lack of attendance was pretty noticeable. And it’s pretty upsetting because in some way it can feel deliberate. Where is UFV situated in all this? Because at least in my experience while the campus has been a safe and accepting place for queer folks, there seems to be a divide between the Abbotsford community and UFV when it comes to accepting trans folks for who they are. While there is definitely a great queer community to be found, there’s still a lot of transphobia in Abbotsford, making it incredibly difficult for people like Lydia Luna, one of the people who attended the event from outside the university, to exist. During the event Luna expressed the anger that I felt and that I believe many trans and queer folks feel, anger at the seeming disregard for the violence that is constantly perpetrated against the Trans community. “There are people who aren’t here, who should be. And that’s because they are den[ied] basic human decency, and that fills me with an insurmountable amount of rage that I just tend to carry.” I asked Brittany, who is an organizer of No Space for Hate Abbotsford and helped make the event possible, what

she thought the UFV could do to support trans folks in the Abbotsford community and on campus. “More events, stronger recognition for people’s rights... simple things like being inclusive in our language, in our practices, and kind of resisting assumptions … resisting heteronormal ideas, resisting discriminatory rhetoric, and being more encouraged, and more aware.” On the topic of campus inclusivity Dr. Amber Gazso, a professor of sociology and the director of the School of Culture, Media, and Society explained that UFV provides many supportive and safe spaces for queer folks, such as in her classes, something I feel resonates as true for myself. But there is still a lot of work to be done and Dr. Gazso believes that we need to do better to recognize the Trans community at UFV. “As a university, we could all move better towards being aware of that. Everyone lives and breathes in different ways, and we’re all unique, and we all should be treasured for it.” I asked Dr Gazso if UFV students and our community could benefit from a required course covering issues such as LGBTQ people and how to be an ally. She explained that there is a possible course in the works that would combine women’s and gender studies, although it is in the very early planning stages.

“We recently revised a course that would be on … gender sexuality and women’s studies. And we were envisioning it to be … a course, that … everyone would have to take” Here’s hoping! I have faith that those reading this article will attend next year’s event, and take a look at the UFV Pride Collective as well. They are an amazing and supportive community and have put on some incredible events. In the Abbotsford community there is also the Binary Freedom Foundation and No Space For Hate which are both great organizations. These communities are so important especially as we grow as a university. Trans people struggle so hard to find space and UFV should provide that, when our administration talks about the importance of our queer community, but important events like these get so little attendance, it starts to feel hollow. The words of Luna can beautifully articulate the fight that Trans people go through everyday, UFV could do more to fight alongside them. “We have always been here. Forever, we resist. ” Interviews have been edited for length and clarity.

Local //

A local’s guide to Abbotsford There are things to do here, just step out and see! JASLEEN SANDHU As someone born and raised in Abbotsford, I’ve always thought of it as a liminal space: not quite a city, but not a charming small town either. When I was an angsty teenager, I wanted nothing more than to leave, but as I’m growing up, I’m accepting that it’s home. I completely understand the groaning and whining about how ‘Abbotsford has nothing,’ but I assure you, if you really try, Abbotsford has a lot to offer and this article attempts to encourage you to do things right here in Abbotsford. Let’s start simple: try out different local cafés. Sure, chain establishments are convenient with their ubiquity, but it’s so much better to support places in 16

your own community. It’s fun to browse unique menus and to share pastries with your friends. Coffee, tea, and everything in between, these cafés have it all. Here’s a list of a few tried and true places: Afterthoughts, Aurora Roasters, Habitual, and Oldhand. Bonus points for the places that give UFV students discounts like Lepp’s Bakehouse and Sprouted Oven. Go café hopping! There’s nothing more fun than hot chocolate tasting on a winter’s day. Our downtown district may be small, but it’s historic and the cultural hub of Abbotsford. Not only is it raging with dining establishments, such as BRGR BRGR and Bow & Stern, but there are unique shops that cater to many different styles and tastes. Looking for a good

book? Try Totally Bookish. Need a unique gift for someone? Browse around Spruce Collective, The Celestial Boutique, or Corby’s Antiques. Want to do something creative? Tap into your artistic side at The Clay Cottage. Are you yearning to get a fresh piercing or tattoo? Memento Mori Studios has you covered. For those that like to hit the gym, Abbotsford has no shortage of them, but there are options for those of us that prefer other forms of movement and exercise. I’m pleased to inform you that we have recreation centres dedicated to swimming, skating, and additional activities such as zumba, basketball, and more for all ages and levels. Abbotsford also has yoga studios, spin cycling, pilates, and dance studios. If your surrounding areas

aren’t the best for a walk, try Rotary Stadium or Mill Lake, but if you’re looking for something more lowkey, explore Douglas Taylor Park instead. For those interested in the city’s culture, I implore you to spend time at The Reach Gallery Museum and Open Space. Both places host a variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year and highlight local art and stories. The Abbotsford Arts Centre isn’t limited to high school theatre performances (which I recommend attending, because it’s important to support your community!), but their website lists a variety of events that go on throughout the year. The library is another great place to get involved within the CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

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CULTURE Alongside everything else, we still have a Cineplex, Galaxy Bowl, and who community. Alongside books and media, could ever forget Castle Fun Park. the library consistently offers diverse Abbotsford may not be Vancouver, it events and programs. If something calls may not even be Langley, but I can’t help out to you, don’t hesitate, just go! feeling offended when anyone outside It may seem that the sports scene exists outside of Abbotsford, but that’s not the case. We have a local hockey team — Abbotsford Pilots — who offer discounted tickets to us university students. We also have a professional hockey team right on campus! Abbotsford Canucks games are fun live and far more affordable than Vancouver Canucks ones. Speaking of campus, UFV has many teams, ranging from soccer to rowing, full of incredible athletes that deserve our support. Go cheer on the Cascades and scare off the competition!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

of Abbotsford has something bad to say about it. Yes, it’s small and many places close far too early for my liking, but the Abbotsford that exists now didn’t exist 15 years ago. There are many more options

now for things to do, places to go, and, ultimately, to achieve new experiences. Step out of your comfort zone and explore a different corner of Abbotsford; you don’t know what you might find.

Photo courtesy of Tourism Abbotsford.

Campus Fashion: a look back on 2025 fashion Remembering the styles of yesterday RACHEL TAIT This is Campus Fashion, your source of inspiration for seasonal trends, cool finds, and wardrobe basics to keep you looking stylish throughout the year. 2025 was a year of experimentation, creativity, and style as it presented fresh looks while reinventing old ones, which created a unique palette for the fashion lover. As 2026 begins, let’s not forget all the unforgettable looks of yesteryear. The Cascade looked back on some of 2025’s most iconic fashion trends that are still rocking today.

Chocolate brown The rich and dark “it” colour of 2025 was everywhere, from tops to shoes. A nice alternative to black, chocolate brown looks good with light and dark colours alike. An iconic brown statement wool coat pairs well with a maxi cream sweater dress, tall brown leather boots, and a suede brown clutch purse for a rollicking night out. For a more casual day, wearing a chocolate brown sweatshirt and matching sweatpants with a white T-shirt and runners is a practical and comfortable way to pull off this style while studying for classes.

The Met Gala trends From pinstripes to suits of armour, the 2025 Met Gala was a memorable event that catered to every style and was complimented as having some of the most creative and exaggerated fashion looks to date. Japanese actress, Anna Sawai was decked out in an-all-white suit, while Australian model, Miranda Kerr, wore a dramatic black evening gown at the event. While many may not wear these styles on a daily basis, emulating your favourite trend in a more downplayed version such as a simple black dress for a formal event or a pinstripe suit for a business meeting is another way of appreciating fashion and giving a nod to the Met Gala.

From left to right Photo by Marcelo Chagas / Photo by Larissa / Martins Photo by Nam Phong Bùi / Graphic by Gabriela Gonzalez Bodysuits A useful and trendy style, the bodysuit gives off the illusion of an effortless tucked in look while maintaining a comfortable and elegant persona. Resembling a dancer’s leotard with snap buttons at the bottom, bodysuits are very versatile and can go with almost everything in your wardrobe. For a casual look, wear a black bodysuit with a pair of medium wash jeans, a chunky cream cardigan, and tall black boots. In a more formal setting, pair a white bodysuit with oatmeal heathered trousers, a matching blazer, a cream trench coat, a cream crossbody handbag, and loafers.

Suede bags Soft, supple, and luxurious, suede leather and imitation handbags were a huge hit this year, especially in the fall. A brown slouch suede handbag is a good alternative accessory to a structured black handbag, and can be worn with jeans, a cream cable-knit sweater, a cream

long puffer vest, brown suede Ked shoes and sunglasses. For a more formal look, wear an indigo denim shirt dress, a camel blazer, tights, black kitten heels and a black suede clutch purse for the whole effect.

White eyelet During the summer, white eyelet clothing was a popular choice to wear to stay cool in the heat and is a classic that will more than likely show up in summer 2026. For a fun day out at the beach, a pair of white eyelet shorts with a matching button-down short sleeve shirt is a great cover up over a swim suit when worn with white tennis shoes and a baseball hat to help keep the sun out. For a date night, wear a midi length white eyelet dress, brown leather wedge sandals, a straw tote bag, a denim jacket, and sunglasses for a summer resort look. There you have it, a compilation of some of the best fashion styles and memories of 2025. As the new year unfolds, stay tuned for more content on what 2026 has to offer. May you all have a fashionable winter semester on campus and a Happy New Year!

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ARTS

arts@ufvcascade.ca Arts Editor - Sky Terrones

Arts //

Bridge the divide with these recommendations Resources to build better conversations

Book covers from Conversations with People Who Hate Me by Dylan Marron and How Minds Change by David McRaney; promotional artwork from Political Blind Date. / Graphic by Gabriela Gonzalez

KARA DUNBAR

on opposing sides of an issue in Canadian politics and brings them together for a series of “dates.” Each one takes the other into their world, explaining and showcasing their perspective. They finish with a last date to reflect on what they learned from the experience. What I like about this show is how personal it gets with the politicians — you get to see them as the humans they are. You also get a look at various parts of the government; politicians from municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government are featured on this show. Participants rarely walk away with completely new opinions, but they do leave with a deeper understanding of the issue than they had before — and often with an unexpected new friend.

Have you considered that you might learn the most from a perceived enemy? Or that you may have more in common psychologically with the conspiracy theorist than you’d want to admit? Or that your most valuable lessons could come from the people who seem to hate you? Online political discourse can feel loud, chaotic, and volatile to say the least, and it inevitably seeps into real-world politics, making it harder for us to really hear one another. Research has shown that ideologically, we often have more in common with each other than we think, so there is a strong base for us to shift our culture back toward respectful conversation, and that conversation toward change. These resources have helped me Minds Change by David approach political conversations with a How McRaney more open, clearer mind, and maybe they can help you out too. This isn’t a book about politics — it’s a book about psychology. It explores how Political Blind Date (2017-) our worldviews are formed and the way This TVO series isn’t about politicians they shape our perspectives on different trying to win debates. It’s about public issues. This book asks why it is so hard servants learning from each other. for people to change their minds. What I Political Blind Date pairs two politicians have seen within political conversation is 18

confusion and frustration with the “other side,” as they always seem stuck in their ways, or are manipulating the truth to see what they want; this book outlines how every side is prone to this, as this is what our brains instinctively do to keep us feeling safe and secure. If you want to understand both yourself and the conspiracy theorist more, reading this might just do the trick.

Conversations with People Who Hate Me with Dylan Marron Marron isn’t a stranger to online hate. After years of being outspoken about politics he’s received more hostile comments than he can count. Rather than ignoring them, in his podcast he reaches out to the people behind the comments and starts a conversation. In these exchanges, he explores what lies behind our beliefs and how we interact differently with each other online versus in person, even over a phone call. Since the pod started, he expanded from talking with just those who have left him hate comments, to connecting others who have clashed with each other online. Despite “hate” being in the title, these conversations often bring

understanding and can be very compelling. Marron also wrote a book by the same title as the podcast, which chronicled his experiences and lessons learned from recording it. Through my exploration of these resources, I found some common themes. Those having tough discussions cared about what they were talking about; they cared as equally as their so-called “opponents” about the topic of discussion. They also usually had more in common than they thought, and by identifying their commonalities, they were able to move forward and discover what solutions they could both pursue instead of continuing to fight back and forth. Progress wasn’t made when they were fighting, nor when they were debating and trying to “win.” Progress happened when they could look at each other and listen; it happened when they both said, “Maybe my understanding is incomplete.” Perhaps if we want to see change in 2026, we need to seek a deeper understanding of ourselves and each other.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2026

VOL. 34 // ISSUE 01

ARTS Horoscopes // Aries:

Libra:

Strawberry Tart

Spicy Chocolate Brownie

Scorpio: Taurus:

Dark Chocolate Truffles

Cheesecake

Sagittarius: Gemini:

Churros

Macarons

Capricorn: Cancer:

Tiramisu

Rice Pudding

Aquarius: Leo:

Matcha Cake

Crème Brûlée

Pisces: Virgo:

Cotton Candy

Shortbread Cookies

Illustration by Hannah Bricknell / The Cascade 19

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2026

VOL. 34 // ISSUE 01

ARTS

Cascade Rewind: Pride & Prejudice is still bewitching Celebrating 20 years of the hand flex scene JASLEEN SANDHU It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a bored person looking for something to do should watch a good film. My recommendation is Joe Wright’s Pride & Prejudice (2005). The celebrated adaptation turned 20 just this past September and there’s a reason we keep watching it. If you have read the book it’s based on, you likely already favour one adaptation over another. And though I recognize there are many beautifully executed versions of Pride and Prejudice — the BBC series, most notably — the 2005 film simply shines brightest. Wright’s version makes Jane Austen’s novel come to life through rich cinematography, nuanced characters, and a brilliant score. Austen’s overall humour is implemented into the storytelling of the film through her Regency-era caricatures and quick wit. While the film preserves the novel’s core elements, it isn’t faithful to a fault; instead, it accentuates the dramatic aspects of Austen’s story through artistic liberties taken by Wright, enhancing the viewing experience. The actors play their roles so convincingly that period-drama queen Keira Knightley becomes Elizabeth Bennet, and big names like Rosamund Pike and Carey Mulligan simply turn into Bennet sisters. While Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) remain the focus — with their

Photo: Courtesy Focus Features restrained, slow-burn romance balanced by the perfect amount of pining — the film also gives other characters dimension through their own situations, just as in Austen’s story. On the surface, Pride and Prejudice, is thought of as a love story — and it is — but the film highlights just how much more lies beneath. Alongside the central theme of love, the story is about virtue, independence, family dynamics, and navigating societal expectations of womanhood and marriage. Not only are all these ideas prevalent across the film through character portrayal and plot progression, but the details of Austen’s world make the story

Photo: Courtesy Focus Features 20

what it is. No character in Austen’s world is without fault and Wright emphasizes that in his film. Austen’s world is vivacious, but it is ultimately human. Viewers and readers alike can see Pride and Prejudice as a story of intertwined lives, shaped by the conflicts and resolutions born from each character’s search for personal contentment. There’s a reason we still watch the 2005 adaptation. No matter how many times we’ve seen it, we all still root for Elizabeth and Darcy from beginning to end — even as they spend much of the runtime mortally offending each other. If there is any doubt at all about how essential Wright’s Pride & Prejudice is to the modern day cultural zeitgeist, I must emphasize that the lines “You have bewitched me body and soul” and “I’ve no money and no prospects. I’m already a burden to my parents” are still recognized and referenced often. Additionally, the hand flex scene is swooned over by many fans — myself very much included — and might just be one of the most intimate moments in cinema history. Perhaps it’s moments like this — when the film becomes deeply personal — that explain why it lingers with so many of us long after the credits roll. I was first introduced to it in a high school social studies class, and it has certainly stuck with me ever since. The 2005 adaptation holds a special nostalgia, and it’s become a shared obsession among my friends — endlessly quoted and rewatched. It may not be everyone’s favourite, but it absolutely is mine. From the jubilance of ballroom dances to the heartache of rain-drenched confessions — Pride & Prejudice is the ultimate period drama. 20 years have passed since its release and Hollywood loves a revamp: a Netflix Pride and Prejudice series with Olivia Colman is currently in the works. While I look forward to the newest installment, until it is released, I’ll continue to watch the 2005 version and giggle as Mr. Collins (Tom Hollander) extols the virtues of those “excellent boiled potatoes.”

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2026

VOL. 34 // ISSUE 01

ARTS Movies //

Wicked: the adaptation that changed us — for good The promised epic finale full of heart, soul, imperfections, triumphs, and all SKY S. TERRONES What does it feel like to fulfill a dream? Back in December 2024, I had the honour of raving in feature-length format about my long-awaited movie adaptation: Wicked. Witnessing the story of these two Oz witches — torn to opposite sides of a conflict neither chose — come to life on screen was literally my dream. Wicked (2024) covered Act I of the Broadway musical, and I called it a worthy adaptation. After the longest intermission of my life — a year collecting merch and hyping myself up with the TV special Wicked: One Wonderful Night (2025) — my review for Wicked: For Good (2025) is finally here. Oz knows how long I’ve been driving my co-workers mad with talk about writing this. A few disclaimers first. No, I wasn’t cursed with this unadulterated love for musicals; no, I didn’t consume anything exceedingly peculiar and altogether quite impossible to describe that might cloud my judgement; and yes, I was indeed born a Wicked fan — which is why I’ve always known of Act II’s long-standing issues. When we left off, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) was on the run, and Glinda (Ariana Grande-Butera) was stepping into power. But as we return to them, the story struggles to find its momentum. There’s a goal, yet it floats in the ether because Elphaba lacks a concrete plan. She’s lost, and so are we. The introduction drags and still feels somewhat incomplete, with unaddressed plot holes and murky causality that slow the pacing — flaws that have persisted for over 20 years. The team behind this adaptation has been so respectful of the source material that it’s no surprise the film inherits the musical’s structural problems. Part of me wishes that director Jon M. Chu had taken bolder swings in reshaping Act II. I love this story; it’s close to my heart, but I’m also perfectly aware of the places where it could have evolved, and didn’t. Alas, I suppose no good deed goes unpunished. Two decades later, audiences are ready for more modern storytelling, and a most meaningful change would’ve been dropping the Elphaba–Fiyero romance to centre Elphaba and Glinda even further. Gelphie bias aside, their bond already reads as a love story — two people raised worlds apart who grow toward each other through quiet devotion and hard-won understanding. In a more progressive landscape, it could’ve been the greatest

Wicked: For Good / COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES UK queer romance ever — instead, we get a bland male lead delivering cheesy, outdated lines. The new songs are strong additions. “The Girl in the Bubble” has made the biggest noise, but “No Place Like Home” is arguably the one the story needed most — so where’s its love? I’ll spare the full lecture, but Act II didn’t need two extra solo ballads, and putting “No Place Like Home” in the extended intro wastes its potential. Reimagined as an ensemble woven into Nessa’s (Marissa Bode) and Boq’s (Ethan Slater) arc, could’ve

made it more dynamic and deepened the emotional stakes. Still, the lyrics are beautiful, resonating painfully with the realities of communities being displaced, judged, and denied the rights they’ve fought for. The idea of building a home only to be rejected by your neighbours cuts straight into my immigrant soul, and I encourage everyone to give it a listen. The film starts slow, but the payoff is worth it. Many elements have been strengthened, even offering solutions to some of its deep-rooted issues. Glinda’s

expanded backstory and her involvement in “Wonderful” add depth and empathy, ultimately elevating the climactic, heart-wrenching conclusion. The movie glows the most emerald when our favourite witches share the screen. Erivo and Grande-Butera deliver two of the year’s strongest performances. Seriously, what more do these extraordinary women need to do to earn those Oscars? The sound editing, mixing, and score are top-tier. The musical alterations work, and the way both leads make the songs their own left a handprint on my heart. Not to spoil anything, but I’ve seen this movie five times in different formats, and the double‑feature in IMAX is the way to go — also, yes, I cried every single time. Many wrote off Wicked (2024) as “incomplete,” and fair enough — it was only part one. Some are already treating the second film the same way, forgetting that it’s only the other half of the story. With both films finally side by side, this is it, the full Wicked adaptation. And what a transcendent one it turned out to be. Wicked has always been my steady source of comfort; the promised adaptation was the anchor I held onto when things felt unstable. Now, I’m left with the stillness and gentle whisper of a dream fulfilled. What comes after? Perhaps, for this clock tick, it’s the desire to find my next Wicked — with the joy of knowing I can return to this thrillifying story whenever I need to, and so can you.

Wicked: For Good / COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES UK 21

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2026

VOL. 34 // ISSUE 01

ARTS Television //

Saying goodbye to Stranger Things The Duffer Brothers’ five-season saga comes to a dramatic end CAITLYN CARR I was a high school sophomore when season one of Stranger Things (20162025) released. Now, in my fourth year of university, the series has finally come to an end — and like everyone else who has stuck with the show all these years, I have some thoughts on its fifth and final season. The final season rolled out in stages: volume one arrived on Nov. 26, followed by volume two released on Christmas Day. Then, on Dec. 31, the show’s two-hour series finale dropped — even premiered in select theatres — and just like that, the campaign rolled its last encounter. Season five of Stranger Things takes place a year and a half after season four’s dramatic finale. Hawkins is under lockdown, with our beloved main cast determined to find Vecna/Henry/001 (What are we calling him now?), played by Jamie Campbell Bower. As Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) trains with Hopper (David Harbour) for an inevitable showdown, and Will’s (Noah Schnapp) connection to Vecna intensifies, new details emerge about The Upside Down that change our understanding of the mysterious dimension forever. This season has received mixed reviews, but regardless, I’d say it was ultimately a success. Right off the bat, my favourite part of this season was finally seeing Will get adequate screen time — a rarity since season two. While Schnapp’s acting this season unfortunately pales in comparison to his performance back then, I loved seeing Will move closer to the forefront of the plot once again instead of his notability being mostly attributed to his unfortunate bowl cut. Another element that works really well this season is the conflict between Steve (Joe Keery) and Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) as Dustin copes with last season’s tragedy in reckless ways. As someone who once believed Steve should have died in season four, the distressing tension between them convinced me to change my mind. Their friendship needed to be tested and pushed to its limits. After all, how else do connections grow? While there was a lot I liked about this season, it’s definitely not without its flaws. I think the biggest weaknesses come from one thing: viewers’ expectations — and who can blame us? With season five arriving a whopping three years after season four, plus all the hype from both the cast and creators Matt and Ross Duffer (the Duffer Brothers) during interviews, we’re bound to have some high hopes. I mean, 22

three years to make eight episodes? I don’t know about you, but that seems like more than enough time to make some damn good television. So why are we giving more screen time to a side character many viewers like myself don’t care about, instead of the core cast we’ve spent years growing attached to? Why are there still inconsistencies between seasons? And why are the Duffer Brothers making careless mistakes — like having a character wear an Under Armour logo in 1987, even though the brand wasn’t founded until 1996? Or mixing up established canon during flashbacks, such as the fact that it was supposed to be pouring rain when Johnathan (Charlie Heaton) and Will built Castle Byers, yet a flashback shows them doing it on a bright sunny day? In another show, I wouldn’t care about these minor errors. However, after waiting this long for a mere eight episodes, my expectations are higher — and I’m simply less forgiving. The Duffer Brothers’ decision to split the final season into three volumes didn’t help either. If you ask me, season five should have been released all at once. That way, viewers could have appreciated the season as a whole rather than comparing the three volumes — a problem that surfaced after volume two dropped and faced oceans of backlash after volume one’s success. While much of volume two’s criticism can be attributed to overt homophobia, some critiques did have merit — including the most shameless use of plot armour I’ve ever witnessed. Plot armour aside, season five

Stranger Things / Photo Courtesy of Netflix highlights many of the cast’s insane acting skills, especially Bower, Matarazzo, and Natalia Dyer — who plays the iconic Nancy “Walk ‘em Down” Wheeler. Her badass performance is one of my favourite parts of this series, so I loved seeing her bravery highlighted even more this season. With all its highs and lows, Stranger Things’ ultimately had a satisfying and truly cinematic series finale. I watched

the credits through teary eyes, not just because of the episode’s emotional roller-coaster, but also because the series I’ve stuck with for almost a decade is finished. The time of frozen waffles, 1980’s mall aesthetics, die-hard Eddie (Joseph Quinn) fans, and fearing for Steve’s life — it’s all over. Loved it or hated it, there’s no denying Stranger Things defined an era to remember.

Stranger Things / Photo Courtesy of Netflix

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2026

VOL. 34 // ISSUE 01

ARTS Video Games //

Witchcraft and willpower — Hades II casts its spell in the Game of the Year race Supergiant Games proves lightning can strike twice with Hades II BRANDON GILL Long ago, there was nothing but chaos. And from chaos, as we all know, came Titans, then Olympians and so on. Also, long ago, but not that long ago, Supergiant Games released a game called Hades (2020). Received to universal acclaim for its story, characters, gameplay, and soundtrack, Hades has been described as one of the greatest games of all time and has won many honours and awards, including Game of the Year from six different award ceremonies. I’ve been following Supergiant Games since Bastion in 2011, and every single game they release has gotten better. Hades blew me away — I was instantly hooked. And when it lit up the award ceremonies with nomination after nomination and win after win, I thought Supergiant Games had peaked. Fortunately, I was wrong. Five years later, Supergiant Games has released their first ever sequel, Hades II (2025). Since Hades was so good, Hades II had some big shoes to fill — and it has. Hades II received universal acclaim and was nominated for awards as well. It manages to build on everything Hades did well while still feeling entirely fresh. There’s more incredible music (thank you, Sirens), voice acting that triggers my ASMR response (looking at you, Selene), and an engaging plot following new and returning Greek myths — all built around a revitalized gameplay loop that echoes the original. Hades II follows Melinoë, the mortal daughter of Hades, God of the Underworld, and Persephone, Goddess of Vegetation. She is also the sister of Zagreus, the protagonist of the first game. The game starts by dropping players off in the deep end, quickly revealing that Melinoë’s task is to kill her grandfather, Chronos, the Titan of Time. It never feels jarring, though, because the familiar and refined Hades gameplay loop kicks in immediately, delivering stylish combat, interesting upgrades, and rich characters and world development. Every character sports an updated design, packed with style. Most of the locations are new and fresh, and anytime you revisit a place from the previous game, it feels exciting despite having seen that same level hundreds of times. Just like Hades, this game has amazing sound design, and the voice work is some of the strongest I’ve experienced

to date. The delivery is so great, I find myself excited even for the smallest bits of dialogue. And then there’s the music. I listened to the Hades soundtrack long after finishing the first game because it was just that good. Now, some nights I go to bed with “I Am Gonna Claw (Out Your Eyes then Drown You to Death)” still ringing in my head. As the game unfolds, it becomes clear that Hades II has added far more depth, introduced in steady waves that make the world feel like it’s slowly opening up while also enhancing the gameplay and characters. Despite being hours into the game, I only recently discovered that there are actually two routes. At first, it seemed like a cheap way to pad out content, but the more I play the second route, the better the game becomes — introducing more locations, new characters, additional mechanics, and a deeper layer of character development. Yet again, Supergiant Games hit a new peak. If you liked Hades, I don’t need to convince you to play Hades II. And if you

haven’t tried Hades, I strongly suggest you do — it’s a game that broke the mold. After that, pick up Hades II and I know you will not regret it. I want to quickly mention how wild it was that Hades II was up against Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Donkey Kong Bonanza — both massive AAA titles from two of the biggest fish in the game development pond (Sony and Nintendo, respectively). To me, that alone shows how much Hades II is punching above its weight class. Unfortunately, it did not take home Game of the Year, but it did earn Best Action Game. As a note, if you’ve ever enjoyed a video game at all, please check out the game that did win Game of the Year, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (2025); it is so worth it. Beyond the awards, though, I hope you’ll support the gaming community with your time, your resources, and your love. Behind every game are passionate people who care deeply and work tirelessly to bring these incredible worlds to life.

SHUFFLE CIVL’s Aaron Levy welcomes you into 2026 with some songs from many, MANY new years’ ago.

Akron/Family - “Last Year” I don’t often share “content” to “social media” personally, ever since Meta banned news in Canada (often inaccurately attributed to the Liberal Trudeau government, for all of their legitimate folly), but I did throw this — my #1 all-time New Year’s Eve song — up on the ol’ Zuckerbox. RIP Miles.

Dinosaur Bones - “N.Y.E” Short-lived with an outsized influence — no, not the Jurassic (or earlier) lizards themselves, but the band named after them — a Toronto powerhouse that took the local gig world by storm in the late aughts, leading to this epic lo-fi anthem that relatively few people will ever even hear, let alone appreciate.

Nine Inch Nails - “The Day the World Went Away” Brought to mind because, in thinking of New Year songs, “Year Zero” came up — but I like this more. The vibe is so menacing and ominous all the way through; reminding me of Y2K, when the world almost ended, and how every NYE since I wonder about the same…

Prince - “1999” A song so essential that when Will Smith — one of the archetypal crossover actor-rappers — released his Willennium record, in time for the “Millennium” in 1999, the lead track directly references this already-classic, specifically because it was calling back from the very moment the song had originally been calling forward toward!

Image credit: Supergiant Games 23

EVENTS CALENDAR

JANUARY · MEQÓ:S MEQÓ:S:

7

8

9

Lenses - A student exhibition @S’ELIYEMETAXWTEXW ART GALLERY, Abbotsford BC 06:00PM - 08:00PM Chat-R: Feeling Stuck @S’ELIYEMETAXWTEXW ART GALLERY, Abbotsford BC 07:00PM Abby Cancuks Game @Rogers Forum, 33800 King Road

This month’s Halq’eméylem name is meqó:s or “fallen snow.” meqó:s is from 31 December 2024 – 29 January 2025.

12:00PM - 05:00PM

Chat-S: Sqwelqwel and Reconcili-Action @Online 03:00PM - 04:00PM Chat-I: Designing Accountable Discussion Spacs @Online 10:00AM - 01:00PM Come create with us! (every Thursday) @Open Space, 33765 Essendene Avenue, Abbotsford 06:30PM - 08:30PM Sidestage Live Music Series @Sidekick Brewing, 45530 Vedder Mountain Road 12:00PM - 01:00PM

Sharing Indigenous Resources Forum (SIRF) @Online 06:00PM - 08:00PM UFV Women’s Volleyball vs. Brandon @Abbotsford Campus — Building E, Abbotsford 07:45PM - 09:45PM UFV Men’s Volleyball vs. Brandon @Abbotsford Campus — Building E, Abbotsford

16

07:00PM - 09:30PM

12 13

12:00PM - 12:50PM

Comedy Open Mic - Last Laffs @Old Abbey Ales Brewery, 30321 Fraser Hwy #1 A, Abbotsford, BC V4X 1T3

Pining for Needles: Courageous Steps @Chilliwack Campus — CEP, Room A2428, Chilliwack Britich Columbia

12:00PM - 01:00PM

UFV Book Club: Exploring Outgrowing Modernity @Thinkerspace, G124, Abbotsford BC Senate Meeting - UFV @Evered Hall, Student Union Building, Abbotsford BC The 1st Lil Godd Tour @Chillhouse, 45910 Alexander Ave, Chilliwack

01:30PM 07:30PM

20

11:30AM - 12:30PM

21

10:30AM - 01:30PM Mental Health Screening Day @Chilliwack UFV Campus, Building A Hallway

23

11:00AM - 01:00PM

09:30PM - 12:00PM

11

11:30AM - 12:30PM

01:00PM - 03:00PM 05:00PM - 07:00PM

Craft & Commiserate @Thinkerspace, G124, Abbotsford BC

UFV Women’s Basketball vs. UBC @Abbotsford Campus — Building E, Abbotsford UFV Men’s Basketball vs. UBC @Abbotsford Campus — Building E, Abbotsford Art Show: Jesse Klassen @Downtown Open Space, 33765 Essendene Avenue, Abbotsford

24

09:00AM - 03:00PM Fraser Valley Thrift Market @Chilliwack Hertiage Park. 44140 Luckakuck Way

06:30PM - 08:30PM Trivia Night @Sidekick Brewing, 45530 Vedder Mountain Road

27

09:00AM - 03:00PM Seek & Sketch @The Reach Gallery Museum, 32388 Veterans Way

Hal’qéylem Language Learning and Sharing (Part 1) - UFV @Thinkerspace, G124, Abbotsford BC 04:00PM - 05:00PM Writer in Residence Welcome Reading @UFV Abbotsford Library, G Building

28

06:30PM - 08:30PM Custom Pillow Paint n’Sip @Everything Wine, McCallum Junction 125-1828 McCallum Rd. Abbotsford Bc V2S 0H9

30

06:00PM - 08:00PM UFV Women’s Basketball vs. TWU @Abbotsford Campus — Building E, Abbotsford 08:00PM - 10:00PM UFV Men’s Basketball vs. TWU @Abbotsford Campus — Building E, Abbotsford

14

11:00AM - 02:00PM Abbotsford Campus Engagement Expo @Evered Hall, Student Union Building, Abbotsford

15

11:30AM - 01:30PM VARYING TIMES

Stir It Up @Chilliwack @Chilliwack Campus - Canada Eduction Park The Wizard of Oz - CSOPA @Chilliwack Cultural Centre, 9201 Corbould St

NOTE: Some of the events require tickets, and some are online. If something catches your eye, take to the internet for more details, including those about any safety measures for in-person events.

VIEW OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS ON CURRENT EVENTS!