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Friend first, wingman second: A short story from a vintage SFU photo

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PC: Photo: Vancouver Sun (1975) 

What do you think SFU students were doing on campus 40, 50 years ago? In honour of National Novel Writing Month and inspired by the New York Time’s segment ‘Past Tense,’ The Peak asked writers to spin short stories based off of archival photos of SFU. Real photos. Fictional stories. All written by SFU students. 

 

Friend first, wingman second — WY

From afar, the two looked picturesque, sitting back to back with their books. What students didn’t see though was that Andie’s book was upside down, and James had been reading the same paragraph for 10 minutes now. The two were lounging by the pond that day for one thing and one thing only — hotties. Well, one hottie in particular in Andie’s case.

“You know, some people would find it creepy you memorized some guy’s schedule,” James sighed, flipping a page as his gaze stayed steady on the crowd. 

“It’s romantic! And thoughtful,” Andie shot back.“Besides, when Teddy sees me here, putting the hot in thoughtful—” 

“Definitely not how you spell thoughtful. And also! It’s a gorgeous day out, can’t we just relax and take in the view . . .” James trailed off.

Andie turned and followed James’ gaze to one of the sweaty figures running across the pond. Jet black hair. Lean. A baby face. Typical. 

“You know, David would be pissed to know you’re checking out other guys,” Andie said, turning to smile wryly at him. James shrugged noncommittally, gazing down. Andie’s brows knit in concern. Something was up.

“Hey, you doing OK? You seem off,” Andie said.

James let out a breath and swiveled his torso to face his friend.

“Well, now that you mention it, I—” 

“Shit! I thought she got out of class in the mornings, fuck, oh Lord, smite me, smite me,” Andie mumbled to herself, shielding her face with her book (which thankfully was right side up at this point).

James looked at her, confused. He followed his friend’s gaze until he zeroed in on what she was focusing on, his face dropping. Shit, indeed.

The friends watched in stunned silence as two women walked by, their hands laced together. The blonde, aka Andie’s ex, threw her head back in laughter and promptly kissed the unknown woman’s cheek. From the corner of his eye, James could see Andie’s face drop at the sight. Once the couple breezed across the pond, far from their sight, Andie let out a sigh of relief. 

“Well, her new girl definitely isn’t as pretty as you?” he offered. 

“You’re so lucky you have David, James. Being single is a nightmare,” she groaned. James winced. He might as well tell her now.  

“Actually,” James began,  “I didn’t say earlier but David and I—” 

“Like it’s so hard being the only single one in our group, y’know?” Andie lamented. James pursed his lips in annoyance but pressed on. 

“Well, funny story about tha—” 

“And like I just wonder, is love even in the cards for me, y’know? I—oh my gosh.” 

 She started swatting at him furiously.

“Ow, what’re you— OW, what’re you doing?” James asked. Andie continued to push against him, her gaze steady on a distant figure. 

“Teddy got out of class early! You need to go! Hide in the bush or something, what if Teddy thinks we’re together?” she urged. 

James let out an exasperated sigh. “Andie, this sounds like a you problem, I’m not moving.”

“Jesus, James, not all of us have a perfect fucking boyfriend. You have no idea what it’s like being single,” Andie snapped. 

James whipped around to face her and shot back with, “What boyfriend? David just dumped me!”

Andie’s arms ceased swatting, her arms limp at her sides. Her eyes softened.

“James . . . I-I didn’t know—”

“Well yeah, you didn’t ask,” James snapped, gaze downward. Andie pursed her lips, unsure of what to say. 

“I’m sorry,” she said in a small voice. James sighed in response and rubbed the back of his neck in response. The silence stretched on between them. 

“Am I interrupting something?” A new voice asked.

The two turned to swivel to look at the new figure. Shit. Teddy. 

Andie scrambled to her feet, flipping her hair.

“Teddy! Oh my gosh, so funny running into you here,” she smiled, just a tad strained.

“Yeah, I just got outta class,” he replied. His eyes surveyed Andie, his eyes lingering on her torso. James inwardly recoiled — straight men were as subtle as a brick to the face. 

Teddy ran his fingers through his greasy hair and shot a grin to Andie. ‘Here it comes,’ James thought. “So this is random but I was going to grab some coffee in the AQ, would you wanna join me?” He grinned. 

James looked over to Andie who looked absolutely starstruck. He sighed. They’d talk about this tomorrow, James figured as he bent over to pick up his neglected book.  James began planning his commute home. He could catch the 144, hopefully it would be empty enough so he could curl up at the back of the bus. Did he still have that bottle of wine in his fridge? Was it a red or a white? Either way, it was going to be a lo—

“Actually Teddy, I’ve got plans,” Andie said.

James turned to his friend, confused. All Andie did in response was link her arm with his and gave him a wink.

“Really? With who?” Teddy asked, his brows furrowed.

James felt a smile growing on his face and squeezed Andie’s arm in response; he already knew the answer.

Strengthen your mind and body with the SFU Kendo Club

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Sports
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Members of the SFU Kendo Club. - Photo credit / SFU Kendo Club

By: Lubaba Mahmud, Staff Writer

Diversity at SFU is not only represented in community events and in classrooms — it’s found in the university’s sports scene too! For students looking to diversify their campus athletics experience, look no further than the SFU Kendo Club. 

The SFU Kendo Club practices two forms of traditional Japanese martial arts: kendo and iaido. The club is active all year round and welcomes both experienced martial artists and beginners. Membership is not just limited to students, either, as members of the general public can join too.

Founded by Hirokazu Okusa (7th-dan), the SFU Kendo Club had a humble beginning in 2001 with only seven members. In kendo and iaido, dan refers to rank, with 8th-dan being the highest grade attainable. In 2010, an iaido component was added to the club under the leadership of Sandra Jorgenson (6th-dan) and Hirokazu Okusa. The iaido classes, according to the SFU Kendo Club’s website, “focus on the Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei style and the Muso Shinden style.” 

For readers unfamiliar with kendo, its purpose is to guide improved health of both the body and mind through a disciplined routine of practice with a sword. According to the club’s website, it focuses on the following three components: “the way of the body – how to hold the sword, the way of the sword – how to execute a strike at the right moment, and the way of the mind – the correct mental attitude.” 

Similarly, the term iaido literally means, “the path to finding harmony in any situation in which one finds oneself.” The club’s website explains that, “to practice, the student sits or stands quietly, draws out a blade, and cuts through the air, all in one motion.” While this may create a false perception to the casual observer that the sport is easy to practice, iaido actually requires a great level of concentration “to make precise motions” with the sword.

Today, the club boasts a large membership, consisting of many dedicated swordsmen/swordswomen (kenshi) who regularly represent SFU in competitions. Members participate in an annual tournament with UBC and the University of Victoria, as well as other events through the British Columbia Kendo Federation and Canadian Kendo Federation. With their sister club, the University of British Columbia Kendo Club, the group also makes annual trips to Kelowna for training camp (gasshuku).

If you’re interested in joining, the SFU Kendo Club accepts new members in January, May, and September. They hold a trial week on the second or third week of each semester, during which students can give either kendo or iaido a shot — free of charge. If you have some experience in kendo, and have the requisite protective equipment (bogu), you can contact them to inquire about joining the club at other times as well. 

Semesterly fees include a program registration fee of $74 and a $5 club fee. For your first training sessions, a bamboo sword (shinai) can be purchased from the club at a cost of $35. After the first semester, students are asked to purchase their uniform (hakama and kendogi), which costs approximately $100. The bogu can only be worn after permission is given by the instructor, and can range from $350 to $500 for a starter set.

For more information, visit the SFU Kendo Club’s website, email them at [email protected], or contact them through their SFU Kendo Facebook Group.

The Try Guys’ self-help book adds a personal touch to their media offerings

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Arts
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Internet celebrities The Try Guys inspire us to find value in “f*cking up.” Image courtesy of Harper Collins / Goodreads.

By: Tiffany Chang, Peak Associate

I’m sure nearly every millennial knows who Ned Fulmer, Keith Habersberger, Zach Kornfeld, and Eugene Lee Yang — a.k.a. “The Try Guys” — are. With over 800 million views and 6.5 million subscribers on YouTube, I think it’s safe to say that they’re internet royalty in their own right. On top of the many things these men have accomplished in the online world since the group’s inception five years ago, The Try Guys also released a self-help book called The Hidden Power of F*cking Up, back on June 18.

The book is (literally and figuratively) a colourful glimpse into their lives as founders of an independent enterprise after famously distancing themselves from the media giant Buzzfeed. From reflecting on defining events during childhood and their “epic fail” moments on camera, to discussions about various relationship dynamics and embracing major lifestyle changes, The Hidden Power of F*cking Up is definitely an inspirational read.

I don’t want to reveal too much about the book, but each Try Guy appropriately receives an equal amount of sections, allowing them to shine individually. I would say the most hilarious, but also emotionally satisfying, things the book discussed was their collective agreement to assign challenges to one another tackling long-term insecurities. This challenge especially impacted Eugene, as his challenge involved showing outward displays of affection towards extended family members. And, to existing fans out there who are familiar with the Try Guys’ personalities, you know this is a painfully awkward undertaking for him. The results will without a doubt surprise you.

The overarching message throughout the book is that failing is an essential stepping stone in achieving success. They simultaneously encourage readers to not be afraid of broadening their horizons, even if they f*ck up along the way. Dwelling on the fact that what you tried went wrong isn’t the best course of action. Rather, be introspective about it and look at the unintended outcome as a way you can grow. Making an effort to explore different opportunities and refusing to throw in the towel is the important aspect — not the failure itself.

Overall, the main purpose behind the videos The Try Guys have produced is to learn something new by taking chances on what the world has to offer. This message further resonates in the book. If you’re wanting to find a book that is motivational and deeply personal, I definitely recommend you give The Hidden Power of F*cking Up a shot.  

Choosing not to vaccinate even if you’re healthy is inexcusable

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Sucker-punch the flu out of your life this winter — get vaccinated. Illustration: Sabrina Kedzior/The Peak

By: Ahmed Ali, Peak Associate

Like clockwork, with another Fall term comes another flu season. The stress of midterms and exams is accompanied by the sounds of coughing and sneezing in halls and classrooms alike. This is to say nothing of having half an entire class sick at home trying to recover. 

Fortunately, flu vaccines are here to help prevent much of this pain. HealthLink BC advises people to get a flu shot as soon as they become available in October, as it can take up to two weeks for immunity to fully kick in. Once it does, the vaccine significantly reduces the chances of getting the flu, or dealing with its other potential complications. 

In addition, lots of people vaccinating also results in the indirect protection of people who are unable to be vaccinated. This includes newborns, people with immune deficiencies, and elders, through a phenomenon called herd immunity. With fewer people sick and able to transmit the disease, it can’t be spread as easily or as rapidly. This is especially important with the flu, as the disease is highly contagious and carries with it some serious health risks that are often overlooked. 

Many people underplay the importance of vaccines. For example, the argument, “it doesn’t give you full immunity and the flu changes every year” misses both the point and the science behind vaccination. While it is technically true that the vaccine only covers the two most common strains in a given year, it’s still worth it. Wearing a helmet only protects your head rather than your entire body, but it still greatly reduces the chance of severe injury. Just think of the flu vaccine as a helmet that also magically protects people near you who can’t wear one. 

There’s a tendency for people to argue that the flu isn’t even that serious, which isn’t actually true. While most healthy people are only ill for one or two weeks, influenza can result in additional complications such as pneumonia and sinus infections. It can also worsen previous health problems such as asthma or heart disease. In Canada, the influenza virus contributes to 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths, annually. 

Vaccines are an important part of public health. Before vaccination, a lot of illnesses like smallpox and measles were ordinary childhood diseases that simply had to be suffered through — despite the obvious dangers. We can’t afford to let ourselves accept the risks of preventable diseases like influenza just because they’re seasonal. 

Finally, there is the misconception that the chemicals in vaccines are dangerous. Ignoring that vaccines can spend decades being tested to ensure safety, the reality is that all substances are toxic at high enough levels. The components of vaccines have been rigorously tested and are safe at low enough levels or particular combinations. The chemicals in vaccines exist in amounts too small to cause any real damage.

It’s not even that hard to find places offering vaccines. Most big stores and pharmacies like Walmart and Shoppers Drugmart are offering them. SFU also offers annual public vaccinations throughout October, November, and December at all three campuses. It’s free for young children, pregnant women, seniors, people with pre-existing medical conditions or dangerous working conditions, as well as people covered by the MSP. For everyone else, believe me when I say $21 cash is well worth the price for health and peace of mind.

Even ignoring all that, just the fact that vaccinations against the flu means less coughing and sneezing during exams should be enough of a positive to get one. Have you ever tried to write a term paper with a fever? One little prick in the arm can help to prevent that. 

 

Football’s footprints: the carbon cost of playing in the NCAA

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Sports
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Photo credit / Montreal Alouettes

By: Gabrielle McLaren, Editor-in-Chief

SFU Athletics’ new branding makes it loud and clear: SFU is the one and only Canadian university in the NCAA. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the university’s jump into this brave new athletic world, which has sent Clan players to compete against opponents in far off locations such as Hawaii or Texas. 

While the expenses of playing in the NCAA amongst American rivals are well-known, all this travelling also implies a sizeable carbon footprint. Using two online carbon footprint calculators and armed with two football schedules — one being ours and the other being UBC’s — The Peak tried to pinpoint the difference in the carbon footprints of our athletics programs.  

Game Opponent  Game location  Flight emissions for 1 round trip (in tonnes of CO2)  Emissions for 1 coach bus,round trip (in tonnes of CO2) 
August 31 University of Regina Rams Home
September 6  University of Saskatchewan Huskies Saskatoon, SK  0.38   0.14 
September 14 University of Calgary Dinos Home
September 21 University of Manitoba Bisons Winnipeg, MB 0.60  0.20 
September 28  University of Alberta Golden Bears Home
October 4 University of Regina Rams Regina, SK 0.43 0.16 
October 19  University of Saskatchewan Huskies Home
October 26 University of Calgary Dinos Calgary, AB 0.22  0.08 
Total  1.63  0.29 

 

2019 SFU Clan football schedule

Game Opponent  Game location  Flight emissions for 1 person’s round trip (in tonnes of CO2)  Emissions for 1 coach bus, round trip (in tonnes of CO2) 
September 7 Portland State University Vikings  Portland, OR 1.05  0.02 
September 14  Angelo State University Rams  San Angelo, TX 0.88 0.18 
September 21 South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Hardrockers Home
September 28 Azusa Pacific University Cougars  Home
October 12 Dixie State University Trailblazers  St. George, UT  1.05  0.12 
October 19  Azusa Pacific State University Cougars Glendora, CA 0.58  0.04 
October 26  Central Washington University Wildcats Ellensburg, WA 1.24  0.02 
November 2 Western Oregon University Wolves Home
November 16  Central Washington University Wildcats   Home
Total  3.99 0.38  

 

Whether a team is travelling by bus or by plane, it’s clear that a Canadian university participating in the NCAA is significantly more carbon-intensive than a counterpart playing in, for example, U Sports. 

Based on these findings, SFU’s continued efforts to position itself as a leader in sustainability don’t square with its commitment to expanding its athletic footprint into the NCAA. Did SFU consider the carbon cost of NCAA participation when it started its drive to be the only Canadian university in the league?

Podcast But Outside’s chaotic comedy thrives in its unusual but authentic setting

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Arts
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Podcast But Outside was released in May 2019 and currently has 33 episodes available online. Image courtesy of Podcast But Outside.

By: Madeleine Chan, SFU Student

Podcast But Outside is exactly what it sounds like: a podcast, but outside. Hosts and comedians Andrew Michaan and Cole Hersch (known most famously from Vine) set up a table outside and invite strangers to sit down with them to have a conversation about, as they say, “whatever.” They are typically located on sidewalks in Los Angeles, but other notable locations have included a hiking trail, the Las Vegas strip, a rave, and the beach. The two comedians’ mandate is that they have to pay their guests one dollar because they want to be the most ethical podcast out there. This is noted on their large blue sign attached to their table that reads “Hi! Be a guest on our podcast. We will pay you $1. :)”

You can see this blue sign in the video version of the podcast, which I highly recommend over the audio-only version. While you won’t miss any of the content if you listen to the audio only, you do get visual context in the videos, as well as the chance to see the subtle comedic editing that the editor/cameraman (who Michaan and Hersch refer to only as “Intern”) adds to the video version. Intern also frequently zooms in on and cuts to funny things that people are doing in the background; a notable example is in episode 10, when a man across the street spun around in a circle 59 times.

Michaan and Hersch also make jokes constantly throughout the podcast. Because their style of humour is so dry and sarcastic, I sometimes don’t even know when they are joking and when they are telling the truth. This mystery is one of the many things that I find hilarious about the podcast. They also have a number of running jokes that get me everytime, such as not knowing the camera person, lying about their ages, and bleeping out other podcasts’ names because they are competition.

The guests that appear on the show are the true highlights of each episode. Some past encounters include Lil Xan, Hersch’s ex-girlfriends, and Michaan’s new step-mom. One of my favourite guests, though, has to be Yin, a gay man from China. In episode 4, Yin talked about the difficulties of being out of the closet in the U.S. but chronically closeted back home. The guys have even kept in touch with Yin and hope to bring him back on the show. This type of emotional nuance and connection is what makes this comedy podcast stand out.

Overall, Podcast But Outside’s low-budget charm, sincere unpredictability, and laugh-inducing content keep me coming back every week. If you are fond of unconventionality, I recommend starting at episode 1 with this show’s perfect blend of heart, humour, and chaos. 

Podcast But Outside is available in video form on Youtube and in audio form on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.

Peak Sports Mailbag: Week 12

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Sports
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An ultimate player leaps for the disc. - Photo credit / Youtube

By: Dane Yule, SFU Student

Hello readers of The Peak sports section,

Our Peak Sports Mailbag topic this week is Ultimate and our host is SFU Ultimate Frisbee Club president Dane Yule.  

Thanks so much to all of our readers for submitting their rowing-related questions, and my apologies if your question didn’t make it into this week’s edition. Usually, the Mailbag host will only answer three questions. Don’t worry though, as all questions submitted count for an entry into the raffle draw whether or not they are addressed in the Mailbag. Now, onto the questions!

Question 1: Can you briefly explain how a game of Ultimate Frisbee works and some of the most important rules to be aware of? – Kyle

Answer: The closest sport that I can compare Ultimate to is American Football — but without 60 pounds of padding. The goal of the game is to score points on the opposing team by catching the disc in their endzone. Each time a team catches the disc in the opposing teams endzone, they score a point. The first team to score 15 points wins the game. After catching the disc while running, you must immediately adopt a stationary position. While holding the disc, you are not allowed to move. The disc holder then has 10 seconds to throw the disc to a teammate, or else it is turned over to the other team.

Question 2: Can you explain what Spirit of the Game in Ultimate Frisbee is? – Shannon

Answer: Spirit of the Game is at the heart of Ultimate and is a defining characteristic of the sport. Ultimate relies heavily on Spirit of the Game by putting the onus of sportsmanship and honourable play on the players themselves. Highly competitive play is encouraged with a play-to-win mentality, but you play with respect for yourself, your teammates, and your opponents. You understand and learn the rules, and play with integrity and honesty in mind. Spirit plays such a large role in the sport that at many tournaments and in many leagues, the most spirited player from each team is given a reward and recognition of some kind. 

Question 3: What is the best/easiest way to give Ultimate Frisbee a try on or around the Burnaby campus? – Sydney

Answer: There are a few ways to try out Ultimate in Burnaby. I highly encourage people to come check out the Ultimate Frisbee Club here at SFU. We practice two to three times a week on the Burnaby campus. Both newcomers and experienced players are welcome to come play with us. You can get in touch with us at Club’s Day, or check out our facebook page, SFU Ultimate Club. If that’s not enough for you, there are a number of ways to play outside of campus. You can check out the Vancouver Ultimate League, which organizes pickup games, or you can look for a team to play with in their seasonal leagues. 

If you would like to participate in future editions of the Peak Sports Mailbag and be entered in a raffle for an end-of-semester prize, here’s what you can send to [email protected]: 

  • Sports-related questions that our weekly host will answer
  • Weekly theme ideas to guide our questions

Or: sign up to host the Mailbag (and get paid)!

Thanks to all of you SFU sports fans for blowing up my inbox!

Next week’s theme is: SFU Hockey

Next week’s host is: Michael Lenko

Send in your questions to [email protected]. 

Dispelling raccoons’ cute image with hard facts would make SFU safer for humans and animals

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Opinions
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Raccoons are agents of chaos on campus. Illustration: Danielle Ragas/The Peak

By: Mishaa Khan, Peak Associate

Burnaby campus raccoons must realize that they are on student territory while they willingly pose for Snapchat stories and nibble on dropped food left on the floor. Students forget that raccoons are wild animals with the potential to be dangerous — not the cute, domesticated pets many assume them to be. This is why SFU needs to create and maintain barriers that would prevent raccoons from entering campus buildings. Additionally, SFU needs to improve their safety campaign techniques, so students are aware of the true dangers of wildlife like raccoons. Of course, students also need to make an active effort not to interact with raccoons as well.

The raccoons on campus increase work for the janitorial staff, can trigger allergic reactions, damage property, attack pets, and, according to WildSafeBC, can also carry roundworm — a parasite that can be transmitted to humans and other animals. Raccoons can also hurt themselves by accidentally consuming items that may be harmful to them — items which they otherwise would not have found in the wild. However, students have successfully desensitized raccoons to humans by feeding them, petting them, and using them as props for their ever-growing social media following. These actions result in the wildlife becoming more accustomed to human interaction, which can be harmful to both parties.

Of course, not everyone knows that raccoons are wild animals and should not be pet or fed — and that’s where SFU could stand to improve their messaging. Posters have been placed around campus warning students to not approach raccoons. Student Central has posted these messages on their social media as well, telling students to be wary of raccoons. However, these messages contain only vague warnings not to feed or interact with the raccoons, without also mentioning the real potential danger this behaviour poses. 

SFU’s safety campaign teams should be more aggressive, consistent, and creative with their methods to ensure that students are able to understand the gravity of raccoons becoming accustomed to humans. SFU also needs to take proactive measures, like creating recycling and trash bins that raccoons (or any other wildlife for that matter) can’t access, and barriers that prevent them from entering buildings. 

But alas, maybe there will be a time when raccoons will be domesticated like all other farm animals and pets, and SFU will have a small niche of pet raccoons which the rest of the world will never understand. Until then, they pose a danger to themselves and students, and should not be allowed to freely roam campus.

 

SFU Hockey takes two of four points on first Vancouver Island road trip of season

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Sports
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Forward Kyle Bergh scored the game winning goal against the Vikes. - Photo credit / SFU Hockey

By: Michael Lenko, Peak Associate

On their first of two Vancouver Island road trips this season, SFU Hockey came away with a win over the University of Victoria (UVIC) Vikes and a loss against the Vancouver Island University (VIU) Mariners. By taking just two of four points from the road trip, the Clan remained in a tie with the Vikes for fourth place in the British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League (BCIHL) standings — albeit, with three games in hand.  

In the first game of the trip, the Clan made the trek to Victoria to square off against the Vikes at the Ian Stewart Sports Complex. The first period had an even pace of play, with both teams taking a ton of shots. The Vikes scored the only goal of the period on a late powerplay, as a Keenan Eddy shot eluded the Clan’s starting goaltender Andrew Henderson.

Early in the second period, the Clan responded with a powerplay goal from Jake Keremidschieff. It was his second goal of the season, assisted by Ty Westgard and Eric Callegari. The Clan continued to hold the pace of play throughout the period and outshot the Vikes 18–11. Both goalies were impressive in the period, and in the game in general, and kept the score 1–1 heading into the third.

In the third period, the pace of play evened out again with both teams pushing for the two points. Just 20 seconds into the period, the Clan took the lead on a Ty Westgard goal. However, the Vikes promptly responded, as Otis Goldman evened the game for the home team with just under five minutes left. The Clan finally took the lead for good, with Kyle Bergh scoring the eventual game winning goal, putting the Clan up by one with just under two minutes left in the game. While the Vikes poured on the pressure in the final moments of the game, a turnover led to Mac Colasimone scoring on the empty net to clinch the victory. 

The game was a much closer affair than the 3–0 win the Clan was able to secure in the first matchup between the two teams this season, as the Clan only held a narrow 42–39 shot margin this time around.

In the second game of the weekend, the Clan squared off against the VIU Mariners at the Nanaimo Ice Centre. The Clan came out to a slow start, with the Mariners outshooting them 16–6 in the opening frame. This dominance eventually paid off for the Mariners, as Garret Murray opened with the only goal of the period.

The second period saw the Clan regroup and provide a much more competitive effort than their lacklustre first period. Eric Callegari tied the game up on on a five-on-three powerplay early in the frame. However, the Mariners reclaimed the lead soon after on Murray’s second goal of the night. The Clan once again leveled the score, this time on Mac Colasimone’s second goal of the weekend. The Mariners restored their one goal lead for a third time, this time on an Alex Hanson powerplay marker late in the period.

The wheels fell off for the Clan in the third as they were looking to tie the game for a third time. A temporary lapse in team structure midway through the period resulted in two quick Mariners goals, which put the game out of reach for the Clan. Gavin Rauser and Ronnie Wilkie scored just over a minute apart, effectively sealing the win for the Mariners. 

VIU ended up outshooting the Clan 45–28, which was one of the most lopsided shot margins against the Clan this season. While the second result of the weekend is definitely a disappointment for the Clan, there were a few positives to be taken from the weekend. Andrew Henderson was strong in net for the Clan on the weekend, stopping 77 of 84 shots as he made both starts on the trip. He now sits in second place in both save percentage and goals against average in the league. Another positive was fourth year forward Mac Colasimone continuing his torrid scoring pace. Colasimone now has a total of 11 points on the season through just seven games.

After the road trip, the Clan can now look forward to a three game home stand in which they will host the same two teams they just visited. After hosting the Vikes, the Clan will welcome the Mariners to the Bill Copeland Sports Centre for back-to-back games on November 22 and 23. 

Sunshine and psychedelia: Babe Rainbow at the Fox Cabaret

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Arts
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High quality music, low quality iPhone photo. Image courtesy of Andrea Renney / The Peak.

By: Andrea Renney, Arts Editor

Babe Rainbow is from Byron Bay, Australia, and they certainly sound like it. Their brand of psychedelic rock evokes feelings of summertime, surfing, and sunshine. This aesthetic might be more commonly associated with Southern California in the ‘70s, but I suppose the sunny climate in Australia lends itself to the same kind of music. Regardless of where they come from, Babe Rainbow makes music that’s perfectly nostalgic. It’s psych rock, but it’s also disco, surf, funk, and soul. Music to do acid to, if you will. Alternatively, music to see live at the Fox Cabaret on a chilly November night.

The Fox is one of several intimate, funky venues in Mount Pleasant. It’s been on Main Street since 1983, and it has a colourful history: until 2013, it was actually an adult film theatre known as the Fox Cinema. The Fox reopened (this time as the Fox Cabaret) in 2014 after major renovations, transforming it into a performance venue known for showcasing live music, comedy, and weekly dance parties. Despite the venue’s change of clientele, the decor is still reminiscent of the seventies, with a black and red color scheme and questionable shag carpet on the walls. 

I arrived at the Fox shortly after the opening act, Fever Feel, finished up. It was unclear to me if this was Babe Rainbow’s first time in Vancouver, but the sold-out crowd suggested it wasn’t. That, or we Vancouverites just crave music that takes us away to somewhere warmer. 

Numerous people in the tightly-packed crowd were already wearing the band’s t-shirts sold at the merch table: pale blue or orange, with “Babe Rainbow” printed in small black velvet lettering. Simple, but effective. Others had clearly dressed up for the occasion: floral, paisley, and corduroy peppered the scene as we waited for the band to go on.

Around 10:30 p.m., Babe Rainbow took the stage. The band’s overall appearance fit in perfectly with the Fox’s vintage vibes: the lead singer was decked out in enviable red bell-bottom pants, the drummer donned a fashionable headscarf, and the guitarist had the most luscious long blond curls I have ever seen. 

Right from the get go, they had the crowd dancing throughout the venue. The vocals sounded a bit muffled, but the band’s groovy melodies more than made up for it. Standout songs from the night included “Peace Blossom Boogy” and “Johny Says Stay Cool,” both from 2017’s The Babe Rainbow. The extended instrumental breaks in a lot of their songs gave us even more of a chance to really get down.

What sets Babe Rainbow apart from similar psych/surf rock bands is the clear disco influence in some of their songs, such as the aptly-named “Monky Disco.” It’s a unique sound to hear today, but it’s a refreshing take on the trend of ‘60s and ‘70s-inspired music. A song like “Morning Song,” on the other hand, sounds like it could’ve been sung by The Grateful Dead at Woodstock. Apparently, rock and roll and disco can exist in harmony.

The band played for about an hour; just long enough to transport us to a sunny locale and a different era. Here’s hoping these feelings of peace and love last until spring.

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Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

Contact us: [email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society 1965-2024

Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

Contact us:
[email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society 1965-2024