Home Blog Page 665

Shows to see at the Cultch this February

By
EIC
-
0
(Image courtesy of the Cultch)

By: Alex Bloom

Jabberwocky — February 6–17 at the York Theatre

(Image courtesy of the Cultch)

Presented by the Old Trout Puppet Workshop, this is a theatrical experience like no other you will see this year. The Globe and Mail described it as a “. . .disturbing . . . live-action cartoon.” and the Cultch’s event listing for it begins with an ominous question: “Beware the Jabberwock . . . is the frantic warning inscribed to us in the strange and ancient poem known as Jabberwocky . . . but what monster does it actually mean?” This show follows an anthropomorphic hare on his quest to rid the land of the looming presence of the Jabberwocky. It deals with the themes of fear, purpose, and societal pressure. This mix of puppet show and play is firmly for adults, and it would be a shame to miss this unique performance.

Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz by Anne Coulter Martens — February 8–10 at the Historic Theatre

(Image courtesy of the Cultch)

You know it and you love it (or hate it). This classic tale is coming to the Cultch in February, so click your heels together and think of Kansas. This cherished story is sure to bring on nostalgia for many, and is appropriate for all ages. If you loved the adventures of Dorothy as a child, or indeed as an adult, then this show is for you. Note: This is a community production and is not a part of regular programming at the Cultch.

 

 

 

No Foreigners — February 7–17 at the Vancity Culture Lab

(Image courtesy of the Cultch)

Presented by Hong Kong Exile and fu-GEN Theatre in association with Theatre Conspiracy, this interdisciplinary performance explores the experiences of the Chinese diaspora. Written by David Yee, winner of a Governor General’s Award, this piece “investigates malls as racialized spaces of cultural creation and clash . . .” according to the Cultch’s website. This multimedia show is truly a collaboration between different kinds of artists, and will feature performances, miniature design, various media elements, and sound design. Don’t miss this 21st-century examination of community, cultural identity, and what it means to live abroad.

Broken Tailbone — February 13–24 at the Historic Theatre

(Image courtesy of the Cultch)

Presented by Toronto-based Nightswimming, this piece will show you the meaning of audience participation. It includes a Latin American dance lesson, during which the instructor will tell you stories. Topics discussed will include “intimacy, politics, culture, and the forgotten origins of the salsa,” according to the event description. This is sure to be a performance far from your average theatre experience. If you love dancing this one is a no brainer, and should be at the top of your list.

Pss Pss — February 20–March 4 at the York Theatre

(Image courtesy of the Cultch)

Presented by Switzerland’s Compagnia Baccalà, this acrobatic performance won the Cirque du Soleil prize (among other awards). Apart from being physically impressive, the show promises comedic delight. Taking influence from silent movie-era greats like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, this piece brings the black-and-white movie to the world of stage. If you enjoy classic movies, clowning, or physical comedy, than this show is sure to be a favourite.

 

 

For more information regarding showtimes and tickets visit the Cultch’s website.

SFU to add more seats in technology-related programs

By
Peak Web
-
0
Photo credits: Melissa Dimyadi

SFU will add 440 tech-related seats for undergraduate and graduate students thanks to the provincial government’s announcement of an additional $4.4 million in funding for technology-related programs in BC’s post-secondary institutions.

         The funding was announced by the minister of advanced education, skills, and training Melanie Mark when she visited SFU’s Surrey campus. “We are investing millions of dollars in the future creators of an innovative, strong, and sustainable 21st century economy,” she said.

         Andrew Petter, president of SFU, commented in a press release from the provincial government that the funding will be used to “create a program that will help position BC as a global leader in clean-tech and sustainable energy.” SFU’s new proposed bachelor degree, Sustainable Energy Engineering, to be offered by the Faculty of Applied Science, is poised to pioneer sustainable energy education in Western Canada. It will be offered in a $126 million building designed by Bing Thom currently in construction, and offer an emphasis on fuel cell technologies, alternative energy, and sustainable manufacturing. It is still awaiting Ministry approval.

         Clean technology is phase one of a three-phase plan intended to expand SFU’s Surrey campus. Future plans will involve health and creative technology programs.

         A total of 2,900 spaces were created in technology-related programs in BC in post-secondary institutions including the University of British Columbia, British Columbia Institute of Technology, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

 

With files from CBC News.

Ese Atawo discusses Blind Tiger Comedy’s POC night

By
EIC
-
0
With over three years of experience with Blind Tiger Comedy, Ese Atawo recently became a member of their faculty. (Photo courtesy of Ese Atawo)

By: Alex Bloom

Blind Tiger Comedy, founded by improv groups The Sunday Service and Hip.Bang! is a company that both teaches comedy and puts on shows. The company offers four full semesters of classes a year, with various areas of focus. As mentioned on their website, “Blind Tiger is committed to welcoming a diverse range of voices, perspectives, and people into our community.” The Peak spoke with new Blind Tiger  faculty member Ese Atawo about their upcoming POC night event, which is a class designed to be inclusive of people of colour, regardless of experience levels.

     Atawo and the other faculty at Blind Tiger were inspired during the 2017 Vancouver International Improv Festival. “We had a POC panel, and we had this amazing guy, John Gebretatose [from Blackout Comedy],” she explained. “Comedy has always been, within Vancouver — I’m going to make a bold statement — anglo-saxon, heterosexual, male. That’s always been the [main] viewpoint. It’s the same stories repeated over and over and over again, and because that’s become the norm, a lot of people are comfortable in that so they don’t want to test it or question it.” The POC night, as Ese explains, is a way to be more inclusive of a wider variety of perspectives in a city where that has not always been encouraged.  

     “I’ve seen and noticed the lack of diversity in my comedy upbringing — I’m from Toronto — Toronto less than [Vancouver], but [Gebretatose] and other people on the panel discussed the importance of diversity in comedy . . .” The international panel emphasized that this is an issue that applies all over and got Atawo and the other faculty members at Blind Tiger thinking about what they could do about the lack of diversity in Vancouver. “I think the POC night came about because we’ve all wanted it, but I guess we needed this panel to be like ‘I guess we should do something about it’”

     Atawo expanded on the importance of inclusion. “Again, because of a lack of representation, there’s no new voices, new stories to tell within Vancouver.” This is an issue that is clearly important to Blind Tiger: not only are they hosting a POC night, but they offer a diversity scholarship available for “people of colour, members of the LGBTQ2+ community, and differently abled people.”

     The initiative has been active since December. Although they are currently oversubscribed, scholarships will be available each semester; with $8,000 (or more) worth of scholarships available per year. As stated by Blind Tiger Comedy, there will be four “intro level” and four “non-intro level” scholarships offered per semester. To apply, there is a short four-question application form available on their website. Applicants will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

     In addition, Blind Tiger hosts a Women Trans Femme night “exclusively for those who identify as female, transgender, femme, genderqueer, trans-masculine, trans-feminine, or feel that their socialization or treatment as a woman, transperson, or femme has impeded their participation in improv.” The prominence of their anti-harassment policy and anti-harassment form on their website shows that they are committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all their students and faculty.

This POC night will take place on February 2 from 7:15–8:15 p.m. at the Little Mountain Gallery (195 East 26th Avenue) and Blind Tiger Comedy notes that there will be a POC night offered “at least” every six months. For more information regarding class and show schedules, visit their website.

Must-see events

By
EIC
-
0
(Linda Shu / The Peak)

By: Alex Bloom

The Gentlemen Hecklers: The Happening

Eric Fell, Patrick Maliha, and Shaun Stewart make up The Gentlemen Hecklers, a comedy trio that is exactly what it sounds like. Come attend a screening of a movie, M. Night Shyamalan’s The Happening (2008) in this case, while these gents heckle the film — because some movies are far more entertaining with a little commentary to help you appreciate them. Taking place at the Rio Theatre on February 7 from 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., this is a true must-see event for any cinephile. Tickets are $12 online, and $14 at the door. More information can be found at the Rio Theatre’s website.

EMMA Talks: Vivek Shraya and Anoushka Ratnarajah

Part of an ongoing series of events, the Engaging Monologues Mutual Aid (EMMA) Talks are — as stated by SFU Woodward’s — designed to “bring important stories by women identified writers, activists, thinkers, storytellers, makers, and doers from the periphery to the public.” As listed on the event page, the evening will include a reception, talks by writer-facilitator Vivek Shraya (author of She of the Mountains) as well as artist-organizer Anoushka Ratnarajah (co-artistic director at Out On Screen among other roles), and a short “social gathering” at the end. Alcohol will be sold on the premises. This EMMA Talks instalment will take place at the Goldcorp Centre for the Arts’ Djavad Mowafaghian World Art Centre on February 8. Reception begins at 6 p.m. and talks begin at exactly 7 p.m. More information on the speakers can be found on the SFU Woodward’s website.

Sightseeing on the 144 SFU/Metrotown

By
EIC
-
0
Illustrations by Carolyn Yip
  1. The Simon Fraser University sign that is lit up 24/7

Knowledge. Discovery. New acquaintances. Crippling Debt. A large grey structure atop a foggy mountain.

  1. At least a dozen real estate agent ads on trash cans or bus stop benches

All are similarly structured: a clean-cut photo, a red or blue border, and a slogan promising to sell your house for top dollar, and really quickly. See how many you can count! (I got 12).

 

  1. A house with their Christmas lights still up and lit

Someone needs to explain to me why people feel they should keep their Christmas lights up and lit past the end of December — never mind into the end of January. It’s a cute reminder that Christmas is totally gone and midterms are coming up.

  1. An express fitness centre along Kensington

A facility specifically placed in your sight to make you feel guilty about never going to the gym. Slogans about how quick and easy it would be to work out just deepen your guilt further.

  1. Exactly two Tim Hortons

Thankfully, you have two chances to get a coffee or a box of Timbits before you
continue your journey.

  1. A group of teenagers you’re intimidated by for some reason hovering nearby, but not at, the Burnaby City Hall bus stop

They’re not actually doing anything wrong… it’s just something about the fact that their hang out destination is a bus stop at night.

 

 

  1. Burnaby City Hall

A good place to learn about bylaws or apply for a building permit.

8.Two stops that are both called “Canada Way”

And they say Canadians aren’t that patriotic! To be honest, though, it’s kind of confusing if you’re trying to figure out which one is your stop . . .

  1. A dollar store

    Juuuuuuust     in case you missed the Tim Hortons and need a snack before/after/during
    class.
  2. A shop near Canada Way where the storefront lights are all mostly out . . .

    . . . So all you can see are flickering opening hours and an advertisement saying they provide one week of trial classes for $10. What type of classes? When? And really only $10?
  1. A dirty BLOCK WATCH AREA sign

The sign warns that if you’re acting suspicious Block Watch might find you and . . . do something?

  1. The forestry around Deer Lake and Burnaby Lake (but neither of the actual lakes)

Does anyone else look out the window and into the forest and trees while bussing past — especially at night? I feel like I’m going to see something terrifying between the trees any day now.

 

13. Uncle Willy’s: a homestyle buffet near Metrotown

Real talk for a second — if you’re missing home-cooked meals and can only afford one meal a day, go to Uncle Willy’s. You can get some really good cornbread, fries, and gravy . . . plus they have an ice cream machine.

 

To co-op or not to co-op

By
Peak Web
-
0
Photo courtesy of SFU Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

By: Melanie Hiepler 

Let’s cut to the chase: yes, it’s worth doing co-op. Shall I count the reasons why? Job experience. Networking. Resume building. Getting paid. To me, it’s kind of a no-brainer, especially if you don’t have a clear plan for life after graduation.

 

How does co-op work?

The entire co-op experience is designed to get students ready for the professional world. Before you begin searching for your first work placement, you’ll attend a series of workshops that will help you tighten up your resume and cover letter writing skills, and that will have you well-prepared for your first round of interviews. Throughout the whole process, co-op advisors are on hand to review and provide feedback on your resume, help you practice for interviews, and generally cheer you on as you start morphing into a young professional.

During your first search term, the co-op job database on myExperience gives you access to jobs you wouldn’t be able to access otherwise. The jobs are diverse — everything from coordinating day camps, to working in research labs, to designing software for leading tech firms, to running interpretation centres at national parks. Some of the postings are in the Lower Mainland, while others are elsewhere in Canada or further abroad. There are endless possibilities here, folks.

 

What is co-op like?

During your work term, you’ll settle into a full-time work week and, if your experience is anything like mine was, you’ll find yourself basking in the glory of not having to be up at all hours of the night studying. At some point mid-semester, your co-op advisor will check in with you and your supervisor to debrief and make sure things are going smoothly. Your advisor will once again be on hand to help you get the most out of your experience.

The beauty of co-op is that it’s like a safety net. It gives you a short window of time to try different jobs and work environments before launching into a full-time career. That’s why I decided to make the most of my first co-op semester by branching out and trying something new: I applied for a communications co-op job even though I’m an arts student and had little practical experience in the field. I was curious about the field, and wanted to try my hand at it.

I spent last summer working as a Junior Communications Officer at Transport Canada’s Vancouver office. Transport Canada (TC) is a department of the federal government that oversees policies, programs, and issues of safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility as they relate to Canada’s transportation industry. I had opportunities to work with my colleagues on a variety of files that are of particular importance to British Columbia, and gained a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our government running.

When I wasn’t supporting my colleagues with their files, internal communications was my gig. In addition to the myriad of blog posts, newsletter articles, fact sheets, and speaking notes that I worked on, my pet project for the summer was a series of “Day-in-the-Life” videos featuring Transport Canada employees. For this project, I got to film the inspection of a bulk freighter in the Vancouver Harbour, as well as a rail car safety inspection at a local rail yard and an aircraft airworthiness inspection at Transport Canada’s hangar. Definitely not your average day in the office!

 

From an employer’s perspective . . .

Students aren’t the only ones who benefit from co-op. When I asked my co-op manager why he hires students, his reply was succinct and sincere: “We hire co-op students because we know they bring new ideas and energy to our team.” Co-op students are viewed as an asset; employers value the fresh perspectives we bring to a changing workplace.

My manager also commented on the qualities he looks for in potential co-op students: an interest in the field, curiosity, a proactive attitude, and a co-operative “team-player” approach to the corporate work environment are key.

 

Advice from a former co-op student . . .

Transport Canada has a long legacy of co-op students. My colleague Sau Sau Liu began her career there almost twenty years ago as an SFU co-op student. After she completed her Communications degree, she returned to TC to work on a project that she’d begun during her co-op work term. The rest, as they say, is history. “My co-op experience allowed me to demonstrate my work ethics and skills,” she told me, “as well as build connections which led to the opportunity for full-time employment.”

When asked for advice for current students, she replied, “I encourage students to complete as many work-terms as they can so that they can explore what it’s like to work for different companies, sectors, industries, and even cities. This is one of the best ways for students to learn and decide what they want to do for a career after they graduate.” Wise words indeed — there’s no time like the present to get a feel for the real world.

 

In summary

In hindsight, the semester I spent doing co-op was the best possible investment of my time. I came away with a portfolio of projects I’d created, as well as a respectable list of transferable skills, an impressive-looking entry on my resume, and some know-how when it comes to networking and building professional relationships in a corporate environment. Most importantly, though, I came away from co-op with a sense of confidence that I’d lacked before. While my after-graduation plans are still hazy, I proved to myself that I have the skills needed to competently navigate the next phase of my life.

 

How to get involved

Getting started with co-op is easy. A great place to start is by attending a Co-op Information Session. Check out their website to register for an upcoming session.

Apply to co-op as soon as possible — the earlier you apply, the more flexibility you’ll have in planning out your degree. Review your program’s requirements, complete the online application, pay your application fee, and then wait a few days to hear back from your faculty’s Co-op program.

For more information, head on over to http://www.sfu.ca/coop.html.

SFU public interest research group faces displacement from campus

By
Peak Web
-
2

By: Cecile Favron

 

Editor’s Note: The Peak Publications Society is an independent student society and participated in the process initiated by the Simon Fraser Student Society to express interest in organizational space in the Student Union Building. However, The Peak Publications Society is no longer pursuing office space in the Student Union Building and does not have an interest in the process.

 

The campus-based student societies that were denied space in the Student Union Building last semester have learned of another development in the allocation of office space by the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS).

The SFSS offered office space in Maggie Benston Centre to the campus radio station CJSF, but was unable to grant space to the Simon Fraser Public Interest Research Group (SFPIRG) — an organization dedicated to environmental and social justice — due to conditions outlined by the group, according to SFSS President Hangue Kim in an email to The Peak.

“We’re surprised and disappointed,” said SFPIRG communications coordinator Craig Pavelich. “We’re student societies, we need to serve students, we need to be on campus.”

Last semester, the SFSS put out a call for student organizations to state their interest in acquiring space in the new Student Union Building amid concern from SFPIRG and CJSF that their organizations would be left homeless when their leases expire in June 2018.

The independent student societies were informed at the end of last semester that their bids for office space in the Student Union Building were unsuccessful. The SFSS decided that four of the five available suites in the building would be designated for undergraduate clubs and student unions with the allocation of the final suite still undetermined.

Instead, the SFSS proposed to lease SFPIRG and CJSF alternative space in Maggie Benston Centre.

Embark Sustainability Society also submitted a bid for office space in the Student Union Building, but was denied and not offered an alternative. The SFSS cited that the society, currently based in West Mall Centre, was not at the same risk of losing space on campus.

According to a statement from communications coordinator Jao Dantes, Embark is no longer pursuing space in the Student Union Building following the decision.

 

Implications unclear

Following the offer to house the radio station in Maggie Benston Centre, CJSF station manager Magnus Thyvold said the organization told the SFSS they were interested if there were no alternatives.

The SFSS said it is following up about specific plans to create a suitable space for the radio station in the Undergrounds or Forum Chambers. However, Thyvold indicated that the radio station was under the impression that the offer was not finalized, only that the SFSS would be looking into the potential of the space.

“It has certainly not been a very clear process,” said Thyvold. “We don’t really know what they are going to offer us in the end.”

When The Peak reached out to the SFSS for comment, the society suggested that the radio station contact the them directly to seek clarification.  

“We prefer direct discussions with the groups we work with,” Kim added.

Pavelich stated that SFPIRG had also responded to the initial proposal to express their interest in the available spaces. However, the group stipulated that a set of conditions be met before it would accept the offer.

The conditions required that the space be accessible and suitable to the needs of their organization, renovations be paid for out of the funds already available to the SFSS for such expenses, rent not exceed the amount paid by the SFSS to the university in accordance with their lease agreement, and the independent student societies — CJSF, Embark, and SFPIRG — all be housed on campus.

SFPIRG also asked that the SFSS reconsider its decision to allocate the available spaces in the Student Union Building to clubs and student unions.

It was unclear which of those conditions the SFSS was unable to meet and if the conclusion that the independent society would not be granted space was coming from the SFSS Board of Directors, Pavelich said.

“Who is making these decisions,” added Pavelich. “Who is locking us all out? Who is leaving us in the cold?”

“We’re student societies, we need to serve students, we need to be on campus.” – Craig Pavelich, SFPIRG

In response to The Peak, Kim said that at this time the SFSS was unable to comment on which conditions it was unable to meet. However, he noted that the society had replied to a request for clarification from SFPIRG and preferred direct discussions with the group.

“We have been working in good faith to try and find a solution,” Kim said. “While we had hoped to find a solution that could work for external groups like SFPIRG and CJSF, it’s important to note that neither group is entitled to SFSS space.”

Kim added that the society was working with the university to determine how the Forum Chambers and the Undergrounds could be made to be accessible.

 

‘Out in the cold’

SFPIRG and CJSF rent their current office spaces in the Rotunda through the SFSS, but their leases are scheduled to run out next summer and the suites will be returned to the university when the Student Union Building is scheduled to open in fall 2018.

The university stated that it will not provide space on campus for the independent student societies and intends to “fully utilize” the Rotunda for its own priorities once the lease has been terminated.

“To be put out in the cold by both the larger institution and the student society — who I would argue is meant to be a leader on campus — is disappointing,” Pavelich stated.

The independent student societies said that their participation in earlier stages of planning for the Student Union Building led them to believe that the SFSS intended to offer them space in the building.

“I would say that when the project was initiated, part of the plan was that all these spaces would be transferred to the new building,” said Thyvold. However, the SFSS has said that space was never promised to the groups who participated in the consultation process around the new building.

CJSF and SFPIRG also expressed concern that the threat of losing space on campus has put the independent student societies on campus in competition with one another.

“It sort of seemed like the process was pitting these four different student-funded groups against each other, which is not something that we want to participate in,” added Jesse Wentzloff, the radio station’s public affairs and talk coordinator.

The SFSS responded that the society had not asked either group to compete for space on campus.

 

Unfinished conversation

“We are looking to continue our conversation with the SFSS because I don’t believe that conversation is finished yet,” said Pavelich. “If we go off campus, we will be continuing to push to get back on.”

“We’ll be continuing to support SFPIRG in their struggle,” Thyvold added.

The SFSS also expressed a willingness to continue discussions with the student societies.

“We have remained open to conversations with both groups,” said Kim. “Instead of speaking with us, they have chosen to speak to others.”

 

Golden Globe highlights

By
EIC
-
0
(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

By: Victoria Lopatka

Best Original Song – Motion Picture

“This is Me” // Music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul // The Greatest Showman

(Image courtesy of 20th Century Fox)

This powerful and emotive song is performed by the circus troupe in The Greatest Showman. It was led by the bearded lady, Lettie Lutz (played by Keala Settle) in the midst of an elite party they had been ostracized from. Viewing the movie in theatres, the song sent chills down my spine. In response to the shame the protagonist, P. T.  Barnum, shows for them, they sing inspirational lyrics about being proud of who you are. If the uplifting lyrics don’t capture your heart, Lutz’s vocals will. This song is beautifully written, beautifully sung, and will make your heart feel for the rejected circus troupe.

 

Best Performance by an Actress – Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

Saoirse Ronan // Lady Bird

(Image courtesy of A24)

Saoirse Ronan, a relatively unknown actress from Brooklyn (2015) and Hanna (2011), took home a Golden Globe. With pink hair and a matching pink cast on her arm, Ronan plays Lady Bird, half of the tense mother-daughter duo that graced the big screen. Ronan manages to deliver off-the-handle scenes — like jumping out of the car while her mother is driving —  just as well as the truly tear-jerking one, where she responds to her mom’s wish for her to be the best version of herself with “What if this is the best version?” When asked about the young actress, Greta Gerwig, the director of the film, said: “I can’t speak about her without becoming emotional. She transformed herself so fully that you almost don’t see the transformation. You can’t see the seams. Suddenly, you can’t imagine her as someone who’s British or Irish or anything else — all you see is this girl.” Lady Bird also won Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and her acting surely played a role in this.

Cecil B. DeMille Award

Oprah Winfrey

(Photo courtesy of Wire Image)

The Cecil B. DeMille Award is given to an individual who has made “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment,” according to the Golden Globes website. In the past, it has been given to Walt Disney, Alfred Hitchcock, Audrey Hepburn, and Robin Williams, to name a few. This year it was presented to Oprah Winfrey, everyone’s favourite philanthropist, activist, talk show host, and GIF star. She is the first black woman to be presented with this award. Apart from this historic moment, what many are thinking about as they read these words is her rousing and inspiring acceptance speech.

It encouraged women to speak their truth, all the little girls on all the linoleum floors, to speak their truth: “For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dare speak the truth to the power of those men. But their time is up. Their time is up.”

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama

Elisabeth Moss // The Handmaid’s Tale

(Image courtesy of Hulu)

Elisabeth Moss plays the narrator and protagonist of The Handmaid’s Tale, a woman known as Offred who works as a handmaid, a fertile woman who breeds and provides children for society. In an interview with the offcamerashow, Moss describes how she approaches portraying such a complicated character as a human, someone who is flawed, and doesn’t always make the right choice. Many of the scenes in this series are uncomfortable to say the least — some scenes going as far as showing explicit and gruesome depictions of torture — and Moss handles all of them with heart-wrenching perfection.

 

Best Director – Motion Picture

Guillermo del Toro // The Shape of Water

(Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore)

In his newest film The Shape of Water, Guillermo del Toro paints a love story between a janitor who cannot speak, employed at a secret government research facility, and an amphibious man being kept as a specimen. If you’re scratching your head at this set-up, you’re not alone, but give it a chance . . . it’s actually a breathtaking and romantic tale. Del Toro himself has stated this movie is his own favourite of all that he’s directed so far, and audiences and critics alike seem to agree.

     In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, del Toro describes how the movie is relatable today, despite its 1950s setting: “I think when people say ‘Make America Great Again,’ they’re thinking of that America, which actually never ended up really crystallizing. If you were a white Anglo-Saxon Protestant, then things were great . . . But everyone else didn’t have it so good. And the creature sort of represents everybody else.” He discusses his own issues being Mexican and dealing with law enforcement, immigration, and systemic racism, and brings up the conversation surrounding discrimination through this unconventional film.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture made for Television

Ewan McGregor // Fargo (TV series)

(Photo courtesy of Theo Wargo)

Most actors have to worry about memorizing and delivering the lines of one character, but Ewan McGregor was tasked with bringing two feuding brothers to life in Fargo, including a bloody death scene as both of them. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, he describes shooting the iconic scene, first as one brother, Ray, then as the other, Emmit: “I was thinking about how Ray left his girlfriend Nicki in a hurry, didn’t give her a kiss or a proper goodbye and now they’ll never get a chance to have the life they dreamed. That felt quite desperate to me so I wanted to find a pathetic position for Ray to die in.”

     McGregor then describes using Donald Trump as inspiration to get into the headspace to play Emmit, the money-hungry brother. “That’s how I did all the Ray-Emmit scenes . . . They didn’t get in the way of each other because these brothers have completely different spirits,” he stated. Fargo, the series, as well as its lead actor McGregor also won a 2018 Critics’ Choice Award and an Emmy nomination, and it’s not hard to see why.

Clan enjoy their second successful meet of the track and field season

By
Peak Web
-
0
Renate Bluschke ran the 400 metre with a time of 57.51. (Photo courtesy of SFU athletics)

By: Mateo De Dalmases

The SFU track and field team travelled to Seattle for the second meet of the 2018 indoor season, and enjoyed a great weekend. Competing in a huge range of events, there was a number of SFU athletes who competed admirably.

In the middle distance and distance events, the names that shined the most were Reta Dobie and Oliver Jorgensen in the 3,000m; Julia Howley, Miryam Bassett, and Rowan Doherty in the mile; and Alana Mussatto in the 800m. Also, the women’s distance medley relay had an impressive run, and is now second in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II rankings.

Senior Reta Dobie had a tremendous result in her second 3k ever, stopping the clock at 9:47.15 for an overall 24th spot in the meet. This time places Dobie in fourth position in the NCAA D2 rankings. Dobie was happy with it although not satisfied, because she feels like she can run even faster: “Going into the race I felt more at ease and confident than in my first 3k, but the race was not completely smooth. There was a lot of jostling going around at the beginning and someone fell nearby, so I suddenly found myself at the very back of the pack. I kept reminding myself to stay as consistent as possible for each lap and stay in contact with the leading pack.” When asked about future races, Dobie is optimistic, “I am very excited with my results and even more excited to know that I have more left in the tank.”

On the men’s side of the 3k, senior Oliver Jorgensen proved once again his crucial inspirational role in the team by taking part in the Distance Medley Relay (DMR) on Friday, and less than 24 hours later running the 3,000-metre event in an astonishing 8:11, which not only is a personal best, but also a time that spots him ninth overall in the NCAA D2 rankings. After the second race, Jorgensen said the following: “I feel like I have way more. [I] didn’t really know what to expect, [and] went out fast and just picked up Division I athletes one by one. I am very happy with it and it is a very confidence-boosting weekend.” Jorgensen is one of the most inspiring and successful runners in the roster, and definitely someone to follow closely in the following races.

Another of the distance guys who showed to be in an amazing shape is junior Doherty, who also ran the DMR on Friday and, not being contempt with that, he broke the 4:10 mile mark with a personal best of 4:09.50 that places him 13th in the rankings. After the mile, Doherty had mixed feelings: “I’m happy with it, but I know I have more to give. I hesitated with about 600 metres to go and got boxed in, next time I need to make a move earlier and go for it.” Doherty’s time has potential to make NCAA championships, although if he wants to make sure of that, he will have to run even faster in the next few weeks.

Howley had another great weekend in the Dempsey, and she is proving to be not only on of the most talented runners that this program has had, but also one of the most consistent ones. She ran the mile, which is not her main focus, and still managed to stop the clock in 4:50.46, a time that places her fifth overall in the D2 rankings. Howley, who is already leading the 3,000-metre ranking, was accompanied in the same event by senior Bassett, who ran a great 4:55.83 which places her 14th in the rankings. Howley’s words after the race summarize her great fitness and mental state: “It’s always fun to run the mile, and coming back from the DMR the night before, I’m happy with my effort. [I] wasn’t quite able to get in the position I wanted to be in for when the move was made, so I had to scramble and pass some girls. All in all, I think it was a solid effort for an opener and a good indicator of my fitness. I’m excited for what’s to come!”

In the 800-metre race, senior Alana Mussatto ran a time of 2:11.19, a time which places her in 10th position nationally and definitely gives us reasons to believe that she will be another of the SFU members who will be heading to the NCAA Championships in approximately six weeks.   

Another name that enters the NCAA D2 rankings is sprinter and jumper Vladislav Tsygankov, who ran two very good 400s, one on Friday’s DMR, and another one on Saturday, in which he stopped the clock at 48.42, a time which places him in 19th position in the D2 rankings. Tsygankov’s words after the race were proof of his great ambition: “It was a good season opener, but I got boxed in at the finish line, so it was really hard to get a strong finish in those circumstances. I can run faster than that, for sure.” Tsygankov’s last 60 metres of the race are always where he makes a difference, and it is almost certain that in a smoother race, he can run a lot faster.

The Clan will be back in Seattle February 9 for the UW Husky Classic at the Dempsey track.

Mateo De Dalmases is a member of the SFU track and field team.

 

Other results from this weekend are the following:

Distance Medley Relay

Women    11:36.85

Men     9:55.59

60m

Meyer Quaynor       8.01

Camryn Yuen          8.21

Nathan Mah            7.17

60m Hurdles

Diana Voloshin       8.82

In the 200:

Bryce West                26.10

Meyer Quaynor         26.46

Camryn Yuen            27.84

Nathan Mah              22.68

In the 400:

Renate Bluschke      57.51

Bryce West              59.38

In the 800:

Alana Mussatto        2:11.19

Emily Chilton            2:22.71

Dylan Freinhofer      1:54.96

In the Mile

Carlos Vargas           4:16.43

Aaron Ahl                4:19.96

Paige Nock                5:08.46

In the 3000

Jordan Wilson           8:45.19

Thomas Gallagher    8:58.36

Olivia Willett           10:18.60

In the 5000

Mateo De Dalmases     14:38.10

Sean Miller                   14:54.37

Amy Morris                 18:27.05

Chris Sobczak              16:07.73

Weight Throw

Peter Behncke              14.63m

Holly Taylor                 14.41m

Shot Put

Holly Taylor                 11.67m

High Jump

Amy Petz                     1.55m

Erin Fortune                1.50m

Mackenzie Riddell      1.80m

Long Jump

Mackenzie Riddell       5.65

Erin Fortune                 4.21

SFU hockey clinch playoff spot with three-point road trip

By
Peak Web
-
0
Mak Barden scored twice in the overtime loss to Selkirk College. (Photo courtesy of SFU Hockey)

By: Dylan Webb

SFU hockey continued to roll through 2018 with a 5–2 win over the last-place Eastern Washington Eagles on Friday night in Cheney. A two-goal night from Jaret Babych supplemented by a goal from Nic Holowko in his Clan debut led the offence as the team inched toward clinching a playoff spot. Eric Callegari put home the game-winning goal at 4:12 of the second period as SFU continued its dominance over the only non-Canadian team in the BC Intercollegiate Hockey League (BCIHL).

While the Clan fell behind early, Babych potted his first of two in the game to tie things up just four minutes in. Mathew Berry-Lamontagna also scored in the first to ensure the teams were on even footing heading into the second. SFU had set a tone of dominance in the first period by outshooting their opponent 22–9 despite not taking the lead until the second.

The second period saw Babych unsheathe his ever-dangerous sword once more to provide some insurance late in the frame with the 4–2 goal. Unlike the games last weekend against the Spartans and Vikes in which the Clan had to constantly kill off an excess of penalties, far more disciplined play allowed the team to overcome some early adversity to grind down the Eagles and secure the result late in the second. The team would ride out the second period lead to victory and bring themselves within a point of clinching a playoff spot — a point they would not have to wait long to have an opportunity to earn.

After the win in Eastern Washington, the Clan hopped on the bus for a game in Castlegar against the second-place Saints that they hope to chase down by the end of the season in order to secure home ice advantage in the playoffs. Despite the importance of the win and two points in Cheney, this was the big game of the weekend as the Clan ramped up their efforts to make up ground on the Selkirk Saints for second place in the league.

The Clan went down 2–0 early on back-to-back goals by Saints player Seth Schmidt before Mak Barden responded to trim the lead to one. Schmidt scored both goals in the first half of the second as SFU found themselves trying to get out of a hole. The goal by Barden, set up by defenceman Austin Adam, cut the Saints lead in half before the first intermission, but the Clan would continue to play from behind most of the game.

After the teams traded power play goals in the second period, Barden would equal Babych’s two-goal performance from the night before. Tyler Basham also scored, as the two veteran forwards gave the team a one goal lead late in the third in a building that is notoriously hard for visiting teams to play in. Unfortunately for SFU fans, the Saints would proceed to tie the game very late in the third period to force overtime. The tying goal by Saints forward Brandon Sookro was his first of two in the late stages of the game. In the extra frame, it didn’t take long for Sookro to strike again as he netted the overtime winner to earn himself first-star accolades, the game-winning goal, and send the Clan home disappointed that they were unable to make up ground on their second-place rivals.  

Despite the frustration of the loss, there was a silver lining for Simon Fraser as the single point gained in the OT loss officially clinched their berth in the 2017/18 BCIHL playoffs. When asked about this, multiple players agreed that the Clan are not satisfied with simply clinching a playoff spot and have bigger aspirations for the remaining seven games of the regular season. While the likelihood of a first-place finish in the league by the end of the regular season is increasingly small with the dominance of the Trinity Western University Spartans lately, the Clan still believe they have what it takes to go on a run, take over second place, and push the Spartans down the stretch in a battle for first.    

With a key win in Cheney and a tight overtime loss in Castlegar, the team continued to enjoy much-needed consistency in goal as Stanwood made his sixth and seventh starts of January and his 12th and 13th in a row. With the victory in Cheney, he picked up his 10th win of the season while making 29 saves. The team continues to rely heavily on Stanwood as they now have clinched a playoff spot and turn their eyes toward a drive for second in the league and home ice advantage in the first round as the regular season winds down with only seven games left to play for SFU.

With the win and OT loss on the weekend, Simon Fraser moves to an 11–6–1 record in BCIHL regular season play. With a 5–1–1 record in January, there is little doubt that SFU has rounded into form in the second half of the season culminating in an early clinch of a playoff spot.

When asked about key factors in the teams overall improvement throughout the second half, despite some speed bumps, forward Ryker Moreau said that its “as simple as just working harder and buying into our systems.” Now that the team has had the bulk of the season to build some chemistry, “it is the hard work in practice that is finally translating into games” that has Moreau and other players on the team excited about the possibilities for the regular season and, more importantly, playoffs.

While a regular season championship is increasingly out of reach, the team hopes to peak at the right time in order to be at their best when playoffs roll around in March. The struggle for playoff positioning continues next week as the Clan are back at it next Saturday when they return home to face the league leading Trinity Western Spartans at 7 p.m. at Bill Copeland Sports Centre.

1...664665666...1,419Page 665 of 1,419

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