In this episode, I made contact with Kevin Madarieta of Daiya Foods to talk about his career in Quality Assurance, what he does, and why he loves doing it.
Join me as we get to know more about Kevin and the QA world in the food industry, here in the Making Contact podcast!
Enjoy!
-Camille
Music by Lesfm
I made contact with Jeffrey Ma, the President and co-owner of Komo Comfort Foods. I got up close and personal with him; learned about his experiences growing up and how his passion for food and science came about.
Komo Comfort Foods is a plant-based startup company based in Vancouver, Canada where they make foods like chicken pot pie, lasagna, and more– but they’re all plant-based!
Find them at komocomfortfoods.com <3
Enjoy!
-Camille
(Christine Jou/Unsplash)
They say that Happy Hour is the best hour and I totally agree with that!
I don’t know about you, but I feel like happy hours have taken on a new meaning ever since the pandemic started. Happy hours used to be going to the pub and getting drinks with appies for a cheaper price.
But because of the current circumstance we are all in, some changes have been done.
Now, whether you’re taking life with a grain of salt, a slice of lime, and a shot of tequila, or you’re drinking Ginger Ale or kombucha over Zoom/GoToMeeting/Google Meet/Discord with your coworkers, classmates, friends, or family, happy hour is still ON.
What’s awesome about this is that there’s no time limit at home than outside… unless of course, you run out of your “happy”, then it’s just an hour.
Kidding aside…
Virtual happy hours are a thing especially now. People have been doing ridiculously creative ways to enjoy them.
Another cool thing about virtual happy hours is that you don’t have to feel obligated to drink what you don’t want to drink, and you can hop on with literally anyone in the world.
Don’t mind the time diff— it is always happy hour somewhere!
Some companies who really invest in their employee morale and engagement (and who obviously have money to spend for it) pay for their employees’ virtual happy hours, so they buy different kinds of “Happy Hour Boxes”.
Some have charcuterie and cheeses, some have wine tasting options, some have a variety of snacks you can munch on excluding the beverages.
(Caroo/Snacknation)
Some play games online too.
(GetSetGames/Etsy)
(Escape Game/Snacknation)
Although patios are open here in Vancouver, restaurants tend to get overcapacity so quickly. It’s difficult to make a reservation. Plus, you’ll have to drive to get there, wear a mask, etc. It’s a lot to do.
But when you’re just at home doing virtual happy hours, the only problem you’ll have is doing your own dishes after.
I don’t see why that should stop you from having a great time, though.
If you have a great virtual happy hour idea, let us know in the comments.
On Thursday, May 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an update that those who are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting.
President Joe Biden tweeted this advocating that people take the vaccine or remained masked until they do.
Folks, if you’re fully vaccinated — you no longer need to wear a mask.
If you’re not vaccinated yet — go to https://t.co/4MYpWqXVVo to find a shot, and mask up until you’re fully vaccinated. pic.twitter.com/qcyG2WyCG2
— President Biden (@POTUS) May 13, 2021
(@POTUS/Twitter)
According to the CDC, “people are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 ≥2 weeks after they have received the second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or ≥2 weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson [J&J]/Janssen)”.
So, this means that if you have not been injected by a vaccine that is authorized by the following, then you are not considered as vaccinated:
Click Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People to learn more about it.
(Credit: CDC)
Okay, so here goes my question:
During the press conference on May 13, Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Howard Njoo said that here in Canada, we will focus on a collective, community approach instead. He mentioned that the Canadians will not be following what the U.S. did in terms of lifting restrictions on masks and physical distancing for fully vaccinated people against COVID-19.
He stated, “For something like the face masks, I would say that would be probably one of the last things to go… I think it’s a good practice to keep on right until the fall until hopefully, everyone will have received hopefully two doses by September”.
So, long story short, you have to remain masked in Canada even if you have been fully vaccinated.
Not that you asked but, I honestly think that taking the community approach to this is better. If you want to be partying like Australia, I feel that this might be the way to go.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m asthmatic and I can’t wait for this to be over.
But we just gotta be patient— you and me… we’re all in this together.
Keep calm and Goosfraba!
(Bill Rosati/YouTube)
Do you think it’s a good move to go the collective approach? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.
It’s a net sport inspired by concepts from volleyball. You can play 2 VS 2, with a stretched hula hoop-sized round net between the teams.
Yep, it’s Spikeball.
(Spikeball/Unsplash)
I learned about this game last year and played it with my bubble during the summer. I remember seeing my friends on social media posting their videos playing the game. Some of them were intense while some of them were just playing to have some fun. My bubble though, we’re pretty competitive. (That doesn’t necessarily mean that we’re good though!)
I was surprised to learn that Spikeball didn’t just become a thing last year. In fact, it was originally created by a toymaker named, Jeff Knurek in 1989. It was marketed by a Japanese entertainment company called Tomy but its popularity quickly faded because the producers didn’t update the equipment.
The original and vintage @Spikeball set. We are forever in debt to Tomy Games. @ChicoSpikeball @_Coach_Long pic.twitter.com/3Be6O9Ny6U
— Lancaster Roundnet (@LCspikeball) September 26, 2014
(Credit: Twitter)
It wasn’t until 2004-5 when Chris Ruder revived Spikeball by making some changes and improvement. During a trip to Hawaii in 2003, he got so interested when his friends brought their old Tomy game set to play.
(Spikeball/Unsplash)
He was so interested that he did research and found out that the game’s trademark had expired and there was no patent on it. So, Chris seized the opportunity and acquired the trademark for just $800. It became a huge success and large retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods sold them.
However, it wasn’t until 2015 when Spikeball came into the limelight when Chris and his team made an appearance on “Shark Tank”.
What a cool story! I wonder when I can find an old and interesting game that has an expired trademark.
If you haven’t played the game yet, I really encourage you to. It’s so easy to carry around, easy to set up and so fun to play.
Click here to find out more about Spikeball and its rules.
(Spikeball/Unsplash)
Have you ever gotten a wisdom teeth extraction?
Wisdom teeth usually come when you’re in your teens, around 17 and up. While you do need the rest of your teeth, these particular teeth are famous for being extracted.
(Bofu Shaw/Unsplash)
Today, I got two of my bottom teeth out and it probably took 10 minutes max just to take both out. That was crazy fast but thank the universe it was! Anyway, that makes all four of my wisdom teeth out.
When you get your wisdom teeth extracted, does that mean that your wisdom will be gone too? If that’s the case, why get them removed at all?
(Nhia Moua/Unsplash)
According to the Canadian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (CAOMS), “Wisdom teeth are the last molars to erupt within the mouth. Most often, there isn’t enough room in the mouth for these teeth.”
Healthline says that “they’re called wisdom teeth because they’re the last teeth to emerge. You’re presumably “wiser” when these teeth come in”.
So basically, these teeth usually erupt when a person has reached a certain age and maturity, making them “wiser”.
Huh, interesting.
Okay, so it doesn’t mean that your wisdom will be gone when you get your wisdom teeth extracted. The reason why people get them removed is that it can be quite a painful experience. Even excruciating for some.
Plus, is it just me, or do you also think that these wisdom teeth are so far back the mouth that it’s such a pain to properly clean and floss them?
I’m no expert but I’m sure that it can lead to other bad side effects if you don’t properly clean something. As for the mouth, it can lead to gum disease or other kinds of illnesses. I don’t think I want that kind of pain.
(Jon Tyson/Unsplash)
Have you taken your wisdom teeth out? How was your experience? Let us know!
(Sharon McCutcheon/Unsplash)
I feel like people ask this question more and more now. When I first moved to Canada and was asked the first time, I found it strange because I wasn’t really used to being asked that question.
In the Philippines, we already have a gender-neutral way to address people: “Siya/Sila”.
Siya can mean she or he, depending on the context and Sila means they.
For example, Mahal ko siya. // Mahal ko sila.
Translation: I love her/him. // I love them.
I understand now that using someone’s correct personal pronouns is important. It’s a way to show respect. It creates an inclusive environment, and it affirms a person’s gender identity. In contrast, using the wrong pronouns can be offensive or even harmful and oppressive.
A lot of people have started adding their pronouns on their LinkedIn and Facebook profiles, others, even on Zoom.
(Solen Feyissa/Unsplash)
Just today, Instagram has started offering users a dedicated profile section to share their pronouns. I think it’s amazing when companies go the extra mile to advocate for diversity and inclusion through their products and services.
To add your pronouns on Instagram, make sure your app is updated to its latest version before following these steps.
(Courtesy of Fast Company)
Currently, it’s possible that you might not see your specific pronouns. If that’s the case, you can add them to your bio or let Instagram know what you prefer so they may be able to add it in the future.
It only takes a minute to add your preferred pronouns on the app. I highly encourage you to do so because the more that people do, the more we can normalize this behaviour, progress as a society, and foster an inclusive world.
(Clay Banks/Unsplash)
So… what are your pronouns? Let us know in the comments!
Mine are she, her, and hers.
What does a “Canadian” look like? Is it white-skinned, dark-skinned, is it yellow, or is it brown?
(Igor Kyryliuk/Unsplash)
I’m Canadian. But I’m also Filipino.
I look Southeast Asian.
But do I look “Canadian”?
What’s the correct answer for that anyway?
Before moving to Vancouver, I was very excited because I heard how accepting and open-minded Canadians are.
Honestly, now it’s just sad.
Okay, let’s back up. You’re probably asking:
A couple of days ago, I came across a news article about Vancouver having the highest number of anti-Asian hate crimes in North America last year.
According to a VPD report to the Vancouver Police Board, “Anti-Asian hate crime incidents rose by 717% from 2019 (12) to 2020 (98)”.
Let me re-iterate: 12 incidents to 98 incidents of hate crime against Asians in a year.
(Jason Leung/Unsplash)
Bloomberg highlighted this report and began by stating that, “It’s [Vancouver] said to be the most Asian city outside Asia… The kind of place that should be immune to a rise in pandemic-fueled racism. Vancouver has been anything but.”
I was shocked.
Is this Vancouver “now” or has the culture always been like this since the beginning of time?
If I’m being honest, I’d say that I’m lucky that no one has done anything bad to me or my loved ones. (*knocks on wood so I don’t jinx myself)
(Jason Leung/Unsplash)
I’ve seen videos and images where people shove Asians on the street or push them out of the store. When COVID-19 was still fresh, I’ve heard people tell me personally how it was ridiculous that I was wearing a mask, while I watch videos on social media of people verbally assaulting Asians wearing masks to “Go back to China”.
(Jason Leung/Unsplash)
It’s terrifying.
Yesterday, the City of Vancouver responded to the anti-Asian hate crimes and the findings on the extensive and eye-opening Bloomberg report, saying that there is “no place for hate in Vancouver”.
What do you think of their response?
All that aside, I’m thankful for these reports that aim to educate the masses about what’s really happening within our communities.
When it comes to hope, not all is lost because this is a chance for us Canadians, especially Vancouverites, to step up and STOP ASIAN HATE.
(Jason Leung/Unsplash)
I’ve heard horror immigration stories where families got scammed by illegal immigration consultants. I learned that people could get deported and banned from entering Canada for at least 5 years. Some get separated from their families and newborn babies. Others have lost so much money because of these immigration scammers.
With all of that in mind, a new Vancouver-based start-up just launched to provide legitimate services to help make immigration journeys safe and effortless.
Immisearch is built by immigrants, for immigrants. Every member of the company’s founding team is an immigrant. They understand the complexities and stress that come with applying to live and settle in Canada and they want to make that experience better.
If you’re an immigrant, Immisearch is an online platform that will match you with the perfect Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) so they can help you with your immigration application.
Whether you’re moving to Canada to study, to work, become a permanent resident or a citizen, as a refugee, or even if you just want to visit, Immisearch is there to match you with an expert.
Once you’re on the Immisearch website, you can search their database of qualified RCICs depending on what you need. You can narrow down your search by the province of destination, visa or program type, language, program specialization, years of professional experience, review rating, and the consultation fee.
Finding the right licensed immigration consultant who specializes in the program that fits you best can be a real challenge. Immisearch gives you no pressure to book right away. You can book an initial conversation to see if the consultant is a good fit.
Once you find the best consultant for you, your Canadian immigration journey can begin!
Another great thing about this platform is that they make sure that all the consultants are certified by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). So, you can sleep easy knowing that the person helping you with your application is legit.
Click here to learn more about Immisearch and its services.
They also have The Ultimate Guide to Express Entry in Canada which is free to download from their website.
Are you an immigrant? Tell us where you’re from!
This local organization was initially formed to foster and improve the quality of services delivered by Product Management and Product Marketing professionals here in BC. But now, it has been more inclusive to other people working in product.
If you’re in Product Leadership, Product Management, Marketing, Design, Engineering, or if you just want to be a part of building and growing a Product-driven organization, check ProductBC out.
If you don’t know what they are, ProductBC is a non-profit organization that helps grow and nurture local product professionals by offering its members access to events, workshops, mentorship opportunities, an amazing network, a supportive community, and plenty of resources.
The ProductBC core values are #Excellence, #Promote, #Inclusive, and #Community, which are awesome because these values show that they care.
Another thing that’s amazing about them is that they are working towards eliminating systemic barriers to achieve justice and equity for all people.
They have what they call the Diversity in Product Scholarship Program that aims to support the local product professionals and people from underrepresented groups who may be interested in product.
Speaking of events and being more inclusive, on May 19, 2021, ProductBC is having an online open discussion on the topic of Gender Imbalance in Tech. This evening, they will discuss the following but not limited to:
Click here so you can learn more about this event.
In addition to all that, they just launched their newest initiative called the “ProdcastBC” podcast. The theme for Season 1 is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and you can listen in on your favourite podcast provider.
If you want to be a member of ProductBC, be a volunteer, or just want to learn more about them, visit their website at https://productbc.ca/.
Are you a part of a non-profit organization that cares about diversity, equity, and inclusion? Let us know in the comments!
