Author Archives: Devin Johnson

My Favourite Canadian Comedians

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Canadian stereotypes are usually pretty accurate and light hearted. Most of us are very polite, and a lot of us enjoy coffee, donuts and hockey. One stereotype that I have never heard other countries give us credit for is our sense of humor. We can be extremely amusing when we want to be, in fact Canada is home to some of the funniest people on the planet. So who are these jokers, and what makes them so hilarious? I will only be covering my three personal favourites, but there are way too many honourable mentions to count. Please let me know who your favourites are and why. I do not have an exact criteria for these comics and this is one hundred percent based on emotions. Comedy is very subjective, and we do not all share the same sense of humor, but these comedians have garnered enough respect and notoriety to be named as some of the best funny guys this great country has to offer. 

 

The late great John Candy immediately comes to mind when I think of the funniest Canadians of all time. Born in Newmarket, Ontario, Candy got his start doing sketch comedy on Second City Television, where he excelled in creating goofy characters, and executing impressive impersonations. These skills paid him dividends for years after breaking out into the movie business. Some of his most notable films are Splash, Spaceballs, Cool Runnings, Uncle Buck, The Great Outdoors, Canadian Bacon and Planes, Trains and Automobiles. His untimely death on March 4, 1994 deeply saddened the comedy world. He was only 43 at the time, which makes me wonder how many more cult classics he would have starred in. A fun fact about John Candy is that he was a minority owner of the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts. The Argos won the Grey Cup in 1991 while under his ownership which must have been exciting for him. I think what has drawn so many people including myself towards John Candy is his overall likability, and humble demeanor. 

This next comedian is most likely number one for a lot of people, and I cannot disagree with that opinion. Jim Carrey is one of the most over the top performers I have witnessed in my lifetime. I love to do impersonations, and I often find myself trying to mimic him the most. He was born to make people laugh, and got the nickname” rubber face” for good reason. Carrey’s energy is unmatched, and his slapstick style provides the perfect compliment to that. He has produced so much awesome content that it is almost too hard to keep track of it all. My personal favourite roles of his are Ace Ventura in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Lloyd Christmas in Dumb and Dumber, Fletcher Reede in Liar Liar, and the Grinch in How The Grinch Stole Christmas. There are plenty of his films that I have not seen yet like, The Mask and Bruce Almighty, which are some of his most notable productions. While his movies may be hilarious, his stand up performances are equally entertaining. It may seem like Jim Carrey’s life has been nothing but sunshine and rainbows, but that cannot be further from the truth. He has suffered tragic losses of both his parents at an early age, grew up in poverty, and is currently battling depression. The cliche of the funny guy living a secret life of sorrow is all too true here. Jim Carrey has done his best to stay out of the limelight as of late, saying the man we all knew on screen was just a character he played. To fortify his mental health, he meditates and takes part in deep self reflection. It is good to know that he is working towards fulfilment, and we will never forget all the times he made us laugh.

Rounding out my personal favourite Canadian comedians list is a man who passed away recently, Norm MacDonald. This Quebec City native was a tough nut to crack. Norm’s dry sense of humour is certainly an acquired taste. His supporters are just as loud and proud as his critics, which in my opinion makes for a more entertaining presentation. Norm made his name on the Canadian stand up scene, performing at Yuk Yuk’s and the world famous Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. He would continue to climb the ranks of notoriety by becoming a writer for the Roseanne television sitcom. After a few years of writing, he would join Saturday Night Live as a performer. This was some of his most acclaimed work, thanks to his many goofy characters and notorious role of hosting Weekend Update. That five year stint in New York divided the masses on their opinion of Norm. Some people could not stand him and thought he was too offensive, while others adored his comedic delivery and laid back demeanour. Something that set Norm apart from the average comedian was his confidence in his work. There are countless stories of him insisting on telling jokes that he knew were going to bomb. This part of his performances polarized people. The average viewer was usually flabbergasted when he delivered these unsuccessful jokes, but diehard comedy fans fell in love with his boldness, and passion he showed for his work. I do not think anyone will ever come close to successfully copying Norm’s style because it takes a lot of guts. Unfortunately he recently passed away from a nine year stint with cancer, which shocked the world. He was extremely private with his medical business, even keeping information away from his close friends and family. Another great quality about Norm is that he never craved the spotlight. He had a real modest appearance, which only helped to grow his love and adoration from his loyal supporters.

Comedy is something that we all need right now, as other things in our world continue to get more and more depressing. These three men are just a small example of how good we are at making people laugh up here in the great white north.

How To Fix Your Sleep

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Back to school season is an exciting time for many. After a long and hot summer, the winds of change are here and we as students and staff are back to in person education. While it is nice to slowly but surely get back to normal life, one of my favourite things about online school was the freedom it gave to my schedule, which has been significantly affected this year. I think what I am really trying to say is that I, like many of my fellow classmates and even teachers, kind of enjoyed sleeping in and staying up late without having to worry about driving into Burnaby for class the next day. This is obviously not a productive habit and it has now grown into some serious consequences, especially when it comes to our sleeping patterns. Good sleep is something that very few people have every night. Students in particular struggle with this a lot. It may not seem super important right now, but the long term effects poor sleep can have on an individual is frightening. I also struggle with getting a good night’s rest, so I did the research, and am very pleased to share with you some of the best tips I found for turning your sleep around.

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The first and most important step to improving your sleep is making a plan and sticking to it. You must choose a time you plan on going to bed and a time you plan on getting up in the morning. For example, my routine is going up to my room by nine o’clock at night, shutting the lights off at nine thirty, giving myself enough time to doze off at ten. I then wake up at six o’clock in the morning, which gives me eight hours of sleep each night. This is super important because training your body to slow down and speed up will help you fall asleep and wake up quicker, as well as give you more energy in the morning. You need to do your best to follow your sleeping program the best you can, even on weekends. The benefits of doing this far outweigh the flexibility you are giving up. Giving yourself structure can make you more productive, and more pleasant to be around. If you do not follow this vital step, you will be missing out on the complete benefit of combining the next two tips with it.

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Once you have created your own sleeping times and stuck with it for a while, now is the time to consider the changes you need to make to your sleeping environment. The most common change most people need to make is the removal of electronic use before bed. Over stimulating yourself before you sleep is a disaster waiting to happen because it greatly hinders your ability to fall asleep on time. Missing out on extra sleep means that you are not getting the proper deep rest you need to fully recharge yourself. This may be the reason you feel extra groggy in the morning. Headaches and migraines are also a symptom of this bad habit. I personally recommend unplugging yourself an hour before you plan on going to bed. This will give your body enough time to wind down and get into that deep sleep we all crave. I understand that this is going to be a great challenge for many people, which is why I suggest you use alternative sources to electronics to get your fill of late night, information, entertainment, or whatever else you want. Newspapers, books, and magazines are perfect examples of what you can be doing instead of watching television or going on your phone. Our average screen times have skyrocketed since the pandemic, so why not try and lower it in order to get some quality rest?

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This next step is not required, but is definitely recommended if you have followed the last two steps to a tee and are still having issues with falling asleep. Using supplements has been heavily stigmatized, but that does not mean that they are not safe and effective. Melatonin is my personal choice for sleeping aids, and I seriously recommend adding it to your nighttime routine if you are comfortable trying it. Using the proper dosages that come with your product pose no serious side effects. Our bodies already naturally produce melatonin so supplementing it will just increase the timeliness and effectiveness of what your body already does. In my personal experience, I have only needed to use it when my sleep times have not been in sync throughout the week. This helps me get back on track, so I only need to use it sparingly but it may be different for you. If you are not comfortable trying melatonin, another strategy I can advise is being aware of your sugar and caffeine consumption. Caffeine takes a long time to wear off, so not consuming any after the morning is a good idea to prime your body for an easy sleep. The same goes for sugar but to a lesser degree. I cannot speak to the effectiveness of other types of sleeping aids such as CBD because I have not tried them myself.

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Incorporating these tips and tricks into your life should hopefully improve your sleep. Having all of this information is great, but it will not help you if you are not willing to be disciplined with it. If you are not interested in using melatonin, that is totally fine. Keeping regular sleep times and removing electronics before bed will already significantly boost your quality of rest. You may not require eight hours or more, so I recommend that you listen to your body and make the proper adjustments as you see fit. Life is not always linear, and it is completely normal to make mistakes along the way. What is really important is to maintain a positive attitude and persevere through the ups and downs you may face in your sleeping journey. Sweet dreams!

Gardening in Autumn

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Something that really piqued my interest this summer was gardening. I am an avid fisherman, and I always keep a container of worms in some dirt so that I will have fresh bait ready to go. One day I decided to feed them a cherry tomato to make sure they had something to survive on. I eventually used up all my worms and forgot about my container of dirt in the backyard. When my mom and I checked it out again after a couple days, we saw little green sprouts popping out. We thought this was just weed growth, but after taking a closer look we came to the realization that the seeds from the tomato I put in there had germinated. This was very exciting for me, and I transferred all the sprouts into various pots, and started watering them everyday. By the end of the summer, the little sprouts that popped up without me planning on it turned into full grown tomato plants that provided a decent harvest. From that moment onward, I fell in love with the process of gardening. I want to continue growing things right now, but summer is over so the crops I decide to grow will need to be able to survive in the fall and winter climates here in British Columbia. I have done the research and am here to share with you some crops I will be looking at growing this season. Feel free to follow along with me, trust me you’ll get hooked!

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The first crop I will be going over is lettuce. Lettuce is one of the easiest things you can grow so it is perfect for beginners like me. It is also very time efficient, taking up to only a month to fully grow. This leafy green does not use a lot of space, in fact you can even succeed with growing it in the comfort of your own home as long as you have the proper materials such as seed trays, and direct light. An important tip I would suggest is using more than one seed per mini pot just in case some of the other seeds do not germinate. Lettuce is very versatile, giving you plenty of options once it is ready for harvest. There are many different varieties of lettuce you can grow. The ones I recommend are romaine, butter crisp, and arugula. In a month from now you can have multiple bowls of salad ready to go, how cool is that!

Another crop you can have success growing in the cooler autumn climate is cilantro. This is a very controversial plant because it is definitely an acquired taste. I know some people who compare it to toothpaste, which I think is a little harsh. However, if you are into cilantro it is one of the best things you can start growing right now. Like lettuce, it is very simple to grow. It is time and space efficient, and it prefers cooler weather. This is puzzling to me personally because cilantro is synonymous with salsa and other Latin dishes which I usually eat in the spring and summer seasons. This herb hates the heat, and has an extremely hard time getting through the warmer months of the year. You can start your cilantro outside with other herbs, and then eventually bring it inside when temperatures start to fall below zero. It packs a flavorful punch, and it can boost a lot of your favourite dishes. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you are a fan of eating salsa and guacamole year round, I strongly suggest you grow your own cilantro.

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This next crop is very hardy, earthy, and it will stain anything it comes in contact with. Yes that is right, I am talking about beets. This vegetable will certainly need more space than lettuce or cilantro, and it will take longer to harvest. But the reward at the end is well worth the wait. Beets are one of my all time favourite foods because of its unique flavour, texture, and colour. It also does help to know that one of my favourite television characters; Dwight Schrute, runs his own beet farm. Like I said earlier, this taproot is very hardy so it thrives in the cold weather. You will need to invest in some larger pots if you do not have access to a garden, but this should not scare you away from growing them. September is the perfect time to get your seeds in the ground because of the proper balance of warmth and cool, as well as dry and wet conditions. One of my favourite things about beets is that you do not have to waste a single thing. Both the root and the leaves are safe to eat, and can provide various ways to prepare them. Whether it is a delicious salad with nuts, berries and goat cheese, or oven roasting them, this nutritious crop will brighten up your fall meals.

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This trio of crops I just shared with you provide a proper balance of ease, as well as space and time effectiveness, which is extremely important for the back to school season. Growing your own food is such a rewarding process. Not only will it save you money down the line, it is also an activity you can share with your family, friends and community. We are in a season of giving and gratitude, and sharing the fruits of your labour is a great way to show your appreciation to your loved ones. These are also not the only crops you can have success in growing this fall. There are plenty of other fruits and vegetables that you can grow well such as broccoli, spinach, and turnips, which can also be wonderful additions to your garden. I recommend that you continue to explore gardening, and be patient with it. Fall in love with the process of it from seed to harvest, and do not be discouraged if things do not go your way, because at the end of the day we are all at the mercy of the weather.

Underrated Thanksgiving Side Dishes

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I know this is hard to process, but we are already three quarters of the way through 2021! This also means that Canadian Thanksgiving is less than one month away. The holiday has always been one of my favorites because it is not about fairy tales or silly traditions. Thanksgiving is all about being grateful, and spending quality time with the ones you love. Another staple of this autumn celebration is the legendary feast that families enjoy together. We all know about the classic turkey dinner and pumpkin pie dessert, but arguably one of the more popular parts of the meal are all the side dishes that come along with the meats and sweets. A good side dish can elevate your meal from good to great, and they should not be overlooked. Obviously mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce are the big time players in the side dish world, so I will not be covering those foods. What I will be talking about are the hidden gems. The sides that don’t get enough recognition on your plate. They may not be as delicious as the previously mentioned foods, but that does not mean that they do not deserve to be excluded from your Thanksgiving dinner.

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The first side dish that I think needs a second look is brussel sprouts. This cruciferous vegetable has been hated on for generations and bashed in popular media as evil tiny cabbages. In reality, brussel sprouts are one of the most misunderstood foods when it comes to dinner time. For some reason everybody thinks they are the weakest link on your plate. This has most likely become popular opinion because people just don’t know how to prepare them the right way. In my opinion, the best way to cook brussel sprouts is cutting them in half, sautéeing them with butter or olive oil, and mixing in onions, garlic, lemon, Parmesan cheese, and most importantly bacon! I will admit that eating brussel sprouts straight up can be very boring and eventually sickening, which is why it is so important to incorporate some classic crowd pleasers to the dish to make it something special. Not to mention the nutritional value in brussel sprouts is elite. It will not make you feel guilty for mixing in bacon and cheese. In my personal experience, I have been enjoying this dish for years. It is one of the first things I go for when I’m filling out my plate.

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Mashed potatoes are a very popular side dish in Thanksgiving dinners for good reason. It has a warm simple flavor and a soft texture that any age can enjoy. The second side dish I think needs more respect is like mashed potatoes’ less talented brother, mashed sweet potatoes. I am not going to lie and say that this dish is better than the original potatoes, but that does not mean that they do not deserve a spot at the table. I will admit that it is an acquired taste. The sweetness is not everyone’s cup of tea. But if it is your thing, you will not be disappointed by sweet potatoes. My favourite way to do them is mashing them up like the usual mashed potatoes, adding pumpkin spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves), placing it in a casserole dish, topping it with marshmallows, and gently baking it until it is golden brown. This is another dish that will remove your guilt for topping it with marshmallows. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A which greatly benefits your immune system. If you are looking for a change of pace when it comes to potatoes, giving the orange and sweet variety a shot will not disappoint you.

Another classic staple to any home cooked meal is green beans, however they have been slept on as of late. All the trendier veggies have seemingly dominated the hearts and minds of foodies across North America. Green beans do not get as much hate as brussel sprouts, but they are definitely due for some love. They may not be as exciting as kale or the other superfoods, but green beans are a well rounded legume that can be a stable anchor to your plate. They are very high in vitamin K and calcium, which provide good bone health. They are relatively inexpensive, which is vital for Thanksgiving since you are going to be breaking the bank on getting a nice turkey. Green beans are also very versatile in the kitchen. You can quickly stir fry them with butter and garlic, blanch them, or bake them casserole style with crispy onions. Whatever mood you are going for, green beans can fit your mold and add some much needed vibrance to your plate.

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As you can see, the side dishes I decided to cover were all vegetables. This may not be a popular choice, but I think it is important to highlight these foods because the holiday season is already full of heavy meats, sweets, and other treats. They may not be as succulent as a turkey drumstick, or addictive as a slice of pumpkin pie with whipped cream, but they have their part to play. They are responsible for providing the vitamins and minerals you need in the midst of sugars, starches and fats. These three vegetables can also be used in many different ways, so feel free to experiment and try something new with them. If you have kids or picky friends and family, I can assure you that introducing them to a new version of brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes, and green beans may change their mind about them. This season is all about being grateful, and sharing that gratitude with the ones you love. Part of that is being grateful for our bodies, and their ability to function at a high level throughout the year. I cannot think of a better way to show gratitude to our bodies than by giving them the vital nutrients that they need to keep us going. Happy Thanksgiving!

Questions For The Canucks

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The Vancouver Canucks are coming off of one of the most embarrassing seasons in recent history, which is saying something because they have been a perennial lottery team for the better half of the last decade. They suffered the worst COVID outbreak in the entire NHL season which sidelined them for nearly a month. This halt of play only rubbed salt on the wound because they were already completely out of the playoff picture. It’s safe to say that the organization wants to rid themselves of the stench that was last season.The prior year provided a glimmer of hope for the Canucks after they broke through and made it all the way to the second round of the playoffs in 2020. The front office has certainly been busy this summer with efforts to get them back on track towards Stanley Cup contention. They have moved on from over 10 players and prospects, while also bringing in a similar amount of new faces. However, a level of uncertainty still remains in Vancouver regarding team personnel, execution from the coaching staff, and fan attendance. Let’s explore the questions circling over the Canucks, and see if we as fans should be leaning towards an optimistic or pessimistic approach to the 2021-2022 season.

 

The biggest move Jim Benning made this offseason was bringing in the combination of Connor Garland and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The deal was done on the day of the NHL draft, which sent the bottom six forward trio of Jay Beagle, Antoine Roussel, and Loui Eriksson, as well as draft compensation including the ninth pick overall, and a second and seventh round pick in 2022 to Arizona.  The Coyotes are also retaining twelve percent of Ekman-Larsson’s contract, which will now cost Vancouver around seven million dollars a season. Connor Garland projects to be a first or second line contributor for the Canucks’ elite offence. The real question stems from whether or not Oliver Ekman-Larsson can solidify the defense, which has been one of the Canucks’ most prevalent weaknesses as of late. As a team they ranked twenty sixth in goals against last season, which is a stat that must improve to at least league average if the Canucks want to make a postseason run. Adding Ekman-Larsson should hopefully improve their blueline, enough to make it to the playoffs, but his play has not been trending in the right direction as of late. He recorded one of his worst statistical seasons in years, which puts into question whether or not he can live up to the seven million dollars the Canucks owe him for the next 6 years. Jim Benning has made the bet that Oliver Ekman-Larsson will bounce back and return to form as a Norris caliber defenseman that can be an integral part of a Stanley Cup contender in the future.

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A side effect to trading for Oliver Ekman-Larson and Connor Garland is the salary cap situation for the Vancouver Canucks. Both Elias Petterson and Quinn Hughes have yet to be signed to contract extensions. These two young phenoms are arguably Vancouver’s best players right now, so it is paramount that they both get extended before hitting free agency. The new makeup of this roster may force Jim Benning’s hand to make some tough decisions regarding who they can afford to hold on to, and who they may need to move on from. They are currently stuck with Tyler Myers’ awful six million dollar contract, which seems virtually unmovable at this point. This leaves the Canucks with ten million dollars in cap space, which is not enough to sign both Petterson and Hughes while remaining under the cap. Players like Brock Boesser and Tanner Pearson may have to be moved if Vancouver wants to avoid paying the luxury tax. However, the Canucks have been notorious for waiting until the last minute to extend key players. We could expect Jim Benning to extend both Elias Petterson and Quinn Hughes as early as this weekend.

Preseason action is set to commence next week, with the beginning of the regular season slated for early October. Something that has been on the minds of Vancouverites for over a year now is when they will be allowed back into Rogers Arena to cheer on their favourite hockey team live and in person. At this point in time, the tentative plan for fan attendance in Vancouver is for a fifty percent capacity crowd. Proof of vaccination will be required for entry, as well as masks. While this is far from an ideal fan experience, but it is a step in the right direction for getting back to normal. If the Canucks end up qualifying for the Stanley Cup playoffs and if the restrictions ease up in 2022, we could return to a full house. It has yet to be seen how the team and the league at large will respond to positive COVID cases this year. If the updated protocols are similar to last year, fan attendance may fluctuate throughout the season in order to minimize risk.

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All of these questions regarding the Vancouver Canucks are likely to be answered sooner rather than later. The best case scenario for the team this year would be a return to form from Oliver Ekman-Larsson, new extensions for Elias Petterson and Quinn Hughes, and the easing of health restrictions that could lead to a full capacity Rogers Arena in time for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Now this may not all come to fruition, but some things will. Some things may surprise us this year, such as the emergence of Vasili Podkolzin. While things may not always go the way we are expecting, it is important to have a good balance of optimism and pessimism as a fanbase. The team is projected to be average to above average this season, which is not ideal but definitely an improvement from last year.I think the biggest certainty about the Vancouver Canucks this year is their willingness to get back on track towards the Stanley Cup, and all the moves that were made this summer reflect this goal.

 

Snoozing Through Summer

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School is officially out for many people in BC. With online classes, compressed schedules and a lot of uncertainty, both teachers and students deserve a much needed summer break. Breaks in between classes often vary from person to person. Some people choose to decompress by binge watching their go-to television shows and movies, or get into some of their favourite video games. Others will unplug and get outside by going exploring the great outdoors. We all probably enjoy a healthy mix of outside and inside time during our time off from school, but just because you are not in class does not mean that you cannot stay productive. There are plenty of daily habits you can incorporate into your schedule this summer that can improve a wide variety of aspects in your life.

 

The most important habit to pick up this summer is a reasonable sleep schedule. This may be a controversial topic for many people because staying up late and sleeping in is one of the most popular activities for young adults. Whenever I chat with my peers in September, one of the first things that is brought up when asked what they did this summer was sleep. While I am all for getting at least 8 hours each night, having a chaotic sleep program can come with a lot of baggage. Headaches and migraines are a very common side effect of improper sleep. The mental toll of sleeping can be damaging to your mood and outlook on life. I’m not saying that sleeping in is never okay, but it should be seen as a treat rather than a daily habit. There are plenty of ways to help your sleeping back on track. Supplementing melatonin, exercising before bed, and cutting down on sugar and caffeine intake are all viable solutions that can put you on the right path for healthy sleep.

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This Is Not Financial Advice

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Money is a topic a lot of people have a hard time talking about. In some instances, it is seen as more of a taboo topic than religion or politics. This is probably happening due to a lack of financial literacy and confidence, which are subjects that a lot of young adults struggle with. It may seem very intimidating to jump into learning about money when our financial world is upside down at the moment. Whether it’s the crazy stock market or the fear of inflation, there is always something new to keep up with and it can feel very draining. However stressful it may appear it be, it is paramount that young people ingratiate themselves into the world of money for the betterment of themselves and the general economy. A fantastic way to start is by investing. When people hear the word investing they often think of stocks or real estate. Those are both extremely viable asset classes. A slight issue however is that younger people lack significant capital to make a big splash in the markets, unless you are willing to gamble it on more speculative options. This often deters people from investing in general which is completely understandable but that does not mean you can’t put your money to good use. Investing in yourself is one of the smartest and effective things you can do with your money while you are young. Understanding that in order to make good money you must first have good skills is a message that we should all live by if we want to succeed financially. Coming to a school like BCIT is a perfect example of investing in yourself by equipping yourself for a complex workforce. It does not have to end with traditional schooling, as there are a plethora of online courses and mentorships available that teach you employable, high income skills. Loading yourself up with the knowledge and skills to succeed will then give you the confidence to then invest in assets like stocks or real estate.

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Dog Days Of Health

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An interesting trend that the COVID-19 pandemic has created is a spike in pet ownership. Over 50% of Canadians claim to own a pet now. This rise has some solid logic behind it, since we have all been put into a position of distance and isolation. While the immediate effects of companionship are very noticeable, there are plenty of under the radar benefits to your physical and mental health. One of the more obvious benefits you will start to notice is the increase of your own activity. Whether it comes from taking your dog for a walk or even running errands for kibble, exercise releases neurotransmitters in your brain which can boost your mood. While you may be your pet’s personal caretaker, that does not mean that they do not have roles to play as well. Dogs and cats are very good at sensing how you are feeling. They accomplish this by observing your behaviour, body language and tone of voice. When they notice that you are not acting like your usual self, pets often make gestures to try and cheer you up. This can range anywhere from cuddling up with you to presenting you a dead animal they caught from outside. Who could’ve thought that buying a pet could replace your need for therapy! Another benefit pets provide is an increased motivation and productivity level. Having to take care of something can give the laziest person a sense of purpose in their life, especially when that something is a loveable ball of fur. Having a pet gives you a reason to get out of bed in the morning, which is a common struggle a lot of people go through. You can also create healthier habits that mix in exercise, early mornings and responsibility. We all have parental instincts in us, and while our birth rates may be down across North America, that doesn’t mean we cant put those natural instincts to work by taking care of a pet.

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Trash Epidemic

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As we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, other issues in our world have persisted and even worsened in some cases. One of the most critical problems we face today as a population revolves around how we are going to deal with our garbage. According to the World Bank, approximately 2 billion tons of waste is produced each year. This is already a frightening statistic, but it could become even more terrifying given the factor of increasing populations and consumption. We often talk about the threat of climate change, however I feel that the threat we are currently facing with garbage is more apparent and can be controlled if we all do our part . 

 

A key principle in combating this garbage issue is renewing your sense of personal responsibility. Understanding that every piece of waste you produce is contributing to a massive problem. We will never see the light of day when we are completely waste free, however we can certainly make better decisions when it comes to getting rid of our garbage. Purchasing more biodegradable products, reusing our plastics, and cutting down on overconsumption are fantastic strategies that can play a part in promoting a cleaner culture.

 

Another thing you can do to help take on this challenge is by holding corporations and politicians accountable, making it clear that waste management is an issue worth caring about. We may enjoy our province’s natural beauty, however it will not last if we continue to neglect our waste production. This problem requires cooperation from both government, business, and citizens. It is paramount that we all get on the same page in order to tackle this issue before it’s too late. That means cutting out debates on plastic straws and focusing on uniting one another for the greater good of our community.

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Reviewing Online Learning

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The past 14 months have shaken up the way we go about our daily lives. Things we took for granted such as shaking hands and travelling have been temporarily put on hold. Arguably one of the biggest changes that took place last year was the transition to online learning. This style of education was a very practical solution for the pandemic, but there have been some questions and concerns regarding its long term effects on students, teachers, and the entire landscape of education. Let’s review the biggest pro and con about online learning and look forward to seeing if it has what it takes to be the permanent way we educate ourselves.

Let’s get the bad out of the way by going over the biggest downside of online learning which has to be the lack of interpersonal communication. While our world may be moving towards the future, we are still the same humans we always have been. We are very sentimental creatures that value sharing time and space with one another. As a matter of fact, we have seen the effects this pandemic has had on our mental health first hand which have reminded us that we are not robots. We may have still been able to communicate essential information to our fellow classmates and instructors, however this new online space has left a void that intimate connections used to fill. This issue may never be solved under the new online program.

 

A lack of human connection does not mean that online learning has been a complete waste though. The most positive change that has appeared has been the newfound flexibility it has given us. Whether classes are live or self-directed, having the ability to go to school from the comfort of your own home has been a very freeing experience for many people. Students have been able to attend class from all over the world as long as they have internet connection. Extracurricular productivity has increased, giving students the ability to craft their schedules to achieve a healthier work-life balance. It’s safe to say that this new online style has been favoured by many students.

 

As we begin to make a cautious return to normalcy, the temporary aid of online learning has been appreciated. It may not be a perfect alternative to traditional education, it certainly has its place and will continue to see improvements as we advance technologically.

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