Author Archives: Neena

Let’s Take Care of the Planet This Halloween

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Within the vast farmland of the lower mainland, there seems to be a pumpkin patch every other acre.

Many patches focus on the Instagram-worthy backdrop with their cartoonishly large pumpkins. But excessive patches that feature massive inedible pumpkins create lots of waste.

(Kylie Paz/Unsplash)

12.8 million pumpkins are expected to be left uneaten this Halloween.

Telfer Maynard, manager of Southlands Heritage farm, goes for quality over quantity.

“What’s different about us is we don’t necessarily focus on having like the biggest and fanciest Halloween pumpkins, we tend to not have any of the big ones because they’re not very good to eat. we focus more on on putting out the edible kind so that any we have leftover can be donated.. “

Southlands Heritage farm focuses on reusing, reducing and recycling.

“1 out of every 10 pumpkins or maybe even more gets eaten by squirrels and they all end up in a pile. But then they go in the compost heap and become fantastic compost. So I think that’s a very good way of reusing what otherwise would be garbage.”

There are a variety of pumpkin patches in the Lower Mainland, but Southlands Heritage farm makes sure that no pumpkin goes to waste.

This Halloween, you have an opportunity to lessen your eco-footprint.

This year I encourage you to be mindful of your consumption by purchasing smaller pumpkins that can be reused in your favourite fall dishes or simply composting your leftover pumpkins.

The Best Haunted House in the Lower Mainland

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After a hiatus in 2020, there are a variety of haunted houses across the lower mainland opening up this October.

But nobody loves Halloween more than Barry Brinkworth, owner of Brinkworth Dungeon in Langley, BC.

“I’ve always been into monsters and monster movies since I was little, my first introduction to doing anything to do with a haunted house was my ninth birthday, I did up the basement of a haunted house to have my friends tour through. “

The Brinkworth Dungeon offers 5000 square feet of spooky fun, and this year expect to see a new addition.

“This year, what I’m doing is we got an area of the property in front of the house that whole area is devoted to like a Pirates of the Caribbean kind of scene. I’ve been collecting stuff for this for probably about the last 10 years.”

The owners hand-make everything you see on the 5000 square foot haunted property.

Creating the new pirates ticket booth from last yrs Rotten Candy Carevil booth … started making a cannon to go in the…

Posted by Brinkworth Dungeon on Friday 17 September 2021

Whether you’re into Halloween or not, Brinkworth Dungeon is worth checking out as an art spectacle alone.

Don’t miss your chance this October. Be sure to check out Brinkworth Dungeon’s new Pirates of the Caribbean extension starting October 7th in Langley.

Accessibility of Financial Support over the Pandemic

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Many Canadians found it hard to get on CERB and EI during the pandemic.

There have been reports of employers manipulating vulnerable employees into working through the pandemic when eligible for insurance.

(Sarah Kilian/Unsplash)

Employers cannot take away your employment insurance. It’s disheartening to see vulnerable workers being taken advantage of.

Emilia Moreira was threatened by her employer in March 2020,

“I went on to employment insurance. And then my boss was like, if you don’t come back to work, we’re going to take your employment insurance and my mom actually works for employment insurance. And she was like, they can’t do that. Don’t ever go back to work there. That’s awful”

About on third, all workers who earned at least $5,000 in 2019 received CERB payments in 2020. 

Eligible individuals didn’t receive financial support. Could this be a reason why?

How BC Universities are Handling Covid-19

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With college and university students back on campus, some are arguing that this return is too soon. 

BC students must rely on their fellow students to follow Covid19 guidelines to ensure staff, student and community safety.

Student Moya Joya describes what safety looks like at the University of Victoria.

“We have mandatory masks within all the lectures, and the classrooms, and they’re recommended throughout the residences. As well as we’re having to declare our vaccination records to actually even be on campus, which makes it a lot make you feel a lot safer.”

However, it’s not about the rules in place. It’s whether BC students intend to follow them

“I think the biggest concern is not necessarily what the school is doing for the covid protocols, but most of the students will listen to them.”

Public Snapchat video captures University of Victoria students partying by the thousands.

On September 16th, Alberta universities closed campuses as the province declared a state of emergency. 

Do BC universities have the same fate?

The Worst Emmy Award Winners

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The Emmys are approaching. September 19th will be the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards.

In the past few years, award shows have been under scrutiny, whether it be the Grammys, Oscars, or in this case, the Emmys. There’s been backlash due to the lack of diversity in judges and winners, hence, the predictability of the awards.

Now, I was planning on predicting and giving my opinion on the 2021 nominees, and then I realized I hadn’t seen ANY of the shows listed. Awkward, indeed. I’m sorry I didn’t want to watch Emily in Paris, my bad!

Check out the list of 2021 Emmy Nominees here

(Erik Mclean/Unsplash)

So instead, I will be looking at the worst Emmy award winners to date. There was actually a lot to choose from, but I selected my favourite, or should I say least favourite.

Starting off strong here,
For Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, 2012
Nominees:
Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire)
Damian Lewis (Homeland)
Michael C. Hall (Dexter)
Jon Hamm (Mad Men)
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad)
Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey)

To be fair, there’s a lot of good choices here. I mean, Jon Hamm as Don Draper is unforgettable, probably one of my favourite shows of all time! Michael C. Hall killed the role of Dexter! And most notably, Bryan Cranston, Walter White, Heisenberg, the man the myth of the most legendary role in all television history. But no, guess who won? Damian Lewis for Homeland. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed Homeland, but in comparison to the shows listed above? No. Homeland doesn’t even belong amongst that them, nevermind beat them out and win the award! Someone has some explaining to do with this one. That’s all I can say without getting too worked up.

In the following year for the same award, Jon Hamm and Bryan Cranston were beat out again by Jeff Daniels for the Newsroom. Why.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, 2007
Nominees:
Sandra Oh (Grey’s Anatomy)
Aida Turturro (The Sopranos)
Chandra Wilson (Grey’s Anatomy)
Katherine Heigl (Grey’s Anatomy)
Lorraine Bracco (The Sopranos)
Rachel Griffiths (Brothers & Sisters)

First off, what even is this nominations list? Why is Grey’s Anatomy dominating? I know this might be an unpopular opinion, but what is the deal with Grey’s Anatomy? I’ve tried my hand at it, and the acting was cheesy and cliche, which is fine for daytime mindnumbing TV. However, this is the Emmys! Not the Hallmark awards. Turturro and Bracco are the only two I believe deserve to be on this list. The Sopranos is the most influential television series of all time. Again, it shouldn’t even be getting compared to Grey’s. I’m sure you can see where this is going. Yes, Katherin Heigl of Grey’s Anatomy took home the award. Notably, probably the worst actress in Greys. Why Emmys, why?

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, 2011
Nominees:
Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)
Matt LeBlanc (Episodes)
Louis C.K. (Louie)
Johnny Galecki (The Big Bang Theory)
Jim Parson (The Big Bang Theory)
Steve Carrall (The Office)

For me, there’s an obvious choice here. But that’s never the way it goes, huh. Yes, Alec Baldwin was funny in 30 Rock, and Matt LeBlanc basically played himself in Episodes which was super entertaining and hilarious. Louis CK is an obvious no for various reasons. But, the obvious winner would be Steve Carrall as Michael Scott in the Office. One of, if not the most iconic character in a comedy series ever. No, instead, Sheldon took home the award. Another unpopular opinion, I guess, but I’m standing my ground. The Big Bang Theory is not funny because their stab at “comedy” is solely based on negative stereotypes, whether it be racially fueled stereotypes or the dumb blond cliche. The characters don’t develop or change throughout the 11 years of this shows running. They stay cardboard cutouts of stereotypes. It’s lazy comedy, and I have no clue why Jim Parson won the award.

In fact, Carrall ended up with zero Emmys for The Office. Justice for Steve Carrall.

Why We Love True Crime

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Have you ever been binge-watching a true crime series, and as the narrator goes into gruesome detail of a murder, you think to yourself, what is wrong with me?

True crime is one of the most popular podcast and Netflix genres. The idea of “evil” fascinates us.

(Maxim Hopman/Unsplash)

One could say there’s evil everywhere in entertainment. Watch Saw or Game of Thrones! The worlds of fantasy and horror have no limits, and you can sleep at night knowing it’s all fake.

The work of a writer just can’t itch that spot in our brains the way the work of a real-life serial killer can.

That was a grim sentence to write, but it’s true! And that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you or the genre of true crime.

It’s like the saying that you just can’t look away from a trainwreck. Psychologists argue that this response of “not being able to look away” is a survival instinct. Whether that means a fatal car accident, you drive past on the highway or a gory true crime story. Your brain usually wants to know more.

Bad news sells.

Watching a true crime series gives you the reassurance that you’re not the victim and the illusion that you’ll be prepared if you’re ever alone in a dark alley late at night.

On a primal aspect, true crime is the perfect storm for human consumption. Our body’s main function is to survive, and by watching true crime, you’re studying how to escape death.

Your common sense knows that most people don’t die in a gruesome murder and rape. However, true crime stories can make you think that not walking alone at night or sleeping with a knife under your pillow will protect you from the evil in the world.

This is why research shows that true crime tends to appeal more to women, the victims of most heinous crimes.

It makes you feel like you can cheat death.

This sub concisely encourages the victim-blaming narrative and makes the viewer think certain actions and behaviours are risky when they aren’t.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with indulging in a true crime series, and I hope this clears up that you’re not a psychopath for doing so. Nevertheless, it’s important to be concise of the message your brain is receiving no matter what you’re watching. Whether you like it or not, the media you consume affects your behaviour, mental health and overall attitude towards life.

If you find yourself hiding away from the world around you out of fear of being the victim of the next Netflix true crime docuseries, it’s time to take a break and see the world for what it really is, not through the narration of a true crime podcast.

Why I No Longer “Hate” Sports

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I grew up in a fairly artsy family. Both my parents write and draw and are very up-to-date with arts and culture. In no part of my childhood was there talk of sports in my household. The only time I would hear about sports was my Grandpa, a huge Chelsea F.C. fan.

However, I did play sports as a child, like soccer, volleyball, ice skating and track. But I never lasted too long due to a lack of passion. As I became a tween, I got into theatre, music, and activities that made more “sense” in regards to my upbringing and family.

As I got deeper into the arts and strayed from sports, I became very disconnected from the scene of caring about the Canucks, Grizzlies or White Caps. As my knowledge dwindled, I decided that instead of learning and asking questions, I would just dislike sports.

It’s scary knowing nothing about something. Being the dumbest in the room? What do you mean you don’t know what position Kesler played???

I was too scared to admit I didn’t know something. And blindly hating on something was a whole lot easier.

The rest of my teen years went like that. I never admitted I just didn’t understand how Football worked, and it had to be that it was boring, stupid, and macho.

Now fast forward to 2020, yes, the cliche year where we all learnt something, I know, I know. For the first time, probably ever, I sat down for a full sports game. My boyfriend’s a huge basketball fan, so that was the sport of choice.

(Miltiadis Fragkidis/Unsplash)

At first, I was reluctant to pay attention or put any mind into watching. I didn’t understand what the difference between a three-pointer and a regular shot was. Why were the points going up by 2? None of it made sense, so I sat there half-paying attention scrolling through Instagram for the first quarter.

Then something hit me, and my ego took a seat, and I asked how does a foul work? Followed by what’s a brick? Why did they get 3 points? And it went on from there. By the time I actually understood the game, I was locked in.

Today, I love basketball, and I even have a team I support and everything. It’s something I can’t believe I spent my whole life not knowing about.

I now also understand and watch baseball and hockey. Still working on football, though, to be completely honest.

My point is, I know so many people who write off sports just like I did. It’s really scary not to know things, and being honest, sports fans can be very intimidating. Before this year, seeing tweets about sports felt like I was trying to read code. It’s a whole world I just didn’t understand.

But if you shift your thinking, sports culture is a whole new world for you to discover. It’s fun and exciting. I let my ego get in the way of me learning something new and universal for so long. I urge my fellow artsier people to ask questions, be the dumb one in the room because you aren’t losing anything by learning something new.

What’s the Deal with Tik Tokkers at the Met Gala 2021?

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The world has been waiting with anticipation after missing last year’s Met Gala. Due to the pandemic, almost all award shows were shut for 2020. But here we are, 2021, and the Met Gala is back! 

This year’s theme is “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.”

(Aaron Burden/Unsplash)

Last month the guest list was released, and this year it looks a bit different. Addison Rae, Emma Chamberlain, and Charli and Dixie Damelio. The world was shocked! How could “influencers” be invited to an event of such prestige and class? They are kids! 

What makes it even more controversial is that due to Covid-19 restrictions, the guestlist went from 600 to 450 attendees, and amongst the 450 are these influencers. 

Today, I want to look at last night’s influencer looks and give my honest opinion, no bias, no hate, just a girl that loves fashion.

First up is Addison Rae in Tom Ford for Gucci,

Twitter has been roasting Addison all night. However, I have to say this is better than I expected. Addison has never been a “fashion icon” by any means, which likely fueled the hate when people saw her name on the guestlist. So yes, this dress isn’t anything of a fashion icon. Its simple silhouette is quite basic for the Met. However, it’s flattering, and the red along with the bustier does make it flattering and attractive. The corset style has been quite overdone in the past year, especially amongst Gen Zs, but hey, it’s cute, and it’s not offending me.

I’ll give it a 6/10

Now Emma Chamberlain in Louis Vuitton,

 

Emma’s look outdoes Addison’s by a longshot. It’s far more exciting and gives the eye a lot more to look at. The shape of the top reminds me of those trendy butterfly tops, but far more classy and glam! The asymmetrical skirt is something new, so even though the shape of the top has been done, the skirt makes it special, which is harder to do as a 20-year-old who’s still developing their personal style. Details are everything! The green eyeliner is the cherry on top. She is playing it safe, but she is a 20-year-old YouTuber. I don’t expect my jaw to drop.

8/10 for me.

It turns out the Damelio girls did not end up attending, which is probably for their own good based on how Twitter treated their fellow Tik Tokker Addison.

I think it’s a waste of time to get all worked up about the Gala guests. If anything, these young influencers attending are giving more power to the people. I mean, we follow these people. We, as their followers, are giving them this platform and opportunity. 

Overall, the two influencers’ looks I reviewed were decent, some aspects better than others, but neither was a flop in my eyes. I’ve seen A-List celebs wear a lot more horrendous looks.

What’d you think? Should there be more influencers at the next Met Gala? Or should they stick to the age old traditions?

Pumpkin Patch Season is Almost Here, and You Know What That Means…

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As the leaves turn orange and yellow and fall to the ground, we are reminded that it’s officially that time of year again! 

Pumpkin patch season! Everyone in the Lower Mainlands favourite family-friendly and cutesy couples activity. Within the vast farmland of the Lower Mainland, there seems to be a patch every other acre. 

I have no problem with these festivities. However, every year I can’t help but laugh at the experience of it all. 

(Jakob Owens/Unsplash)

We all know the cliches of the Autumn season. I know you see them every year on your Instagram feed. You know, Pumpkin Spice everything, knee-high boots with the socks peeking out at the top, cozy sweater sleeves holding a cup of tea, but most of all doing “nature” for the purpose of an Instagram pic. 

(Nikola Topić/Unsplash)

Every year.

I’m not even sure if these folks even end up bringing home the pumpkins they picked for their little photoshoot. 

As cynical as I may sound, I actually don’t hate these people. I don’t even really dislike them. If anything, they’re essential to the Autumn in Vancouver experience. Without their constant Instagram posts, I’d be left lonely and dull for the entirety of September and October. 

The Queen of Autumn is pictured above, with her beautiful locks, PSL, and fall tones. 

There are 15 pumpkin patches and corn mazes across Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. The end of September is approaching, and starting on the 17th, these patches will begin opening to the public. 

 

Even though I’ve pointed out that I think these pumpkin patches are turning into one big Instagram backdrop, I challenge you starting September the 17th, to grab your family, partner or friends, and head out to the farm to people watch the beauty and hilarity of what fall really is.

And hey, maybe you’ll get a good Instagram picture out of it.

Should BC Students be Returning to Campus?

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It’s September, and you know what that means. Summer is over, and we must return to everyone’s favourite place, school! 

We’ve been locked away for the past 18 months, experiencing school through a webcam while pretending not to be in bed. However, it is now September 2021, we are returning to campus in BC. Whether that means moving away from your hometown or simply getting out of bed for a commute, this is a milestone in the pandemic. 

UBC campus in the fall

(Amy Tran/Unsplash)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although we are back on campus, there are still guidelines in place to keep students and staff safe. However, some are arguing that this return is too soon. 

Last Sunday night at the University of Victoria, well over 1000 students gathered for a huge party outdoors on campus. Saanich police report that most of the students were unmasked and crammed together, which raises concern for the safety of students, staff, and local community members. 

Similar events have been reported at UBC, where an indoor frat party ended up being a super spreader event. According to students, over 200 attendees are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms and are getting tested. 

Public Health and the RCMP are monitoring these events and trying to stop them at the source. However, these parties continue to occur across the province.

Through conversations with classmates and friends, I can safely say that students prefer in-person classes to the online learning platform. In-person learning provides social interactions and community, a sense of routine and motivation, and an escape from household responsibilities and stresses. 

Being on campus improves the quality of education and positively impacts students’ mental health, but it also seems to pose a major health risk.

Do you think the return to campus was the right decision by the government? What’s more important, returning to “normal” or the upsurge and spread of Covid-19?