Author Archives: Neena

Concerts in Vancouver this March

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After 2 years, we can finally dance again! Last week’s announcement, lifting the majority of Covid restrictions, has British Columbians pumped to finally attend a concert!

Since the beginning of the pandemic, tour announcements and concerts have been iffy. It’s hard to buy a ticket knowing it will likely be rescheduled or cancelled, however, I have hope for concerts this spring 2022.

We are all itching to get into a venue to rock out, and with Bonnie Henry’s green light on dancing…

Here’s who’s coming to Vancouver this March:

Ritt Momney’s Sunny Boy Tour @ The Fox Cabaret (March 4th)

The Utah artist blew up over the pandemic with the Tik Tok hit, ‘Put Your Records On.’

 

Louis Tomlinson World Tour @ Orpheum Theatre (March 6th)

One Direction’s Louis goes solo. Not going to lie… I was always a Louis girl.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CZccZr7piH0/

Nick Cave + Warren Ellis North American Tour @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre (March 16th)

The Australian old-timers released their album CARNAGE, in 2021, recorded over a period of weeks during lockdown. Nick Cave describes the album as, “a brutal but very beautiful record nested in a communal catastrophe.”

Billie Eilish’s Happier Than Ever, The World Tour @ Rogers Arena (March 24th)

Vancouver fans will finally be able to see the critically acclaimed album Happier Than Ever, live in concert. Billie’s image has completely changed since her last time in Vancouver, on her When We All Fall Asleep Tour in June 2019.

 

Aminé: The Best Tour Ever Tour @ PNE Forum (March 28th)

Aminé broke onto the rap scene in 2017, with his hit ‘Caroline’ which peaked at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The bangers haven’t stopped since, with features from massive artists like Young Thug, Offset, and Missy Elliott.

Why is everyone getting hacked on Instagram?

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Have you noticed out of nowhere, a friend’s profile is suddenly posting Bitcoin-related content, and spamming their followers with direct messages?

https://www.instagram.com/p/CZcfBKetDEi/

Rather than trial and error guessing passwords, hackers have a new way of gaining access to Instagram accounts.

Users are sent a link via DM, from a random profile or a friend who has been hacked. Often, these “random profiles” are hackers disguised as a “Financial educator,” “coach,” or “miner.”

 

The link sends you to what appears to be an Instagram login window, where you’d fill in your username and password, to continue through the link.

And there ya go, you’ve given over your username and password. Within minutes your password will be changed and you will permanently lose access to your account.

The “Instagram login window” was in fact a site owned by the hacker, designed to fool you.

Now that the hacker has full control of your account and all the information stored in it, they will start posting photos of “your brand new Mercedes” or your recent Bitcoin investments.

“Didn’t want to post about this all day but why not 😅 btw If y’all gknow me too well you’ll know this bitcoin thing ain’t for me but ever since I started trading with my mentor @_helen_gibbson she has totally changed my life fr, just got this new Mercedes y’all, 😃🔥it’s all thanks to bitcoin mining though, it has done the most for me recently, dm her @_helen_gibbson to start earning too 💯🔥”

Other users have reported being blackmailed by their hackers, threatening to post the user’s nude photographs if they refused to follow their orders to promote the Bitcoin-mining scam.

The user above ended up having her Venmo account emptied and still has no security as to where her explicit images may end up.

I hope this helped you brush up on your cyber-smarts. Remember, avoid opening links sent to you via Instagram (even if it’s from a trusted friend) and enable two-factor authentication to protect your account.

Bundle up for another cold snap

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If you haven’t already noticed, Vancouver has been abnormally cold this week. Don’t let the sunny skies fool you!

The temperature has been consistently dipping below zero, hitting as low as -10 C overnight. We Vancouverites aren’t accustomed to these freezing conditions, especially not at the end of February heading into spring.

The arctic air mass over the B.C. coast is causing wind chills that can make 5 C feel like -5 C. These shivering gusts can be as cold as -15 C, which is far below seasonal norms.

The Fraser Valley and Howe Sound regions may even experience some flurries on Wednesday and Thursday.

As we head into the weekend, temperatures should return to normal at highs of 8 C and lows of 4 C.

But what is this “arctic air mass” that meteorologists keep referring to?

It’s basically a large volume of cold air that invades an area, in this case, the Pacific Northwest. The cold air flows from snow-covered regions North of us, and because of the long winter nights, the cold air stabilizes in place until the weather warms up and the mass gets pushed south.

So even though Vancouver has been beautiful and sunny this entire week, the cold winds from the arctic air mass are keeping us from putting on our sandals.

More on air masses:

Don’t stuff your winter clothes in storage just yet. Until Friday, you’ll need to bundle up and rack up your BCHydro bill in order to survive this cold snap. Let’s hope this is the last extreme weather warning in B.C. for a while… Wishful thinking?

The insane conspiracy of Justin Trudeau Castro

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Believe it or not, there’s a conspiracy theory that Canadian Prime minister Justin Trudeau is in fact, the illegitimate son of the Cuban dictator, Fidel Castro. Now, where could such an outlandish rumour come from?

It all originates from their uncanny resemblance, which I can’t deny. They have the same cleft chin and a heavy low brow. However, these features could also be described as very basic European features.

But their looks just aren’t enough to base a conspiracy theory on.

So this is where it gets interesting… Supposedly, Pierre Trudeau and his wife Margaret were swingers and adored Castro.

In April 1971, the Trudeau’s vacationed to the Caribbean, where at some point of their trip the newlyweds escaped to an undisclosed island. 8 and a half months after their island rendezvous, Justin was born on Christmas day. Coincidence? Conspiracy theorists think not!

I guess during their secret trip, Castro would’ve impregnated Margaret? At a swingers party? It’s unclear when/how the impregnating happened, but that’s not what matters! What matters is, the son of a communist is running our country!!! (I’m joking of course)

It is true that the Trudeaus had a strangely close relationship with the Cuban revolutionist. However, once you start fact-checking, the theory falls apart quickly. Margaret Trudeau first met Castro in 1976, five years after Justin’s birth. So unless young 22-year-old Margaret was secretly corresponding with the dictator in the early 70s, it’s unlikely Justin is Castro’s son.

There is no way to know the exact ins and outs of Margaret Trudeau’s sex life but the story that theorists are running with isn’t very convincing.

The truck convoy and its supporters are clinging to this narrative. The far-right media outlets will always run on conspiracy theories, similar to the rumours surrounding Barack Obama’s birthplace, this is just another back and forth between the right and left.

Politics aside, this is the funniest video on earth:

https://twitter.com/Ed49259925/status/1494006421997953033?s=20&t=JvNWc1u_UjXvw2PJRx7N4w

25th anniversary of Daft Punk’s Homework

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Daft Punk’s split last year shook the nation. What will we do without our favourite masked DJs? Sorry, Marshmello!

February 22nd, not only marks the anniversary of their tragic breakup, but it’s also the 25th anniversary of their debut album Homework. Released in 1995, before the French duo, Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter were the iconic robots we know today.

They became masked robots on 9/9/99, for their album Discovery. Today, the anniversary of Homework and the duo’s split is 2/22/22.

To celebrate this numerically satisfying day, Daft Punk will be releasing a new 25th-anniversary box set of Homework, and streaming their 1997 performance from their first tour, set in the Mayan Theater in Los Angeles.

The box-set is available online, which includes 15 remixes of songs off the original Homework album. 9 of which have until now, never been available on streaming platforms.

Homework – 25th Anniversary Edition:

Disc 1 – Off of the original Album:

1. Daftendirekt
2. WDPK 83.7 FM
3. Revolution 909
4. Da Funk
5. Phoenix
6. Fresh
7. Around the World
8. Rollin’ & Scratchin’
9. Teachers
10. High Fidelity
11. Rock’n Roll
12. Oh Yeah
13. Burnin’
14. Indo Silver Club
15. Alive
16. Funk Ad

Disc 2: Never-heard-before Homework Remixes

1. Around The World (I:Cube remix) *
2. Revolution 909 (Roger Sanchez & Junior Sanchez Remix)
3. Around the World (Tee’s Frozen Sun Mix) *
4. Around the World (Mellow Mix) *
5. Burnin’ (DJ Sneak Main Mix) *
6. Around the World (Kenlou Mix) *
7. Burnin’ Ian Pooley cut up mix
8. Around The World Motorbass Vice Mix
9. Around The World (M.A.W. Remix) *
10. Burnin’ (Slam mix)
11. Around The World (Original Lead Only) *
12. Burnin’ (DJ Sneak Mongowarrier Mix) *
13. Around The World (Raw Dub) *
14. Teachers (extended mix)
15. Revolution 909 (Revolution A Capella)

*Not previously streamable

Daft Punk may not be back together, but this surprise release is just what this February needed. Their legacy will forever have a hold on society, who are these robots and when will they bless us with more music? Beep boop beep.

Why does everyone love Euphoria?

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If you haven’t been tuning in every Sunday on HBO, you’re missing out on more pop culture meme references than you realize. The high school melodrama draws a large audience that isn’t exclusive to teenage girls. In fact, many argue that Euphoria isn’t appropriate for teenagers.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CX_t1B7lW2f/

Horrified by the TV-MA rating on the HBO drama, parents are calling it “upsetting, pornographic, violent, and vicious” (A Horrified Dad’s Guide to Not Watching ‘Euphoria’)

Euphoria isn’t afraid to push the envelope and go a step further in portraying taboo plotlines. It’s a Gen-Z rendition of other shows that follow a similar teen drama formula, like “The O.C.,” “Skins” and “Degrassi.”

So if Euphoria is so disturbing and similar to its predecessors, why is it the No.1 title on HBO in the U.S?

The show does a good job of portraying mental health, addiction, and identity. Every viewer can relate to aspects of Euphoria’s fictional teens. Each character represents internal issues we all struggle with.

It’s an intense dramatization of things we all experience.

Whether that be Maddy’s arrogance to mask her insecurity, Cassie’s sensitivity, or Rue’s self-destruction. Similar to life, there isn’t a happy ending to each episode and you form this hyper-connection to the characters you identify with. You watch each Sunday hoping that there will be a positive outcome for the pain you associate with.

Euphoria has also become a universal experience in a way. Hashing out plotlines, characters, and personal takes on the show is all a part of the fun. In any room, there are at least two Euphoria watchers who are ready to kick and scream about Nate or swoon over Lexi + Fez.

Teenagers aren’t as dumb as we think they are. I mean don’t get me wrong, I did some stupid sh*t in high school but I wasn’t naive to the fact that a TV show is a dramatization. I understand parents want to protect their kids from the darkness of the world, but trust me, they know what porn is.

Since the release of season 1, in 2019, the show and cast have released various content warnings, to ensure viewers understand what they’re getting into.

If you’re looking for a comfort watch after a long day of work, Euphoria might not be the best choice. Otherwise, join the anxiety-inducing, beautifully coloured fun of Euphoria season 2.

Family Day activities

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Family Day is an underappreciated holiday. Last year may have been a letdown, but this year restrictions are lifted and you can celebrate Family Day long weekend out and about with your fam jam.

There might not be the same array of activities at pre-pandemic, but there are certainly more options than 2021.

So what can you do on Monday the 21st?

Hit the slopes!

Get up early to avoid long lines and head up to Grouse, Seymour or Cypress for a day on the hill. The alpine is forecasted to get some snow Sunday overnight, and clear skies all Monday afternoon through the eve.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CZKLeIglVML/

Don’t worry if you can’t ski or snowboard! Grouse Moutain resort offers a variety of activities for the entire family. Including, the sliding zone, skating pond, snowshoeing, and a scenic light walk.

Fan Expo

Fan Expo is in Vancouver this weekend from February 19-21st, at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CaNVixvu6eg/

Celebrity guests throughout the weekend include,

  • William Shatner from Star Trek
  • Ming-Na Wen from THE MANDALORIAN
  • Tom Welling from Smallville
  • “Bubbles” Mike Smith from Trailer Park Boys
  • “Julian” John Paul Tremblay from Trailer Park Boys
  • “Ricky” Robb Wells from Trailer Park Boys

What is more family-friendly than dressing up as your favourite fictional characters and meeting superheroes?

Granville Island Kids Market

Bring your little sister, nephew or cousin to the Granville Island Kids Market, aka heaven on earth for children.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CZVHqs6vmpW/

The kids market has over 25 shops, services and fun activities for children and families. Including the Adventure Zone, which is an indoor multi-level jungle gym with a massive ball pit.

Drop your kid off there for an hour while you check out the market, and treat yourself to some fresh bread, cheese and deli meats, and bam you’ve got the perfect ‘Family Day.’ Fun for all!

 

The Tinder Swindler signed with Hollywood agent

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The new Netflix true-crime documentary, The Tinder Swindler, documents a group of European women who were scammed by a con-man, under the name ‘Simon Leviev’ fka Shimon Hayut,

There was no ‘happy ending’ for the victims of Simon Leviev. The women he conned continually attempt to hunt him down and recover the millions of dollars that were stolen from them. To this day, still paying off their debt.

Simon Leviev continues to live the high-life after only serving 5 months in prison in 2019. However, the Netflix documentary has resparked attention to the fraudster and the $10 million he’s allegedly conned out of his Tinder matches.

Simon Leviev says he’s not the Tinder Swindler. He claims he was merely a single guy who wanted to meet some girls on Tinder. He claims that the so-called “documentary” is a completely made up story.

“I am not a Tinder Swindler.”

Since the release of the documentary, Leviev has been banned from Tinder.

Now that the 31-year-old con-man can no longer access his vice, he’s set his sights on Hollywood, reportedly signing with LA-based manager Gina Rodriguez of Gitoni Inc.

Leviev is one of many, household names that Rodriguez manages; Notably Nathan Apodaca aka Doggface, Mama June Shannon, and her daughter Honey Boo Boo.

According to TMZ, Leviev wants to start his own dating show where contestants “compete for his love.”

The publication also mentions the not-Tinder-Swindler is “looking into a potential podcast, hosting a dating show, and/or writing a book.”

Currently, Leviev seems to be enjoying his new found fame. Banned from Instagram, Tinder and Hinge, the alleged con-man can be seen active on Tik Tok with 200k followers.

After declining to participate in the original Tinder Swindler doc, Leviev is trying set his story straight and has sat down with Inside Edition for a two-part interview which airs Monday and Tuesday.

Happy Birthday Rihanna

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Today, February 20th is Bad Girl Ri Ri’s 34th birthday.

The iconic popstar has been in the spotlight for almost twenty years now. Discovered in 2005, at age 16, by American record producer Evan Rogers, Rihanna quickly was signed to a six-album record deal with Jay-Z’s Def Jam records.

In early February 2022, Rihanna announced her pregnancy with famous rapper A$AP Rocky which stunned and awed the nation.

Seriously??? How can she look that stunning??

To honour and celebrate the queen’s birthday, let’s take a trip down memory lane, and look at my favourite iconic RiRi moments throughout the past 17 years.

In 2012 Rihanna made her big-screen debut in action sci-fi Battleship as Petty Officer Cora ‘Weps’ Raikes.

Rihanna was in the funniest Twitter beef of the century with Charlie Sheen in May 2014. 

Rihanna declined an invite to sit with Sheen and his fiancee at a restaurant in LA. Sheen was upset and took to Twitter,

“oh and [Rihanna], Halloween isn’t for a while. but good on you for testing out your costume in public. it’s close; a more muted pink might be the answer, as in: none.”

 

“See ya on the way down (we always do) and actually, it was a pleasure NOT meeting you. Clearly we have NOTHING in common when it comes to respect for those who’ve gone before you. I’m guessing you needed those precious 84 seconds to situate that bad wig before you left the restaurant.”

Rihanna responded to the actor’s hissy fit by changing her Twitter background to a photoshopped image of her signing an autograph for him and tweeted out this:

Her 2015, MET Gala look designed by Guo Pei, aka the omelette dress.

Recently in an Access Hollywood interview, Rihanna opened up about her experience in the yellow famous dress, expressing she felt like a ‘clown.’ However, she doesn’t regret the iconic look.

“Oh the frying pan with the egg? Legendary. I don’t regret it!”

I hope Rihanna can kick her feet up and get a back massage for her 34th, after carrying the music industry for the past 17 years.

Happy Birthday Rihanna!

2022 NBA All-Star game: What you need to know

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The regular NBA schedule has taken a pause for the annual NBA All-Star weekend. On Sunday, February 20th the weekend will host its main event, the highly anticipated All-Star games, where team Lebron and team Durant, will battle it out once again on the hardwood.

For the first time since 1997, the NBA All-Star games are taking place in Cleveland, at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Voted in by NBA fans, this will be Lebron James’ fifth year in a row as team captain. This is Kevin Durant’s second straight year as captain, and this weekend he’s seeking revenge, after 2021’s 170-150 win for team Lebron in Atlanta.

Although the team captains remain the same, their rosters are looking different for the 2022 matchup.

Team LeBron – Historically undefeated (5-0), but you should never get too comfortable.

Starters:

  • LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
  • Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
  • DeMar DeRozan (Chicago Bulls)
  • Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)

Reserves:

  • Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks)
  • Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
  • Chris Paul (Phoenix Suns)
  • Jimmy Butler (Miami Heat)
  • Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz)
  • Fred VanVleet (Toronto Raptors)
  • Jarrett Allen (Cleveland Cavaliers) – injury replacement for James Harden

James Harden was drafted for team Lebron, however, after a hamstring injury, the newly traded 76ers point guard will not be playing in the All-Star game.

Team Durant

Starters

  • Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
  • Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
  • Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) – starting in place of Durant
  • Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks)
  • Andrew Wiggins (Golden State Warriors)

Reserves

  • Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets) – injured, not playing
  • Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
  • Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves)
  • Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls)
  • Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks)
  • Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz)
  • LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets) -injury replacement for Kevin Durant
  • DeJounte Murray (San Antonio Spurs) – injury replacement for Draymond Green

Draymond Green from the Golden State Warriors will be sitting out of Sunday’s game with a calf injury.

Tune in at 5 pm to see which NBA superstar takes home the win for this 2022 All-Star weekend.