Author Archives: Neena

Song of the Day with Neena Savage

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This is Song of the Day with Neena Savage where I, Neena Savage, share my song of the day.

I love leaning into my emotions through music. Listening to sad music when I’m sad just makes sense! If you get it, you get it, if you don’t… well you’re missing out on tear-crusted pillows and existential sob fests in the shower.

Today’s song is Shades Of Cool by Lana Del Ray

Shades of Cool written by Lana Del Rey and Rick Nowels is on Lana’s third studio album, the influential Ultraviolence (2014)

I don’t know whether it’s the Valentine’s day hangover or the grey Vancouver skies, but I’ve dove head-first into one of my habitual Lana Del Rey phases.

When I first gained access to the internet, I got sucked into the world of 2014 Tumblr. I idolized Lana and Marina (lead singer of Marina and the Diamonds). I even forced my mom to take me to American Apparel so I could mimic their soft grunge look.

Poor grade 6 Neena…

Lana Del Rey isn’t the most ideal role model for young girls. She’s been known to romanticize abuse, glamourize ‘white America’ and perpetuate outdated gender norms.

“he hit me and it felt like a kiss.” (Ultraviolence, 2014)

“tell me you own me.” (Off to the Races, 2012)

Her problematic lyrics and undertones aren’t so obvious to the 13-year-old listener.

https://www.tiktok.com/@lauravondahl/video/6985248545855065350?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=en&q=lana%20del%20rey%20lolita&t=1645147718330

A preteen listening to a song called ‘Lolita’ just shouldn’t be allowed.

Listening to Lana Del Rey now, as a 20-year-old, is a nostalgic and emotional experience. I think her music can only be understood as an adult. There is pure trauma in her lyrics and if you take her poetry at face value, yeah it’s horrible. But the underlying themes of feminity and romance are beautiful and unapologetic, just not for the ear of a child.

It’s unbelievably hard to be a Lana Del Rey fan. She continually frustrates me and then leaves me in awe through her music.

What are your thoughts on Lana’s complicated image and discography?

Why are Metro Vancouver gas prices so high?

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Gas prices have reached a record high, 182.9 cents per litre for regular gas at some stations in Vancouver.

Will the price continue to rise across Metro Vancouver?

The inflated prices are being credited to simply an issue of supply and demand. With most people returning to the workplace and B.C. universities back to in-person learning, fuel is in exceedingly high demand, with a tight supply.

Do you ever reminisce to the early pandemic days, when it was under 40 bucks to fill up your tank?

We basically don’t have enough gas for the amount that people are driving post-pandemic. Fuel isn’t the only thing in short supply. Canadians can expect to see inflation in other goods and services, like groceries.

The production of crude oil can’t increase at the drop of a hat, so gas prices are likely to continue to climb for the next 3 months. Analysts warn we could see prices as high as 189.9 cents per litre, before spring.

As unfavourable as this all sounds, these high inflation rates are the only option for Canada’s economic recovery, after 2 years of lockdowns and increased globalization (Amazon and online shopping.)

Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do to control the price at the pumps. However, there are ways to stay more fuel-efficient until spring.

By keeping your vehicle in shape, and monitoring tire pressure, you can improve your mileage, which will save you more money than you think! Especially if prices reach the estimated, 189.9!

Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.2%, and having a properly tuned engine can improve gas mileage by an average of 4%.

Until we can produce more oil and gas, check your tire pressure, get a compass card and get ready to hear more complaints from Vancouverites, because we are in for one hell of a ride.

The Stadium Tour with Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, Poison & Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

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After two summers of delay, the 80’s glam-metal bands are hitting the road for The Stadium Tour.

Get your teasing brush ready for Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, Poison, and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts along with a new emerging rock band that will open for the megastars, Classless Act.

The Stadium Tour will be in Vancouver at the B.C. Place Stadium on Sept. 2.

If you aren’t from the generation of studs, leather and hairspray, you may need a refresher on the line-up before you commit to attending with The Stadium Tour your dad and uncle this September.

Mötley Crüe

The heavy-metal group was formed in 1981 by lead singer Vince Neil, bassist Nikki Sixx, guitarist Mick Mars and drummer Tommy Lee. The band has quite a reputation of being hard partiers, so much so that Gene Simmons had them fired as KISS’ opening act in 1983.

If you want to learn more about the group of misfits there was a 2019 film, The Dirt all about their path to fame (and partying of course.)

Def Leppard

2022 marks the 45th anniversary of the British rock band Def Leppard, who’ve sold more than 100 million records worldwide. This might be your last chance to see this iconic band live! Let’s Rock! Rock! 

Poison

Poison toured in 2018 for their 30th anniversary on the Nothing But a Good Time Tour, with Cheap Trick and Pop Evil as opening acts. The American band formed in 1983 and continues to rock out, not looking a day over 25.

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

Frontwoman, Joan Jett is an iconic figure in 80’s rock, with hits like Cherry Bomb, I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll and Bad Reputation

If you want a look into the life of Jett, check out The Runaways (2010), a movie starring Kristen Stewart about Joan Jett’s former band.

BC lifting most COVID-19 restrictions

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Over 90% of British Columbians are vaccinated, which means we can officially dance in clubs again! With our masks on!

The BC Health Authority has announced that the majority of COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted on February 17th. The return to normal only applies to those who are fully vaccinated, and willing to wear a mask.

Other Canadian provinces plan to eliminate vaccine passports, but B.C. remains stringent on the matter.

This announcement may come as a surprise to British Columbians, as the rolling average remains at around 900 cases per day in B.C.

However, daily cases are slowly dropping, compared to the 3,000 cases that we were reporting in early January. I’m still cautiously optimistic about moving into this new phase of the pandemic.

It’s hard not to speculate whether the announcement to lift restrictions was due to the ongoing pressures on the provincial and federal government from the truck convoy.

Is the Omicron surge over? Or are the political tensions in Canada not worth upholding restrictions and mandates?

Nevertheless, I assume there will still be British Columbians upset that you will continue to require a vaccine passport for the time being.

In a press conference, Health Minister Adrian Dix spoke on B.C.’s plan to maintain vaccine card restrictions.

“The B.C. vaccine card is a key piece of keeping people safe. That is the approach we have taken in British Columbia based on the evidence we see in B.C. and the effectiveness of that,”

The B.C. vaccine card will be reviewed in March and again in April, but until further notice you need to be vaccinated to take a workout class or eat at a restaurant.

For those who aren’t comfortable with mRNA vaccines, Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said two new vaccines, that are more traditional subunit vaccines, will be arriving in B.C. shortly.

This will hopefully lead to higher vaccination rates and continual ease of restrictions as we head into the warmer months.

Top Tier Vancouver Parks

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Vancouver is known for its vibrant green parks, beautiful gardens, and serene beaches. Our city makes its park space a priority, the Vancouver Park Board maintains more than 230 parks which make up 11% of Vancouver’s landmass.

But not all parks are created equal… you wouldn’t compare Thornton to David Lam!

This isn’t going to be a boring list of tourist attractions, oh no no no… these are the top tier parks in Vancouver, from a cool Vancity local. (not sponsored by Vancouver Park Board)

Dude Chilling Park

In 2012, a prankster installed a sign reading “Dude Chilling Park” at what was formerly known as, Guelph Park. The sign was taken down by the Park Board, but after a petition received 1,500 signatures of support, the prank sign was reinstalled 2 years later and now has official public art status in Vancouver.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJn3kM4gfeg/

More than anything, this park is iconic. The actual space is okay, it’s not very well kept and the park attracts an interesting crowd, that may disturb certain park goers with their secondhand marijuana smoke. But hey, you’re in East Van, you’re probably used to it.

Strathcona Park

Strathcona Park has gained a bad rap over the years. A tent city occupied the park for 11 months, which made it an unwelcoming site for most visitors.

Since then, the park has had a new grass field installed, a new track and an opportunity for a new life. The park offers a soccer field, three baseball diamonds, a track, a basketball court, a skate park, a playground and a beautiful community garden.

The facilities may be considered run-down, but if more people show this park love, the Park Board should give us some new basketball hoops.

Queen Elizabeth Park

On a less gritty note, if a visitor were to ask me which Vancouver park they should check out before they leave, I’d have to go with Queen E. It’s undeniably the prettiest park in Vancouver. The garden is gorgeous, full of beautiful colours and at the top an amazing view of the entire city. I could easily spend an entire day exploring this massive park.

Be sure to check out the Bloedel Conservatory to see the birds, general admission is only 7 bucks!

https://www.tiktok.com/@heynicolewong/video/6974827598480379142?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=en&q=bloedel%20conservatory&t=1644985249863

 

The internets obsession with Willem Dafoe

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‘Willem Dafoe’ has been trending on Twitter for the past few days, why you ask?

Exhibit A

God damn!

Exhibit B

Some may say it’s strange that a 66-year-old man is being perceived as a sex symbol by the internet. Willem had his time, why do we care so much now, in 2022?

Willem Dafoe recently starred in Spider-Man: No Way Home, resurrecting his iconic role as the green goblin in the MCU. The $1.804 billion box office hit, shot Dafoe into the spotlight.

But Dafoe is no stranger to the public eye, so what seems to be happening is that, until now, the actor’s charisma, charm and good looks weren’t on the radar of Gen Z.

The internet is in love with Dafoe, so much so that Gill from Nemo is being fetishized. I never thought I’d have to type that out, but alas, here I am.

https://www.tiktok.com/@zukosabandonedponytail/video/6924473714281090309?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id6924475655456376325

And I never thought I’d have to watch a video like that.

Similar to the Keanu Reeves effect, the internet adopts an unassuming older man who isn’t seeking validation from the internet and validates the shiz out of them. Everything they do is praised and meme-ified. Almost like an inside joke for the internet, like iykyk.

Not to be that person… but I liked Willem Dafoe before it was cool.

Let me explain myself because I realize that Willem was cool before it was cool, and everyone over 25 already knows that he’s the realest. But listen, my dad actually worked pretty closely with Willem in February of 2020, and my dad had only lovely things to say about the actor, how kind, normal, and cool he was, which only reassures all of our preconceived opinions on the guy. But what makes this all so important, is that for Valentine’s day, my dad got Willem Dafoe to send my mom a video, wishing her a Happy Valentine’s. Now, if that doesn’t make my family have an immediate claim to the Willem Dafoe Fan club, I don’t know what does.

Willem Dafoe is adored because he’s a charismatic and intriguing character who isn’t hard on the eyes. He didn’t ask for this praise and that’s precisely why the internet is giving it to him.

Spread love this Valentine’s day

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Love isn’t just chocolate and roses, and Valentine’s day isn’t just for couples. This Valentine’s day show love to your friends, family and strangers, by opening your heart to the little pleasures of life.

Here are some ways to spread some platonic love this Valentines.

Call or text an old friend

Victoria_Borodinova/Pixabay

Catch up with an old friend and let them know you still care and think about them. It might feel awkward to reach out if you’ve lost touch, but trust me, they’ll appreciate the effort. No one with a good heart will judge you for wanting to chat and reconnect. Who knows, maybe you’ll rekindle an amazing friendship, that you would’ve otherwise missed out on!

Buy Valentines-y gifts for your friends

Go to a drug store and pick up some cheap chocolates, a teddy bear and a card. Wrap it all up in a cute heart-shaped box and gift it to a friend. Now neither of you will have Valentine’s day FOMO. You’ve got each other.

@

♬ –

It’s all just a huge marketing ploy anyways!

Bring a coffee to a loved one

You can brighten up a loved one’s day with the small gesture of buying them a coffee. Is your friend cramming for their midterms? Or is your mom bored at home? Bring them a coffee or tea, and let them know you care.

Little efforts like these mean more than any big expensive gift. (Unless anyone’s planning on getting me a big expensive gift, then ignore that)

Bake for your friends

You know the expression “cooked with love”? Yeah? Do that.

@liviabenson

Reply to @sanmar161 pink velvet cookie 🍪☕️💞💖💐🌹 inspo: @crumblcookies (recipe in comments!) #valentinesday #baking #pinkvelvet #crumbl #valentine

♬ so this is love – soft girl aesthetic

Put on some music, get on your apron and bake some Valentine’s themed cupcakes or cookies for your friends and family. Get snazzy with your decorations, shapes, and colours. Let your heart and creativity flow.

You could even hand-deliver them to everyone, that would make anyone’s day 10000x better.

You don’t need a s/o to celebrate this capitalist-constructed day of love. As Hugh Grant once said in a Christmas movie, (not a Valentine’s Day movie, unfortunately.)

“If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.”

Halftime Show Controversy

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This year’s halftime show was a nod to old-school LA hip-hop with unreal performances by Dr.Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and surprise guest, 50 Cent. For the first time ever, rap and hip-hop dominated the halftime show, and it has garnered a lot of respect and praise over the past 24 hours.

However, this applause comes with no shortage of controversy and critique. Most notably, Eminem kneeling during his performance as a nod to former San Fransisco quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, who took a knee during the national anthem to protest police brutality in 2016.

The N.F.L. has stated that they knew of Eminem’s plans to kneel at the end of his performance of “Lose Yourself.”

The N.F.L. partnered with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, in 2019 to revive the hype surrounding the halftime show. When announcing this deal the league expressed their efforts “to amplify the league’s social justice efforts.”

Eminem’s kneeling statement is up for speculation as to whether it was a calculated move by the N.F.L., to mitigate their public scandals. Most recently, Brian Flores and his allegations of racial discrimination within the league.

The Puck reporting that the NFL didn’t want Eminem to kneel, made others believe that Eminem was, in fact, sticking it to the football league and that the N.F.L. is now trying to cover their tracks by claiming to have “watched it during rehearsals this week.” and that they supported his position.

Either way, this widespread cultural controversy divides America, and while some celebrate the history-making performance, others are not impressed by the political statement. Claiming it was not suitable for “family entertainment.”

Where I stand on the matter

I loved the halftime show, I agree with Lebron, it was the best halftime show ever!!!!! I think it’s unreasonable to argue that it’s not family-friendly when in previous years there have been the same levels of provactive-ness, whether it be in Shakira’s dancing or J-Lo’s lyrics (which I also have no problem with, but it’s unfair to throw a stink about the 2022 line-up and not compare past years.)

You can’t be ‘pick and choosy’ as to what is “family-friendly” especially when a lot of viewers (men) have no problem objectifying women and seeing their nudity as a suitable form of entertainment, yet hip-hop is “tasteless.” The halftime show wasn’t vulgar, violent or distasteful. If you think that a group of African-American performers is inherently inappropriate, you have some deeper-rooted issues to deal with.

Tasty dishes for your Super Bowl Sunday

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There’s a lot to love about the Super Bowl. Obviously, the football is cool, the halftime show is always a spectacle, the commercials are iconic, but don’t forget about the food! What’s better than an excuse to stuff your face with wings, nachos, and beer?

This year, cheer with your mouth full, here are the best Tik Tok recipes for your Super Bowl Sunday! Go sports!

Potato Skin Rounds

https://www.tiktok.com/@brittnisrecipes/video/7060502518605843758?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=en&q=super%20bowl%20food&t=1644776532775

This side dish is yummy cheesy deliciousness that I NEED to try. These potato skin rounds remind me of my mom’s healthier rendition of the pub classic, pachos. This recipe is healthier than most Super Bowl recipes I’ve seen, but in my opinion, you shouldn’t be monitoring your calories anyways this Sunday.

Pro tip: Add bacon bits and/or sour cream to jazz these rounds up!

Garlic Knots

@jalenlynette

That bloop noise actually had me laughing for a while ngl #garlicknots #superbowlsnacks #superbowlLV #PepsiHalftimeChallenge #foodtiktok

♬ Take Me to Pluto – idonthateyou

There’s no reason to order take-out when garlic knots are this easy to make at home. Fresh homemade bread, with garlic-y butter, I’m drooling even thinking about it…

Pro Tip: You can make an assortment of flavours, along with the classic garlic you can do cinnamon sugar, cajun seasoning or a cheesy parmesan butter.

Spanakopita Rangoon

https://www.tiktok.com/@cookiterica/video/7057572352288410927?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=en

I’ve never heard of rangoon, so I certainly hadn’t heard of spanakopita rangoon. I believe it’s a Chinese-American fried wonton, but this Tik Tokker put a Greek twist on the dish by filling an egg roll wrapper with spinach and feta.

I’ll be the first to say it, Americans do some weird stuff with food, but this, however, looks delicious, and mind-boggling easy. Super Bowl snacks are the perfect time to fudge around with fun food combinations and greasy messes, and this is exactly where I want to start.

Buffalo Wings

@nick.digiovanni

Wings or drums?? #buffalo #wings #chicken #buffalochicken #MyRecommendation

♬ original sound – nick.digiovanni

This year save some money and make your own chicken wings! Buffalo sauce is so easy and simple, you probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry. One of the great things about cooking these bad boys at home is that you can eat them fresh out of the fryer/oven, so they don’t develop that gummy texture that take-out wings do. Perfectly crispy, light and delicious.

I’m 100% team wing, get those drumsticks outta here.

Pro Tip: If you’re vegan/vegetarian, substitute the chicken for cauliflower!

@shreyacookssss

#cauliflowerwings #buffalowings

♬ Calm LoFi song(882353) – S_R

Song of the Day with Neena Savage

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This is Song of the Day with Neena Savage where I, Neena Savage, share my song of the day.

I love having a diverse taste in music… It means having a playlist with Kacey Musgraves and 03 Greedo back to back.

Today’s song is love. by Kid Cudi

Although never officially released on Spotify or Apple music, love. by Kid Cudi is recognized by Cudi fans as one of his best songs. The lyrics are an emotional and powerful journey, that almost anyone can relate to (a cudi staple.)

The song was recorded during his Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon sessions but never made the album. Cudi was generous enough to release the track on Soundcloud on March 3, 2015.

Kid Cudi is known for his positive influence on the youth. The vulnerability and honesty in his music has saved lives.

https://www.tiktok.com/@complex/video/6754933083058834693?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=en&q=cudi%20saved%20my%20life&t=1644734723494

It’s so rare for a rapper to speak on their vulnerabilities and other human emotions, issues never before heard so vividly and honest. Love. is the perfect example of Cudi’s songwriting and would be a great intro song into his discography.

Don’t be so down, come on young homie
You’ll be okay, you’ll find real love
All of the stories, the hero gets lonely
Now is the time to show what you’re made of

The song is about hope. No matter how shitty things are, life’s not over and things will get better. I cry happy tears to this song. Love. feels like a big brother, patting your back and reassuring you that you’re all good. It’s an emotional ballad, it’s not happy or sad, it’s life and life can be shitty but there’s always hope for the future.

No matter how hard things get,

I am happy to be alive
‘Cause I know I could not be
In a place that’s filled with lies
Can’t stand the quiet nights
While I’m filling my glass with pride
Hopeful is all I know
How to keep me from silent cries
Nothing I can say
Done running from this pain in my way

Kid Cudi has no clue who I am, yet his lyrics feel so personal to me and I know I’m not alone in that feeling towards his music. For some reason, I feel like Cudi is here for me and listening to his music reassures me of the hope he has in me.