Author Archives: Sophie Northeast

How did the Vancouver Christmas Market come to be?

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The Vancouver Christmas market, a time-honored tradition for all Vancouver families to visit is back on this holiday season. This year undoubtedly families will flock to it to make up for that missed holiday spirit from last year due to the pandemic.

Although have you ever stopped to wonder how the market originated? What is the history of this magical place? How did it come to filling up my Instagram feed once a year with photos of pretzels, dazzling lights and the icon sign?

Well, let me give you the Christmas spirit run down of how it came to be and what you should come to expect form it this holiday season!

So, the way the Vancouver Christmas Market talks of itself can be a little confusing! Right now, they’re celebration their eleventh year. Yet I can vividly remember going the market at a super young age. Also, when you look up the Vancouver Market it says that the markets been around since 1990.

There were years it was held inside Canada Place. One year I remember the venue was located in a spot that was so large it took 10 minutes just to get to the other side with out stopping to look at all the shops!

So, what they are celebration is the Market as we know now, that was started by Malte Kluetz. Kluetz is a German immigrant who came to Canada in the early 90’s and in 2010 he started the Vancouver Christmas Market that features a German Christmas pyramid that is based off a smaller Christmas pyramid that would sit on a table. For the longest time was the only one in North American.

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“I thought everybody has Christmas markets, It took me 20 years here to realize my dream. I’m pretty excited how things progressed over the years.” -Malte Kluetz 2016

So, turns out yes there has always been a “Vancouver Christmas Market but in reality, that was more of a flea market or Farmers market that was just held during the Christmas season. I hope if you were as confused as much as I was on it celebrating of it’s eleventh year that now you know you aren’t crazy.

So now that you know you aren’t crazy let’s look at the history of Christmas Markets!

Christmas Markets are not a new thing. They pop up everywhere during the holiday season usually more of a community craft fair really here in North America. The first ever true Christmas Market or “Striezelmarkt” was held in Dresden Germany in 1434.

Striezelmarkt or also known as ‘Christkindlemerkt’ (which translates to Christ Child Market) were winter markets held for four weeks often located along the town streets or town centres.

Similar markets known more as “December Markets” have been dated back farther. One market dating back to 1298 can be found in Vienna.

The original Market was very food based. Many traditional holiday dishes, desserts and beverages would be available. Such desserts like ‘Lebkuchen’ a traditional soft gingerbread Christmas cookie. You could also get ‘Bratwurst, and ‘Glühwein’ which is a hot mulled wine. You were still able to get goods and toys during the market, but it was more of a town social gathering that focused more on bringing people together.

At the Vancouver Christmas market you can get traditional German and Austrian food but comparably to the original it holds a lot more vendors that sell clothes, ornaments, and toys. Don’t get me wrong thought the sense of community is still alive and well in Vancouver. Every year there are many traditional German Vendors that bring the true Yuletide.

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Now you know a little history of the beloved market, what you can expect to see this year?

Well for starters sorry to be the barer of bad news but the famous Käthe Wohlfahrt known for its unique handcrafted ornaments will not be apart of the Christmas market. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and challenges with overseas travel. Fret not this is only temporary as they do plan on making their return next year!

Not to worry there is still plenty to see at this years Christmas market with over 80 vendors both local and international, the Alpine Lounge, and this year the lovely Christmas Carousal is free! Although donations are appreciated.

With over 80 vendors you know there has got to be some delicious food amongst them. With over 20 food and beverage vendors you can experience traditional German dishes, desserts, and beverages! With hot chocolate and sweet treats for the little ones you can enjoy a taste of Germany with German beer at the ready.

The market also has musical entertainment everyday! On weekdays from 5 pm to 9:30 and weekends 12:30 to 9:30, you can see to performances from many different artists! Everyday be serenaded by local and international artist as well as sing carols with such groups as ‘The Gingerbread men!

So, come on down and celebrate the Yuletide down here at the Vancouver Christmas Market located at Jack Poole Plaza in downtown Vancouver by the Olympic Cauldron.

For tickets, performances, and vendor information head over to www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com and plan your Christmas adventure today.

Merry Christmas!

 

Could you Imagine Picasso?

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The world of immersive art exhibits is taking the world by storm.

Over the Summer at the Vancouver Convention Center had the immersive exhibit “Imagen Van Gogh” the amazed the masses.

Running right now at the Vancouver Convention Center from now until January 8th, 2022, you can go experience the world of immersion with the art of Pablo Picasso through Imagine Picasso!

Through modern art and technology, you will be able witness in all its beauty certain pieces of art that other then on the internet you may never be able to see up-close as Pablo Picasso’s work is considered as a national treasures and is forbidden to toured or loaned.

“Who is Picasso?” you might be asking. Well in short term he was one of the most influential painter in the 20th century known for his most popular piece of art the ‘Guernica’

Now you might be asking “well what’s ‘Guernica‘?” and to that I’d say you ask a lot of questions before getting to really know the artist… but to that I say, lets learn art history together! I’ll hold your hand to the door of the exhibit so once you’re inside you can full appreciate the art you are about to see!

So, Pablo Picasso is a household name that lived between 1881 to 1973. He was a Spanish artist of the 20th century. He was also a sculptor, printmaker, stage designer and so much more. An influencer of the arts to say the least.

Fun Fact: This is Pablo’s full name, Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Martyr Patricio Clito Ruíz y Picasso. (rolls right off the tongue, doesn’t it?)

 He along side artist George Braque he created the art style Cubism. Cubism is the art style that is most popularly associated with Picasso’s art. With the use of geometric shapes, he depicts humans and other forms of life and objects. This art style is said to strip life to its “purest” form. Think 8-bit but before 8-bit existed.

This art style disregarded all the rules of what traditional Western Painting was. Picasso started working with Cubism in 1905 but he was so hesitant about this new art that he didn’t make it public till 1916. What was considered on of the first work of Cubism was Picasso’s “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” which was a piece that was influenced buy Africa tribal art or 5 prostitutes. Which that alone was a taboo topic.

Before Cubism Picasso had to two eras the “Blue’ era and “Rose” era. These were along the lines of realism but just the names you get an idea of why they were called that. The ‘Blue’ era was more somber with cooler tones. The ‘Rose’ eras were far warmer with his use of pinks and oranges.

Later years in an era that would be described as “Synthetic cubism” and surrealism was his “Classic” era. He reimagined what he already reimaged of what traditional art was. The era is when Picasso would come out with some of his most icon painting that would inspire future generations to think outside the societal mold.

In this era is when he created his most popular work ‘Guernica’ (don’t think that I forgot about this). This work of art was his depiction of the Nazi’s bombing the town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War.

Image/blog.artsper.com

So that was a little flash into the life of Pablo Picasso and his art! Now that you’re ready to enter the exhibit what could you expect? Well a few testimonies say you will not be disappointed!

“Imagine Picasso, you exceed all expectation!! In the massive space, the angled structures serve as a backdrop to the projections of his prolific works, creating a breathtaking piece of interactive cubist art itself.” – Artseartstudio

 

“The Picasso show far exceeded our expectations! We knew we’d love it – we loved the Van Gogh exhibit, – but we were blown away by Picasso. So many works we had never seen before (and we’ve studied art extensively). Lovely show!” –

Nancy Herring

This is clearly something you cannot miss.

So here is what you should expect once you’ve chosen to immerse yourself. For starters it’s a chosen your own path. Picasso’s art is projected everywhere. On the walls, the ground, obscure structures in the middle of the room. You go where your heart takes you.

Imagine Picasso has over 200 of his most prominent art pieces with the layout of the center pieces deigned by  Star-Architect Ruby Ricciotti and Mauger take inspiration from his paper sculptures.

With the use of projecting Picasso’s art onto these surfaces you are able to see up-close and magnified. Seeing details, you may have missed in a museum. You’re truly able to fully experience his art.

In a new and modern way of displaying the work of art that is Picasso it in it’s self is a work of art.

There is also an educational section to Imagine Picasso. Here you can learn of all your favourite pieces of art that were projected. Learn more about the man behind the brush that is Pablo Picasso! This immersion is for all ages, so they even offer a booklet to teach and inspire your little artist.

For all ticket information and time find your way to imagine-picasso.com and begin your immersion.

Imagine Picasso is a new and exciting way to experience the art of Pablo Picasso. More than 200 of his most renowned…

Posted by Imagine Picasso on Monday 29 November 2021

 

So, what do you say, huh? Are you ready to immerse yourself and Imagine Picasso?

Are you a Gin kind of person?

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The chances are probably not… The taste of liquified Christmas tree is very much a required taste.

That being said the Gin industry has exploded in the last few years. With every major distilling brand having or owning their own gin. Like the Diageo company that owns Smirnoff just bought Ryan Renolds gin Aviation. Even craft distillers all have at least one gin in their portfolio.

The downside of gin becoming a more popular is that everyone will try and get into this market regardless of its quality. As an owner of 55+ gins most are craft others more mass produced I’ve come to terms that some of these companies are just out to get some form on payout in the market, but I digress.

So, are you looking to try and get into gin? Looking for a gift for that one spirit connoisseur? Lets look into the world that is GIN!

There are roughly 6 categories of gin, there are a few sub-categories but those are on the fence whether one would really call them a gin. Some gins fall under multiple categories!

The thing to remember is that if someone says they like gins that have botanicals in it they’ve probably only tried Tanqueray, or Hendricks and they have no idea what they are talking about. All gins have botanicals… it’s what makes gin a gin. One may just have a stronger taste of a particular botanical.

Gin

So lets get into the “gin” of things!

So if you or say a person you’re looking and you or them have only ever tried the gins offered at a bar chances are it was either beefeater or Gordons. which are fine for mixing, nothing wrong with that! These are more so known as “Classing Style Gins“. So a gin around that style id recommend ‘Bookers‘ or ‘Boodles‘. Both these has a juniper forward taste with a smoother quality. Now if you are wanting a craft gin along these lines Might I recommend ‘Stump’ by Fermentorium. This is the gin I always recommend to those who want to start getting into the world of gin.

Also ‘The Botanist’ Is a perfectly balanced classic wheat based gin.

Now there is a contemporary style of gin that goes many different ways on the pallet. So you could prefer a gin with more floral notes. Maybe citrus, herbal or even spice.

If someone you know likes a more floral contemporary gin like say ‘Hendricks‘ maybe suggest ‘Glendalough’ an Irish gin. This gin is very heavy on lavender or their newest gin that has been infused with roses. Note that Floral gins are usually on the dryer more earthy side so if you want it to be a touch sweet look for one that have notes of liquorish root.

Now if you or a friend are looking into more if a citrus gin because you enjoy the very well know gin ‘Bombay’ (which is my go too) there are honest a lot of options for you to try. A lot of distillers will make a citrus heavy gin because that citrus is easier to make a cocktail with, with complimentary ingrediency. One very popular gin that is made on Vancouver island that has a similar pallet is ‘Empress 1908’ . The uniqueness of this gin is that it is infused with the Butterfly Pea flower that gives it a deep violet colour but once mixed with grape fruit or tonic it turned a nice pastel pink!

An honorable mention for a citrus gin would be ‘Cittadelle’ the only thing is that compared to other citrus gins that have a moderate balance of other botanicals this is very high on the citrus notes were it over powers all other botanicals.

if you enjoy a more herbal gin defiantly try ‘Roku‘ gin from the Japanese Distilling company Osaka Distillery. Herbal gins put an emphasis on the other botanicals that are in gins. So you’ll taste and smell more earthy notes form tea leaves, cassia bark or even seaweed!

(You’ll find Seaweeds in a lot of west coast gins like ‘Sheringham Distillery’ and their gin collection.)

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Now for some spice! These types of gins (along with citrus) taste amazing in a Caesar! The spices you’ll note the most are Cardamom and Coriander. These spices leave a little bit of a heat on the tongue. A nice example of a spice gin is ‘Reyka’ by Ginbrew Distilling. Every gin collector needs just a little bit of spice!

Now that we’ve covered the bulk of gin here are 4 of the lesser know categories. We have Aged gin, Old Tom Style gin, Navy Strength and finally Bathtub or also known as Compound gin.

Aged gin or “Barrel-rested” Gin is a gin that often is placed in a wine, or whisky barrels. it’ll have a distinct golden colour to it. The ‘Victoria’ Distillery makes a lovely oak barrel age gin that holds a smooth smokiness to it.

Old Tome style gin can be rather confusing in terms of what gin is in this style. The gins that fall under this style are also under the contemporary style. What sets them apart is the strength of what is used in them. Two gins that would be classified as an “Old Tom Style” would be ‘Reyka‘ and ‘Cittadelle’ strictly because of how pungent they are with their specific botanicals.

Navy Strength gins are in my opinion pretty self explanatory. They are to some very strong gin. On average it will have 57.1% ABV. The term “Navy Strength” Comes from the tale of the British navy would test is the spirit was flammable. If it, was it would be safe to store on the ships because if it did spill on the gun powder that was stored on the boats the powder would still be able to be used.

Bathtub gins are more of an at home type of spirit. You can actually buy kits that give you recipes and the ingrediency all you have to do is get the neutral spirit. This type of gin it pretty much gin before its filtered and properly distilled. This Gin will often have a golden hue, a raw or “gritty” texture and is some cases sediment in the bottle. Hayman’s ‘Sloe‘ Gin is a good example, although it will be more of a berry colour.

So now that we’ve covered the types of gin, I hope perhaps you venture out into this “spirit” world or that perhaps you’ve figured out the right gift that gin loving friend!

 

 

 

 

Return of Nostalgia: Punk Queen

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The Punk Queen, Avril Lavigne has grace us with new music that will bring out your old punk self way back in 2007 with the heavy eyeliner and knock off Converse. Back when you’d be jamming with your best friends yelling very word to “Sk8er boi” like you’re rockin’ on MTV.

“Bite Me” is Avril’s newest single since she released her last album “Head Under Water” back in 2019. This new song brings back the angsty vibe from her album “The Best Damn Thing”

For those just now gracing your ears with Avril here is a little run down of her musical history!

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Avril Lavigne grew up in Napanee, Ontario where the population was that of around 5,000 people. There she was more known to sing Gospel and Country music. She was also known to be a bit of a troublemaker through school.

Avril would often preform at country fairs playing songs by Garth Brooks, The Chicks, and Shania Twain.

From Country to Punk, what a musical turn huh?

In 1999 Avril won a Radio competition to preform with another Female Canadian icon Shania Twain in Ottawa at the Corel Centre in front of an audience of twenty-thousand people. From there she would go on to preform at the Lennox Community theatre and be noticed by Folksinger Stephen Medd. Medd went on to ask her to contribute vocals on his song “Touch the Sky” and later on two more of his songs in 2000.

The end on 1999 Avril met her First Professional Manager Cliff Fabri while singing country covers at a Chapters bookstore in Kingston Ontario. Fabri would go on and send VHS taps of her preforming karaoke in her basement to numerous music producers and executives. These tapes would lead her to working in New York with producer Peter Zizzo. That summer of 2000 she would write along side Zizzo the song “Why“.

While in New York her parents would decide leaving school behind for a promising music career would be the best course of action. So, with the support of her parents in November 2000 Avril Lavigne would sign a two-album contract of $1.25 Million with an extra $900,000 from publishing with Arista Records.

During the writing of her song “Why” and new record deal Avril would find her sound and start her career working with members on the band the “Closet Monsters” on her journey into the Canadian Punk Rock Scene.

Between the years of 2001-2003 Avril would go on to work between New York and California to work on a define her sound that rocked the 2000’s punk rock music scene. Avril would go on to release her first album “Let Go” in January of 2002 that included her debut single “Complicated“.

Avril’s single “Complicated” was one of the biggest hits of the decade in the United States. The song would peak at #1 in Australia and #2 in the United States becoming one of the bestselling Canadian singles of 2002.

At the age of seventeen Avril would become the youngest female soloist to have a number 1 album in the UK album charts. In 2003 “Let Go” would become four-times Platinum by the RIAA making her the best-selling female artist of 2002.

Fun fact, as of March 2018 “Let Go” has been certified as a seven-times Platinum Album.

Along side with her debut single she also released “Sk8er boi” and “I’m With You” that reached top on Billboard’s Mainstream Top 40. These charting singles Avril Lavigne became the second artist to have 3 top-ten from a debut album.

Avril went on to win four Juno awards and receiving a Worlds Music Reward for “World’s Bestselling Canadian Singer”. She would also have eight Grammy Award nominations.

From 2004 to present day Avril would go on to release five more studio albums.

2004 she would go on to release “Under My Skin” that would debut at #1 in Canada, United States, Japan, UK, and Australia. This album would go on to win Avril the awards “World’s best Pop/Rock Artist” and for the second time “World’s Bestselling Canadian Artist”.

She’d later release the album “Best Damn Thing” in 2007 that debuted #1 on the US Billboard 200. In 2011 she released “Goodbye Lullaby”

“Goodbye Lullaby” was delayed by her label. The album was more pop and toned the pop rock that is very relevant in her pervious albums. This album did came out almost 2 years after her divorce from lead vocalist of Sum 41’s Deryck Whibley.

In 2013 she released her self titled 5th studio album which she worked on with her then husband Chad Kroeger. This Album had a sing called “Hello Kitty” that raised controversies of racism over it’s music video to which Avril did deny.

between her self titled album and her news on “Head Above Water” released in 2019 Avril would face many problems. The singer we bed ridden from Lyme Disease for almost 2 years all while preceding with a divorce of Chad Kroeger. The songs on this latest album were largely inspired by her battle with Lyme disease and her mental struggle.

Avril Lavigne has had quite a note worthy career with all her awards and breaking through to the US music scene. She even has her own conspiracy theory where people believe that the Avril we know and love today isn’t actually her. It’s a woman by the name of Melissa originally hired as a body double to replace Avril for red carpet events! (Crazy right?!). It also goes on that Chad her ex-husband trained her to sing like Avril and people link this assumption to how “Goodbye Lullaby” was delayed and sounded different then her last albums. Now hearing her newest single “Bite Me” It’s safe to say this conspiracy has been debunked.

After all these years she is still a Punk Rock icon. With the release of her new song and an album on the way Avril just announce she is going on a Canadian Tour in the spring of 2022!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXBmKl6rDZs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

 

Never to late for a new adventure.

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Time has become such societal construct. The idea that everyone is on the same strict timeline and that you have to have your life in order by a specific age is exhausting, not to mention very unrealistic.

We’re told as children and teens that everyone grows and matures at their own speed. That we shouldn’t worry if someone is a head of us because we are not them and they are not us.

So why is it that when we become adults that’s no longer the case? Why at the age 22 was I being told I was “running out of time” and why did I believe I was?

I didn’t graduate high school which isn’t uncommon, it’s not ideal but it’s what happened. Once that school year was over I told myself once summer was over I would go back to school and graduate. Well one summer turned to “I’ll go next semester”. Then next semester turned into “I’ll go next year” but then that turned into another year. Which turned into another year, but then that turned into “Maybe I’m to late?”.

I was 22. My friends were already years into their post-secondary, working in their dream jobs or starting a family. Then there was me, with nothing to show but the words uttered to me many times “you’re running out of time”.

Time

Flickr/veri_ivanona

In reality my life was only just starting but overwhelmingly I thought this was the only life I was allowed to have.

I know when people say “you’re running out of time” they mean it in a supportive way. It’s an attempt at giving a gentle “push” to try and work for something better. To me and most it’s nothing more then another notch of anxiety.

When you’re at your lowest you have an “ah-ha!” moment. This moment came after I told myself I was past the point of no return to graduate high school. It came after I quit my job at a fast food restaurant. It came after I was let go from 2 jobs, one of which I had thought I perhaps found a career in. This moment happened when I was no longer surrounded by those who told me I was running out of time but surrounded by people who only cared if I was happy where I am in life.

At the age of 24 I walked a cross the stage at Langley Educational Center and received my adult Dogwood.

Now what? The fleeting feeling of “I’m to old”, “I’m running out of time” were plaguing my mind to the point that I lost another year. I was catching myself say “Next year I’ll go back to school”. I wasn’t till I found something that really made me realize that it’s never to late to find your beginning just make sure you find it.

This tweet changed my whole perspective. Life isn’t defined by the age you are when you achieve milestones. You decided when the milestones are achieved. I’m now 27 and into my second year of the program of my dreams working towards the life I’ve always wanted.

I’m not the only person who decided to change their life in these last 2 years. Since the beginning of COVID19 many people found themselves without work. Although the government offered financial aid till people could go back to work many chose to use this time to start a new path.

Although many larger companies scaled back their companies and few decided to close shop entirely, this opened the door to new companies to stake their claim. During the course of COVID19 there has been a staggering two million new companies. Before Canada’s averaged was 96,000 new firms per year.

Many Post-Secondary institutes saw an influx of new student with a percentage of their returning student changing their programs.

Perhaps if your neighbour’s aren’t enough to show that no matter your age or stage in life that it’s never to late to shoot for the moon why not look at some of your favourite celebrities?

So many actors and singers we know and love weren’t that known as they are now that they are older. Tina Fey was 27 when she started writing for Saturday Night Live. Before that she was a receptionist at a YMCA taking comedy classes at night. Canadian Leonard Cohen released his First Album in 1967 when he was 33 years old.

 

Time will never stop moving forward, so you shouldn’t either.

It is never to early or to late to have a new beginning. You’re never to young or to old to change you’re life. Your fresh start can be New Years day or a Wednesday night in the middle May. Just don’t say close yourself off from the chance to be happy.

“The Beginning is always today” – Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

So go out, sign up from that course you’ve been thinking about. Start that business you and your friends always said you would once you had some “free time”. You’ll never have the time when you keep putting it off.

So, when are you going to start living your dream?

 

 

BC Government is not helping farm employees as Promised.

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Mink Farms have always been a subject of controversy. Which ever side you sit on the employees are not getting treated as fairly as believed.

Earlier the BC Government announced that farmers have till 2025 to shut down. Well in reality the limitations they have given the farms is that they cannot functionally operate past January 2022. Leaving thousands of workers unemployed.

Mink farms have been a subject of COVID19 spread since December 2020 when mink had tested positive for the virus. Since then mink farms in BC have spent hundreds of thousands to ensure the prevention on the virus being spread to their employees. Mandating vaccinations of everyone who steps foot on their farms and weekly rapid testing.

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Upon the announcement that the NDP were to phase out the farms saying they would work closely with the farmers in transitioning and help the employees find new employment with training.

As of now the government has been in talks with farmers only informing them of what they can and can’t do in the coming months.

As for the workers on the farms many are immigrants who’s only means of work they’ve had moving to Canada is the farm. The government has yet to offer any form on financial aid or further employment help. Merely offering suggestions of possible employment.

“They’ve told them to get jobs at dairy farms and green houses and they’ve offered suicide prevention support to the mink ranch owners”

For or against the industry a government that is for the working people should be more involved in helping those who’s only means of income has been stripped away.

 

 

It’s Christmas time, lets put up the tree.

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In towns and cities all over BC the annual lighting of the Christmas tree is a celebration that brings a community together.

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In the Brookswood village located in South Langley the residence are extremely excited as last year due to public health mandates were unable to gather.

“It’s always a great family experience every year they give up popcorn and candy and hot chocolate for the kids and just brings us together as a community which is something I think we need after such a long year.”

After the past year many are excited to truly feel the spark of Christmas again.

If you’d like to join in the fun of the season with the community of Brookswood their annual tree lighting takes place Dec 3rd from 5:30-7:30pm. located on 200th street and 40th by the SuperSave gas.

Could we see A.I be the next break through to aid the mental health epidemic?

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We truly are living in an era of advancements. Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital conducted in a human pilot study that shows it is possible to improve specific brain functions with the help of A.I.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWlddmHsaJB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The study conducted by Alik Widge, MD, PhD was on 12 patients who were getting brain surgery for epilepsy. The procedure was that doctors places hundreds of small electrodes through out the brain that would then record and identify where the patients epilepsy would originate from.

The procedure would use the electrodes in combination with AI to decode and map out a brains functions.

Now going into clinical trials they are looking into using this new form of technology to help people with mental illness to regain control of their mental state. The question is should Canada invest in this type of study in the midst of its own mental health epidemic? Some people think so.

“I think it would be a great idea, if it helps families who are struggling with that and if it helps people with those illnesses be able to function better in society. Why not I mean it’s better than the struggling everyday”

Once formal trials have been approved we could be seeing this form of medical science rapidly be applied to those with extreme cases of chronic mental illness.

Lack of supply isn’t the only reason shelve could be bare this Christmas

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Amidst the panic buying, and product shortages that many retailers are facing in an on going struggle to keep shelves full there is one more cause for delay that we are facing.

It is a bit unnerving to see the shelves this bare.

Many over seas and across board distributor are facing their own shortages. A customs brokers for Livingston says that some companies aren’t so much struggling with getting product, so much as having the means to distribute it.

“People aren’t getting their goods over seas because they can’t find enough people, [longshoremen etc.]. To work at the ports to load up in say China and unload in say the US.”

Most of the product brought over to Canada overseas is received at the ports in Seattle. These obstructions in trans it are the cause of product delays.

“It could be up to a year before they get something they expected 6 weeks ago.”

These delays aren’t yet predicted to ease up in the coming weeks unfortunately.

Are Students getting the help they need in this time?

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Mental health has been the topic of discussion through out the pandemic. As we start seeing a glimpse of normality going into this holiday season the province of B.C was hit with a devastating environmental disaster.

The Province of British Colombia was seeing a decline of mental health related deaths’ nearing the end a October as restrictions were lifted and those in need were able to see their friends and family.

The floods devastated BC November 15, 2021 leaving many cities is a state of emergency. As emergency services reached out offering services to those directly effected, what about the Students?

The floods happened at a very crucial time in the school year as students mental health is on a decline focusing on their studies.

One student says his university didn’t reach out or offer any form of help or acknowledgment towards other student that were effected.

“Don’t get me wrong I love Kwantlen however I’m fairly disappointed that they haven’t made any sort of effort to help or reach out to their students affected by the floods. Even a simple email with links of where we can get financial assistance or therapy would have been a nice gesture but my inbox is void of even a simple acknowledgement that the floods even happened. It’s very likely that significant portion of KPU students have been affected by the floods thankfully I wasn’t one of them but I worry for the other students have had to deal with the floods happening so close to finals and to the start of a new spring term.”

Student’s put a level of trust in their institutions for their education. Should the institute not reach out to their student to ensure they are not lost in this devastating time?

If you or a loved one has been effected by the floods and/or mental health there are programs who are here to help.

Get Help

www2.gov.bc.ca