Author Archives: Vanessa Hidalgo

Let’s Talk, Privilege

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It seems that stupidity will never come to an end.

If you follow the news or were on twitter at all on Monday, you might have seen that article about the casino man and his wife. If not let me elaborate.

Rodney and Ekaterina Baker flew out from White Horse to a community near Alaska in order to get the vaccine meant for, indigenous residents. According to officials they claimed they worked at a motel so they could get the vaccine. The vaccine which was meant for elderly members of White River First Nation.

Workers seemed suspicious so they checked with the motel and found out they lied so proceeded to call authorities. When the authorities did not find them quarantining in their White Horse location like they were SUPPOSED TO AFTER FLYING, they waited for them at the airport where they were heading back to Vancouver.

The problem I have with this and many people have is why just why?

They put elders in the community at risk being there, took vaccines that were not meant for them and received a total of $1,150 in fines each.

The White River Chief Demit called the punishment lenient, which it totally is! It’s crap!

Rodney Baker was a CEO to a casino and his wife is an “Actor”, he has since then resigned from the casino but his annual compensation in 2019 was $10.6M. Why is this a bigger issue? Well, you’ve got two rich white people in bigger tax brackets and they are only receiving a $1,150 fine each.

The irony of this, oh yes it gets better, the wife posted on Instagram reasons why she was staying home in a pandemic back in March. She explained her father has diabetes and was vulnerable to the virus. Can you believe that? And she flies out of Vancouver to White Horse signs documents declaring they will not leave their home and then take a private plane to Beaver Creek and stand in a room exposing themselves and risking the lives of others.

This is more than just rich people it is the privilege they have where they can just do what they want and think it’s okay. To someone with 10.6M what’s a $1,150 to them? Nothing, that’s just how much they had to pay for the vaccine. They can risk getting only 6 months in jail but what couple like that is going to see a jail cell.

How can someone morally think it is ok to just do this? The privilege that they have to just go and take these vaccines from residents is disgusting. The fact that you’re still hearing of someone taking from Indigenous people to this day makes me sick.

Will Social media Influencers die off?

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Everyone has grown through at least one media platform being at its peak to then seeing it die off to nothing. It all started with Myspace then Tumblr then Facebook and now could Instagram be next?

Instagram logo 2016.svg

For being such a popular media platform, they definitely don’t care about complaints given to them by users of their app. It started when they changed the way you see your feed, to not being able to see what other’s like and now being a business-driven app.

Instagram took away the most used features and placed them in what we call “The out of reach part of your phone” where users are less likely to click. Instagram then replaced those with shop button features where you can just buy stuff.

For many “social influencers” it really angered them because their whole job and brand is posting on Instagram, with these new features it means less content being reached to other audiences for them. Now let’s bring TikTok to the mix.

TikTok by Solen Feyissa.jpg

Unlike Vine, TikTok has surpassed the app in many ways. Going viral now isn’t luck or getting noticed by bigger accounts that share your content, now you just need an algorithm. This has given many users the ability to reach the viral like numbers. The content on TikTok is also so curated to you, you never miss a thing you wouldn’t like or watch.

The great thing about this app is you’re seeing regular people doing regular things but in interesting ways. Unlike Instagram many users (I am guilty of this) post their best self or best content to show you live an exciting life or just a calm peaceful one. TikTok has changed that, a simple video of someone waking up and going to do their shift at McDonalds can get up to a million views and likes.

Mental Health has started to be an even bigger conversation when talking about social media and appearances. When you go on Instagram what do you see? Who do you follow? People you like, friends from Highschool, Celebrities etc. Most of what you see is perfect images or bodies if you’re a woman, or man not to discriminate here. Most of what you see in the media isn’t reality you’re seeing the perfect depiction of the reality.

But on TikTok you’re seeing people like you with all different bodies, hair, faces, skin tones and everything (depending on your algorithm) I find that comforting because it is more relatable. I feel like the main reason this app has taken over like it has is because of regular people.

So, what do you think? People don’t really use Instagram as often as we did 5 years ago it’s somewhere you go when you’ve seen everything you needed to see everywhere else. Twitter on the other hand is tweet driven so if you’re funny you’ll get a decent following, but it might take a while, but it’s still content driven unlike images.

All things come to an end or adapt to the new IT thing so? Will we see a decline in “social influencers” and see more everyday people gain bigger platforms well, we will just have to wait and see!

When Legends Die

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There is something different that we feel when someone who we have watched on T.V since our childhood passes away. When Michael Jackson died, I didn’t really grow up on him, but I remember it being on the news for weeks and weeks. For my parents it was almost an end to an era in their life and they never even knew him personally, but you always saw him in the media or heard him on the radio.

Last year this time we lost Kobe Bryant and it literally moved the earth I swear to god. You didn’t have to be a Basketball fan or watch it every day, everyone and I mean everyone knew the name Black Mamba.

Larry King interviews George W. Bush and Laura Bush.jpg

And once again we lose another key member of our Television childhood, that being Larry King. Larry King is one of the biggest known names when it comes to Interviewers. Doesn’t matter if you didn’t watch CNN yourself but If your parents were watching you must have saw him on your screen.

Over his whole career he hosted 50,000 Interviews, which is absolutely insane. He started off in Miami as a radio interviewer then gained hype and started The Larry King show. In 1985 to 2010 he hosted Larry King live on CNN after that he continued his interviews which aired on platforms like Hulu, Ora TV and RT America.

Larry King poses as an inspiration in the journalism world and it is without a doubt his passing has been felt across the world.

Health benefits you didn’t know your cat had

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Everyone knows about the benefits that come from owning pets. Whether it being dogs, cats or just fish, there is something great that comes out of these relationships.

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and from having a cat, there are a couple of things I have found beneficial.

Unless I am extremely tired or had a busy day, it is so hard for me to sleep. If you struggle with anxiety it makes sleeping worse. Some nights my brain just doesn’t stop, and I am still up at 5 am but when I go and get my cat Milo and he snuggles next to me I knock out in minutes. This is not uncommon though, having your cat sleep in your bed can calm anxiety or night terrors. I am lucky enough to have a cat who sleeps in my arms through the whole night until usually 6 am he wants to get out.

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Did you know that a cat’s purr can heal many troubles for owners?

Research has shown that the frequency of a cat’s purr works in similar ways as high-impact exercise.  The frequency of a purr is 26 hertz which corresponds with the one scientist use in vibrational therapies to promote tissue regeneration. So, theoretically a cat’s purr can help healing. They can range from lowering stress, lowering blood pressure, reduce heart disease and the vibrations help to heal infections, swelling, bone healing and growth and pain relief.

Where this can be especially proven is if you’re a woman suffering with cramps and have had your cat sit near your stomach, have you found that it relieved your pain? That’s because of the purr and heat!

So basically, it’s cats over dogs any way!

The Best Bernie Tweets

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The internet is a special and hilarious place especially during historical events.

The inauguration for Joe Biden did look much different than when it was for Mr. Trump, from the outfits, performances and attendance of people. Though Donald Trump did not attend the inauguration due to his orange ego. In pictures the Trump family looked quite saddened, but Melanie Trump was seen smiling the hardest she has in the last 5 years.

The energy was way more different than it was back then, Obama is seen fist bumping with Kamala Harris in one of the images smiling happy as ever. It was a proud day for Kamala Harris being the first black and south Asian female vice president, lots of black pride was to be celebrated.

And there is finally a dog in the White House again.

Social media lost it with Bernie Sanders sitting in his little chair with his little mittens. The mittens are actually made by a Vermont teacher which are made out of old wool sweaters and lined with fleece from recycled plastic bottles.

After scrolling thru many memes here are the best ones.

He has been doing this for so long the man is tired!

Big grandpa energy.

Bad lil shawty from Vermont.

https://twitter.com/lilllangelbby/status/1352137213190934528?s=20

I am once again asking you to marry Edward Bella.

https://twitter.com/torimariska_/status/1352116816986869761?s=20

2021 Trump diss track coming soon.

https://twitter.com/unhinged_adult/status/1351952427839344642?s=20

No card only cash due to this economy son

When is dinner?!?!

No one offered the poor man some tea??

He is a very busy man!

Honourable mention, Lady Gaga

Kim’s Convenience Season 5 premiere

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If you have not watched this yet go and watch it right now and If you literally have no idea about the show let me explain.

Kim’s Convenience is a Canadian sitcom made by CBC and it follows the story of a Korean family living in Toronto. The the number one reason this show is so successful is because it follows the regular life of a middle-class Korean family. The show itself is as authentic as it comes. If you were raised by immigrant parents like me you will find it hilarious and super close to home, but even so this shouldn’t discourage anyone from watching because it is THAT funny.

The show has gotten positive ratings all around and back in 2017 it received 11 nominations at the fifth Canadian Screen Awards, It also won 2 awards at the 2017 Toronto ACTRA awards.

The great news is that a fifth season is coming and just premiered on Tuesday night on CBC and CBC Gem. Due to the pandemic season 5 and 6 were pushed back but not for much longer. One of the many safety protocols during filming was to separate teams to prevent crossovers and having fewer people on set.

If you do watch the show it’s exciting to see what the new season will bring for many characters. All that fans can know right now is that season 5 will end on a happy note. Kim’s Convenience brings many heartfelt and happy laughs that will be so beneficial for the first month of the year.

11th Annual Vancouver Short Film Festival

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The VSFF is committed to the celebrations of the vibrant community of short films, video and animation artists on the Canadian West Coast. Active since 2005 they receive over 250 submissions a year and award prizes to film makers annually. Last year they had their 10th annual festival and screening of 52 shorts in 6 screenings and they saw the highest sales in tickets last year as well.

The 11th annual Vancouver Short Film Festival will be launching online via Eventive Virtual from January 22 – 24. The event will be screening 61 films this year, 7 programmes of BC talent for 3 days. After going through the films here are 4 that stuck out to me.

Alive

A poetic expression exploring the beauty of being alive.

 

Hayashi Studio

Hayashi Studio follows the diverse lives that came to a small town on Vancouver Island in the 1900’s and Senjiro Hayashi, the Japanese photographer who took their photos. Hayashi used his lens to document every race, class and gender. During internment many of his photos disappear, some hidden in family attics, others used to make a greenhouse. Almost a century later the photos were found and exhibited, showcasing a piece of Pacific Northwest History rarely seen, that of the diverse and racialized.

 

A-YI

An elderly Chinese woman and a group of millennial roomies make for one unlikely friendship.

 

33′ Lot

Over 300 letters were sent to the residents of Vancouver Specials. 10 people responded. Do they share anything but the frames of their homes?

These are just 4 out of the 61 films, so any one can find something they like.

The Year of the Ox

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This year in Chinese culture it is the year of the Ox following last year being the year of the rat. In the story the Ox was the first to arrive to the party the zodiacs and was actually tricked by the Rat into giving him ride. Once the Ox arrived at the party the rat jumped to be first therefore making the Ox second in arriving to the party. In Chinese culture, the Ox is a valued animal because of its role in agriculture, positive characteristics such as being hard working and honest.

Temple at night illuminated with light from decorations
By Flying Pharmacist

This year it will fall on February 12th – February 26th , this may be the first year where traditions may not be the same as usual. Chinatown is always the place to be to see the beautiful traditions and see the beloved dragon dances. While it still is too soon to see what events will be allowed to take place here are 3 places you can be to sure attend.

Lunar Fest

Here you can celebrate the year of the Ox with the local community bringing you stories and art virtually about the precious moments. Lunar Fest is offering a school tour where you can book a free workshop and receive materials to your school. On the day of the workshop teachers can join via Zoom and make firecrackers virtually and decorate their classroom in festivities.

Lantern City at Jack Poole Plaza

The artwork of celebrated B.C artist Susan Point and her family of artists Thomas Cannell, Kelly Cannell and Summer Cannell at the Coastal Lunar Lanterns at Jack Poole Plaza. Eight brilliant lanterns will be featured with colourful artwork, through the art they weave the visual stories of the nature that surrounds us. With the power of AR technology, it brings the art pieces to life, with an immersive light show to brighten long winter nights.

Lantern City at The Vancouver Art Gallery

The Art Gallery downtown will also be featuring six local artists to light up Downtown Vancouver. This years theme is what does family mean to you? The six local artists will explore their connections to their loved ones. You can see the dazzling lights for free as well.

The Rio Theatre but make it a Sports Bar

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If you haven’t heard about The Rio Theatre becoming a sports bar because of the pandemic let me fill you in.

Rio Theatre interior Chris Richmond.jpg
CC BY 3.0, Link

The Rio Theatre is the #1 voted independent theatre in Vancouver, they are a multimedia venue for the premier independent cinema of feature films and live entertainment.

Unfortunately, because of the pandemic The Rio Theatre is one of many cinemas to close down due to the restrictions, but that has not stopped them this year. It is said that under restrictions places like indoor/out activities, musical/theatre performances, galas, silent auctions and movie viewings in cinemas, are suspended.

The very unclear restrictions have caused controversy among Canadians wondering about how they even came up with these rules.

Now what is allowed to operate are restaurants, pubs and bars as long as they are following all Covid-19 protocols. The Rio Theatre has found a loophole in the restrictions, well it isn’t really a loophole.  The government themselves said no movies well if you can’t have movies, they did one better with hockey games on the big screen. The City of Vancouver has stood behind the Rio’s effort to work around the government regulations.

Theatre owner Corinna Lea has stated that “Because movies are not allowed to be played in B.C we have decided to open up as a Rio sports bar”

And that is exactly what they did posting many pictures of the brand-new concept to Instagram with the support of many Vancouverites behind it.

But this begs the questions of should be open to what cannot be open. Should we go back to full lockdown or keep staying afloat?

Remember to Take Care of Yourself

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With the start of a new year, it may mean you’re back in school, back at work full time or just onto a new path in life. I find myself in these situations and forget to relax so here is what I do when I am feeling stressed.

Get Active

Stressful situations increase the level of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol in your body. These are our fight or flight hormones which are designed to protect us from bodily harm when we are under threat. But modern stress isn’t fixed by these hormones. In order to lessen your stress and tense feeling go or a walk, run or do a workout video if you can. Being under stress can also affect how you sleep so doing any of these right before bed will give you a good night’s rest.

Watch your food

I love coffee to the point where I can’t go more than 3 days without it or I will actually get irritated. If you’re like me, you know this is not healthy, caffeine is a stimulant and can actually increase the level of stress you’re feeling rather than reducing it. Also avoid foods with refined sugars as this can cause you to have an energy crash leading you to feeling tired. So keep your body healthy and maybe try a salad.

Take a break

One of the hardest yet most important things is learning when to take a break without feeling guilty about it. Try to manage your time and set realistic job goals for yourself by doing so it is easy for you to take more breaks once you’re doing your work. On your break do or watch something you enjoy like maybe one episode of your favourite TV series or chapter in a book you’re reading, anything you think that will make you happy.

And don’t forget, what you’re feeling now will one day be apart of the past.