The Other Press - November 23, 2021

Lettitor

Almost, but not quite out of gas Matthew Fraser Editor-in-Chief almost didn’t make it out of bed this morning.

My pillow held my head down and my blanket was like a strap across my chest. If I say I fought mightily I hope you would believe me. The struggle lasted for minutes that could have been hours but in hindsight, it felt like seconds. I won eventually though; I have a hard time writing in bed, so I had to make it to my desk somehow.

There was no school bell calling, just some numbers on my schedule. No car to heat up, just a slog to the SkyTrain. On the way there, that crisp, cold Vancouver air did wonders to shock a little bit of energy into me. Still, it was only a matter of time before I would meet that Queen sized vice grip again.

I say this like it only happened today; the reality, I almost haven’t made it out of bed every day since mid-September or so.

It’s like there’s not enough sleep to put gas back in the tank and not enough sunlight to jolt me in the morning. I go through the day rebuilding my stores of energy just to have it sucked out in the late evening as I succumb to the nightly trance called sleep.

Once in that cotton prison of a bed, just enough is given to be refreshing, but never enough to make waking up and rising from the bed easy.

It doesn’t help that I don’t drink coffee.

I thought and hoped that daylight savings time would give me a little help, but that only lasted for a week.

Maybe we should officially move everything back to 10 am in the winter instead of whatever god-awful time we currently consider acceptable right now.

Wouldn’t that be nice? We can let the early birds go out, get the worm, and have the roads to themselves while the rest of us wallow in our pillows. It can’t just be me who finds this massively appealing.

I can’t believe that I’m the only one who feels short on energy and gas when winter rolls around. Certainly, someone

Photo by Anna Machuik

I

else feels perpetually a gear lower than they normally would be once the O and N months come around. I know Seasonal Affective Disorder is real, but I think that’s a step too far. This is just a strange and long-lasting downshift in the internal machine. Like all your energy went south for the holidays and forgot to give your brain advance notice.

The Other Press has been a student newspaper since 1976. Since 1978 we have been an autonomous publication, independent of the student union. We are a registered society under the Society Act of British Columbia, governed by an eight-person board of directors appointed by our staff. The Other Press is published weekly during the fall and winter semesters, and monthly during the summer. The Other Press is a member of the Canadian University Press (CUP), a syndicate of student newspapers that includes papers from all across Canada.

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Mayhaps the internal caveman ancestor is warning his long-disconnected ancestor of the perils of winter and the need to conserve energy. Maybe that’s why my pillow will nearly win tomorrow.

matthew fraser  theotherpress.ca

   /theotherpress

 editor@theotherpress.ca

 /douglasotherpress

Matthew Fraser Editor-in-Chief  editor@theotherpress.ca

Position Open Assistant Editor  assistant@theotherpress.ca

Jerrison Oracion Senior Columnist

Christine Weenk Layout Manager  layout@theotherpress.ca

Craig Allan Business Manager  businessmanager.otherpress@gmail.com

Brandon Yip Senior Columnist

Nhi 'Jenny' Vo Production Assistant

Billy Bui Staff Photographer

Jonathan Pabico Senior Columnist

Athena Little Illustrator

Arnaldo Fragozo Staff Photographer

Udeshi Seneviratne Illustrator

Anna Machuik Staff Photographer

Angelika Leal Ash Sabinin Emi Namoro Mo Hussain Win Pyae Pyae Phyo (Hazel) Contributors

CJ Sommerfeld Staff Writer

Jorge Villeda Staff Photographer

Cover and feature layout by Athena Little and Christine Weenk

Credit

› Winter takes everything a step-down

Sports

Have an idea for a story?  news@theotherpress.ca

sports // no. 3 • Royals split thrilling matchups against the Mariners • The Royals basketball team falls short against the Capilano Blues ...and more

Paid for play

› Which sports generate the most in athlete payouts?

P

rofessional athletes at the top of their craft are notorious for how much money they make. Forbes compiled a list of the top 50 highest-paid athletes in May and calculated that nearly $2.8 billion was generated among those athletes. What’s very interesting to take note of is which sports had the most athletes, and how those athletes made their money. Here’s a list of the sports with the most athletes on the Forbes list: AUTO-RACING Two auto-racers were on the Forbes list, generating a combined $124.5 million.

36-year-old Lewis Hamilton earned an estimated $82 million, while 24year old Max Verstappen earned $42.5 million. Notably, these two made 89 percent of their combined earnings on the racetrack, rather than off it. That metric may seem like common sense, but as you’ll see later in this list, not every athlete can say they made the majority of their money actually playing.

COMBAT SPORTS Even though there’s a lot of discussion about how most fighters need to get paid more, those at the top of the fight game aren’t complaining.

UFC fighter Conor McGregor and boxer Canelo Alvarez were the only fighters on the Forbes list, earning a combined $214 million. Alvarez earned 94 percent of his $34 million earnings in the boxing ring.

Conor McGregor on the other hand made most of his money selling whiskey.

The 33-year old earned an estimated $180 million, making him the highest-paid athlete on the list. The majority of those earnings came through cashing out of his stake in whiskey brand “Proper Twelve,” where he earned an estimated $150 million.

Selling his stake in that brand accounted for 83 percent of his total earnings.

GOLF Now people can have a debate about whether golf is as much of a sport as the others on this list. But what they can’t debate is how lucrative the sport is for those at the top. Three golfers were on the Forbes list, and they made a combined $145.5 million. Over 82 percent of those combined earnings came off the golf course.

Tiger Woods raked in $60 million from projects like his first public golf course, his partnership with TaylorMade and cutting a deal with 2k games for its PGA video game.

Woods only earned an estimated $200k on the golf course.

Phil Mickelson earned $40 of his $41 million off the golf course with sponsors like Rolex, VistaJet, and Callaway Golf.

Dustin Johnson was the only other golfer on the list, and he made the majority of his money playing golf. Johnson earned a total of $44.5 million, with 55 percent of those earnings coming on the golf course. Fifteen million dollars came from winning the FedEx Cup.

TENNIS The sport with the biggest disparity in most of the earnings coming outside of playing the sport is tennis. Four tennis players made the Forbes list, earning a combined $226 million. Only $11 million of that sum was made on the tennis court.

Roger Federer only earned an estimated $30k on the tennis court, but $90 million in sponsorships including riding off a ten-year $300 million deal with Uniqlo.

Naomi Osaka earned $60 million, making her the highest-paid female athlete ever.

More than 90 percent of her earnings came off the tennis court.

Serena Williams earned 96 percent of her $41.5 million earnings off the court as well with nearly 20 corporate partners.

The only other tennis player on the list was Novak Djokovic, who earned a total of $34.5 million. Only $4.5 million of that was earned on the tennis court.

SOCCER The most popular sport in the world saw eight of its athletes make $508 million. 74 percent of those earnings were related to on-the-field action.

Lionel Messi was the highest-earning soccer player and second highest-earning athlete. He earned an estimated $130 million, with $97 million of that coming from his lucrative contract with Barcelona (before departing to Paris Saint-Germain).

His off-the-field endeavours including sponsorships with Adidas, Gatorade, and Pepsi earning him an estimated $33 million.

Not far behind was former El Clasico rival, Cristiano Ronaldo who earned $120 million. He earned $50 million of that through off-the-field endeavours such as his CR7 brand and deals with Nike, Herbalife, and other companies.

Neymar also made the Forbes list, earning an estimated total of $95 million through his contract extension with football club Paris Saint-Germain, his decision to sign with Puma, and collaboration with Epic Games on a custom Fortnite skin.

The other soccer players on that list include: • Kylian Mbappe earning an estimated $40 million • Mohamed Salah earning an estimated $37.5 million • Paul Pogba earning an estimated $35.5 million • Robert Lewandowksi earning an estimated $34 million • Andres Iniesta earning an estimated $34 million BASKETBALL Basketball is the closest sport where the on the court and off the court earnings are pretty much split down the middle.

Thirteen basketball players were on the Forbes list earning a combined $683.5 million, with 56 percent of that made on the court.

LeBron James ranked number one among ballplayers with an estimated $96.5 million earned. An estimated $65 million of that came off-the-court. This includes

Photo by Anna Machuik

Mo Hussain Contributor

deals like his lifetime contract with Nike, his stake in Blaze Pizza, his production company Springhill Entertainment, Beats, Calm, 2K Sports, GMC, and more.

Kevin Durant earned an estimated 58 percent of his $75 million earnings through his off the court endeavours including his sponsorship with Nike and his investment portfolio which has more than 40 companies including Postmates.

Stephen Curry earned a similar amount with 54 percent of his estimated $74 million earnings made off the court.

This includes sponsors like Under Armour, Google, CarMax, and his equity stake in beverage company OXIGEN. Some of the other names on the list include: • Russell Westbrook, earning an estimated $59 million • Giannis Antetokounmpo, earning an estimated $47 million • Chris Paul, earning an estimated $40 million • Jimmy Butler, earning an estimated $38.5 million • Anthony Davis, earning an estimated $36 million FOOTBALL The sport with the most athletes on the Forbes list and the most money earned, is America’s game, Football. Even though the game isn’t big outside of North America, there were 18 players on the list earning an estimated $881 million. 85 percent of that sum was earned on the field rather than off it.

The top football player on the Forbes list was Dak Prescott who earned $107.5 million. Dak Prescott signed a $160 million deal for four years in March and got a $66 million bonus alongside it.

The only guys who made a good chunk of their money off the field were Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes. Brady made 40 percent of his $76 million earnings off the field through Under Armour, T-mobile, Fanatics, and other brands.

Patrick Mahomes earned an estimated total of $54.5 million. In addition to riding his massive 10-year $500 million contract on the field, he earned an estimated $22 million off the field. This includes deals with Adidas, EA, State Farm, and Procter and Gamble.

Other football players on the Forbes list include: • David Bakhtiari, earning an estimated $47.5 million • Jalen Ramsey, earning an estimated $43.5 million • Myles Garrett, earning an estimated $43 million • DeAndre Hopkins, earning an estimated $39 million • Aaron Donald, earning an estimated $36 million The biggest takeaway from how these athletes make their money is how they used their trade or their platform (which is their sport) and leveraged it to massive brand deals and investments.

sports // no. 4

theotherpress.ca

Canadá Finalmente

Photo by Fauzan Saari on Unsplash

› Canada defeats Mexico in World Cup qualifying for the first time since 1976

Brandon Yip Senior Columnist

H

istory has shown that success does not come easily. That appropriately describes the Canadian Men's National Soccer Team who finally beat their longtime CONCACAF nemesis, Mexico.

Canada won by a score of two to one in an epic match at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium on November 16.

The game occurred during freezing cold temperatures with snow. TSN shared an Environment Canada report that the temperature at game time was – 9 C, with a wind chill of – 14 C; something that Mexico is not used to. But it made for a compelling match, with the intensity and hostility increasing throughout the entire game. Canada was out to show that they were no longer going to be pushed around and bullied by the Mexicans (who before the game had only lost once to Canada in World Cup qualifying). It was Canada’s turn to exact revenge.

Canada dominated Mexico, dictating the play. The Canadians would open the scoring before the end of the first half in injury time. The first goal emerged suddenly when Canadian defender Alistair Johnston struck a hardball towards Mexico goalkeeper, Guillermo Ochoa. He made the save but left a rebound for Cyle Larin to score, sending the 44,212 fans at Commonwealth Stadium into euphoria.

In the second half, Larin scored his second goal of the game in the 52nd minute after tapping home a perfect cross from Stephen Eustáquio. Mexico finally scored in the 90th minute, on a header by Hector Herrera. Mexico continued pressing for the equalizer and it was nail-biting time for Canadian fans with five minutes of added time. Canadian goalkeeper, Milan Borjan, made two crucial goal-line stops, helping Canada to withstand the relentless Mexican attack and hold on to the victory.

After the match was over, the animosity continued with both teams pushing and shoving each other. Mexico did not leave the pitch immediately.

Eventually, they did, as the celebrations began with television cameras filming Canadian star, Alphonso Davies, running on the pitch holding a Canadian flag.

Canada is hoping to qualify for their first FIFA World Cup tournament in 35 years. The win over Mexico puts Canada into first place and amongst the top three teams in the CONCACAF final qualifying standings. Canada has 16 points, followed by the US with 15 and Mexico with 14. The Canadians won their previous qualifying match in Edmonton, defeating Costa Rica by a score of one to zero on November 12.

Prior to the start of Canada’s CONCACAF final qualifying matches in 2021, the last significant soccer match in Canadian soccer history was on September 14, 1985. On that day, Canada defeated Honduras by a score of two to one in St. John’s, Newfoundland. The victory sent the

Canadians to the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. It has been a very long time since Canada played a notable soccer match.

But the difference between the current Canadian Men’s National Soccer team to prior national teams is that this team looks like a legitimate World Cup team.

Alphonso Davies, who played for the Edmonton Strikers as a youth player, has enjoyed returning to his hometown. The Bayern Munich star has been prominent after arriving in Edmonton a few days before Canada’s match against Costa Rica.

Davies has given interviews and been shown prominently on social media by Canada Soccer.

The Toronto Star reported November 14 that Davies, during a presentation, received the Lou Marsh Trophy as a cowinner. The award honours Canada’s best athlete. The announcement had been made in December 2020 that Davies would be sharing the award with NFL offensive lineman, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. Davies becomes the second soccer player to win the award; with Christine Sinclair winning in 2012. “That year was good,” Davies said.

“It was amazing individually, team-wise as well. For me it’s just keep doing the same thing I’ve been doing when I won the award. For me nothing changes. My focus now is the national team, and I’m excited for this game on Tuesday [against Mexico].”

After winning the award in December 2020, Davies posted on Twitter: “This year has been a roller-coaster and I’ve very happy to be able to share the Lou Marsh

with another deserving winner (Laurent Duvernay-Tardif). It hasn’t been an easy year for many Canadians (and) we hope we were able to bring some happiness to you with our accomplishments this year.”

Canada now has a 10-week break before they face Honduras on January 27, 2022. The Canadians have six qualifying games left. If they continue at the pace they are at, they will be one of the three CONCACAF teams packing their bags for Qatar in 2022. Perhaps, it is not unfathomable that Canada will likely qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the second time in the country’s history.

Based on their play in the final qualifying round, they are no longer a team that will just show up and compete; Canada’s Men’s National Soccer Team has proven they can win.

Other notes (courtesy of The Canadian Press) Canada’s Cyle Larin scored two goals, giving him a total of 22 goals. It ties him with Dwayne De Rosario for most goals scored by a Canadian Men’s National soccer player.

Also, Atiba Hutchinson began the game for Canada. It was his 90th cap representing Canada. Hutchinson surpassed Julian de Guzman as the most-capped men’s player in Canadian soccer history. Significantly, Canada’s victory over Mexico was the first win over the Mexicans in World Cup qualifying since 1976. However, the last time Canada defeated Mexico was in 2000 at the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament.

sports // no. 5

issue 12// vol 48

The Royals basketball team falls short against the Capilano Blues

› The team continues to try and find its rhythm Mo Hussain Contributor

Photo by Markus Spiske from Pexels

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he Douglas Royals men’s basketball team are still looking to find their way as they lost back-to-back games against the Capilano Blues last weekend. The team fell short 107-77 in the first game, and 106-82 the following night.

In the first game, the Blues made their mark from the beginning. The team led the game 22-11 at the end of the first quarter and ended up leading the game 57-30 at halftime. Blues guard Harry Liu scored 15 of his total 19 points in the first half. The Royals did manage to do well in the third quarter, outscoring the Blues 32-28. Royals guard Jarett Jacobs scored 13 of his team-leading 23 points in that same third quarter.

However, the Blues still led 85-62 heading into the fourth, which showed to be too much for the Royals to come back from. Blues guard Brenden Bailey scored eight of his total 18 points in the fourth quarter, to ice the first game for Capilano.

The Blues also got off to a good start in the second game as they led by nine points at the end of the first quarter and led at halftime 52-37. Royals forward Ben Rabel

put up close to a third of his team’s firsthalf points with 12. He finished the game as the Royals leading scorer that night with 20 points.

As with the first game, the Blues lead in the first half once again proved too much for the Royals to answer. The Blues outscored the Royals 53-37 the rest of the game to secure the win.

One notable element missing throughout those games was a lack of women’s matchups. The reason for that was that both teams decided to postpone the games to a later date. The Royals were also scheduled to play against the Camosun Chargers on November 19th and November 20th. However, those games were postponed due to the unprecedented flooding and subsequent road closures in the province.

As for where the men and women are in the standings: • The men are last in the PACWEST standings with zero points • The women are currently third in PACWEST with four points The next time both the men’s and women’s teams will touch the floor will be on January 7th when they match up against Vancouver Island University.

Royals split thrilling matchups against the Mariners Mo Hussain Contributor

B

oth the Douglas Royals women’s and men’s volleyball teams split their pair of matchups against the Vancouver Island University Mariners this past weekend.

The women lost the first game three-one but managed to pull off a three-set come back the following day to win three-two.

The men decisively won the first game three-zero but fell short three-one the following game.

For the women, the first game got off to a good start as they scored three straight points to take the first set 2520. However, the Mariners managed to bounce back. A seven-two run in the middle of the second set helped them secure a 25-28 set win to tie the game at one. Both teams were then neck and neck through the third set until the Mariners went on another significant run.

The team outscored the Royals tenfour at the second half of the third set to once again take it 25-18, leading the game two-one. The Royals then battled to keep the fourth set close, tying the Mariners 23-23. However, a tip-in from Mariners’ setter Linnea Brickwood and a crosscourt hit from Mariners’ Outside Hitter Yevgeniya ‘Jane’ Lytvynenko would secure the Mariners a 25-23 set win to close off the game.

The second game began to look like it was going to be a repeat of the first game. The Mariners went on back-to-back mid-set runs to take the first two sets 25-18. However, the Royals found a way to completely turn the tables around. The team was only up 22-21 in the third set before outscoring the Mariners three-one, to take the set 25-22. Royals outside-hitter Lauren Attieh scored a cross-court point to put the Royals on the scoreboard.

The Royals carried that momentum into the fourth set where they won by a wider margin at 25-19. The team then completed the comeback in the fifth, as they bounced back from a seven-ten deficit to win the set 15-13.

The men ended up with a similar result to the women after playing both games against the Mariners but in different ways. In the first game, the team held the lead throughout the entire first set, ultimately leading them to take it 25-21.

The second set saw a somewhat similar result as the Royals trailed nine-eight; they managed to take that lead and keep it until the end of the set. Royals’ veteran Ben Shand scored a cross-court hit to give the Royals the set 25-23, now leading the game two-zero. The Royals would then ice the game in the third set as middle blocker Rajan Gill blocked a Mariners hit, leading to the Royals winning the set 26-24 and winning the game three-zero

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels

› These games certainly didn’t lack any action

However, that momentum did not translate into the second game. The Royals led in the first set 13-9, but the Mariners managed to climb back and take that set 25-23. An off-the-block hit by Mariners left-side Jeff Webb secured the Mariners a one-zero lead. The Royals almost managed to tie the game in the second set as they led 24-22 at one point. However, the Mariners scored four straight points to take it 26-24 and take a two-zero lead. The Mariners then secured the victory in a very close third set 25-23.

As for where the women and men are in the standings: • The women are first in the PACWEST standings with eight points • The men are currently second in PACWEST with six points The men and women will play Columbia Bible College and Camosun College before the end of November to cap off the winter portion of their season.

sports // no. 6

theotherpress.ca

Canucks go winless on a three-game road trip

Photo by Klim Musalimov on Unsplash

› Vancouver's penalty-killing continues to be a detriment

Brandon Yip Senior Columnist

E

ating lots of beans produces flatulence and the smell is not very appealing.

That is equivalent to how the Vancouver Canucks have been playing lately.

The Vancouver Canucks started the season with optimism. However, at the time of writing, their record is 5-10-2. Lately, the team is struggling to stay afloat in the Western Conference standings. If Vancouver does not find a way out of their current slump, they will be out of the playoffs before January, as the general public starts getting the COVID-19 booster shot.

Adam Proteau, a writer for The Hockey News, states it is not just the players who should be held accountable; he believes Canucks GM, Jim Benning, deserves the majority of the criticism: “Now is not the time for another letter-toseason-ticket-holders from Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini. Now is not the time for more patience. Now is the time for change.

And as always, organizational change often should start with the GM. Benning has had the job for more than seven years, and the Canucks have missed the playoffs in five of their past six seasons. That’s enough time for him. Vancouver needs a new vision, not a revision.”

Ben Kuzma, a writer for The Province, provides his analysis for the Canucks’ current woes: “Does owner Francesco Aquilini, buoyed by off-season acquisitions

to trumpet his club as a playoff contender, suddenly jettison head coach Travis Green? Does he point the finger of blame at general manager Jim Benning for roster construction? Or does he wait to see what the Canucks generate on a three-game homestand with Travis Hamonic and Tucker Poolman returning to bolster a bleeding back end?”

The Canucks are indeed a fragile team.

The team was not playing with confidence even before they lost all three games on their recent road trip to Colorado, Vegas and Anaheim. The loss to Colorado on November 11 by a score of seven to one was particularly alarming. The Canucks showed no pushback and their competitive drive was lacking.

In their next game, Vancouver played better against the Vegas Golden Knights but lost again by a score of seven to four.

Then on November 14, the Canucks lost to Anaheim by a score of five to one.

Vancouver did open the scoring on a goal

by Nils Höglander (fifth of the season), whose play has been a lone bright spot.

Sportsnet posted on Twitter after the latest Canucks' defeat, "The Vancouver Canucks are coming home with major problems after a 5-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks. The reeling Canucks were outscored 19-6 on their three-game road swing."

Canucks coach, Travis Green, said after the game against Anaheim that he still believes in his team. “I feel confident our team will pull out of this,” he said as

reported by Sportsnet. “I think our penalty kill is going to have to help get us going. I think it will come around. I know our power player will score. I know we have some players that will produce (because) they've produced before. I know getting some of our defencemen back will also help our game. Things haven't gone the way we've wanted to, but I will say that I'm confident that our team will turn it around.”

But throughout the scrutiny by fans and media surrounding his team’s poor play, Green has maintained his sense of humour. During his media press conference on November 16, Green was asked by Ben Kuzma: “Travis, are you good at just shutting out all the noise, everything that’s surrounding the hockey club?” Green quipped, “Not you, sometimes.”

Vancouver lost again to the Colorado Avalanche at Rogers Arena on November 17 by a score of four to two. The Canucks have now lost five straight, gaining only two wins in their last 10 games. It is difficult to find any positives for the Canucks. Perhaps, the only positive is that their latest road trip was not longer than three games.

The penalty killing is still problematic for Vancouver as it still ranks last in the NHL. Brandon Sutter is a key penalty killer, who is still injured. Sportsnet Stats posted on Twitter how poor the Canucks' penalty killing has been: “Canucks 19 PP goals allowed are their 2nd most in franchise history in a 10-game span, while their 52.5 PK % is 2nd worst.”

Elias Pettersson appeared to have emerged from his slow start with a productive game against the Dallas Stars on November 7. But during the Canucks' three-game road trip, Pettersson was not noticeable. Vancouver needs EP40 to score, along with Brock Boeser.

Vancouver is six points out of a playoff spot. But that number could get larger if the Canucks continue playing poorly and going on extended losing streaks. And if that occurs, changes will be imminent.

The first casualty when changes do occur, is usually, the firing of the head coach. It may not be fair, but that is the nature of professional sports. When the results are not there, someone else will be brought in to hopefully obtain better outcomes. It is always easier to fire the coach than to fire 23 players. As former Vancouver Canucks player, Todd Bertuzzi, once famously said, “It is what it is.”

Canucks schedule this week (five-game road trip) • Wednesday, November 24 @ Pittsburgh Penguins (4 pm) • Friday, November 26 @ Columbus Blue Jackets (4 pm) • Sunday, November 28 @ Boston Bruins (4 pm) • Monday, November 29 @ Montreal Canadiens (430 pm) • Wednesday, December 1 @ Ottawa Senators (430 pm)

Have an idea for a story?  arts@theotherpress.ca

Arts

arts // no. 7 • Taylor Swift is a brilliant artist who blends a short film and song to portray a story.

• A look back at Adele’s debut album ‘19’

Cover of '19' by Adele

...and more

Even if it leads nowhere › A look back at Adele’s debut album ‘19’

Jerrison Oracion Senior Columnist

A

dele’s highly anticipated album 30 was released last week and I’m sure it will be the number one album in the entire world when you are reading this. At this point, she is a diva. But at the beginning of her career in the early 2000s, she was a street performer while studying at the BRIT School. Notable BRIT School alumni include Leona Lewis (winner of The X Factor), Jessie J and the late Amy Winehouse.

In a way, Adele channels Winehouse in her 2008 debut album 19 where she tackles her relationships with boys and her hometown of London.

I am not sure if I listened to the album around the time it was released.

Although, I knew her from hearing her songs on various shows and doing PE in secondary school. I particularly remember one of the hit singles from the album, “Chasing Pavements.” The music video of the song is unusual as Adele’s imagination runs free after she witnesses a car crash involving a couple. That is how the album is presented where it begins with her dreaming of her ideal boy in “Daydreamer.” It has a student project sound with rudimentary musical tones

when compared to her recent albums where they went full-on Hans Zimmer orchestrations.

Reality begins in the next song “Best for Last” where her boyfriend is cheating and she finds out. She gets frustrated about that in “Cold Shoulder” where there is a section that sounded like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Some of the songs have an acoustic bluesy sound but have moments that forecast songs in her later albums.

The chorus of “Crazy for You” sounds similar to the chorus in “Easy on Me” vocally. She expresses how she really wants to be with the man that she dated in “Make You Feel My Love”. In the music video of the song, we see Adele in a hotel in New York City while missing her boyfriend and her hometown.

She sends a text message to her boyfriend and waits while a storm is about to land in the city. The album ends with a political take while dreaming around London in “Hometown Glory”. She gives an accurate description of London where it is sometimes smoggy, people go outside when it is sunny, and coming together during political unrest.

After the release of 19, Adele would go on to release more music that would lead her to become one of the most beloved singers of all time and it is another example of a music success story.

arts // no. 8

‘All Too Well’ short film impressions › Taylor Swift is a brilliant artist who blends a short film and song to portray a story.

Win Pyae Pyae Phyo (Hazel) Contributor

T

aylor Swift's 10-minute version of "All Too Well," from Red (Taylor's Version), now has a strong cinematic accompaniment. The movie features Sadie Sink, Dylan O'Brien and Taylor Swift. The short film, which was shot on 35mm, was written and directed by Swift.

“Love is so short, forgetting is so long;” this quote from Chilean poet Pablo Neruda opens the short film. The use of a quote on a plain black background at the start suggests that love is transient and can vanish into thin air. The power of this quote foreshadows a love affair that ends in heartbreak and devastation, leaving the lovers filled with displeasure. Swift begins the song by reminiscing about the start of her love journey. As the song begins, the

film portrays the scene where Sink and O’Brien’s love began. Taylor's emotions are expressed through the pre-chorus and chorus. At first, she was drawn to him because he emitted warmth and kindness, and she was naive. They used to go on road trips together, singing songs and having a good time.

Later, she begins by expressing her discontent with her lover before reflecting on a special event they had together.

Swift's ex may have wished to keep their relationship hidden because a secret is far more opaque than a more serious oath. The male character in her short film "All Too Well" appears to act similarly, even pushing his lover's hand away when she tries to hold his at a friend’s dinner party. Taylor uses the chorus to express deeper intimate details about herself, like the anguish she had after feeling like she was a secret.

The part that I enjoyed the most would be the accusation, the anger, the melting of the gaslit idea that it was her fault as she rose to the fact that it wasn't— that she was the one who was wronged.

The way she starts singing more intensely chorus by chorus, the way she shouts "You call me up again just to break me like a promise" and the way it starts building up from "Maybe this thing was a masterpiece until you tore it all up”.

Let's take a time to enjoy Sink's and O’Brien's impeccable acting. Both of these fantastic actors poured their hearts and souls into it, making it feel so real.

These two have incredible chemistry. The moment in which they dispute, scream, and argue, as well as experience their relationship being shattered and torn apart, is heartbreaking. The transitions of the relationship between Sink and O’Brien

Illustration by Udeshi Seneviratne

theotherpress.ca

were all portrayed throughout the film; from an affectionate, devoted relationship to an emotional rollercoaster filled with pain and misery.

Everything about this song is perfect: the lyrics, the melody, everything! Her songwriting is just exceptional! Every instrument, lyric, and rhythm has a purpose. This exemplifies the collaborative nature of art. The 10-minute version of this song braided itself into our souls in the same manner that the original version did. Swift created a magnificent piece of work with a brilliant storyline, truly intriguing and engaging characters, and a timeless romantic setting, all of which is enhanced and enriched by amazing music with heartfelt lyrics. Taylor Swift is truly a remarkable songwriter and storyteller who can convey a full story in just a few minutes.

sports // no. 9

issue 12// vol 48

Taking time for Courtney Barnett’s newest album

Cover of 'Things Take Time, Take Time' by Courtney Barnett

› The Australian rocker’s unique flavour of rock deals with relevant themes for today’s times

‘Things Take Time, Take Time’ uses slower rhythms from guitar, piano, and the drum set to convey the lingering effects of emotional struggles in everyday life.

Jonathan Pabico Senior Columnist

I

f you’re a fan of the Australian rocker Courtney Barnett, you’ll recognize her iconic deadpan singing style in her work. Her recent album, Things Take Time, Take Time, is no exception and was recently released on November 12 after she worked on it for the last two years.

She engages with serious social themes yet balances them with calm rock for therapeutic healing.

Barnett’s vocals are layered with a mixture of laidback, moody, or upbeat guitar strums often found in indie and psychedelic music. This medley is enriched by tonally reserved dynamics from supporting instruments that make her work so enjoyable to hear. Not only are there easygoing drum beats, but even other percussion instruments from bongo drums to a cowbell appearance.

This strange collection of sounds shows how Barnett revels in her differences as a musician.

The album also dives into mental health, love, and the growing discomforts of the past. The track “Write a List of Things To Look Forward To” fuses endearing indie

rock with discreet synthesizer notes perfect for a comingof-age film. However, Barnett contradicts this tone with lyrics like “With my head down, my head down/And I’m pushing away, I’m pushing away.” This irony evokes how our desire to stay hopeful is constantly undermined by our need to keep our problems to ourselves, even if we know it’s okay to be open with others.

Barnett explores her regrets and yearning when it comes to love, too. For songs like “Before You Gotta Go”, she uses solemn lyrics with charming psychedelic guitar chords to express her melancholy with past relationships. The album teaches us how our endless search for romantic closure can make us emotionally distant from our present time.

For mental health, Barnett uses this theme the most when closing her playlist with the last few tracks. She unpacks the isolation that comes with depression and low self-esteem. The album uses slower rhythms from guitar, piano, and the drum set to convey the lingering effects of emotional struggles in everyday life. The soundscape is deceptively peaceful to reflect how we all experience mental health issues, even if everything seems fine on the surface.

It's not all gloom with Barnett as she provides optimism with the most uplifting track in the album, “Take It Day By Day”. Her vocals are sharper rather than downtrodden. There are also more bouncy guitar chords melding with accented drum and cymbal hits. This song encourages you with lyrics like “Don’t give up just yet, you got it/Don’t worry your pretty little head/Soon, you’ll be in bed.” Barnett is reassuring by passing onto us the strength to get through a challenging week of hurdles.

I still prefer Barnett’s previous albums Tell Me How You Really Feel (2018) and Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit (2015). They feel more energetic with tracks that make for fun foot-stompers. Barnett’s newest work Things Take Time, Take Time has bits and pieces of this same tone, but it’s much moodier, which may or may not be what you’re looking for, depending on your day. For me, although this album is terrific and I’ll gladly listen to it again, I like her past work more.

Through her latest work, Courtney Barnett shows us how unabashedly inspiring she is in being the most offbeat rocker she can be. She amazes listeners once again, not by smashing a guitar on stage or belting out angry notes, but with relaxing beats and lots of heart.

Beating or beaten by terror › Looking back at the end of the Afghanistan war

Matthew Fraser Editor-in-Chief

I

remember a few years ago seeing an interview or a news broadcast where someone stated simply that the War on Terror would soon be claiming US military personnel born after the war had begun.

They were not wrong. Unfortunately, this view neglects the reality of those in the Middle East where thousands of lives have been claimed, many of whom were born only after the first American boots touched the ground or the first bombs were detonated. However, it might be even more tragic to realize that our North American views, driven almost entirely by the United States media, long sympathetic to the war effort, were never meant to view the casualties on the other side as wrong.

We were not asked to see the children and families literally bombed to pieces as tragic. Instead, we were to accept their deaths as deserved and to ignore as statistics the civilian casualty.

When Joe Biden began his withdrawal from Afghanistan the optimists and the anti-war activists saw it as the end of a blood-thirsty and dark era. I saw it that way too. It was the first time in my life where it felt like someone at the top of the power structure was choosing to buck the war instinct and withdraw the hand of death from another’s land. Certainly, it was not enough by itself, but it signalled hope and the beginnings of something that we could champion. But it quickly began to spiral out of control.

Suddenly, the fear of the Afghan masses was broadcasted to the world.

Every day on our TV screens, through our phones, and across social media, the

terror that hurtled through the people of Afghanistan as the Taliban swept back to power was transmitted to us. The Afghans in the cities who had adjusted to western oversight, the women who had a modicum of freedom and independence returned to them panicked. And how could they not? They either remembered the days, 20 years before when the Taliban ruled their lives, or they had been warned by the elders around them. Their lives, hopes, and dreams were to be upended as the American-led coalition returned home.

As I talked to my politically-minded friends, I frequently found myself making the dry and cynical joke that the US government spent 20 years, billions of dollars, and far too many lives to replace the Taliban with the Taliban. That is, only after the CIA gave funding and training the organizations that would birth the Taliban.

Not that it's better, there is in fact accounting for the dollars spent and the number of lives lost. As published

by BuzzFeed News it consists of $887 billion spent by various arms of the US government, 47,245 Afghan civilians killed, 24,099 Pakistani civilians killed, 458 aid workers killed, 74 journalists killed, and 2,312 US military deaths.

I hope you weren’t as shocked as me to find out that the US was bombing Pakistan in the thousands, One of the best things to come from the end of this gruesome campaign is the scaling back of the drone bombing offensive. Not because Congress had acted against the heinous and immoral strikes that were occurring. Not because a public uproar like that which met the Vietnam war forced it. But because the end of the Afghan war meant that there was

I frequently found myself making the dry and cynical joke that the US government spent 20 years, billions of dollars, and far too many lives to replace the Taliban with the Taliban.

little to no justification—however flimsy it was to begin with—to keep bombing from afar and with such wanton impunity.

Shortly after the election of Donald Trump, The Atlantic published an article entitled “Obama's Weak Defense of His Record on Drone Killings.” Throughout it, Conor Friedersdorf walks readers through the heinous record of killings that make up the drone war record. The record outlined begins with 41 Pakistani civilians killed at a funeral by a drone strike. The record continues with 2009 receiving its 100th CIA drone strike.

Illustration by Athena Little

Friedersdorf pulls no punches when he says: “Obama chose to allow the CIA, a secretive entity with a long history of unjust killings, to carry out strikes; he chose to keep the very fact of drone killings classified, deliberately invoking the state-secrets privilege in a way guaranteed to stymie oversight, public debate, and legal accountability…”

Friedersdorf cuts Obama no slack for letting the CIA run loose and unrestricted; he sees the propensity for easy kills in the name of vengeance for the ultimate evil that it really is. In a sense, that makes the circumstances and result of the “final” drone strike of the war all the more macabre.

As detailed by the New York Times, Zemari Ahmadi rose on the final day of his life completely unaware of the tragedy that would strike him and decimate his family.

Through numerous interviews and reviewing both drone

and security footage, reporters were able to piece together a day without any violent intent. Ahmadi left his house, picked up coworkers, delivered food and water to the poor, and returned home with water for his family. Yet it is the final moments of his life that must bear the most weight: “As he pulled into the narrow street where he lived with his three brothers and their families, many of their children, seeing his white Toyota Corolla, rushed out to greet him...

Some clambered onto the car in the street, one jumped in while others gathered in the narrow courtyard of the compound as he pulled in.” It was at that moment that the $100,000 Hellfire missile struck.

Ten people died that day, seven of them were children. The youngest casualty was a two-year-old named Hayat. There were two three-year-old girls named Malika and Somaya, six-year-old Benyamin, sevenyear-old Arwin, ten-year-old Farzad, and 16-year-old Faisal rounded out the children.

When the government announced the strike, they were triumphant. Words like “retribution” and “reprisal” littered the newspapers. The killings were packaged as if they single handily stopped another terrorist bombing or saved an American life. Maybe, if they hadn’t highlighted this one so brazenly it would have slipped away into statistics the way the thousands before it had. In a sense, it's only because of hubris that we would eventually know these names.

Yet it should be of high importance that we start to know the names of these faraway victims; after all, it's hard to imagine how their deaths would not serve to fuel terrorism. I can’t imagine how two decades of warfare could not drive thousands to arms. Why wouldn’t someone who had known Ahmadi to be a good man all his life not hate the people who killed him so callously? Why wouldn’t the anguished and terrified screams of the survivors and left behind not pollinate ceaseless rage for the country that caused it? Is not vengeance a human emotion?

But maybe there is little to worry about now that the Taliban has taken over and

the troops have returned home. Instead of drone strikes, the fear of the land has centred on women’s freedoms and the impending humanitarian crisis. In fact, the two are so closely linked that a recent Business Insider article quotes Zahra Mohammadi who says of the Taliban leaders: “They spend so much of their time worrying about us women when they could be helping the millions in need." Unfortunately, the preoccupation with women and the lack of focus on the crisis has led to fears from UNICEF. According to a UN News report, an estimated 3.2 million children are acutely malnourished while 1.1 million children risk dying due to severe malnutrition.

Then again, one of the first diplomatic meeting the Taliban held was with China and initially, they vowed to be better on the issues of human rights. It might just work out that as the crises deepens, and Afghanistan desperately requires more and more aid, the Taliban will be forced to slide in a more moderate and accepting direction. Provided that China is not able to capitalize on the anger undoubtedly grown over the past two decades, western countries may be able to pull the Taliban away from their more negative teachings.

As I was writing this a line from “War Pigs” by Black Sabbath kept running through my mind: “Evil minds that plot destruction/Sorcerers of death's construction/In the fields, the bodies burning/As the war machine keeps turning/ Death and hatred to mankind/Poisoning their brainwashed minds.”

The war on terror that hasn’t touched North American shores in two decades, has become the deliverance of terror to the Middles East for the same period. It’s not easy to tell whether the issue has reached its zenith and will slowly subside into a scar of the past or if it will just transform into a different and easier to conceal atrocity.

We can only hope that it is the former, not the latter, but who knows what the war machine is chewing up at this moment.

I can’t imagine how two decades of warfare could not drive thousands to arms. Why wouldn’t someone who had known Ahmadi to be a good man all his life not hate the people who killed him so callously?

Have an idea for a story?  lifeandstyle@theotherpress.ca

Life & Style

life & style // no. 12 • Tendon Kohaku Review • Humour continues to be the best medicine to cope with the pandemic • Save your Skin! ...and that's everything!

Extravagant tempura on a rice bowl

Illustration by Udeshi Seneviratne

› Tendon Kohaku Review

Jerrison Oracion Senior Columnist

L

ast month, I went to The Cinematheque to watch a retrospective of the films by one of the greatest living Japanese directors, Hirokazu kore-Eda. Like the characters in his films, I ran very quickly to the theatre before the film began. I even had to run when it was raining heavily and a tornado was wreaking havoc near the airport.

As I was on my way, I saw a new rice bowl place near the Provincial Court Buildings that is brightly lit and looked like the type of restaurant that I would see in Japan. Food was also a part of kore-Eda’s films and after watching one of his films, I decided to go there to eat dinner. Tendon Kohaku is a rice bowl chain in Japan that recently expanded around the world, adding

to the list of famous food chains to come to the Lower Mainland.

There is not only a location in Vancouver but also two locations in Burnaby, one near Metrotown and another neighbouring Brentwood Town Centre.

Their signature rice bowl is like a tour of the various regions of Japan including rice that is imported from Hokkaido. Various seafood, meat, and vegetables are dipped in their specially formulated batter and fried without being oily.

Finally, the fried contents are placed on top of the rice with a bowl to put them on the side and their signature sauce is poured on top; it is also available in a spicy option.

Customarily, you begin by putting some of the tempura in the side bowl and then breaking the fried egg to mix it with the rice.

I got the main rice bowl which is the Kohaku Tendon which consists of two prawns, squid,

chicken, pumpkin, French beans, baby corn (Similar to the fried corn bites seen in Still Walking), and egg.

The positioning of the tempura made the rice bowl look like beautiful art. It was crunchy, flavourful, and I did not taste the oil. When getting the spicy option, the sauce is spicy but easy to eat. The rice is soft, dry, and easy to get with chopsticks.

They have various sides including the famous Nagoya wings which are like Japan’s version of Buffalo wings. These wings are huge, so you have to split them to reach all the meat. The wings are crunchy, and the meat is juicy. I also got the very refreshing Hokkaido milk tea, which is served in a reusable clear can filled with ice.

At a decent price 0f $17, the rice bowls at Tendon Kohaku present the true rice bowl experience. Once you eat one the first time, you will get used to eating them.

life & style // no. 13

issue 12// vol 48

Laugh till you drop

Photo by Arnaldo Fragozo

› Humour continues to be the best medicine to cope with the pandemic

Brandon Yip Senior Columnist

T

he pandemic has been very challenging for many people. Since March 2020, our lives have been altered. COVID-19 restrictions have often resulted in declining mental and physical health. Humans are social creatures, so the inability to be with close friends and relatives has been very difficult. Additionally, healthcare workers have been overwhelmed as ICU beds fill.

But one coping mechanism that appears to have helped many people through the pandemic is humour. As the old saying goes, “laughter is the best medicine.” Sometimes, it is good to just laugh. However, I am not endorsing laughing at people affected by COVID-19.

There is nothing funny about people who have suffered and who have lost loved ones to this virus.

Studies have shown that laughter does help people cope better with increased

levels of stress. According to Naomi Bagdonas, author of the book, Humour, Seriously, the use of humour is especially important during the pandemic. “Some people believe this is too serious a time to laugh,” Bagdonas said during a Zoom interview with The Guardian in October 2020. “But this is when we need humour more than ever. With this global pandemic, the shift to remote working, loneliness and depression rising precipitously, many of us have never felt so disconnected. When we laugh with someone—whether through a screen or 2m apart—we get this cocktail of hormones that strengthens our emotional bonds in a way that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. Studies show it makes us more resilient, creative and resourceful.”

Indeed, there is evidence that laughter often helps people cope with stressful situations like the pandemic. According to the same article “laughter triggers the ‘happy hormones’ and suppresses cortisol, the stress hormone. It increases blood flow, and is a muscle relaxant.”

Gil Greengross, in a May 2020 article he wrote about humour, says the ability to laugh is very therapeutic for patients experiencing serious life-threatening illnesses. “This is because, from a psychological point of view, humour is a great defence mechanism which helps us deal with emotionally challenging situations, especially ones which are overwhelming and unpredictable,” he wrote. “Many cancer patients and their doctors, for example, routinely tell jokes and laugh about the disease, in an attempt to cope and distract themselves from the serious situation.”

Nevertheless, it is evident that funeral services, which are sombre occasions—are sometimes organized and delivered as a “Celebration of Life.” It is therapeutic to laugh at amusing anecdotes about the deceased person, rather than being melancholic for the entire funeral service.

It is important to mourn the person and cherish their memory, but also to be able to laugh.

Another example where humour is used in a much more jovial environment is to entertain an audience at celebrity roasts.

Many celebrities have willingly subjected themselves to being teased and ridiculed for the public’s enjoyment, including Justin Bieber, Charlie Sheen, David Hasselhoff, Alec Baldwin and Donald Trump. During Bieber’s in March 2015, Comedy Central roast, he delivered a cutting remark at Martha Stewart (who had roasted the Biebs earlier): "Martha, thanks for coming. I know that's something you probably don't do much of anymore."

Lastly, humour has helped many people cope better with stress, relationship breakups and the loss of a loved one. And if people can find the positive side during challenging times like the pandemic—the use of humour will always be instinctive. Once again, laughter is indeed the best medicine. And it is free.

When we laugh with someone—whether through a screen or 2m apart—we get this cocktail of hormones that strengthens our emotional bonds in a way that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.

-Naomi Bagdonas

life & style // no. 14

theotherpress.ca

Save your Skin! › Some tips and tricks to fight off

Ash Sabinin Contributor

T

his year, winter is coming quickly and bringing lots of cold, windy days with her. Not only can the constant chill suck the motivation right out of people, but it also sucks the life out of their skin. Here are some ways to keep your skin feeling soft, moisturized, and healthy despite the brisk wind and torrential downpour.

So, this one's probably the most obvious but use moisturizer! Always moisturize your face after washing it. I recommend washing your face at least once a day with a gentle cleanser, patting your face until almost dry and then applying a hydrating moisturizer.

If you wear makeup, make sure to remove it with a gentle, alcohol-free makeup remover or cleanser and moisturize well. When moisturizing your body (which should be done after every shower or bath) choose a thicker cream as opposed to a lotion as it does

a better job of trapping in the moisture. Also, don't forget to moisturize your feet and hands!

They do a lot of work and are often forgotten about when it comes to skincare routines.

Many people may see dry skin as a reason to avoid exfoliating, however using a gentle exfoliator every few days may be beneficial to help clear dead skin. But don't go overboard with harsh scrubs and make sure to moisturize after exfoliating.

Another tip is to invest in good lip products as well because lips can chap very easily in the colder months and it's best to try and prevent them from getting too dry to save yourself from the discomfort. I also suggest looking for a lip balm with at least SPF 15; I personally recommend Kiehl’s Butterstick Lip Treatment with SPF 30 but make sure you find something that suits your own skin type and needs.

This one's a little counter-intuitive because we all love a hot shower or bubble bath when it gets cold, but the scalding water is actually makes your skin even more

irritated and dry. Try to limit the length and temperature of your showers and baths, as the longer you're in hot water, the more your skin gets stripped of its natural oils.

Another way to prevent dry skin is to invest in a humidifier. Keeping the air inside your house humid will help prevent the drying of your skin. Place it next to your bed when you sleep or in a room where you spend the majority of your day to give yourself the maximum time for your skin to absorb and appreciate the humidity.

Last but not least, another way to prevent dry skin is to hydrate from the inside out. Drink more water than you would in the summer but don't chug large amounts at one time as it doesn't help replenish you the way many small sips over the course of the day does.

I recommend adding as many of these habits and products into your skincare routine as possible for the next few chilly months and modifying them once summer comes to keep your skin looking and feeling great.

Photo by Anna Machuik

dry skin this winter season.

O pinions College as a

Have an idea for a story?  opinions@theotherpress.ca

opinions // no. 15 • Gap years can cause instability so maybe they should be avoided • Is it better to be a homebody or a social butterfly? ...and that's everything!

young student

› Gap years can cause instability so maybe they should be avoided

I

s going to college at a young age beneficial?

Personally, I would say that it is.

When I had finally become a high school senior, the first thing I did was research every single potential college and university. I studied all their requirements and planned out what I wanted to major in. Because for me, the most logical thing to do was to continue my studies right after I graduated high school.

At this point in time, I’ve graduated twice from an accredited post-secondary institution (from diploma programs and all that jazz). Soon after I turn 22, I’ll be graduating for the third time. The point of this isn’t to ‘flex’ as it is to say that I’m glad I did this at such a young age.

For starters, it's easier to remember things that I learned in high school because I didn't take a gap year. You might’ve heard the rumour that learning a language is much easier to do when you’re younger. As someone who loves learning languages, I didn’t want to go too long without having seen or studied French.

The same goes for any other subject, such as math or science. Since my last postsecondary education was entirely theatrebased, going into any course related to math or science feels as though I had never learned them before.

Plus, I assume that the momentum of studying is easier to maintain than if I had to throw myself back into school. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have a year or two of breaks and then have to readjust to the demanding scheduling of my classes. It gives me a sense of stability as to how I should manage my time, and how it’ll be easier to maintain when I finish. People I know that have taken a gap year have always told me that they regret it because suddenly they have to cater to something that takes up a huge chunk of their time.

By the way, I’m not saying that gap years are completely terrible. If you need that time off for mental health, financial reasons, etc., it’s understandable. I just think that personally, a gap year would do me a disservice more than anything. Even though I was still in school during 2020, I found that coming back to campus this Fall made it feel as though I had to relearn how to be a student.

Lastly, as much as I love all the things I’ve studied and all the friends I’ve made in college, it’ll be a relief to be finally free from school. After I graduate for (hopefully) the last time, the rest of my life will no longer revolve around grades and last-minute crams. Instead, the rest of my life will be dedicated to doing what I want to be doing—and I’ll already have the skills to get there.

Photo by Billy Bui

Angelika Leal Contributor

Is it better to be a homebody or a social butterfly? › The right answer to an age-old question Emi Namoro Contributor

Photo by Billy Bui

T

ruthfully, I have always believed that there are three different sides to who you are. There is your public persona that is less intimate, there’s the persona that you show to family and friends, and there’s the private side of you that only you know.

Notice how I mentioned persona for the first two but not the last? The reason why is because we tend to adapt how we act and behave towards other people, but not when we’re left alone.

So, when it comes to asking if it’s better to be a homebody or a social butterfly, I would say that it depends.

Personally, I am both a stay-at-home gal and the life-of-the-party.

My public persona has always been the loud, bubbly side meanwhile the side that my family and friends know best is the more reserved one. It has always been this way for as long as I can remember. I don’t think that it is necessarily a bad thing because it’s who

I am. I am sure that if you take the time to reflect on your own personas, you will find out the same thing, too!

Now, let me let you in a little secret: I don’t think that there is one way of being that’s better than the other. As someone who needs her alone time and who also enjoys going to new places to meet new people, I have experienced the joy of being both a social butterfly and a homebody.

As a social butterfly, you witness the beauty of meeting others as they are. You explore new horizons and go out farther alongside those who give you energy and bring forth those parts of you. Many find you approachable and friendly, which in turn, opens doors to many more friendships and relationships in your life that will bring adventure. It is such an exciting time to find those that help you feel comfortable being yourself. There’s no need to hide who you are.

As a homebody, you witness an entirely different perspective. Instead of going forth in different horizons, you

explore inwardly within yourself. You learn that there is joy in spending time alone and finding complete peace in doing so. There is no need to worry about others because your main priority is yourself. Of course, there are people in your life that don’t drain your energy, and when you find them, you tend to keep them close.

These are the people worth knowing and that invite you to explore other worlds apart from your own.

Is one better than the other?

Probably not.

Why? Because we need each other.

We can’t have a world full of introverts or extroverts. We need both to function properly as a society. Accepting each other’s differences is what will turn this world around. Actually, it's gravity, but you know what I mean.

Let’s not focus on who’s better than the other, but instead, celebrate each other’s differences. After all, as the hit High School Musical once put it, “we’re all in this together.”

Comics

Comic by CJ Sommerfeld

Pineaple express

Photo by Jorge Villeda

The Other Playlist

Funky sounds for the indoor season › Rain doesn’t have to just mean sadness Matthew Fraser Editor in Chief

W

hen the rain starts to fall and you have to shuttle yourself indoors, there’s a tendency to retreat to the softer, sadder music in your collection.

Dreariness outside forces the same to come out of your speakers or headphones and suddenly it’s inescapable. The sun has gone so it seems easy to ditch the energetic music. However, that isn’t always the best thing to do; in fact, the extra bit of happiness that flows from upbeat music could be precisely what the fall and winter greys need.

Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to turn your whole day around with just one song, but a few in a row can help bolster your mood and move you onwards and upwards.

1. Herbie Hancock- Chameleon 2. Karate Boogaloo- Bumpy’s Lament 3. Surprise Chef- Herb Hemphill 4. Ikebe Shakedown- Dram 5. Brainstory- Long Day 6. Khurangbin- Pelota 7. Soul Supreme- Let’s Ride 8. The Cactus Channel- The Colour of Don Don 9. The Daktaris- Give It Up Turnit Loose 10. The Budos Band- Chicago Falcon 11. Willie Hutch- Give Me Some of That Good Old Love 12. Barry White- I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby

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