Mariners Announce Recreation Return
Mariners Athletics & Recreation has reopened the weight room and gym floor in the VIU Gymnasium as of January 11. Outdoor events are also back on schedule. The announcement was made on the Mariners website on January 7—one day before the BC government extended its COVID-19 restrictions on team sports and gatherings to February 5. … Continued
Timeout:
Thousands of VIU students are readying themselves for another semester of online courses, a restricted campus, and necessary isolation from their friends and classmates. People reflecting to me on their post-secondary school experience often remark on the sense of community it brought them; how part of their identity was forged before turning fully to a … Continued
Pandemic Spending
I press the checkout button and a familiar giddiness rushes over me. My laptop pings—it’s an email telling me my purchase has been confirmed and will be shipped shortly. The countdown begins. Among the many aspects of life that the COVID-19 pandemic will change forever, the way we spend our money seems to be one … Continued
Jon Bethell
On resilience: “How a person responds in the face of adversity is based on numerous factors, such as your support system (family and close friends), self-confidence, ability to communicate [feelings], and more.” —Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation Jon Bethell and I are sitting across from each other outside a coffee shop in downtown Nanaimo. I sip … Continued
The Art and Science of Human Movement:
Les Malbon, professor of kinesiology at VIU, is excited to see the program he’s taught for over 40 years continue to grow. VIU’s Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education became Bachelor of Kinesiology in September 2020—a move that better reflects the program’s content and student interests, Malbon said in a VIU press release. Malbon will … Continued
Nanaimo Musician Spencer Hiemstra Releases First Solo Album
Nanaimo folk musician Spencer Hiemstra released his debut solo album Wildlife on December 11. He describes his album as singer-songwriter style folk music, but with the addition of fuller sounds like horns and keyboard. “Growing up I found that I resonated a lot with music that I found local, and I think that’s something that … Continued
December Horoscopes
Aries (March 21 to April 19) The stars see that you are determined to finish all of your final projects before their due dates. Congratulations on that, but be patient with your Aquarian friends that are probably procrastinating. Take this time to become their number one best friend by bringing them late-night Slurpees and mid-day … Continued
DIY Holiday Decorations
While we’re all still spending lots of time at home and surely have moved on from making homemade bread, creating your own Christmas ornaments is a time consuming DIY project that will give you that same sense of accomplishment, not to mention it’s affordable and eco-friendly. Christmas decorations can get pricey and it’s easy to … Continued
BC Suspends Team Sports
Sports are off the table in BC, indefinitely. The province has put a hold on all adult (19+) indoor and outdoor team sports due to climbing COVID-19 cases, Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced Wednesday, December 2. All other indoor group physical activity has also been suspended. The decision came in step with VIU’s extension … Continued
Mount Washington is Now Open
As 2020 draws to a close and the pandemic rages on, many are looking forward to their favourite snow sports as a means of escape from the shadow this year has cast on us. One by one, as ski resorts around the province open up, it’s clear this winter season is going to look a … Continued
Andrea Čanković
Andrea Čanković has had a wild year. In February 2020 she guided the VIU Mariners women’s volleyball team to provincial gold as co-captain, marking the third straight Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) title for her and the club. A month later, under the looming threat of cancellation due to COVID-19, Čanković and her teammates celebrated … Continued
Escape With Podcasts
It’s almost the holidays and COVID-19 season drags on. There won’t be any traveling to visit relatives or sitting down over a ham to debate your extended family over something trivial. Time off with nothing to do is a recipe for boredom. How to remedy the yawning and dead-eyed stares that are sure to come? … Continued
Communicate Through Your Mask
As I sit in the VIU library—my favourite place to get work done—it is now mandatory to wear a face mask at all times. This is fine by me, as mask-wearing is a critical factor in minimizing the spread of COVID-19, but I can’t help but think should I even be here? In speaking to … Continued
VIU Mariners Suspend All Activities Due to COVID-19
VIU Mariners Athletics and Recreation has cancelled all activities until November 30, including intramurals, Outdoor Recreation, and weight room access. The decision was a precautionary measure due to the surge of COVID-19 cases in BC, Danielle Hyde, the interim director of athletics and recreation, said in a letter emailed to VIU students on November 17. … Continued