February Horoscope
Aries (March 21 to April 19) Aries are always determined to finish whatever project they start. They are optimistic people and will always work hard for the best mark. So, when looking for the perfect group project partner, make sure you look out for your fellow Aries classmate. Taurus (April 20 to May 20) Being … Continued
Chickpea Peanut Butter Choco-Chip Cookies
Okay, so it might sound strange that the main ingredient in these cookies are chickpeas. I thought so too, but since finding this recipe from plant-based influencer Andrea Hannemann’s new cookbook, Plant Over Processed, I’ve made these cookies seven times. That might not sound like a lot, but that’s all within about a month and … Continued
Danielle Groenendijk:
A single marathon is equal to 42.195 km. Over the course of 30 days, Danielle Groenendijk ran 250 km—roughly six marathons—to bring awareness to, and raise money for, Parkinson’s disease. Groenendijk is a fourth-year Bachelor of Science student at VIU with plans to become a veterinarian following graduation. She is very passionate about animals, and … Continued
The Vault Bazaar
If I could name only one place that really screams “Nanaimo,” that place would be The Vault Café. Before moving to this city, I never thought I would step through the pink walls of what used to be an early twentieth-century bank and emerge into a bohemian paradise. The space is eclectic to say the … Continued
VIU Webinar Address Indigenous-specific Racism in Island Health Region
VIU will be opening the conversation around Indigenous-specific racism in the health care system that is happening close to campus and around Vancouver Island for its Engaged Citizen Speaker Series. VIU will be welcoming Dawn Thomas Aa ap waa iik, Associate Deputy Minister for Indigenous Health with the BC Ministry of Health, to speak on … Continued
The VIU Student’s Union Pub: 2021
Over the last three years, I have spent a significant amount of time at the VIUSU Pub; I regard it among my favourite places. I’ve had a lot of firsts at that pub: The first group of friends I made in Nanaimo, the first time I sang in front of a crowd, the first time … Continued
January Horoscope
Aries (March 21 to April 19) With January being a cold, rainy, sunsets-before-five-o’clock kind of month, it’s important to avoid falling into a gloomy funk. While stuck inside, why not purchase some colour changing lights, turn up that “best of the 70s” playlist and get into the right type of funk while moving and grooving … Continued
Easy Listening Playlist
If you are reading this, you did it! You made it through 2020. I don’t know about you, but after the chaos last year brought, I’m feeling a little more relaxed and ready heading into 2021. Okqy, not completely relaxed, but at least more adjusted to online classes and how to manage my time. Winter … Continued
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