Facebook Announces Steps to Avoid Misinformation in 2020 US Election
Several months ago, Facebook announced that they would be making efforts to claim responsibility for their impact and influence as a major world platform.
This Woman is Free
How do you live so freely? So untangled from societal reigns? Well, my mother taught me the independence of a woman. When a man leaves, he mustn’t take your spirit— it must strengthen with the wind that carried him away, like my father, who was willingly swallowed by the cigarette shop, who willingly stepped into … Continued
Imagine Dragons – Whatever it Takes: A Ballad for the Digital Age
Life is not meant to be lived in the fast lane, forever chasing that next hit of adrenaline.
Impressions of Japan
Shinkansen Silent sleek ghost train Slices through so much busyness; Inside all is calm. Tokyo Izakaya Tasty snacks sizzle, Tipsy salarymen smile, While Chet Baker sings. Karakuen Autumn colours blaze, Streams burble, scent of pine wafts; Perfect harmony. Fujisan Sacred peak reflects In the smoothness of the lake; Eternity looms. Zen Garden Lonely rocks stranded … Continued
Malecon Quinceanera
The chrome Indian head of a black ’49 Pontiac Chieftain Coupe, shimmers in the late afternoon sun. My Dad had one fifty years ago; it had leaky brakes and sometimes he had to angle it against the curb to stop it. It must have died long ago, but here, frozen in time, this one glides … Continued
When I Stopped Clapping
In a one-room schoolhouse a cast iron pot belly stove burned through great stacks of wood and sometimes mice whose necks had snapped in shiny steel traps. We all cheered and clapped when our hero dangled them by their tails and flung their tiny corpses into the fire. He was a lanky man … Continued
Glitter
It took Lydia five minutes to pry Pointer away from the door, where he growled and barked incessantly. With one hand buried in his silken gold coat she cracked the door with the other, the dog howling in distress. “Can’t you read?” Lydia yelled over the wails from Pointer, and then flung the door open. … Continued
Album Review: Mac Demarco – Salad Days
By contributor Drew McLachlan A focus on earnestness and honesty in an artist’s work can illuminate their life in the same way a journal, biography, or folder of leaked nudes would. Such an album reflects the artist in completion—at that time at least. But to compare an album to a journal, biography, or folder of … Continued
Album Review: Flying Lotus – You’re Dead!
By contributor Jenny Garceau A muted symphonic swell gives way to the familiar diced up jazz fusion sound that is undeniably Flying Lotus (aka FlyLo). You’re Dead! is FlyLo’s fifth album, and while the title would be indicative of the overarching theme of this album, special attention should be given to the exclamation mark at … Continued
Movie review: Winter Sleep
By contributor Spencer Wilson In literature, it is common practice to play on the imagination of the reader. The same could be said about watching a Nuri Bilge Ceylan film. Ceylan is a master of using silence in his films, such that the viewer must imagine what a character is feeling. He is a combination … Continued
Why poetry matters
By contributor Jennifer Cox Poetry matters. It gives voice to certain intimacy and connections that would otherwise be lost. When I read a poem that resonates I feel like I have found a long lost friend. It is akin to that feeling you get when you run into someone you’ve shared a deep connection with, … Continued
Why Ello is Dumb and So Are You
Op-ed by Contributor Philip Gordon Those who are abreast of the latest in technosocial fervour (which seems to be everyone these days) might have heard of Ello, a new social media site which has recently become available in its beta stage by way of invite only. Ello describes itself as “a simple, beautiful, and ad-free … Continued
Mobilizing the March for the Climate
Contributor Chantelle Spicer shows Nanaimo’s broader vision of sustainability. Sustainability is a real buzzword right now, flying around many communities, industries, and our own university. It touches everyday life when we look at waste reduction, housing, and timber. It is at the heart of many movements, including one that happened recently in our own city. … Continued