Y2K shutdown: I can’t imagine living amongst the looming threat of the internet imploding and the world subsequently falling into chaos. This was a genuine possibility to people who were around 25 years ago, including Nexus writer Marcel Bertrand, who, in our March 22, 1999 issue, delved into the possible ramifications of the technological shutdown known as Y2K. Bertrand’s article did pose some interesting points about society’s over-reliance on technology and the fear that accompanies the potential of the world going dark—in which case, you can find me at Costco loading up on deli meat for the apocalypse (I like what I like; leave me alone).
You did what now?: In this issue, writers Genevieve Mutschler, John Overall, and Christopher Wright loitered on the streets of Victoria, seeing how long it would take for someone to offer them drugs, all in the name of journalism. Apparently, they were offered marijuana right away by some 16 year olds, which they then bought for a whopping $15 (purely for the experiment, I’m assuming). Modern-day Victoria doesn’t really have a market for teenage weed dealers because it’s legal and it feels like there’s a weed shop on every block. The article shifted focus to some poignant topics about a lack of support systems in place for people who were unhoused and suffering from addiction.
What Wendi said: One of my favourite Nexus writers from 25 years ago, Wendi Davies, wrote an editorial in this issue addressing angry drivers on the roads of Victoria. I’m not surprised to say that this is still a problem today. I recently watched a driver exit Camosun and change lanes without shoulder checking, resulting in a cyclist nearly being clipped. I mean, I’m no angel: just the other night, I flipped someone ye olde bird for honking impatiently at me after the light had gone green for approximately .35 seconds. But as Davies points out, scraping a pedestrian off your windshield will probably slow you down further, so let’s learn how to share the road (cars and cyclists alike), slow down, and take it a little easier.