25 Years Ago in Nexus: October 30, 2024 issue

October 30, 2024 Views

Astral projection: The year is 1999, film projection is fading out, digital projection is rushing in, and projectionists all over North America—and in the heart of Victoria, BC—are standing their ground against the tech boom leaving them far behind. In our November 1, 1999 issue, we covered the “one or two projectionists stand[ing] amongst the lines of movie-goers asking them to respect the picket line.” For 10 months, the article reads, after being locked out by management, projectionists like Rick Cavan spent 44 hours per week on the picket line passing out pamphlets and hoping to halt the inevitable. While the projection room today is full of only automation, it’s people like Cavan who we hold in our hearts for standing up against the man (which is, in this case, Cineplex).

Highway to hell: This issue, Nexus asked the question I ask myself everyday when I leave campus to return home: “Is Richmond Road a danger to pedestrians?” Nexus writer Nikki Astofooroff suggested a crosswalk (I second this statement) to remedy the risks #14 bus users take. Camosun students of the year 1999 agreed, saying they fear for their safety. Well, it’s been 25 years now, so I believe it’s time we take a page out of Rick Cavan’s book and stand up for what’s right.

All of them witches: While Halloween is often synonymous with plastic skeletons and tummy aches, in this issue we addressed the satanic panic ongoing since 1980 and the religious organizations trying to rob us of our God-given right to dress up as giant felt pumpkins and provocative first responders. Fear mongering went beyond the chills you get watching Child’s Play for the umpteenth time—at the height of this fight, propagandists worked to remove Halloween celebrations from schools, believing the day is the work of evil forces. While it is untrue that the Devil is to thank for Halloween, he most certainly can be blamed for candy corn.