Reasons to Live… In Victoria: The Breakwater Bistro & BarThe Lekwungen peoples have long treasured the land and sea along the coastline, including Ogden Point. There were major village sites along the coast up to Clover Point. Local artists Butch Dick of the Songhees Nation and Darlene Gait of the Esquimalt Nation were behind the breakwater mural that honours this history. Painted along the […] Continue Reading |
Fellas, Let’s Figure It Out: Dude, don’t skip cardioOver the last few years there’s been a significant rise in young men participating in exercise, specifically weight training. While there’s no doubt that the uptick of people participating in resistance training is a good thing, it leaves something to be desired as far as overall health goes. I never thought I’d write about the […] Continue Reading |
Lydia’s Film Critique: Love StreamsIf love is a stream, then it is in continuous motion. It pours past small obstructions, catching and letting go. When it pulses it is outside of any reason, and beyond any control; it is unafraid of any frictions that may hold it back or tighten it or forcibly carve out a new course. If […] Continue Reading |
Dropping the Needle: The Dark Side of the Moon is overratedThe Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd is overrated, but not because it’s a bad album—it’s great, but is it their best? Animals and Wish You Were Here offer so much more artistically, but they don’t get as much recognition because they are less accessible. First of all, yes, Dark Side is a […] Continue Reading |
Pieces of Performance: Sovereign Ace brings Black excellence to islandReigning from Nanaimo is a most mystical and mind-bending performer. Sovereign Ace has been nothing short of an incredible creator and sharer of any fantasy realm that they can dream up. From fan of drag to performing for two years, they have presented Black excellence from Nanaimo to Victoria. Celebrating gender fluidity and freedom has […] Continue Reading |
Lydia’s Film Critique: Pink Flamingos“Kill everyone now. Condone first-degree murder. Advocate cannibalism. Eat shit. Filth is my politics, filth is my life.” Should one try to vindicate Pink Flamingos (1972) from its vile cruelty to all which is good, they may fall flat. But should they instead embrace its vile cruelty, welcome its offenses, and affirm their own derangements, […] Continue Reading |
Dropping the Needle: A lonely Valentine’s DaySpending Valentine’s alone was not part of the plan, but after my three-year relationship ended I find myself riding solo through the month of love. However, music became my companion, like an embrace, a place to vent, and even an escape from reality. Here are the best albums to help you get through different stages […] Continue Reading |
Reasons to Live… In Victoria: Chinatown—The Bubble Tea PlaceA national historic site, Victoria’s Chinatown is famous for being the oldest surviving Chinatown in Canada. The closely built brick buildings create a labyrinth of inner courtyards, alleys, and passageways, giving Chinatown its mysterious allure. This neighbourhood was originally dominated by three import-export companies, including Kwong Lee & Co. Founded by Lee Chong, it was […] Continue Reading |
Fellas, Let’s Figure It Out: Intentional communicationIn my last column, I discussed the concept of intention and how we can use it to shape our behaviours and actions. I want to use this edition to zoom in on a facet of intention that is ever so important: thinking before one speaks. Intentional talk is not something that comes naturally to all […] Continue Reading |
Pieces of Performance: Gender witch Brujo Mars/Minx Latinx representing on stageThey claim themselves lovingly as a gender witch, but audiences know the reigning Venezuelan drag king and burlesque beauty as Brujo Mars, or Minx Latinx (also known as Monika). When they started performing in April 2022, they set out to represent Latinos on stage and share an important story. “I am extremely proud to be […] Continue Reading |
