Because I've decided that Summer starts NOW!

Today was the quintessential summer day for me. The sun was bright, the sky blue, and good vibes were all around. Maybe it's a mindset, maybe it's something you can naturally feel from everyone around you. The one thing I know for sure is that I could have days like this every day.

Something got me feeling like it was time to reach back into the vault and appreciate some albums from yesteryear- three in particular- which get me in the summer spirit and remind me of the best time of year:

Radiohead- In Rainbows

Something about this album just screams summer to me, and I think it's more to do with the sound than the lyrics, because anyone who know Radiohead knows that they aren't exactly uplifting. That being said, they're my favorite band and I get a huge kick out of them. This album in particular has amazing track after amazing track, but if I absolutely had to choose some highlights, I'd say "15 Step," "Reckoner," and "House of Cards." I haven't come across many albums like this, when after every track I think "Wow, this is the best track on the album- no wait, this one is- no wait..." It's just non-stop magic.

Mariah Carey- E=MC2

This album is soooo underrated! If The Emancipation of Mimi was fun, this one just kicks it up about ten more notches. It sets you up for such a nice day on the beach, leading into partying the night away. Highlights include the opening track "Migrate," the smooth "Cruise Control" and the- controversial for its title- "Lovin' You Long Time"

No Doubt- Rock Steady

This album just gets me so nostalgic for the early 00's and it's a pretty solidly reggae/dancehall- inspired album from start to finish. There's a few quirky ND tracks too, but a few of my favorites are the easy "Underneath It All," the club banger "Hey Baby," and the super cool "Hella Good."


Summer means something different to everyone. For me, it recalls all of the warmest, easiest, most exciting times I've had, when I'm so in my element- in the elements- that I don't have a worry in the whole world. 

One of the best summers I've ever had was back in 2007, when I went to Mexico for the first time with my best friend and his family for two weeks, came home for a week, and then joined my own family to see Disneyland for two weeks. In case you're wondering, my best friend is on the far right, and I'm beside him. I've never had such a powerful tan, and when I got back home many strangers were actually thinking I was Mexican! To be fair, my hair is jet black and it was pretty long at the time. 

For that matter, my first visit to Beijing and Hong Kong, in 2015 was unbelievable! In Beijing I contacted those I knew who had a good idea of the area and just told them to give me a list of places I could not miss- and then my mission was to see them all. If you've never travelled somewhere far away by yourself- just once- do it! I would equate it to the feeling we all dream a bird would have- complete and limitless freedom to go where the wind takes you.

I've always said that "as long as I'm warm, I'm happy." I guess it's a coincidence that while it was hot out, I also had some of the biggest thrills of my life! Don't let life pass you by, get out there and take advantage of every opportunity life throws your way. 

Anyways, I just figured that I'd write about something super fun, because I'm usually hitting pretty hard and complexed subjects.

Enjoy your summer!

Because if this isn't the age of enlightenment, we can at least do better

Some thought that the end of the Mayan calendar would mark the end of the world, but some had a different theory: the Age of Enlightenment.

As a matter of fact, it turned out to be neither, and as we get closer the second age of the 20's, we are beginning to see closer and closer similarities to the first one. If we're going to grow as a species, and avoid repeating past mistakes- as we silly humans continue to do- we need to learn to understand each other and accept that we are all different, and yet all the same.

Which bring me to my main point of discussion for this topic, and one I will explain so that you understand that I'm not just promoting an album I like: I'd like to be so bold as to say that Solange's latest effort, A Seat At The Table, may be one of the most important albums to start off 2017. For so many reason which I will list, but mainly because we need to enlighten ourselves and find a way to understand each other. Our difference of education, class, place in the world and individual needs and wants shouldn't-at this point in the game- be driving us from one another, but make us stronger and more universally intelligent.

Now onto the details.

This remarkable woman has single-handedly brought an easy to digest, semi-cliff-notes-like interpretation of black culture to the forefront, in a completely fresh and unpredictable way. She gives the ignorant an insight into where they've come from, where they are, and where she and collaborators on the album would like to see things go. 

I personally have always celebrated black culture, their people and what they've done for so many facets of the world, but I too didn't know about and had little- if any- information about a lot of important things that they've faced and continue to go through. In my own words: 100+ years of bullshit is the most ridiculous thing that any one race should have to deal with, and the fact that -by 2017- a lot of these issues haven't at all resolved themselves, is beyond disappointing. 

Solange has not only crafted a sonically diverse and engaging album, but tells her's and others' stories in a really honest and real way how bad things are, from things that have carried on since the torrid days of slavery, to daily annoyances (like peoples' need to walk up and just touch her hair). Now you might think, "Hey what's the problem? Things are so much better now." But sometimes you have to put yourself in other peoples' shoes and get over yourself for a minute. 

What's really special here is that she doesn't go for over-dramatics, either vocally or lyrically. It's just a matter-of-fact layout of the cultural landscape surrounding black culture, and it's riveting. This is an element which I'm so glad to be seeing more of in music in general- less of the show, and more of an honest look at life. One could be an endlessly fantastic performer, singer, dancer, etc., but if you have nothing to say, you're not going to hold people for very long. As much as the general population seems to show interest in pop music, it is clear that things are taking a shift. As music has become so much easier to acquire, and thus a lot more dispensable, people are showing promise of a desire for content, and quality over quantity. I'm extremely excited for the next generation to come to be forefront with their ideas, because it is time for a dramatic change in more ways than I can list in this article alone.

My main reason for citing Solange's newest album with such importance is because it gives new generations and the older, less aware ones a huge insight into what an entire race is facing. I would gladly welcome artists from other cultures to give us a similar insight through their own experiences, and those who can tell us about the past. In a time when everyone is quickly showing disinterest and even fear towards letting in those who we don't really know or understand into our lives, it's critical- now, more than ever- not to build a wall, but to break the existing ones down. 

Too many act like the small advances we have made, are reason enough to sit back and just let things unfold the way they may-  pretending like they don't still need a lot work. Nothing is perfect and it never will be, because we as humans are all fatally flawed. This doesn't mean give up, but to keep in mind that we can always improve. Yes, slavery has been abolished in many places, but it still exists, and continues to oppress people today. Segregation- on the scale it used to occupy- has been edited down, but it is still rampant. They've "...got a lot to be mad about." - Solange, Mad. Rightly so. Remember: you have no idea what someone else is going through, so don't assume that they're just fine. 

Tina Knowles said it very well, when she expressed her disappointment in a lot of white people in the U.S., who act like appreciating her own culture is some kind of means to suppress theirs. When an Englishman shows his pride for his country, it isn't his way of attacking a German's sense of self. The comparison should be no different, when it comes to white and black people. I try to be as unbiased as possible, but I honestly can't believe that we still need the likes of such powerful forces as Michael Jackson's music to tell people "...it doesn't matter if you're black or white." - Michael Jackson, Black or White. 

In a society where we have limitless access to information, it's as if we in totality only take advantage of the funny, silly or shocking displays available to us. What albums like Solange's can do for people who don't bother to read up about things they should already be privy to, is inform, in a language we can all relate to: music. 

This beautiful art form has taught us to "imagine all the people, sharing all the world." 

As I mentioned, we are always repeating past mistakes, and it seems that we haven't yet learned from a lot of them, with the rise of a lot of weak and corrupt leaders around the world. They won't further us, but either keep us in one place- to control- or push us back, so that we feel too defeated to continue. Some of them aren't doing this on purpose, but they obviously don't realize that their own poor influence is taking a tole on everyone with whom they have the power to influence. 

If you can do one thing to better yourself and become a more aware, emotionally intelligent person for 2017, it's listen to Solange Knowles' newest album, A Seat At The Table, and get informed. She isn't the only one who can shape your understanding for the better, but it's a damned good start. 

Because Cerebral Obesity is a thing...

When a person eats too much of everything without using reasonable discretion, they become overweight, feel terrible, and are consistently unhappy.

Much like food and physical obesity, we are constantly taking in an overabundance of entertainment, information, opinions, etc., and, in doing so, are becoming more complacent, desensitized, and lazy; we are becoming cerebrally obese.

It is a major epidemic that is quickly eradicating a lot of things which we used to have very solid foundations for.

Look at the entertainment sector specifically: people are obsessed- to the point of what people fifty years ago would constitute as madness- with music artists, actors, politicians, and those more useless celebs who are just famous for being beautiful or born into the right family.

People have become so desensitized towards the insanity that they see in reality television, such as The Real Housewives of [insert city name], the 2016 US election, Honey Booboo, 16 and pregnant, Duck Dynasty, etc, that no one really gives interest to important and often life-threatening issues, such as the phentynol problem in Canada, Aleppo in Syria, or violence against gays in Russia and Uganda. It is such a mess these days. 

Because the world wanted to advance so badly and so quickly, we have now come to the point at which we need to acknowledge our own distraction and scale back what is unnecessary and harmful to our existence. Just as we need to make healthy choices for our bodies, we need to make healthy choices for our minds. 

I often cite a healthy mind leading to a healthy body because your mental health and regulation is a crucial component of being a healthy and whole human being. 

If your mind is packed with lots of everything, it is hard to pick out the few things which really matter to you. The current music industry is a great example: there is access to so many artists, on so many platforms, that are so easy to attain, that most people don't really care who the artist is, and aren't invested in anything. 

If we are not invested in anything, then we will feel purposeless, and history shows that a life without purpose can lead down many unfavorable paths, such as drug and alcohol abuse, obsession, and, in many cases, suicide. 

The amount of drug overdoses, suicides, homicides and the like have risen catastrophically since decades past. According to the estimates in Our World in Data, about 800,000 people die a year from suicide alone. 

The problem which cerebral obesity is creating is that this number will not sound like a big deal to most people because the world population comprises of over 6 billion people, and is steadily rising.

In a sense, our minds are so packed with "stuff" that we stop caring about things that used to be important and only take in the easiest bits of information. This is why reality shows are so appealing to so many people: the people in these shows already tell you every thought that comes to their heads and do not require you to think- only consume.

If you put any physical part of your life on auto-pilot in the same way we do with our brains you would rapidly deteriorate, which is most likely yet another reason why mental illness is such a problem in today's world. Too many focus solely on work and forget about the other facets of life which make them human. Many wealthy business owners lose their spouse and/or family because all they ever think about is work. And when they are not at work, they are on their computer at home, on the plane, in the car, and when they eat. It is an endless cycle which literally sucks the life out of them. 

There needs to be a balance of things. There is a reason why some people are consistently happy and some are not. Personally, I found a philosophy that really spoke to me, and helps me find a balance whether I'm at financial highs or lows. Pick three hobbies: one that makes you money, one that keeps you healthy, and one that lets you be creative. Living by that one philosophy has helped me keep myself in check and do more than follow the money. Money will come when you really put your heart and soul into a project. If you half ass-it, you will probably get a half-assed result.

The point is that, just like with our physical bodies, we need to strike a balance within our minds. The body and mind go together, and both need to work properly for us to function properly. Take just one day out of your week to watch no television at all. Look ten strangers in the eye each day and smile. Unplug your music while you are in transit for one of your transfers. Walk, instead of driving, to the corner store that is only three blocks away. Go camping for a few days and leave all technology at home. After about three days of technology-free camping, your brain can begin to rewire itself to cut out all the noise of the busy city life.

Cerebral obesity is leading to so many dysfunctions of our own faculties. Check yours, and dial back some of the noise. Reintroduce yourself to the world in front of your face and not just the one coming from your phone/computer/television/tablet/entertainment system. Maybe when we do that, we can begin to understand each a bit better.


Written by: Joffery Hollsworth
Edited by Rikki Clark and Ariel Kazerooni

Because you have to be prepared!

It's great to take things one day at a time, and live in the present. 

But at least once a day, you've got to think about where you've been and where you're going.

If you don't open your eyes and pull your head out of the clouds periodically, you could end up: having your car's engine seize in the middle of an intersection too far from home to push, fall victim to fraud and owe thousands of dollars to the bank over an alleged photo assignment, have to race across four cities to get a new passport and beg them to help you because you fly to Mexico tomorrow morning, and/or get into all sorts of other equally - if not, worse - trouble that you won't always make it out of.










These are all true stories that have actually happened to me. I've finally opened my eyes to the realities of the world; at least for a good long while before the next event does. I've been exceedingly lucky to have made it through those and other blunders unscathed, and live to tell the tale. I can't tell you how many times I've been scared, worried or waiting with baited breath for things to work out in my favor. Who knows when my luck will run out, but for the time being I'm thankful somebody up there still likes me!

Because it's good to be Thankful...

Because turkey is in the air, it's out with the light, boring diets and in with the generously sized, heavy dinners!

This is one of two turkey dinners I look forward to all year, and I'm sure most would agree. For Canadians, now and Christmas are the big holidays for enormous portions and turkey stuffing! Personally the stuffing is my fav. Dinner with my family is usually comprised of: Turkey, stuffing, cooked carrots and corn, brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes and rolls.                      YUM!

But Thanksgiving isn't just about the delicious dinner, it's also comprised of dessert!! My mom always goes overboard and provides about four different confections, which we all love her all the more for. This year it was carrot cake, cheesecake, apple pie and cupcakes. Of course, there were both whipped and ice cream to top them all off with. The best end to a good dinner, is a good dessert. It's not always required - post-meal - but after a dinner such as Thanksgiving, it not only completes the meal, it's necessary!

 

Pumpkin pie - just like turkey is the essential Thanksgiving food - is the essential Thanksgiving dessert. These kinds of things are so good, not just because of the taste, but also because we only have them a vary rare amount throughout the year. So it's not wonder people can't help but devour all they see and later regret not exhibiting more self control. With anything, if you have it all the time it will tend to lose its luster. That's part of the appeal to this particular dessert, and the flavour in general. When one thinks of Fall and food, one taste that will likely come to mind is pumpkin! Pumpkin Spice Lattes, pumpkin pie, pumpkin loaf, pumpkin muffins, and just plain pumpkins litter this time of year; mostly throughout October more than any other time.

Seriously now - Thanksgiving is full of wonderful meals and good times - but let's all remember why it's truly important: it's a time of truly being thankful and appreciate the good things in your life. Family gatherings bring the spirit of being together. I have many amazing people in my life who continue to inspire me and help me grow to be a better person. I will also just mention a big Hurrah to Oktoberfest, because I am half German and so recognize the nation that is half of my being. Germany actually does celebrate a holiday much like our North American Thanksgiving. Over there it's called "Erntedankfest" which translated is "Harvest Thanksgiving Festival." 

So - all that being said - let's be thankful for love, life, friends, family and all the little things that make us smile and be happy to have each other to share in the good times!

Because you love sushi...

Well fall is now in full effect, and continuing to colour the streets of Vancouver. People are less focused on Bronzer and more focused on staying in and indulging in tasty food. Since sushi is ever popular in Van City, I thought I'd share one little gem you'd barely notice unless you already knew it was there!

Ringo Sushi: a well lit, nicely furnished little restaurant on 836 Denman Street. This restaurant has Charcoal tiling, a romantic archway, a few cool art pieces and some plant-life accents.

Personally I love sushi and eat it as often as I can afford, so naturally I've grown a bit picky about what is good and what isn't. I was first pleasantly surprised at how friendly the staff was. Smiles and polite attitude 'a blazin, I already felt like I had made a good decision. The second thing that set this place apart from the rest was that they don't charge for spicy mayo! Small I know, but I haven't yet eaten sushi and been given spicy mayo for free. I just assume places usually charge because mayo isn't cheap, but at Ringo Sushi that is not a problem! 

The warm and calm atmosphere is another refreshing change. Due to the high volume sushi places tend to have, it's surprising to enjoy my meal and also be able to hear myself think! Another wonderful quality that some, but not all will have (and this is for you poor young students and artists like me) is great prices! 

Sushi traditionally doesn't come as big as some of the rolls you can find in North America, but the bigger ones we do find here are usually different and interesting from place to place. Two special rolls I particularly enjoyed were the Stanley Park Roll - with yam tempura inside and avocado on top - and the Crispy Tuna Delight Roll - with yam tempura and spicy tuna on top. A bit redundant - I know - but I love yams! I have a habit of wanting to document how tasty my food is - to share it with everyone - and taking pictures way too late, but I hope this can at least illustrate some of what they have to offer. Also, they did look more pleasing before I poured spicy mayo all over them! Ringo has a number of other special rolls that look undeniably delicious as well, and I look forward to my next visit when I can try them.

Because it's too cheap not to try at least once!

If you like good food at a cheap price - and a cultured, colourful atmosphere - have I got the place for you!



I recently had the opportunity to dig into breakfast at Bon's off Broadway. At Bon's you can get a breakfast comprising of two eggs (prepared how you like), two pieces of toast (of your choosing), pan fried potatoes (which are how hash browns SHOULD be made), and your choice of either sausage or bacon. The best part of this well balanced breakfast is that it costs $2.95! I personally don't eat pork, so I opted for pancakes, but for merely a dollar more.


Even before entering, the outer building is littered with people. It's not place in a well known or busy location, which might lead one to wonder how they are so bloody busy all the time. When you go there and try the food, and consider what you're paying for it, everything makes sense. As far as restaurants go - even for a popular one - this is the most packed joint I've ever seen!

Bon's has a great song selection, with their music             They also have readily available coffee, syrup
being pumped out of this really cool, modern jukebox.     salt, pepper, and any extra condiments you require.

Nothing hits the spot like a good old fashioned                 Greasy spoon? Not really. This place would be the
breakfast and coffee.                                                       classic definition, but it's a well made meal.

Bon's off Broadway, located at 2451 Nanaimo. [They're] all about breakfast. 

Huge portions, not so huge prices.

All photography done by Joffery Hollsworth