‘Tis the season to … spend money? Whether we like it or not, money plays a tremendous factor in the holiday celebration. And it is not just the presents. People spend hundreds, even thousands of dollars on decorations, food, parties, holiday vacations, travel, and so on. Christmas has evolved into a consumerism-obsessed time of year for a lot of people. It is scary to witness how easy it is to get sucked into the traditions and patterns of over-buying and stocking up for Christmas, and it does not help that malls host crazy sales, where you get deals like an additional 50 per cent off the last ticketed price. In the past, Christmas was a more wholesome tradition for celebrating the birth of Jesus, but in this age, Santa Claus and his gifts play a more dominant role, revealing the truth of our dependence on consumption to enjoy the Christmas season.
Rachel Tait
It’s coming. Whether you love it or dread it, the Greater Vancouver winter’s cold and rain is coming. I know it’s coming every year, yet I’m still surprised by how cold or wet I am. But this in-between weather is what I dread the most — not quite winter sweater weather, and no longer t-shirt weather. I put on a sweater, jacket, and scarf for class in the morning, only to get out in the afternoon to die in the sun. Or what’s worse, I plan for a day like that, and instead I encounter rain with no hood. You just can’t win with this weather, though I’ll take it over slushy rain any day.
Julianne Huff
Many high school graduates fear continuing on to higher levels of study such as university. I think it’s because they are intimidated, thinking it will be a scary place. But UFV is such a small university that it is really easy to become friends with many amazing people, and to get involved in various activities like clubs and associations while growing as a person. Of course, university is difficult and stressful, but taking that first step and actually returning to your studies opens many doors for success in your future, because a piece of paper (your degree) can decide how you will be living the rest of your life. So study ‘til you can study no more, but also get involved and have fun!
Esra Al-Abduljabar
I’m wondering, after two weeks of being completely consumed by Adele’s latest hit and dreadfully singing those high notes in the shower, if anyone has actually paid attention to the lyrics? Don’t get me wrong, Adele never fails to impress me with her robust vocal range, her awful-yet-charming accent, and her exquisite, on-point contouring. However, her latest single, “Hello,” cheeses me off due to her blatantly insensitive lyrics: “Hello from the outside / At least I can say that I’ve tried / To tell you I’m sorry / For breaking your heart / But it don’t matter, it clearly doesn’t tear you apart anymore.”
Um, excuse me, Adele — are we not allowed to move on? It appears she would appreciate it if her ex-lover pined over her for the rest of their life. This song is not about Adele apologizing to her past love; it’s about Adele being a manipulative ex by making her cutie-boy from 90210 feel bad for not crying over her anymore. You’d think that if you shattered someone’s heart, the least you could do is be happy for them once they’ve moved on with their life. Come on, Adele. You’re better than that.
Jelena Rados
