By Tayvie Van Eeuwen
@tayvieeee
A Happy Place, my new space to share little bits of sunshine in this sometimes dark and often overwhelming world. The news can be scary, frustrating, and at the very least, confusing.
Part of deconstructing privilege is being aware of what’s happening in the news, because for minorities their very existence is radically political. But who’s to say we can’t look at the good, too? Here’s some feel-good and wholesome news that is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Local
Student’s Gather at Vancouver Art Gallery in protest of Climate change
Swedish teen activist, Greta Thunberg, has created a movement around the world concerning climate change. After noticing the frankly unacceptable lack of climate action by politicians and large corruptions, Thunberg encouraged students to skip school in protest of climate change. Her solitary strike in her hometown has inspired thousands of young activists to follow her lead, including in Vancouver.
On March 15, hundreds of Metro Vancouver students walked out of school and assembled in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery. Students shared powerful messages about their fear of the future, in the form of speeches, signs, and conversation.
“I know it’s a really important issue and people in power aren’t treating it as so. In 11 years I’ll only be 26 and my life will barely have begun, and I want to have a positive future on a good earth. I’m happy to see how many people are here and how many people care and how many are taking action and coming away from school.” — Megan, 15 (Quote from The Tyee)
The UN Climate Change Report documented that, within 12 years, carbon emissions need to be cut in half worldwide in order to limit global warming to moderate levels. While this very obviously threatens the livelihood of this younger generation, students are sparking hope in hearts across the globe.
Vancouver makes Top 10 List for Most Dog-Friendly Cities
It’s no secret that Vancouver LOVES dogs. Seriously, take a stroll around any corner of the city and you will see an abundance of cute pups. Among nearly 300 cities in North America, Technobark rated Vancouver sixth.
Technobark rated various cities based on a list of criteria, such as: dog-friendly establishments, veterinary accessibility, and pet-worthy beaches and parks. Most Canadian cities didn’t make the cut due to the harsh Canadian climate, but Vancouver scored 77.36/100. Props to you, Vancouver!
Hundreds Join Together for 12th Annual Fraser River Cleanup
Last Saturday, upwards of 700 volunteers joined along the shores of the Fraser River to collect garbage. In their haul, they were able to pick up several tonnes of garbage from various shoreside locations.
The trash pickup included tires, concrete, single-use plastics, an abundance of old nails, and even a sawed off shotgun. This event aimed to remove garbage from the Fraser’s banks before it could be carried to the ocean.
Worldwide
Karen Unlenbeck Becomes First Woman to Win PRestigious Mathematics prize
Considered equal to the Nobel Prize, the Abel Prize for Mathematics has a longstanding tradition of only being aware to men. Karen Uhlenbeck, a Mathematician at the University of Texas, has broken the trend.
Uhlenbeck is considered a new groundbreaking figure in world of mathematics. Her winning has earned her 6 million Norwegian kroner, equivalent to around $700,000.
Uhlenbeck collected the award for her work in gauge theory and pioneering work in geometric analysis, all of which is regarded to have made an extensive impact on mathematics and physics.
As well as doing incredible work, she is known to encourage and mentor other women in the mathematics field. An all around kick-ass woman.
Superbloom in California Ends drought after More than Seven Years
Everyone knows that California has been in a drought for a longggg time. Personally, I almost forgot it existed because it’s been a sad reality that my brain tried to push aside.
But, exciting news! More than 93 per cent of the state is now drought-free! In wake of the sudden abundance of water and rain, California has experienced the largest super bloom in years.
Flowers have exploded all over Central and Southern California, and may be able to be seen in northern areas soon. Some have called it the “super bloom apocalypse.” I prefer to just sit here and thank Mother Nature for giving the state what it desperately needed: environmental stability.
Due to the recent bloom, visitors have been flocking to Cali mountains, attracting crowds as big as Disneyland. So many people have arrived at once, some national parks had to be momentarily closed.
While we know everyone wants the perfect Insta shot, show the poppies some love, but also some distance.
Ally Maz Hosts First Girlvana Event in NYC
Girlvana is a long-known Vancouver gem known for hosting classes and retreats for self-identified girls. Through movement, meditation, and conversation Girlvana has created space for girls to feel seen, heard, and loved.
With founder Ally Maz currently residing in New York while awaiting her Green Card, Girlvana’s signature retreats have been on a slight pause. However, this past week Ally curated an event at Lululemon’s Hub Seventeen space to empower girls in the NYC region.
The event featured a powerhouse lineup of fearless change makers. Learn a bit about each speaker below:
Nupol Kiazolu: 18 years old President of Greater NYC Black Lives Matter and Founder/CEO of Vote 2000 Campaign.
Fabliha Anbar: 19 years old Editor in Chief of Sorjo Magazine and devoted youth activist.
Jourdan Ash: Creator and host of the amazing podcast Dating in NYC Pod.
Leah Kirsch– Founder and designer of streetwear brand Leah Kirsch.
Alex Wolf: Internet ecology writer and speaker, filmmaker, and artist.
Valerie Verdier: Yoga teacher and founder of Karma Ayiti Yoga, which brings yoga to disenfranchised communities in Haiti.
Blind Dog Has His Own Seeing Eye Dog
Just look at this picture and I’m sure your heart has already burst. They. Are. So. Cute.
Charlie, on the left, is an 11-year-old golden retriever who lost both his eyes to glaucoma. His buddy, Maverick, on the right, is a four-month-old puppy who has called himself into being Charlie’s personal seeing eye dog.
Maverick helps Charlie with everything from walking to playing to eating, even using him as a pillow. Their heartwarming friendship has gone viral, making the internet swoon with every new picture.
In a sightless world, Maverick has found new life in his younger mini-me and has been teaching him the ropes of the house. Isn’t this the type of wholesome content we all need?
Pop culture
Queer Eye’s Jones Sisters Sell out of Famous BBQ Sauce
Since Queer Eye’s third season was released on Netflix, viewers have been searching high and low for the Jones Sister’s rave-worthy BBQ sauce. During their transformation, Antoni and Karamo took the Jones Sisters to bottle their secret sauce and accomplish a life-long dream.
It’s been less than two weeks since the episode aired and already their tasty BBQ sauce has sold out! Their online shop currently has the product unavailable, but the sisters promise it will be restocked soon.
On the 19th, they reported they had sold over 11,000 bottles of their sauce- retailing at $6.99 per bottle. The sisters have dedicated their entire lives to their family-owned business and we couldn’t be happier to see the overwhelming support for their product.
Keep an eye on their website to see when their sweet and tangy sauce is restocked!
A self-declared witch, Tayvie spends her time with all things magic. She loves a good sunset, iced coffee, and every known essential oil. Catch her chilling with her black-cat sidekick, Shadow, and hiding by the ocean. Look for her bold eyebrows and vintage style, and you’re bound to find her.
