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SATIRE | What Your 2024 Spotify Wrapped Says About You
Every year, millions of Spotify users jump to social media to post their Wrapped. Many let this silly statistic define who they are for a year, even going to great lengths to edit their results to make them more appealing. Other streaming platforms have attempted to dupe Wrapped, but none have made as influential an impact as Spotify. I found this year’s Wrapped comparable to a guest showing up three hours late to a Christmas party, expecting a warm welcome. In their pyjamas. Empty-handed.
ANALYSIS | Sabrina Carpenter’s Big Break
In 2023, many had never heard of the soon-to-be pop icon Sabrina Carpenter, but with her hit single “Espresso”, Carpenter skyrocketed up the charts and soon millions knew her name. Carpenter has had a thrilling year. Her viral song “Espresso”, which was released on Apr. 11, reached number one on the charts in the US and UK. “Espresso” is the fastest song to exceed a billion streams in Spotify history, reaching 1.2 billion streams in 146 days, according to the World Music Awards.
Skincare Recommendations– What is Good and Bad for Our Skin?
Skincare is more than a beauty routine; it's a vital part of health. Many teens struggle with managing acne, in addition to other skin health concerns. But luckily, a market has emerged to cater to their needs. With so many options to choose from, Hamberites shared their suggestions on which products work best — and which brands to avoid.
The New School’s First CANley Cup
The CANley Cup — a district-wide fundraiser for those with financial difficulties, hosted by the Vancouver District Student Council (VDSC) — has returned for its thirteenth year. According to VDSC’s website, “Schools are encouraged to hold friendly competitions” to win the CANley Cup trophy, which is awarded to the student body that raises the most money.
The Life of John Horgan
Former BC Premier John Horgan died at the age of 65 on Nov. 12 in Victoria, following his third battle with cancer. From modest beginnings to multiple political achievements, Horgan led a remarkable life.
The End Of An Era: Taylor Swift Concludes Record-Breaking Tour In Vancouver
There’s glitter on the floor after the party, or more specifically, after Taylor Swift ended her multi-million dollar The Eras Tour in Vancouver in early December. The final shows marked the end of the pop culture spectacle which spanned 149 shows over five continents, and became the first tour to gross over a billion dollars.
EDITORIAL | AEDs Save Lives. Why Won’t The VSB?
Tobias Zhang was in grade 9 at Point Grey Secondary when he witnessed the death of his close friend at basketball tryouts. He watched as other bystanders checked his friend’s pulse, and someone called 911. The operator instructed students to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and to grab the nearest Automated External Defibrillator (AED). However, Vancouver schools aren't equipped with defibrillators.
Federal Government Amends Emissions Regulations
On Nov. 4, the Candian government published new draft regulations that reduce the legal amount of greenhouse gas emissions that oil and gas companies can produce.
Violence Follows Europa League Match Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict
On Nov. 7, a Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Europa League match between Maccabi–Tel Aviv and Ajax took place at Amsterdam’s Johan Cruyff stadium. At the same time, tensions were rising in Amsterdam, in light of the ongoing Israel–Hamas war, and the city was experiencing an uprising in related protests and violence.
DOJ Discovers Iranian Plot To Kill President-Elect Donald Trump
On Nov. 8, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) announced charges in connection to a thwarted Iranian assassination attempt against president-elect Donald Trump before the election, and revealed other “murder-for-hire” schemes targeting US citizens.
Paul vs. Tyson: The Fight Of The Year
Jake Paul challenged 58-year-old former champion Mike Tyson to a boxing match, and Tyson accepted the challenge as his first unsanctioned fight since 2005. Though it was originally scheduled for Jul. 20, the match was postponed in May, when Tyson required medical attention during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles for an ulcer flare-up. It was instead held on Nov. 15.
Hamber’s Hits: Students’ Favourite Songs of 2024
Everyone dreads waking up on early mornings. Every school day, an alarm clock disrupts a peaceful sleep, and forces students out of bed, feeling irritable and unenthusiastic. To aid in this daily struggle is an unassuming, but all-powerful tool commonly used to prepare for the day — your favourite song blasting at full volume.
OPINION | Simu Liu And The Bubble Tea Business
Simu Liu, an actor best known for his work as the Marvel hero Shang Chi and Ken in the Barbie movie, has been making headlines for his recent criticism of a small Quebec company called “Bobba.” In an October episode of CBC’s investment-pitch show Dragon’s Den, Liu clashed with the Quebec entrepreneurs. His concern was about the cultural appropriation of an Asian product.
Welcoming the Winter Sports Season
As the fall sports season came to a close, winter sports teams are warm and ready for the months ahead. Players, managers, and coaches are preparing for tournaments, league games, and city championships, and they are all excited to see what they can accomplish this season.
Hamberites’ Christmas Wishlists Unwrapped
From classroom decorations to annual festive events, there's no shortage of holiday cheer filling the air at Hamber. Exchanging gifts during the holiday offers a unique opportunity for friends to share their holiday wishes and celebrate the festive season together. Looking for gift ideas (for a friend, or maybe just to add to your wish list)? These Hamberites know exactly what they’re asking for this holiday season; take some inspiration!
Canadian Government Announces Sharp Immigration Cuts
The Canadian federal government announced sharp cuts in the number of permanent residents it will admit in coming years on Oct. 24. Initially, Canada was set to admit about 500,000 people in both 2025 and 2026. Following the immigration cuts, the number of new permanent residents will fall to 395,000 in 2025; 380,000 in 2026; and 365,000 in 2027. The new policy aims to address housing and health care concerns arising from a growing population.
REVIEW | Where’s The Best Place To Huddle Up?
Hamber’s new building features huddle spaces of all shapes and sizes sprinkled throughout its floor-plan. With so many options to choose from, students may be left wondering: which spaces work best for socializing, studying, or even just taking a break during a long day?
Canadian Federal Government Bans TikTok Business Operations In Canada
The federal government has officially ordered TikTok to cease all business operations in Canada, citing national security concerns. While the app will still be available for Canadian users, TikTok’s offices in Toronto and Vancouver have been ordered to shut down.
Hamber’s One-Act Plays Return
Since the start of the pandemic, Hamber’s Drama Department has held one-act plays in the fall, as they were a safer alternative to plays and musicals. This year, two performances will be held from Jan. 16 to 17 in Hamber’s new auditorium. Each night will feature two one-act plays: “And Then There Were One — Spoof”, a comedic variation of Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery and “Anne-Arky”, which depicts high school actors’ fear of an all-seeing talent agent in the audience.
OPINION | What Crimes Justify Enslavement?
“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction,” reads the Thirteenth Amendment, commonly known as the amendment “that ended slavery.” However, there’s still a group permitted to be forced into involuntary servitude: prisoners. In most US states, incarcerated individuals being forced or coerced into performing labor against their will in dangerous conditions, and for little or no pay, is still legal.