Lily Sherry – Spoke

What’s new on streaming services this April: Netflix, Disney+ and more

Spring has sprung, and with the new season comes new original movies and TV shows to Canadian streaming services. From Netflix to Disney+, streaming platforms continue to pump out endless original content for their subscribers to enjoy, and this April is no different. But navigating this immense collection of new shows and movies across a multitude of platforms can be a challenge and a rather expensive one. Take a look … Continued

Toronto Comicon brings cosplayers together once again

From Trekkies to Potterheads, fandoms of all kinds gathered to share their passion with like-minded people at Toronto Comicon, a three-day convention that ran from March 18 to March 20. After a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic, Comicon’s highly anticipated return to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre had fans big and small dressing up as their favourite characters in costumes known as cosplay. Extravagant cosplays from stormtroopers to giant … Continued

Strike averted for Ontario colleges as last-minute deal is reached

Relief spread across Ontario colleges after a potential strike was called off on March 17. After struggling for months to reach an agreement, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), representing 16,000 Ontario College Faculty members, and the College Employer Council (CEC) agreed to enter binding interest arbitration. News that the strike was called off came only an hour before the midnight deadline. In a joint statement, OPSEU’s college faculty … Continued

Review: Turning Red is a heartwarming love letter to Canada

Spoiler warning: Article may contain spoilers for the film Turning Red. What is red, white, and furry all over? The adorable red panda Meilin “Mei” Lee in Disney Pixar’s latest movie Turning Red. The coming-of-age film, set in Toronto in 2002, follows the story of 13-year-old Lee, a Chinese-Canadian girl who discovers that she turns into a giant red panda when she experiences intense emotions. Turning Red is Pixar’s first feature-length film to … Continued

UPDATE: Ontario College Faculty prepare for possible strike March 18

Faculty at Ontario’s 24 public colleges have set a strike deadline for 12:01 a.m. on March 18 if the College Employer Council (CEC) does not agree to voluntary binding interest arbitration. The faculty bargaining team sent an open letter to college presidents on March 14, asking them to agree to the arbitration, which involves both parties asking a neutral arbitrator to resolve a bargaining dispute as an alternative to a strike or lockout. Both sides provide … Continued

REVIEW: Teens in hit series Euphoria are too cool for school

Spoiler Alert and Content Warning: This article discusses graphic/explicit content, including substance abuse, domestic violence, and body image. Euphoria is back and with it comes more dark and shocking drama than ever before. Every Sunday night since the season two premiere on Jan. 9, viewers have tuned in to watch as the show pits young teens against the gruesome realities of the world. But, despite the anxiety-inducing content, millions of viewers like … Continued

The secret meaning behind your Valentine’s Day flowers

Roses that are red, some that are blue, and ones of many other shades line the shelves of flower shops everywhere in anticipation of their big day. Valentine’s Day. The Valentine’s Day anticipation is no different for Jennifer Poczik, a local florist who spends her days caring for a variety of plants and flowers. Every year on Feb. 14, people around the globe give gifts, often of flowers and candy, … Continued

AUDIO: Waterloo Region hospitals “remain under tremendous pressure” because of COVID-19

Despite Ontario preparing to ease COVID-19 precautions, starting on Jan. 31, Waterloo Region is not in the clear yet. At a Jan. 26 Board of Health Meeting, Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Medical Officer of Health, provided a COVID-19 update to regional councillors. Wang discussed current COVID-19 rates and the strain on hospitals in the region. “Our hospitals remain under tremendous pressure,” Wang said. Vickie Murray, head of the region’s vaccine rollout, announced that … Continued

VIDEO: Faculty strike looms over Conestoga College after union negotiations hit a standstill

While Conestoga College continues to grapple with the difficulties of the pandemic, a new challenge has made the future for students and faculty even more unclear. After months of failed negotiation attempts between the College Employer Council (CEC) and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), which represents Ontario College Faculty (CAAT-A), the CEC is calling for a final offer vote. The vote is scheduled to take place from Feb. … Continued

OPINION: Conestoga College students offer mixed views on the phased-in return to classes

Conestoga College has pushed back the long-awaited return to campus once again. Many students won’t return until March 7. While some students believe the delay is for the best, others say a return to campus is long overdue. Sreevalsan Nair, a Conestoga College student currently enrolled in the Applied Network Infrastructure and System Administration Program, said he was looking forward to returning to campus. “I would like to explore and … Continued

Stores and shoppers prepare for a busy Black Friday in Waterloo Region

The slow return to normal after the pandemic has many people excited, including those who want to venture out on Black Friday. In Waterloo Region, some shoppers look forward to the busy day when they can search for bargains. “Christmas is for gifts. Black Friday is for me,” said Tammy McNamee, a Waterloo Region resident who already has her shopping list ready. “I’m definitely into Black Friday. I buy stuff … Continued

Santa Claus is coming to town for COVID-19 friendly parades

Santa Claus’s return to Waterloo Region this November might look a bit different yet again this year with pandemic precautions still in place, but the show must go on for the jolly man in red. This year, guests attending parades in Waterloo and Kitchener will be the ones rolling past the floats in what is being called a Reverse Santa Claus Parade. But, in Cambridge, the traditional parade will return. … Continued

COVID-19 can’t stop Kin and Kinette clubs from making an impact in their communities

Kin and Kinette club members across Canada work to make a difference in their communities, and Waterloo Region is no exception. According to Krista Nicol from Kin Canada, “Kinsmen, Kinettes, and Kin clubs are comprised of volunteer members who share the mission of serving the community’s greatest need.” Adrian Helm from the Preston Kin Club in Cambridge talks about how he got involved with his local Kin Club and how … Continued

Remembrance Day 2021: Remembering Canada’s armed forces amidst the pandemic

Closures and cancellations are commonplace in the pandemic world, but Remembrance Day services will proceed in Waterloo Region this year, with some precautions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Waterloo Warbirds will be flying high with their annual Remembrance Day honour flights this year. “We do plan on overflying the region on Remembrance Day,” said Doug Sheppard, Team Coordinator for the Waterloo Warbirds. “It has become a tradition … Continued

Author: Lily Sherry