The Origin of the Lion Dance

July 3, 2013 / Elliot Chan / Leave a comment

Formerly published by Ricepaper Magazine.

by ELLIOT.CHAN on Feb 5, 2013 • 12:12 pm

When I was 10-years-old my mother enrolled me in kung fu lessons. She was hoping I would develop some valuable characteristics, get some exercise and most importantly have the confidence to protect myself. Choy Li Fut was a form of Chinese martial art that incorporated the disciplines of Shaolin with the dharma in Buddhism. From what I remember, classes took place in a community centre’s auditorium. Instructors lined up students and rehearse choreographed movements, a lot like aggressive line dancing without the dosey-doe. But I had no interest in punching air, side kicking imaginary enemies and making exaggerated grunts. What caught my eyes were the colourful beasts lying in the corner of the room.

Occasionally a pair of senior students will hold up the wooden framed head and the canvas body and cloak themselves within. I would observe from the distance, cross-legged and in awe. Suddenly I was in a zoo anticipating all the animal’s movement. I was delightfully entertained, but I didn’t understand the relevance of lion dancing. Was it martial arts or was it theatrical performance?

My mom took me out of martial arts after noticing my lack of interest. But I was still rather fond of the lions. Once in awhile during Chinese festivities, I would see a performance out in public. Up upon pedestals, working through a series of obstacles and well-practiced stunts, the lion dancers maneuver their way towards a head of cabbage and a scroll of good tidings.

I was walking through a shopping mall with a friend, who was unfamiliar with this Chinese tradition. It was nearing the Lunar New Year and in the central atrium was a lion dance performance. I tried to explain briefly that everything the Orients do is based around achieving good fortune. But that was an unsatisfying explanation. There was after all a deep history to lion dancing, one that dates back to ancient China thousand years ago.

Although lions are rarely seen in eastern Asia today, indigenous lions once populated the region. They were the courageous protectors. In front of Chinese buildings and plazas, stone guardians are often resurrected to fend off evil spirits. The way legend tells it, the Imperial Dragon had nine sons; the eighth, Suanni had the features of a lion. Stern and pensive, the lion signified regality, knowledge and wisdom. So why were they dancing to the sounds of cymbals, gongs and firecrackers?

Today, lion dances are not only saved for consecration of temples, grand opening of business, weddings and other religious rites, they are an art form. Competitions are held all around the world showcasing the performers’ acrobatic skills. As the myths and stories fade into obscurity, the tradition remains a substantial part of Asian heritage, linking the past with the present. While some traditions are mundane and tedious, lion dancing inspire body and soul and entertains the spirit within.

Be sure to catch the Chinese New Years parade on Sunday February 17 and see the finest lion dancers and other artists and craftsmen. Festivities will take place on Pender and Keefer Street in Vancouver Chinatown.Gung hay fat choy and see you there.

Sales and Stand Up: a profile of Dennis Litonjua

July 3, 2013April 17, 2014 / Elliot Chan / Leave a comment

Formerly published by Ricepaper Magazine.

by ELLIOT.CHAN on Feb 10, 2013 • 1:34 pm

By day, Dennis Litonjua can clock 400 clicks driving around the city. His civilian day job requires him to be constantly on the road. But by night, he can still be found on the go—he goes comedy-club hopping, rushing onto stages to produce laughter. This modern day comedian can effortlessly sum up the hardships of aging and stage time, “It’s a challenge for sure,” he said. “Life gets in the way.”

I was halfway towards Goldie’s Pizza, a regular spot on Thursday nights for open mic. Downtown Vancouver was busy as usual, so I gave myself plenty of time to get there to meet with Litonjua. Then I heard my cell-phone beep and vibrate. It was a text message that began with an explicit, “Shit! Forgot!” The busy comedian had a lot on his mind. He was currently 30 minutes across town at LaffLines in New Westminster. Litonjua was preparing for his second set that night. I doubled back and arrived just as he stepped off the stage.

We greeted with causal formality. The comedy scene was familiar, like entering an old high school after graduation. In 2009-2011, I spent a good portion of my nights at bars that hosted amateur shows for comedian. Dennis Litonjua was one of the supportive regulars that guided me along, helping me improve from joke to joke.

As the show ended I watched as he continued to take on a fatherly role. A young up-coming comedian approached him. He extended his hand and Litonjua took it and offered a piece of advice along with it. Comedy can feel like a thankless job, but he made sure audiences and performers alike didn’t leave empty handed.

A lot has changed in the past few years. The recently married Litonjua has been caught reevaluating his ambitions. “For the past five years I have been graphing everything,” he said, referring to his stage time. “So I went from eight hours to 10 hours and then 14. I peaked at 14 hours around 2010 and went to 12 hours in 2011 and 2012. These are a bunch of five minute sets.” He chuckled at his undeniable Asian work ethic and added, “It is hard to fathom, right? Because of all the time you do in a year, it only adds up for 12 hours. I mean that is a lot of driving.”

Litonjua is familiar with the highs and lows of the comedy business. Having played some of the biggest stages in the city, alongside some the most prestigious comedians in the industry, he knows that even the best and brightest goes through hard times. “You don’t do comedy for financial gain,” he said, “but you have to make adult choices.”A year ago, Litonjua could be found on stages across the lower mainland three to four times a week. Now, with his busy schedule he is simply aiming for twice a week. “October November December— I did less than 2 hours combined,” He hung his head a bit disheartened, but then quickly shakes off the negativity. “For those three months that is terrible. So I’ve been dragging my feet and trying to get back into it.”

With only a handful of Asian comedians working the circuit, Litonjua takes on heighten responsibilities. The Flip N’ Comedy shows are ongoing projects that he and fellow Filipino comedian, Art Factora created in 2008 to promote comedy and fund charities.

Comedians of ethnic decent are synonymous with stereotypical jokes and funny accents, but that is not what Litonjua finds funny. “Not any of us do Asian sets,” he said, “I think everyone realized that that is what we are expected to do, but we are not defined by it. Some jokes are hilarious, but bad writers will go to stereotypes.”

As an advocate for multiculturalism, he cannot ignore the facts that stand-up comedy is an art form that hasn’t caught on in different cultures. “This sounds terrible, but I think we are a little materialistic,” he said, “So like when you have family members who make x amount of money and you are on the same intellectual level as they are and have the same degree they do and you are watching them make so much more money.” He gave a shrug and sighed.

For Litonjua a regular day consists of sales. Rather he is selling merchandise for his job or selling his jokes on stage; it is a constant act of promotion. “Self promotion is way easier now. My wife would always say, ‘Tweet that you’re performing tonight,’” he said, “And I’ll be like yeah—then I fall asleep on the john.” Despite the ease of getting the word out, he still understands the fine line between advertising and pestering. His theory is that the best way to develop a fan base is by having a good reputation. “Some people want to challenge others on an intellectual level,” he said with a smirk. “I’m not the guy. If I want to be challenged intellectually I would have a debate. I would find a forum to do that. But no, this is not the place. What comics do is angel’s work. That person sitting in the room, you have no idea what they are going through, they are sitting in a bar hopping to have fun. And that is what you want to provide them. Cause when they are laughing, chances are they aren’t thinking about the bills that need to be paid or the baby mama drama. They are there having fun.”

Still striving to excel in his craft, Litonjua also has his eyes set on other creative avenues. Film, theatre and additional comedic opportunities lay in the future. For now he is not closing any doors. “I get spoiled on it,” he admitted, “A room full of people laughing at what you created is always fun. If I stay in the game I’ll continue being challenged.” There was an adventurous gleam in his eyes. He did not point his finger on the path he was intending to take, but something told me that he had many kilometers left to travel.

Stay connected with Dennis by following him on Twitter @flipnfunny and catch him performing live, for now here is a little taste of his comedy– enjoy.

WHAT IS THAT IN VAN CITY: OLYMPIC CAULDRON

July 3, 2013 / Elliot Chan / Leave a comment

Formerly published by MeetVanCity.com

Monday March 4, 2013

In 2010, all eyes were on Vancouver as it hosted the 21st Winter Olympic Games. Fans, athletes and everyone else crowded the downtown core celebrating and enjoying the event. In preparation for the grand occasion, Vancouver went through upgrades, introducing new sport complexes and public spaces and a safer highway to Whistler. Most of what was created for the Olympics is still in use today, such as the Convention Centre and Richmond’s Olympic Oval. While those locations became a regular part of the city’s landmark, the Olympic cauldron is still able to spark memories of the crowded streets and national pride.

Since the day it was unveiled, the cauldron has been a famous icon in Vancouver. So much that organizers were unprepared for its popularity during the two weeks event in 2010. A fence had to be constructed to keep spectators back, until a viewing spot can be built on higher ground. Today, the best spot to see it would be on the upper level of the Convention Centre.

Built to resemble five pillars of ice leaning against each other, the Olympic cauldron is now accessible for anyone eager to get a closer look. During the night, the transparent pillars will illuminate blue and green. Set in the centre of a fountain, against the Coal Harbour backdrop, the cauldron is a photogenic image of the city.

On special occasions, the cauldron would be re-lit. But the initial lighting is what most people remember. During the opening ceremony in BC Place, there were two Olympic cauldrons, the one we know now outdoors and another one in the stadium for the show. At the end of the ceremony, four famous Canadian athletes were supposed to light the pillars of the BC Place cauldron and have the flames travel up to the top of the bowl, but due to mechanical issues, one of the pillars did not rise. It was embarrassing for the organizers and awkward for the audience. Having two cauldrons meant that there would be two lightings. So a pick-up truck transported hockey legend, Wayne Gretzky with the Olympic flame from the stadium to the site of the outdoor cauldron. There, he fulfilled one of the greatest athletic honours in all of sports — lighting the Olympic Cauldron.

Growing pains

July 3, 2013 / Elliot Chan / Leave a comment

Formerly published in The Other Press. Mar. 26 2013

Are athletes helping teammates by pointing fingers?

By Elliot Chan, Staff Writer

On Sunday, March 17, the Buffalo Sabres benched 26-year-old Patrick Kaleta after he served his five-game suspension. Irritated about being a healthy scratch and his team’s under achievement, Kaleta spoke with the media before the game against the Washington Capitals.

“They don’t need me right now, I guess. I’ve been pissed off watching for the past couple weeks,” said Kaleta. “No matter if you’re a fan or a player, you guys know what’s going on. You should be pissed off. You should play with a little piss and vinegar. You shouldn’t be happy. We’re not in position we want to be in. We have to work harder, come in, and do something about it.”

Ryan Miller, Buffalo’s goaltender, was not pleased by his teammate’s comments after losing 5–3. “That’s just drama and he needs to just grow up,” said Miller. “He doesn’t have to go to you guys and say that stuff. I’m addressing it now and I’ll go and talk to him about it. There’s no reason to say that.”

Dressing room conflicts are a common aspect of sports. But are peer disciplines helpful for team and player development? Miller is a well-respected leader, but when it comes down to it, he has no great superiority over Kaleta. They might as well be two co-workers in an office firm bickering over sales. Two wrongs don’t make a right. Although Kaleta should have sucked up his pride when benched, Miller should also know his role, which is to stop pucks, not authorize his teammates’ comments.

Relocation is an easier solution to resolution. If you’re not a good teammate, you’re a good opponent. Kaleta’s negative comments toward his teammates might have just bought him a trip out of Buffalo, but with the way things are looking, that might be exactly what he wanted.

The game is full of selfish players, but their dirty laundry doesn’t need to be aired out for the public to see. We don’t notice the problems occurring behind the scenes of our favourite restaurants, our local market, or even our classrooms. Not everyone reacts obediently to judgment and helpful criticism; sometimes those guiding actions can cause a defiant reaction.

On the same night as Miller and Kaleta’s war of words, Nashville Predators’ forward Sergei Kostitsyn lost control of a puck during a game against the Edmonton Oilers. The play caused an odd man rush heading the opposite direction, and instead of chasing after the opposition, Kostitsyn opted for a line change. The Nashville bench was livid with his indolence and he knew it. “I made a mistake. I went to change, I should have back-checked, but didn’t see the second guy was coming there,” said Kostitsyn after the 3–2 loss. “Even if it was a one-on-one, I should go back, it doesn’t matter if I was tired. I should have gone back and pressured him from behind.”

Hockey is a team sport, and it requires players to take onus of their own actions, whether it is on or off the ice. It might seem like a good strategy to point the finger and command someone to do better, but pointing out errors is counterproductive. Growth comes from communication and trust, and no team will fully develop by playing the blame game.

Entertainment references to stay, or E.T. phone home?

July 3, 2013July 3, 2013 / Elliot Chan / Leave a comment

Formerly published in The Other Press. Mar. 26 2013

communication crutch

By Elliot Chan, Staff Writer

The wonderful world of entertainment has created a fictional place we can all live in. Sadly though, the matrix of our lives takes place not with Neo, but in the real world.

It might seem contradictory arguing against movie and television references by using one myself, but I just wanted to give an example of their effectiveness—or lack thereof. A big mistake is assuming everybody has the same taste and entertainment memory as you do. Since Seinfeld ended and The Simpsons did whatever it did, there hasn’t been a television show I could reference to get my exact point across. I try to stay well versed, watching a little of this and a little of that so I can hold my own in conversations, but few others do. Most are committed to a couple of television shows and a limited number of movies. Oftentimes, I use a quote and end up explaining the concept of the scene, the characters, and even the whole program itself.

But worse than having to explain a reference is having to listen to someone else explain one. “Have you seen the episode of the Big Bang Theory where…?” And I stare at them, my eyes glazed over as they try to paint the picture of Leonard doing something that resembles the situation we’re currently in. It’s unsettling watching a crowd happily discuss a television show you have no interest in or haven’t caught up on. You simply stand at the perimeter, lacking interest or fearful that your show will be ruined.

Similar to telling someone about your dream, referencing a movie the other person hasn’t seen isn’t even worth talking about. Sure, it can be a nice detour from the normal small talk of weather, traffic, and work, but like most detours, it’s only used when something is already broken: the conversation.

Getting a cheap laugh by referencing a Family Guy or South Park episode seems like fun, but the truth is it shows people your limited creativity. There are people at parties who are the centre of attention merely for memorizing Peter Griffin quotes, but nobody really cares about those people or finds them interesting.

If you want to reference something, make sure the person you are speaking to knows about it beforehand. If they don’t, don’t bother explaining it, because the magic is already lost. There is plenty to talk about, so don’t go on and on trying to describe the blonde guy from Clerks. You know… urgh… what’s his name? You know, you’ve seen it right? Let’s move on.

Canucks Corner: The halfway mark

July 3, 2013 / Elliot Chan / Leave a comment

Formerly published in The Other Press. Mar. 29 2013

By Elliot Chan, Staff Writer

More than half of the season is over, and the Canucks are teetering uncomfortably in the standings. On one hand, they are leading the division with a slight edge over the Minnesota Wild; on the other hand, the slightest slip up will send them plummeting out of the playoff picture.

The Western Conference has always been competitive, but with six points separating 13 teams, the shortened season has made the race to the finish line even more dramatic. Few teams love drama more than the Canucks. So if we expect them to pull their game together and race away from the pack to join Chicago and Anaheim as un-touted division champions—don’t, because things are about to get messy.

Failing to exceed expectations, the Canucks are playing cool with all their unfinished business, namely the business in the crease. Cory Schneider is having a respectable season sharing the net with Robert Luongo, but respectable is not winning complete confidence from upper management. As trade deadline looms around the corner, everybody is anticipating the inevitable. But will it happen in April or will it happen in June? Luongo’s stock hasn’t been higher since the season started and that’s usually a sign that something will happen sooner rather than later.

It’s also apparent that the Sedins won’t be challenging for any scoring titles this year with their underperformance on the top line—an area the Canucks have to look at as they plan for the future. Jordan Schroeder has shown potential of one day becoming an elite forward, but it is a work in progress. And since Mason Raymond, Zack Kassian, and David Booth are all having a horribly-mediocre season, Canucks fans can only hope that someone in the organization will step up or a team with a top offensive prospect will be enticed by Luongo.

For a while, it looked as though the team could thrive without Ryan Kesler’s leadership and grit, but with so many games ending in one or two goals, the Canucks are hoping there is no delay with his healing foot. But the question is worth asking: will Kesler be the same player he was before? Will he go the extra mile to finish his checks? Will he have the same intimidating net presence? All questions aside, it is time for him to adjust his style. The ever-changing Canucks need him to become less of a two-way player and focus more on powering through opposition’s defense—as well as photo bombing his teammates during interviews.

HOCKEY: A GUIDE TO CANADA’S PASTIME

July 3, 2013 / Elliot Chan / Leave a comment

Formerly published by MeetVanCity.com

Saturday February 9, 2013

Hockey is considered to be a violent sport with its high physical contact. And that’s why we love it. On the ice, players can reach speeds exceeding 30 miles hour and the hockey puck can travel over 100 miles an hour. It is not hard to explain why hockey is referred to as “the fastest game on earth.”

Created outdoors during the icy northern winters, hockey is more than a sport for Canada.
It is a tradition and a culture. Hockey combines the act of ice-skating with shooting
a rubber puck into the opposition’s net with a curved stick. Each successful attempt is called a goal and it is worth one point. The team with the most points is the winner.

On the Ice: A game of hockey requires two teams with five skaters (a line) and
a goalie each. The National Hockey League (NHL) has 30 teams, seven from Canada
and 23 from the United States. A team is usually constructed with four lines of
three forwards and three lines of two defensemen and two goalies, one starter
and one back up (should the starter be unable to play). A game consists of three 20 minutes periods. If the 60 minutes end in a draw a five-minute four-on-four overtime is played. If no deciding goal is scored in the allotted time, then a best of three penalty shots is required.

The Process: In the NHL a hockey season consists of 82 games (with exception to lock-out years) with the 30 teams separated by two conferences: Western and Eastern. Each conference is divided into three divisions with five teams in each. The Eastern
divisions are Atlantic, Northeast and Southeast. The Central, Northwest and Pacific are the Western divisions. The majority of the games are against teams within the geographical divisions. Each win is worth two points, and if a game goes into overtime, the winning team earns two points, while the losing team will get a one-point consolation. At the end of the regular season, the top eight teams in each conference will contend for the Stanley Cup in the playoffs.

The Prize: The Stanley Cup is Canada’s Holy Grail. Etch around its rim are the years and names of pass winning teams, players and coaches. It is more than a trophy– it is a history book. Considered as the toughest championships, the Stanley Cup Playoffs consist of 16 of the 30 teams. Split up by the conferences, the playoffs are a four round best of seven series competition.

Whistle Whistle: Unlike most team sports, fighting is a distinctive element of hockey. Although players may choose to fight, they are still not exempt from punishment. Fighting is a major penalty that forces players out of the game and into the penalty box. Penalties are categorized by the infraction’s severity. A minor penalty is worth two-minute, double minor charges four and a major is worth five minutes. Different levels of suspensions are also dispensed to players whose offense contributed to injury or can be considered as an attempt to injure.

The Frozen Surface: A hockey rink is a rounded rectangle with lines and circles used to indicate various spots on the ice. Two blue lines mark a neutral zone, which separates the offensive and defensive zones. The blue line are also used to identify offside calls (where a player on the offensive can not be past the blue line without the puck passing first.) There are nine face-off dots on the ice, two in the attacking zone, two in the defensive zone and five in the neutral zone.

Hockey is a complicated game to play, but a simple game to watch. It is fast-paced and high action. There is nothing like the crisp air of an ice rink, the sound of crashing bodies, and the intensity of a game. But as a spectator, remember to pay attention, because with slap shots, big checks and heated competition anything can end up in the crowd during a hockey game.

Committed incorporated

July 3, 2013 / Elliot Chan / Leave a comment

Formerly published in The Other Press. Mar. 19 2013

Our questionable loyalty to businesses, products, and corporations

By Elliot Chan, Staff Writer

“Don’t buy lamps at IKEA,” my friend once told me. “It will look lonely in your house.”

I didn’t understand her profound statement or the personification immediately, but I soon understood. The lamp I had purchased looked out of place, awkwardly positioned in the corner of my room—yes, lonely. That was until I bought an IKEA desk and an IKEA chair to befriend it. Now my room doesn’t look half bad; far from the photogenic images in the flyers and brochures, but still respectable. Like dressing up in a suit and tie, my room, although furnished and appearing well-to-do, now lacks personality, originality, or any charm whatsoever. And it all started with a lamp.

Some advocate for companies the way we cheer for sport teams. Others are simply addicted. Over the years, I have developed a tight bond with Apple products. The story began with my first iPod, a green second-generation iPod Shuffle. I resisted the lure for many years, even though I was bombarded with advertising and recommendations. I had to find out first-hand whether or not it was a quality product, and although I have had MP3 players in the past, I now have an iPod. I was hooked. Several years later, I came upon familiar crossroads when the contract for my flip phone ended and I was due for a new one. I had all the choices in the world, but I went with old faithful: Apple. I once had a phone, but now I have an iPhone, and something tells me I will never have anything but. After all, it syncs so well with my MacBook Pro.

I’ve joined the herd shepherded by the big corporations, but is that such a bad thing? I know people who only order coffee from Starbucks and I know people who boycott it completely. Are loyalty or disdain for a company reasonable? We are creatures of habit and we find comfort in knowing that some things will always be there for us. There’s so much turbulence in our lives that it’s good to have some stability somewhere, even if it’s just sticking with Crest as the toothpaste of choice.

But it’s important to know that there’s a vast world out there. The only way for anyone to know what their preferences are is to try as many things as possible, and there are few mistakes more regrettable than settling. Exploration does not have to be an epic adventure. It can be as simple as making a different choice, such as ordering soup instead of salad, driving a Nissan instead of a Toyota, or shopping at Superstore instead of Safeway. Corporations, as evil and corrupt as they are, are still out to please you, so don’t be intimidated; embrace it.

Having a trustworthy, reliable brand is fantastic. In this materialistic world, life is not only about relationships between people, but also between consumers and corporations; when one finds the other, it is a true love story.

Douglas Profile: Cast of ‘Blue Window’

July 1, 2013April 17, 2014 / Elliot Chan / Leave a comment

Formerly published in The Other Press. Mar. 19 2013

Aaron Holt, Alex Chan, Katie Doyle, Larissa Sampson, Maddy Osborne-Wood, Michael Kurliak, and Shanelle Horobec (Actors)
By Elliot Chan, Staff Writer

“Fight Club!” “Breakfast Club!” “No, definitely Fight Club!” It is not uncommon for a group working together to have disagreements, but the cast of Blue Window came to a quick consensus when discussing the best pre-performance movie. “We all have such different taste in everything,” says Michael Kurliak, “But it is one of those things we can all agree on.”

“There is action, there is comedy,” Larissa Sampson agrees, “and there are hot men for Shanelle.”

“It is always an important thing,” laughs Horobec.

Blue Window is the ensemble’s second Douglas production, and it is clear that living in the trenches together for so long has erased all signs of formality. “It is so necessary for the work we are doing,” says Sampson. “Because of the emotional vulnerability; to be able to cry in front of the entire cast and know that they are not like, ‘Heh! Look at her trying to cry, she looks terrible.’” Their friendship and trust is the framework for the performance, and it is the most valuable and pleasurable part of the experience.

But with 12-hour days, rehearsing emotional scenes over and over again, the actors feel the tolls adding up. “A lot of stuff doesn’t come out,” says Maddy Osborne-Wood, describing the internal struggles of her character Boo:

“She has these big parts where she’s just lying on a couch, and at first I was, ‘Oh okay, lying on a couch,’ but the thoughts that come from that can be pretty draining.”

Although the presentation on stage is significant, the ability to remove themselves from the lives of their characters is equally important, if not more so. “Safety is the top priority,” said Alex Chan. “It is really easy to lose yourself. It might not happen on day one, and it might not happen on day five, but… something outside the work entirely can happen to weaken your mental fortitude and that is not healthy.”

As romantic as living and breathing theatre sounds, the group also knows that such a relationship could be abusive. “After rehearsal, I can’t just go to sleep,” said Sampson, “I have to go home and de-stress.”

“Defragment,” Aaron Holt adds. “It is good to take some time off and return to it. It becomes so much more exciting.”

Acting requires effort, and oftentimes the art form is unappreciated. Marketability becomes a large factor for the future of young actors. “It sounds horrible,” said Sampson, “but you have to pander to people. Nobody wants to see you do Macbethagain, the exact same way everybody else has done it. But if it is Macbeth set in space, would that be dumb?”

On a planet where entertainment is a mouse-click away, theatre seems as good as dead, but the cast is undaunted. “It is not dying,” said Holt, “It is just changing.” Vancouver‘s diverse culture is a breeding ground for new experimental art, as well as contemporary renditions of the classics. Motivated by the evolution, Osborne-Wood and the others don’t feel a need to relocate. “We have this group of actors and the stagecraft people,” she said, “and we are just starting to create our own theatre. We just need to start doing things and see what happens. It’s about giving opportunities and testing the water.”

Anticipating the future is not a comfortable act for anybody, and it is no easier for actors. But when all is said and done and the spotlight hits the stage, the cast of Blue Window will remember the stern words of a former instructor, Stephen Drover: “Don’t bullshit me!” A lesson we can all follow.

The sneeze season

July 1, 2013July 2, 2013 / Elliot Chan / Leave a comment

Formerly published in The Other Press. Mar. 12 2013

How to survive seasonal allergies

By Elliot Chan, Staff Writer

It is ironic that the season synonymous with rejuvenation and birth is also the period of the year that makes me feel like dying. No, I’m not being melodramatic; I just have a really bad case of hay fever. Running nose, itchy eyes, and endless sneezing are the crippling symptoms of spring allergies. They are not fatal the same way food allergies can be, but they can ruin a day, a week, or even a couple months. But those who have never experienced the horrible trials of blooming flowers will consider the suffering snifflers to be sick and disgusting, and offer little sympathy. It is the price we pay for a nice summer day—that is, if we can survive to see it.

Allergy medications are often the easiest solution. There are pills, sprays, and eyedrops all developed to soothe the symptoms. There is a whole aisle in the store dedicated to allergy relief. But with budgetary problems, I tend to conserve the pills for dire situations, meaning in moments where the sneezing and itching are too unbearable. Drugs may take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours to kick in, and because of their inconsistent reliability, they only work as a crutch. I am skeptical of modern medicine; some days I preach it and some days I curse it. Sometimes it’s best to find natural coping methods for chronic problems like allergies.

Spring allergies are mainly caused by the large amount of pollen in the air, so if your symptoms are bad, stay away from floral areas or simply remain indoors. Consider getting an air purifier inside your house to clean the air. Since Vancouver will remain frigid until early June anyways, there is no need to keep the doors and windows open. Locking yourself away from the world may seem like a horrible alternative to sneezing, but there will be days when breathing is more important than frolicking in a field.

Allergies are not limited by the weather. They can be as agitating on rainy days as they are on sunny days. But the heat plays a big part in our ability to cope with the discomfort. Sneezing and sniffling take up a lot of energy and the sun beating down on you while you inhale through your clogged nose can be absolutely draining. So seek out air conditioned places or stick your head in the freezer just to get a moment of relief.

A shower is another very effective way to deal with spring allergies. Because allergens like pollen are airborne, most of them travel on you or with you. A shower and a change of clothes will rid you of the particles that you have collected throughout the day.

There are moments where you’ll feel that the only way to deal with allergies is to attack them aggressively, but all that will do is leave you with tissue rash under your nostrils and multiple other agitations. Allergies should be dealt with methodically and should not cause frustration. Familiarize yourself with a routine to cope. Recognize the time of year they usually happen. Schedule your day accordingly so you don’t spend large periods of time outside or in dusty areas. Understanding what causes your agony is the best way to avoid it or at least bare with it until the season turns.