D @ vA Have an idea for a story? M arts@theotherpress.ca ¢ How to DJ a one-person party ¢ The horror film mirrors COVID-19 ¢ A 2020 look at an iconic game ..and more ‘Contagion’ predicted this pandemic >» The horror film mirrors COVID-19 Jerrison Oracion Senior Columnist s | was writing this story, COVID-19 was classified as a pandemic and it is worse than I thought it would be. Everyone should take action to make sure that no one gets it. According to CBC News, COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that is similar to SARS. It is suggested to have originated from bats, and was first identified from a seafood market in Wuhan, China. This is similar to what caused the virus in Steven Soderbergh’s 20u film Contagion—where a bat infected a banana, the fruit fell from its tree, a pig ate it, was then turned into meat, and then served to customers ina restaurant. The film was released two years after the HiNi pandemic in 2009. When I found out more information about the coronavirus, I realized that the film predicted that it was going to happen. The movie shows the many aspects of what happens in a pandemic—it shows how government officials handle it, how their decisions will affect the outcome of the virus, as well as how conspiracy theories make the crisis worse. In the scenes where the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials have meetings with government officials, you see them trying to think of a way to minimize the impact of the virus as well finding the source of it. Then, you see them investigating by working with other world organizations—including the World Health Organization. They interview people and use clues to track the path of the virus. Producing a vaccine takes a while and a lot of hard work. The fears of a pandemic can lead to people going to extreme measures to protect themselves—even if their fears are unjustified because they got information from unreliable sources. Alan Krumwiede (Jude Law) is an example of the potential problems due to misinformation. He shows that he cured himself with the homeopathic remedy Forsythia, and that led to a lot of people buying the medicine—but it was revealed later that he made it up. This is similar to the false information that stated that the shortage of protective masks would lead to a shortage of bathroom tissue because they are made from the same material. In truth, there are still enough materials to make bathroom tissue. Everyone should not panic and buy too much of it. Promotional image for ‘Contagion’ Contagion is becoming a reality in some ways, and it is a film I would recommend watching if youd like to learn some important messages about pandemics during this time of the Coronavirus. Also, do the essential sanitary procedures to make sure that you and others can stay safe. Five songs to listen to during quarantine >» How to DJ a one-person party James Wetmore Contributor h, the sweet life of self-isolation. What could be better than staying in bed all day—surrounded by snacks and drinks (some more alcoholic than others) — “I Believe I’m Fine” by Robin Schulz & HUGEL This song is for all of you who dont listen to expert advice and go out into the world, continuing the cycle of infection, and ensuring that these songs will be played for a long, long time. (This is not directed at those who can‘ afford to stay home or can’t for another deep in a marathon of that show you've been meaning to watch for a while now. All this as the whole world outside is crumbling to pieces. What a wonderful time to be alive. Well, besides the shortage of some essential items in supermarkets and many people being out of a job now due to the necessity of social distancing. Thinking about the situation caused by COVID-19 can be equally frustrating and depressing, so I’ve picked out a couple songs to help pass the time enjoyably while you think about all those worst-case scenarios. “Don't Stand So Close to Me” by The Police This 80s’ new wave tune is the perfect song to blast while outside to let people know exactly what you're thinking in public spaces, or when someone gets uncomfortably close to invading your two meter circle of “get the hell away from me.” You could also scream the chorus during your commute or small shopping trips to ensure that no one is going to come near you just in case you have a couple screws loose. A must-have in your self-isolation playlist! “SICKO MODE?” by Travis Scott Not only is this song an absolute bop, but it’s also the perfect song to email to your boss when they ask you why youre not coming in to work. I mean, youre already pretty much out of a job, so why not go out with style? Bonus points if you play this outside of an overcrowded hospital to show your solidarity with those affected by COVID-19 (on second thought, do not do this). SHUFFLE PLAY ADD SONGS Download EN Don't Stand So Close To Me The Po acm elite stacey | ch I'm Fine Schulz, HUGEL « Unc Corona Work from De (feat. Wy DOE deli Fifth Harme » Image by Lauren Kelly reason.) This cheerful EDM song will match your cheery disposition as you go about your day, possibly putting an immuno-compromised person at risk of infection, while you think it’s not a big deal because you feel fine. Just stay home. “Corona” by The Minutemen You may recognize this song from the Jackass films, where a group of friends play sometimes dangerous pranks on each other as well as perform stunts and dumb ideas. This all may give you some inspiration for how to spend your quarantine. A fun, upbeat punk song—this one is a must have for any COVID playlist. “Work from Home” by Fifth Harmony feat. Ty Dolla sign For those of you that still have a job, this one’s for you! Play this song while youre getting smashed at noon, staying up all night doing who knows what, and laughing at how fast corporate had to come up with flexible work options! This pop-y hit from the then- frvesome will give you a much-needed boost to your productivity when your brain is just not having it. The COVID-19 pandemic is a real threat, and while listening to these songs may make you feel mentally invincible, the only way to guarantee your safety (and others) is by listening to health professionals and staying inside until told otherwise. So hunker down, binge on some TV shows, and enjoy your home vacation!