life & style // no. 12 theotherpress.ca Cloud 9 closes: say goodbye to this gluten-free heaven » Bakeries in New West to fulfill your gluten free fix Morgan Hannah Life & Style Editor A an avid eater of gluten-free baked goods, I have fallen from Cloud g. The bakery, that is. Cloud g Specialty Bakery—a scrumptious and dedicated gluten-free bakery originally located in New Westminster at 1025 Royal Avenue— is now closed. And for now, the internet is left to fend for themselves as to why this has happened. Upon visiting their website, we are all informed that updates will be issued soon. But the sudden closure has left the community of New West dizzy (or maybe it’s just me). I wouldn't be surprised if the withdrawal symptoms start up soon... The disappearance of this seemingly successful storefront is suspicious. Why did such a cute and clearly beloved bakery close its doors? Perhaps it was the cost of renting out a commercial storefront in the ever-expanding New West neighbourhood? Regardless, Yelp reviews from all over the internet have decreed this bakery a treat and a highly celebrated hotspot. And the wholesale bakery location is still making its bagged flour blends and brownie mixes (as well as many other delicious gluten-free mixes), all of which can still be found and purchases in grocery stores. The website even states that Cloud 9’s retail line is expanding, and their goods will be sold in stores all across Canada. The closure doesn’t make sense; all I can do is wait for the updates. Cloud 9 used to bea regular in my weekly routine, especially since I used to live mere blocks away from the place. It was dangerous. Dangerously good, that is. ] made a special effort to visit on Saturdays for their donuts as often as I could, and if I missed out on the simply irresistible round cakes of flavour (especially the chocolate raspberry ones), then cinnamon buns, fruit tarts, brownies, and chocolate chip cookies were always an awesome backup plan. Each and every baked good had the perfect blend of chewy and sweet, and made it very difficult for me to tell I was eating gluten-free. Alternative gluten-free bakery locations are far and few in between, with limited options at locations such as The Pie Hole on 6th Street in Burnaby, and Lucy’s Bakery on 6th Street in New West. Otherwise, those in need of a sweet pick-me-up that won't leave their bellies aching may have to travel as far as Mount Pleasant. It’s acommunity which seems to cater to gluten-free diets: locations such as Lemonade Gluten Free Bakery and The Gluten Free Epicurean are great staples. Cloud 9g Specialty Bakery’s storefront in a college city such as New West will be sorely missed. Doel pe py = “a0 A CLOUDSSPECIALTY-BAKE * Tinder turns into memory lane » Swiping through perspectives on breakups Matthew Fraser Opinions Editor Yo: ago, I met this girl shortly after she came back from tree planting. One night we took the blankets out of her parents’ car and had sex in the park. T almost broke my thumb swiping right when I saw her on tinder last week. It must be part of growing up to make memories that bring a smile to your heart every time they cross your mind. You can’t go through life unarmed or uncomforted by memories of good times now past. How could you continue without knowing things will be good again? Some of them will be lewd of course—all work and no play really did make jack a dull boy. Still, the day will come when the young man becomes old and it's just grandpa trapped in the prison of senility squawking about the great parties of 2014. They say I’m too young to be jaded, but am I old enough to be sentimental? I’m convinced that there really is a hierarchy of men according to the shallow nature of our hearts and affections. The best men have one love that they cherish and kindle throughout life, the great men hold a few intense attractions but have one that stands above all else, and finally, the good men have loved and lost many times but won't lose again. And here I am with my collection of squandered relationships. It's a long list of could-have's, should-have’s and if-only- I-knew-better’s. A bunch of “if only I had another chance,” a few “maybe in the next life,” and at least three “once ina lifetime” flings. Let me be bad with all my good memories. I can’t drink coffee without thinking of my French ex-wife (why did you have to run away, mon Cherie?) I can’t hear “Lady” by D'Angelo without thinking of the first time I stuck my hand down so-and-so's... | can't say that in print, now can I? The word “fickle” still irks me since Ye ee Se = aaeanaeriis Photo by Billy Bui [she] described me as such. And even though [redacted] is only in my head, I wish she would stop talking to me like that and come back to bed. Every heart has its rhythm, no two fires burn the same, some things you just can’t live twice. You can try. You can look high and low, long and hard, through days and nights searching in every place—but you know it's just not the same now that it's over. There must be 10,000 songs for moments like this. Which great rapper hasn’t crafted a song about carnal exploits? Which RnB singer has neglected to croon over their biblical knowledge of such-and-such's daughter? Not even the poet avoids a verse about loves so tender that it just might hurt. We all fall victim to the basest of earthly pleasures. Yasiin Bey told us the truth: “memories don’t live like people do; they always remember you. Whether things are good or bad, it’s just the memories.” Well, it was fun but it’s not yet real Jazzy Belle. I'm not done playing house yet, and I’m certainly not the doctor whoever's mother dreamed of either. I'd like to be the evil that people talk about laying on the other side of their bed. Wouldn't that be nice? Maybe I’m not, but I relish the thought of it. Who didn’t dream of being the bad boy girls lusted after once in a while? issue 22// vol 46 life & style // no. 13 Weekend Recovery » How to still have fun during the COVID-19 crisis Morgan Hannah Life & Style Editor O riginally I was going to write about the perks of travelling solo, but because of the times we have unprecedentedly found ourselves in that seems far less appropriate. Besides, your flights may soon be cancelled— airports are losing billions of dollars in cancelled and grounded flights across the globe. The CBC reports that “Public Safety Minister, Bill Blair, said enhanced screening measures at all entry points to Canada will help to prevent infections and also deter tourists from coming here if it is not required.” Even though we must get into the habit of practicing social distancing now, overall decency doesn’t need to go out the window. Nor do your weekend plans. Social distancing doesn’t mean that your weekends are doomed; you just have to get a little creative with how you enjoy your time now. For instance, now is the perfect time to catch up on all those books you've been dying to read. Make this more of a social event by creating Skype book clubs! There is also nothing in your way of learning a new skill! Learning to play an instrument or speak a new language are excellent ways to improve your intellect. In fact, there are studies suggesting that learning a second language helps prevent Alzheimer’s and slows the rate of memory loss in people already suffering from it. If you're more of an outdoorsy person, social distancing doesn't really affect you much. There’s no need to become a shut-in, as BC is loaded with fascinating beautiful trails and hikes that are away from the general public—and may even more isolated now than ever before! Breathe in that fresh air and take in those surroundings. Maybe even bring a sketch book or notepad with you and create something! Exercise! Yep, the coronavirus epidemic hasn't affected your ability to put on muscle and keep fit. If anything, it’s only given you more of an opportunity to do those morning stretches and solo runs. Wake up, dust off, and unroll your yoga mat! Or, pop in that dancercise DVD and turn your living room into a personal ! For the foodie, try making all those saved-up recipes from your grandma. Get around to baking those scrumptious desserts, and help out independent restaurants in your community by ordering take out. Maybe write reviews on what you eat and start a food blog! To all those social butterflies, social distancing and potential self-isolation doesn’t require you to be alone. You can video chat with friends and family as much as you'd like. Or go old fashioned and write each other letters (and emails)! Additionally, this is a great time to take up meditation and practice honing your chi! Life is sowing down for a bit, and what better time is there to centre yourself and become more self-aware? Another great form of self-care is taking a nap. Because why not? If you fall on the other side of the scale and consider yourself a busybody, bring out the boardgames and invite only your closest (healthy) friends over. Everyone can help contribute to a fun night and bring a special snack with them. Make a day of it! Or tackle a puzzle—this one is great with friends or solo. Now is Success tips from a president » Boost your sales, marketing, and general life skills Morgan Hannah Life & Style Editor allen Cochran,president of United Pallet Services, hosted a fantastic session entitled “If you can sell advertising, you can sell anything.” Admittedly, when I first saw this session I judged it by its cover. I thought it was going to be good for me... but boring. Boy was I wrong. This business and sales speech taught me four core principles that will carry anyone through any sales career: the power of trust, the importance of determination, building value, and the need for laughter The power of trust People buy from those they trust. Repeat that. People buy from those they trust. Cochran reiterated this statement a couple of times during his session, stating that if we learned nothing else, knowing that people buy from people they trust was just about the most valuable takeaway we could grasp. How do you gain trust? Be respectful. Respect the customer’s time and their money, get to know them—maybe even find some common ground that you share and talk about it. Don’t be in a hurry to launch into your sales pitch; people don’t care about what you know until they know you care. a) Practice professionalism Show up. Better yet, show up on time. And dress the part. I’m talking about doing a little research beforehand and dressing like those who you're meeting with. Most importantly, do what you say you will. It really is that simple. If you say youre going to take the trash out, take out the trash. If you say youre going to be somewhere at 8 am sharp, ‘ya better be there. b) Be honest Dont try to mislead or trick the customer into a sale. Also, if something you promised fails to happen, be the first to tell them about it. Don’t wait for someone or something else to spill the beans, and don’t wait until the last second. We've all been guilty of this one at least once before... waiting a little too late to call in for work and mention that we can’t make it. 2. The importance of determination Recognizing failure is important. Failure is a learning experience, an opportunity to do better, and part of any success story. If you haven't failed, you haven't tried. a) Focus on what is important Tackle the biggest problem of the day first. This is a good rule of thumb for all aspects of life. b) Put your heart into it If you're going to do something, put your all into it. Offer solutions to the problems you complain about. 3. Distinction between selling and also a great time to get a handle on that to-do list also. Take a stab at your taxes or writing that report. Get ahead in your assigned readings for classes or clean your room! And most importantly, show everyone some love. Even if it’s from a safe distance, kind and meaningful words go a long way—especially in a time where people may be low and dispirited (because their travel plans have been put on hold). delivering value Ask the right questions. Do a little research and draft good questions before so that your questions are specific and targeted. And most importantly, let the customer tell you what they need. a) When the customer speaks, LISTEN Yes, we all love the sound of our own voices and showing off what we know and how big our brains are... but really, when someone is talking to you, make sure you're actually listening. b) Keep it simple for the customer Don't over complicate things. Keep unnecessary details out of your conversations and pitches, but also be prepared to answer tricky questions. Make sure you leave every meeting you have with an important takeaway. 4. Having gratitude and perspective Never take yourself too seriously. Life is already stressful and serious enough. If you can poke a little fun here and there, do it. Of course, it is important to have a balance of fun and professionalism too. Customers want to work with someone who's committed to getting the job done right, and also with someone who's capable of having fun. And most importantly, be grateful. You are where you are because people invested in you.