With exam season looming, it seemed like a good time for another recommendation list to help Osgoode’s students get through this stranger than usual study period. While I have watched 10 seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race since the beginning of the semester, I still somehow found time for a few other things that I wanted to recommend here. Good luck with exams!
TV Show – Pen15 Season 2 (CBC Gem): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFAHiU0g0xQTV
Relive your awkward years through the eyes of two thirty-something women dressed as 12 year olds in the early 2000s. Yes, I’m talking about a real TV show called Pen15 which follows Anna and Maya as they navigate 7th grade. The catch is the actors who play the tweens (and who created the show) are actually in their 30s surrounded by a sea of 12 year olds. I loved the first season of Pen15 and am really enjoying the latest season that dropped on CBC Gem earlier this fall. There are lots of retainers, school dances, and every other cringey thing that you may remember from middle school. The show is wacky and fun, making it perfect for a post-exam binge watch when your brain just doesn’t feel like thinking properly anymore.
Podcast – You Must Remember This, Polly Platt Season (Podcasts): http://www.youmustrememberthispodcast.com/episodes/2020/7/pollyplattarchive28
You Must Remember This is a podcast about the history of old Hollywood. While I enjoy every season of the show, the most recent season about the accomplished screenwriter, producer and production designer Polly Platt is definitely one of my favourites. Producer and host Karina Longworth tells the story of Platt’s life through an unpublished memoir of the producer who passed away in 2011. Platt worked on movies such as The Last Picture Show, Terms of Endearment, and Broadcast News (all of which came out over 30 years so if you haven’t heard of them…don’t worry! Still listen!) but despite all her accomplishments, she is most famous for being the ex-wife of director Peter Bogdanovich. This podcast rectifies that.
Candles
What better way to treat yourself during exams than with a candle to keep you warm as you painstakingly colour code your summaries! Since I am no candle connoisseur, I consulted fellow 3L students Melody Gateretse and Jennah Khaled for their expert recommendations. These also all double as great holiday gifts so … you’re welcome!
Best Bang For Your Buck – DW Home Collection
- These candles that are available at Homesense and Winners start at $5, and Melody says they also come in a wide variety of scents.
Ontario Made – Shy Wolf Candles
- These candles are made in Ontario and out of soy wax if that is something that is important to you. As Jennah told me, “they have stupid names but they’re candles so who cares!” You can buy these candles directly from the company on their website where they also list local stockists.
Widely Available – Voluspa
- Melody likes these candles that are widely available at places like Indigo and Sephora. A quick internet perusal showed me that they start at around $14, but I also see some good holiday sets if you want to try out a few scents.
My Pick – Malin & Goetz
- I have one of their mini candles in the rum scent. It’s great, smells good, and even though I have the mini size it has lasted me a long time. I got mine at a local store called Jacob & Sebastian, but they are also widely available online.