How to Log Your Media Like a Pro

How to Log Your Media Like a Pro March 21, 2023 If you’ve read any of my past SpiritLive articles, this introduction might sound familiar: If you’re like me, you too are someone who loves tracking down the media you consume, whether it be books, music, movies, and more. This fact about me definitely still stands;  in this blog I will be discussing the different websites/apps that allow users to keep track of/rate/review/log their different hobbies, such as concerts they’ve attended, TV and movies they’ve seen, books read, and their favourite music. These websites not only allows you to keep […]

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The Concept Album: How Music Tells a Story

The Concept Album: How Music Tells a Story February 20, 2023 When many people think of a concept album, many classics may come to mind- Tommy by The Who, The Wall by Pink Floyd to name a few. A “concept album” can be defined as an album that follows an overarching narrative or theme. Music’s ability to convey these themes and ideas is not only a masterful feat in storytelling, but makes a great listen too. Below I have compiled a list of a few of my favourite concept albums released in the 21st century. Each of these albums tells […]

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Adult Animation That’s Making a Difference

New Year’s Resolutions January 29, 2023 So it’s been 2023 for almost a month now, and I can proudly say I didn’t give up on any of my new year’s resolutions! That’s because… You guessed it, I didn’t make any. I know, I know, you’re probably thinking “Don’t you want to improve yourself?” And obviously, I do, but being in university is stressful enough as it is, why do I need to add on all the weight of ‘becoming the best version of myself’ within a certain time frame? The end of the year is meant to be a joyous […]

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Children’s Animation that is Making a Difference

Children’s Animation that is Making a Difference Posted on November 28, 2022 Over the past few years, children’s programming has seen an increase in storylines that celebrate their target audience: children. These shows, at their core, stress the importance of imagination and play, and tell stories that children can relate to. The medium of animation allows these narratives to cater to the imagination of children by achieving feats that would either be impossible or too expensive in a live action production. Below I have compiled a list of some of my favourite animated children’s television series. The unique prosocial messaging […]

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Karlie’s International Thriller Recommendations

Karlie’s International Thriller Recommendations Posted on April 14, 2022 I love the thriller genre. From action, psychological dramas, horror, and even romance, thriller is a transformative genre that can be difficult to define, but definitely easy to enjoy. Below I have compiled a very brief list of a few of my favourite international thriller movies that I would definitely recommend to others who are interested in watching movies from around the world. The list below is European/East-Asian centric, and I hope to continue to expand my catalogue over the summer.  Similarly to horror, thriller movies can contain topics and imagery […]

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Myers-Briggs Personality Types vs. Astrology: Which is Better?

What Pixar’s Tuning Red Means to Me, a Chinese-Canadian Animation Fan Posted on April 9, 2022 What is more fun than having someone or something tell you about yourself? If you’re like me, you also enjoy taking personality tests and quizzes in your free time. And if you’re also like me, you have definitely been told that you are “such a Sagittarius”. In this blog I will be discussing Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicators versus astrology through their ability to provide us insight about an individual’s personality.  Are you an introvert? An extrovert? Maybe even an ambivert? Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator […]

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What Pixar’s Tuning Red Means to Me, a Chinese-Canadian Animation Fan

What Pixar’s Tuning Red Means to Me, a Chinese-Canadian Animation Fan Posted on April 9, 2022 Attention animation fans! Pixar Animations Studios has just released their newest feature-film Turning Red on the streaming platform Disney+ on March 11th, 2022. Set in 2002, this film follows 13 year-old Chinese Canadian Meilin “Mei” Lee, who is caught in a rift between being the perfect daughter her mother expects her to be and being a fun loving, carefree teenager. On top of that, Mei also has the good fortune of turning into a giant red panda whenever she gets too excited! Starring Rosalie […]

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No Longer Human and Its Significance, Almost a Century Later

No Longer Human and Its Significance, Almost a Century Later Posted on March 27, 2022 (Please be made aware that this book and blog contains topics such as suicide, depression, depersonalization, social alienation, alcoholism, violence, and sexual assault. Discretion is strongly advised.)  If you have been keeping up to date with TikTok lately, you may have noticed a particular pink-and-black book trending over on BookTok. This book is No Longer Human, written by Osamu Dazai, which is hailed as one of Japan’s best-selling books of all time, and Dazai’s masterpiece. Now, one might ask, why is a Japanese book, published […]

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Karlie’s Toronto Bookstore Recommendations!

Karlie’s Toronto Bookstore Recommendations! Posted on March 9, 2022  If you’re a book lover like me, I’m sure it’s safe to assume that you’ve been meaning to check out some other bookstores within Toronto that aren’t Indigo. With the return of in person classes, what’s a better way to get to know the city than by just touring around?  Well, you’re in luck!  Below, I have listed 5 of my favourite bookstores that are within a decent commuting distance from our school’s campus. These places are great for finding books, both used and new, comics/manga, local works, and more! The […]

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I Switched to The StoryGraph and You Should Too!

I Switched to The StoryGraph and You Should Too! Posted on February 3, 2022 If you’re like me, you too are someone who loves tracking down the media you consume, whether it be books, music, movies, and more. It’s a great way to look back at the past content that you have engaged with, recall any memories associated with it, and also connect with other people who share similar interests.  For the longest time, Goodreads had always been the number one, go-to website for avid readers. It’s a simple interface that allows users to track, rate, and review books that […]

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An Introduction to Horror

An Introduction to Horror Posted on December 14, 2021 Horror is one of those genres that is definitely an acquired taste. I completely get it- not everyone wants to go to bed at night right after having just watched something scary. But, like many other fans, I welcome anyone who is interested in getting into the genre for the very first time with open arms.  Horror can be an incredible, cathartic experience for the viewer, which is why I personally enjoy it. Whether it be books, movies, television, and more, I believe that horror is so beloved by audiences because […]

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Red (Taylor’s Version): An Album Review (Karlie’s Version)

4 Moments When Movies Turn into ASMR Posted on November 25, 2021 After months of nail-biting worthy anticipation, Taylor Swift has finally released Red (Taylor’s Version) on November 12, 2021. If you were anything like me, the release of Red in 2012 completely changed the trajectory of your life forever. While it is bittersweet saying goodbye to Red, this re-recorded version offers a new sense of polish, momentum, and purpose. Red (Taylor’s Version) also allows fans to rest easy while being fully aware that we can enjoy an album that Taylor Swift has once again taken rightful ownership of. With […]

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