Hey Hawks,

It’s DJ Sunny D, your Radio Laurier friend.

Today was my second show ever, but this is my first blog post. I’ve been trying to get on my feet since the school year started, and though I’m only in second year, I’m feeling the burn of a really expensive education. So, so happy to be on the Radio Laurier team, though, and to be able to share with you what goes on in my head for a couple of hours every week! Here’s what went down on today’s show.

I’m a student of Religion and Culture here at Laurier, so you can assume what my main academic interests are. Truthfully my love for these two domains of humanity extends far beyond the classroom, so I’ll usually have something to say regarding this. I said a few things today.
I mentioned that Nepal welcomed its first female prime minister into office this week. I’m so thrilled about this. I travelled to Nepal in the summer after the two major earthquakes that left the country devastated, and I saw outrage against the government unfold. The reason people are angry is because the Indian media reported the first earthquake as 7.9M, when really it was 8.4M. The reason for this is that the Nepali government as well as that of India would have to send help to its disaster zones, and to people for their suffering if it was reported as 8.0M or higher. It’s truly sad, to see these people deceived on top of the intense struggles that they already face. It’s a third world country, you know. I’m hoping that this new face of leadership will host more compassion for the Nepalese people. Let me know what you think about this, I’m so down to talk about it, more than you know. Nepal is an incredible country and deserves greater recognition. Here’s an article about Bidhya Devi Bhandari’s inauguration:

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34664430

Another happening I mentioned was the end of the one-child rule that China has adhered to for a long while. Now, Chinese families are allowed to have two children in their home, and this change is in response to the aging of the labor force. Truly I think it’s best for our species and the planet to stop reproducing all together, but I won’t get into that now. I’m just intrigued by this change in China. Here’s a link to an article about it: http://globalnews.ca/news/2306134/china-to-abolish-1-child-policy-allow-2-children/
The last religion and culture related thing I mentioned was the Hoodie Monks, who are a Japanese hip hop group who rap about Buddhist philosophy, which I think is THE most badass thing ever. These guys are in their 40’s and they’re “droppin rhymes on the beat”. I’m not sure what the Japanese lyrics say, because, you know, I don’t understand Japanese, but the English lyrics of their song “Storyboard” tell a story of a monk who descends from the mountains into the street to spread wisdom. I played their music today on the show from an article, which I’ll share with you now: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/hoodie-monks-buddhist-hip-hop_5620024ce4b0c5a1ce62a289

I spoke briefly about Justin Trudeau’s plan to legalize marijuana, also mentioning the satirical article which proposes the date of legalization to be April 20th, 2016, and I had a good chuckle about it. That’s really all.

Hallowe’en is approaching, of course, and I spent a while talking about how I have no ideas for costumes. So far I’ve only got: a cat, a vampire, a cat-vampire, or reggae shark (totally worth checking out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3ytTKZf344). I asked for your suggestions, and I got: ceiling fan (a cheerleader for the ceiling, thanks Zack), a potato (thanks Reid) and Bob Marley (thanks everyone else).  I’m still not sure. Medusa would be cool but I’ve got no time. Lol. Whateva.

As you know or can assume, I’m really in love with music. There’s so much love and feeling within it, and as a student of the humanities, I really love learning about what gets people motivated, and I know that music plays a huge part in that change. I will frequently, if not constantly, be talking about music on the show.
I went to the Youth Lagoon show in Toronto on Sunday, and that was a blast. We were hanging before the show, Trevor Powers and I, and after also. I had the opportunity to tell him that when I was in Nepal, I went out for a paddleboat ride with my boyfriend-at-the-time, and we listened to the whole “Year of Hibernation” album. It was a sublime experience. That album is seriously blessed, I love it so much. Here’s a link to the whole thing: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL13DD1F35BBB24C95
Tonight I’m seeing Alvvays in Waterloo and I’m really stoked about it. Last night my friend ran into them at a Thai place on King street and she got into brief conversation with them – of course I’m envious of this. Our plan is to get them to come hang with us after the show tonight. You’ll certainly hear about how that goes. I hope it happens. Here’s a link to their great, self-titled album which I’ve been bumping for a month, now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzlc8yXqxSs
I’ve spoken about Born Ruffians a lot lately, too. They’re a Toronto-based indie band who I have grown to love very much. I’m trying very hard to get an interview with them, I’ll let you know how that goes. Currently they’re ignoring my Instagram messages but it’s whatever. They recently came out with a new album called “RUFF” and here’s the link to that, also: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXR3t3Md2y1HLVcczz0oOeG-EnW_iILum
I also shared this kickass Weezer cover done by Mac Demarco and his band… it’s so good: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL1ibWEvmvI

Today’s show was great fun – I look forward to speaking at you again next week! I hope your Hallowe’en is extra spooky, and safe. I am wishing you the best, always! I began the show with a quote from the Dalai Lama and I’ll end this post with it also.

Peace out, hawks, and hawk on.
-DJ SUNNY D

“Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.”