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The Most Chaotic Sitcom Christmas Episodes

Daniella
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The Most Chaotic Sitcom Christmas Episodes

The holidays on sitcoms always start the same: decorations, good intentions, maybe a small, sentimental moment…and then everything catches on fire, everyone panics, people lie, and at least one character ends up in some weird costume. It’s tradition. Here are some Christmas episodes that deliver the best chaos (with honourable mentions/extra episodes) for your holiday watchlist.

 

The Office – “A Benihana Christmas” (S3E10)

This is The Office’s Christmas crown jewel: Michael’s heartbreak turns into a questionable ‘boys outing’, two Benihana waitresses get invited back to Scranton (and Michael can’t tell them apart), and the office splits into competing Christmas parties that gradually turn into war. The energy is messy, unhinged, and very, very festive.

Honourable Mention: “Secret Santa” (S6E13)

One of the most chaotic behind-the-scenes episodes, the cast kept breaking into laughter as Kevin sat on Michael dressed as Santa. Even in the final cut, you can see actors fighting to keep a straight face.

Other episodes:

  • Moroccan Christmas (S7E11-12)
  • Classy Christmas (S2E10)
  • Christmas Wishes (S8E10)
  • Dwight Christmas (S9E9)

 

Brooklyn Nine-Nine – “Yippie Kayak” (S3E10)

Jake’s dream of living out Die Hard becomes painfully real. A simple shopping trip escalates into a hostage scenario, with Boyle hyped to the max, and Gina casually making everything worse. The episode alternates between absurd action, office-style jokes, and chaotic timing that feels like it’s teetering on the edge of disaster the whole time. It’s festive chaos perfected.

Honourable Mention: “Christmas” (S1E11)

As Peralta has to protect Holt from a supposed threat, mixed with the squad’s over-the-top antics, makes this episode unforgettable.

Other episodes:

  • Captain Latvia (S4E10)
  • Game Night (S6E10)

 

Parks and Recreation – “Citizen Knope” (S4E10)

Leslie tries to secretly build a park for Pawnee while everyone else is trying to celebrate Christmas. Volunteers run wild, deadlines loom, and Leslie’s perfectionism hits an all-time high. Between Tom being dramatic, Andy accidentally destroying props, and Ron quietly judging everyone, the episode captures absolute holiday chaos wrapped in Pawnee warmth.

Honourable Mention: “Christmas Scandal” (S2E12)

Leslie gets caught up in a scandal she didn’t commit, and the town reacts like it’s a national crisis. Tom and April’s misadventures add extra layers of chaos, making this one both absurd and hilarious.

Other episodes:

  • Ron and Diane (S5E9)

 

New Girl – “LAXmas” (S4E11)

The gang gets stuck at LAX on Christmas Eve. Nick panics, Winston befriends strangers in bizarre ways, Schmidt freaks out over etiquette, and Jess hides in VIP lounges. Misunderstandings, mishaps, and escalating stress make it a nonstop comedic disaster.

Honourable Mention: “The 23rd” (S1E9)

Jess organizes a holiday event while Schmidt’s office meltdown and Nick’s indecision collide. The episode is less extreme than LAXmas, but still filled with frantic energy, humour, and classic New Girl heart.

Other episodes:

  • Santa (S2E11)
  • Christmas Eve Eve (S6E11)

 

How I Met Your Mother – “How Lily Stole Christmas” (S2E11)

Ted calls Lily a “Grinch,” which sparks a full-scale Christmas feud. Marshall desperately tries to maintain peace, Robin tries to mediate, and the entire group spirals into holiday chaos that combines slapstick, emotional blowups, and heartfelt moments. From stolen decorations to escalating pranks, it’s the perfect example of sitcom Christmas insanity.

Honourable Mention: “Symphony of Illumination” (S7E12)

Robin struggles with her family holiday expectations, and the gang tries to cheer her up. While calmer than How Lily Stole Christmas, it’s filled with awkward humour, emotional tension, and subtle chaos as everyone’s well-meaning attempts backfire in classic HIMYM fashion.

Other episodes:

  • False Positive (S1E12)
  • The Over-Correction (S3E12)
  • The Final Page (Pt. 2) (S8E12)

 

Sources:

Think Before You Share: How Youth Can Stop the Spread of Misinformation

Anie U
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Think Before You Share: How Youth Can Stop the Spread of Misinformation

In a world where we have grown accustomed to flashy headlines, TikToks, and viral posts that flood our screens every single second, distinguishing fact from fiction has never been more important in the modern age. Misinformation spreads rapidly. It is not just among everyday readers, but even through respected media outlets, as shown by recent examples where satire was mistakenly treated as factual, real news. This makes skills like media literacy and critical thinking essential for the youth of today, allowing us to build and foster a more informed, responsible, and resilient society.

What’s the Problem?

Anyone, truly anyone, can share anything online. A dramatic quote, a shocking headline, or a viral clip can easily trigger emotional reactions, leading people to repost without stopping to check whether or not this information is true. Research and youth advocacy groups, such as The National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC), based in the United States, emphasize the fact that young people are often especially vulnerable to misinformation due to their exceedingly rapid consumption of content, content that commonly provokes worked-up responses.

However, age isn’t the real barrier. The real challenge lies in developing the skills to intentionally question information before sharing it.

How Youth Can Stop the Spread of Misinformation

So, here are five practical steps young people can take in building a smarter, more critical approach to online information, based on strategies recommended for helping youth spot misinformation.

1. Ask: Who Is Behind This Information?

Every piece of content has an origin, a source, so before you share, try to pause and think:

  • Who might have written this?

  • Is the source reliable?

  • Does it link to evidence or reputable reporting?

If you can’t confidently answer these questions, it’s best to slow down and investigate further, or keep scrolling!

2. Trust Verification Instead of Numbers

Numbers are never an indicator of truth; therefore, a story that has thousands of likes or shares does not make it legit or truthful. In fact, misinformation typically spreads faster than accurate news, as it is purposefully designed to provoke strong emotions to boost engagement or spread a message. Take a moment to fact-check before sharing.

3. Learn How to Fact-Check Like a Pro

To help you with fact-checking, there are great tools out there, such as the likes of Snopes and PolitiFact, that directly help verify claims and blurbs you see online. Using these tools before reposting can help stop falsehoods from spreading from your own part.

4. Consider Who Benefits from This Message

Ask yourself: Who gains if I believe or share this?
At times, misinformation is deliberately designed to influence opinions, spread fear, or manipulate readers on different scales.

5. Use Your Voice with Intention and Responsibility

Sharing is extremely powerful, at times more so than we think. When you choose to share only verified information, you not only protect yourself from being misled, but you also help set a standard for your peers online.

Why This Matters

Today’s youth are not just online consumers, because now they’re creators, influencers, and community builders. What you choose to share affects the understanding and behavior of others, even if it seems insignificant. This is because accurate information greatly strengthens trust and informed decision-making, while, on the other hand, unchecked misinformation regularly fuels confusion, fear, and division.

Becoming a responsible digital citizen doesn’t mean becoming completely cynical; instead, it means becoming thoughtfully informed, taking the next steps that differentiate you from just any other reader.

Conclusion

Misinformation isn’t going away; if anything, it is on track to amplify. However, we now have the tools and responsibility to slow its spread. Think before you share. Ask where it came from. Verify before you trust. When youth take these steps, they not only protect themselves but also strengthen the online spaces we all share.

Your voice matters. So, make it a voice for truth.

Sources: Question Everything: 6 Ways to Help Young People Spot Misinformation

Zootopia Is Back For The Second Movie!

Khanh Linh
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0
Zootopia Is Back For The Second Movie!

Have you been bored with having nothing interesting for the upcoming weekends? If you’re also a huge fan of Disney’s animated movies, and you’re looking for a new movie from Disney, then Zootopia 2 is for you!

1. Zootopia 2 has arrived!

After a decade of waiting, Zootopia has finally come back with a brand new sequel, and fans can’t be more excited. Disney has confirmed that Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde will return for their next adventure in the vibrant and diverse world of Zootopia – a city where all the animals live together, predators and prey, though not always peacefully.

2. A brief introduction of Zootopia 2:

From the available trailers, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde will work together as Zootopia’s official police officers as partners. Initially, Hopps and Wilde seem to have some issues while working together and screw up some missions. Then, they’re given a new high-stakes mission to prove their teamwork competency. If they fail, they’ll be split up. The case they receive involves reptiles in Zootopia. To be specific, it is about a mysterious blue snake named Gary De’Snake. The trailers also reveal that the city’s prejudice against reptiles takes center stage, and the duo soon discovers the truth is far more complicated — pushing them to rethink what they believe and work together like never before. They decide to help the reptile residents with their renewed partnership and save Zootopia one more time. [1][2][3][4]

3. Where to watch Zootopia 2?

Tickets are now available at theatres in Calgary at Cineplex and other cinemas!

4. Last message:

Grab your tickets and don’t miss this long-awaited Disney sequel!

How I Deal With Art Block

Tanushri
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0
How I Deal With Art Block

Have you ever stared at a blank page, waiting for the ideas to come to you and not feeling much at all? No spark of creativity or motivation? You’re not alone. As a self-taught artist, I’ve encountered art block many times, struggling to find a way to replace the emptiness of the page. Because of this, I’ve figured out a few ways to break out of it without feeling forced or demotivated.

1. I Stopped Forcing “Good Art”

One thing that causes my art block is thinking my art needs to be perfect. Leaving that pressure behind me allows me to put things on paper more expressively and feel more freedom to let myself flow without feeling stuck.

Drawing random scribbles, shapes, or even just adding blobs of colour helps me visualize what I’m feeling and merely creates movement. This, weirdly enough, helps me get started and gets my brain going.

2. Switching to Something Easier or Less Serious

If I can’t bring myself to draw anything serious, it always helps to draw something funny, random, or just easier in general:

  • Planets, stars, and galaxies
  • An eye (my go to since middle school)
  • Some fruit… which could potentially turn into a fruit basket

Making art with less pressure helps get ideas flowing and gets me into a flow state, which I can build up as I continue.

3. Getting Inspiration

Finding inspiration, especially from social media and YouTube, helps me a lot when it comes to fostering creativity, especially when dealing with art block. Seeing how someone else interprets and expresses themself through their art is enough to give me a spark of inventiveness.

4. Taking Breaks

Taking breaks are great beaters of art block, helping me feel refreshed, rather than burnt out.

Going on a walk, reading, watching a show, or even just getting up to clean my room are all ways that help me momentarily forget about art and feel less drained.

Art block shouldn’t dictate how any artist feels about themselves or their art and should instead serve as a reminder to remotivate yourself and reset your brain.

If you’re feeling stuck right now, try these methods out; I can guarantee that at least one will work for you to the same extent that it did for me!

Minimalism in the business world – Why things have gotten more basic

Sina M
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0
Minimalism in the business world – Why things have gotten more basic

As you grow, you start to notice that the world has less colour, is less vibrant, and a lot more dreary than animate. What if it wasn’t only an optical phenomenon, and instead, intentionally designed by the corporate influences of the world? The history of corporate minimalism is fascinating in its intricacy, so let’s get into it.

From the colourful scenes of clothes, items, and even advertisements, the 70s-80s served to attract attention through the flexible world of visuals. Even the future that was imagined already had an aesthetic called Frutiger Aero, which made people more enthusiastic and excited for anything coming into the world. Cereal boxes, shoes, fast food chains like McD’s, and television for the inventions, values, and social culture of the times. The years when influential bands debuted and made songs that incorporated social movements and optimism. People could express themselves through the colour that was finally on television, marking the emotional harmony in the techno world.

Then, when the 90s arrived, fashion changed forever. Flannel shirts, baggy jeans, plaid skirts…still worn by people today. But when the internet emerged, new technologies (such as fibre) for fashion design shifted the art from thrift stores to expensive brands. The spaces people make to express themselves through the wallpaper and furniture in their houses are taken over by the uniform structure of social media. Since corporate giants like Microsoft, Facebook, and YouTube play significant roles in daily life, they could change the layouts of their systems.

If you have ever looked into curated magazines, bolded and comical-like texts were everywhere. The 80s were at least recognizable by the hairstyles, clothes, and songs people listened to, but over time, the exact style of basic avatars and colours took over. Instead of detail and shade, there’s only a colour to stick to and text unbolded/unhighlighted. The most prevalent example is Corporate Memphis/ Algeria art, used in Google and Facebook, that arose in the late 2010s into the 2020s. It has been highly criticized for its simplicity and lack of realism, or otherwise being truly unimpressive and drab. Even the millennials who wore flashy and chic clothing as teenagers in the 90s have stepped into what’s often considered a downgrade in their adult years through their plain white, beige, or grey styles. Others may think its appeal to neutrality and compliance is carefully made, but it truly says nothing. Because it doesn‘t want to. Companies focus on production and mass advertising because it‘s cheaper. However, in an economy boasting inflation and high costs of living, it may lead people to question how they want to consume. 

With the rise of AI models, this continues to be unhelpful for the factor of humanity and creativity when it comes to consumerism. Now we hear about the next thing about living a life dedicated to consuming all types of one thing, versus an insufficient amount. There is no balance or heart when all corporations come after money. What we buy is what we wear, what we eat, and what we think. And with minimalism comes gentrification, causing harmful social impact or even more and more repetitive discussions around stereotypes and trends that affect those with a lifestyle different than that of modern and urban. Why is the only thing I see being developed the same kinds of apartments or fast food restaurants with white or brown paint? The pattern keeps looping people into buying whatever, and to be fine with less personality or authenticity. Think matcha performative guys on TikTok or the girls who wanted to be teenagers in 2015. They just somehow cannot get it “right.” They miss what feels good about life, but products never seem to try to win consumers out of that, only through problem-solving and efficiency. 

But the only way for things to change is to create demand. The issue with these trends to tackle character or life in consumerism is that they fade, and people pretend to look the other way just to buy what everyone else is purchasing. And then the cycle repeats. The current bleak state of the world could use some colour, patterns, or just something refreshing. 

What do you think of these interpretations or conversations about minimalism in product design/business outreach? Do you think the style is fine and that visual appeal is not something to worry about?

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_Memphis

https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/rtf-fresh-pehttps://promarksolutions.ca/the-impact-of-minimalism-on-modern-logo-design/rspectives/a13175-erasing-heritage-how-minimalist-design-neutralizes-urban-identity/https://promarksolutions.ca/the-impact-of-minimalism-on-modern-logo-design/

The Power of Thank You Notes

Jeanne Y
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The Power of Thank You Notes

‘Tis the season for presents, family, and holiday cheer! A big part of giving and receiving is showing gratitude, and thank you cards are such a wonderful way to do that. In this post, we’ll discuss why we should write them, when we should write them, and how we can write them, with a general format so you can get started easily.

Why You Should Write One

Regardless of how close you are to someone, sending gratitude is never unwelcome. Polite etiquette and kindness not only increase your own mood, but also increase chances of receiving another act of kindness. People are more likely to help those who appreciate their help, and they won’t know you appreciate their help if you don’t thank them for it.

Sending gratitude has positive effects on both the sender and the receiver, but many struggle with sending them because they overestimate the awkwardness of the recipient and underestimate the recipient’s appreciation. In reality, most people are happy their efforts feel

When You Should Write a Thank You Card

Thank you cards are great for many occasions, but might come off a bit formal. There’s also no formal structure or inclusion guide – should you include a gift card? Cash? Is that too much? – so it can be hard to write them when you don’t know the occasion.

As we’ve already outlined though, there’s many benefits to writing gratitude cards. So here’s some examples of when you should write one:

  • Holidays, after receiving a gift from someone you’re not super close with
  • Birthdays, in the form of a birthday card
  • Your own birthday, to thank someone for thinking of you
  • References, to thank someone for providing you a reference letter
  • After an interview
  • Being a houseguest
  • IMMEDIATELY after the event you’re grateful for. The sooner after, the more genuine it seems.

When NOT to send a thank-you note

  • right before you ask someone for something – it decreases the authenticity of the note
  • when you’re angry – the tone will sound off and the recipient can easily sense the negativity and lack of authenticity

How to send a thank you note

Physical ones are best! In this digital age where everything is tiny formatted text, handwritten notes are more personal and authentic. That having been said, if a digital note is the only possible way to send gratitude, send your note that way. Any note is definitely better than none at all.

Sending Physical Notes

Cards are ultimately more formal than sheets of lined paper, but if that’s what you’ve got you can still make the best use of it.

Write in pen, sign off, and make sure you personalize the contents. Don’t use AI – it ultimately defeats the purpose of thanking someone genuinely – and try to brainstorm what you’d like to say before writing it on the card.

Sending Digital Notes

There’s digital cards too, but if a kind email is the best you can do try to make it genuine. Follow basic email etiquette – keep it short, sweet, organized, and direct.

General Thank You Note Format:

This differs in tone depending on who you’re sending the note to and what your relationship is to them, so I’ve left the structure flexible. Be sure to personalize and add your own specific flair to it.

1. Introduction

Keep this part to the point. Be direct and clear about what you’re grateful for. A good outline might look like this:

“Dear [person],

I wanted to thank you for [thing you’re grateful for]/It was so kind of you to [thing you’re grateful for]. [Insert how it affected you/impacted you].”

2. Depth

Here’s where you talk with more detail about what you’re grateful for and what you’re hoping the relationship will develop into in the future (if that’s what you’re hoping for). The more personal you make this, the more meaningful it is.

“I thought [some aspect] was really [thoughtful/insightful/interesting]. It made me think about [something]. I hope we can [future goals].”

3. Conclusion

Sign off with cordiality, depending on how close you are with the person you’re thanking.

TL;DR

Thank-you notes are important for the sender and the recipient. They’re appropriate for most occasions, so don’t feel intimidated and give it a shot!

Sources: 1, 2, 3 ,4 , 5, 6

The Surprising Reason We Get Goosebumps

Vasundhara Joshi
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The Surprising Reason We Get Goosebumps

Goosebumps are one of those weird little things our bodies do that we almost never question. You might feel them when you are cold, when a song gives you chills, or when you are scared. They seem random, but there is actually a fascinating reason behind them.

Goosebumps are a leftover survival response from our ancient ancestors. Back when early humans had a lot more body hair, this reaction helped protect them. When danger was near or when the temperature dropped, tiny muscles under the skin would tighten and lift the hair on the body. This made our ancestors look bigger to predators and helped trap heat to keep them warm. It was an important way to survive.

Today we do not have enough body hair for this reaction to work the way it used to, but the response is still there. It is controlled by the same part of the nervous system that handles automatic reactions like breathing, blinking, and your heartbeat. That is why goosebumps happen without us thinking about them.

What makes goosebumps even more interesting is that they can also be triggered by strong emotions. Scientists believe this happens because intense feelings activate parts of the brain linked to fear or excitement. This sends the same signal through the body that once warned our ancestors of danger. That is why a powerful song, a touching moment in a movie, or a sudden scare can give us chills.

Goosebumps are a small reminder of how closely we are connected to the humans who lived thousands of years before us. Even though the world has changed, our biology still carries traces of the past. It is amazing to think that something so simple can tell a story about where we come from.

The next time you get goosebumps, you will know you are experiencing a tiny piece of human history.

Fast Fashion: The Cost of Cheap Clothes

Ava
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Fast Fashion: The Cost of Cheap Clothes

Fast fashion is a term used to describe quickly and cheaply made clothes. The term was created in 1990 by The New York Times, when Zara first came to New York, and wanted to be able to make clothes from scratch, and have been be sold in stores within 2 weeks.

In the past few years, Fast Fashion has been growing a lot in revenue, with an estimated C$57 billion this year, but behind this economic success is an environmental and social impact that continues to worsen.

photo of wardrobe with clothes
Assorted-color clothes photo – Free Clothing Image on Unsplash

The Environmental Effect

Responsible for 20% of global wastewater pollution and 8-20% of global carbon emissions, fast fashion is one of the biggest contributors to pollution.

The reason is their excessive use of energy, chemicals, and fuels. Their garments are made out of synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which shed microplastics which end up in our waters, soil, and sometimes even in our bodies.

The Social Impact

The world of fast fashion is no stranger to the exploitation of those living in poverty or desperate to make ends meet, either. The average employee of a brand using fast fashion has shifts as long as 12-16 hours, gets paid extremely small wages, and receives no overtime pay for their tremendous work in harsh conditions.

Not to mention, most employees who work under these conditions are children and young women, often trying to support their families. In some regions, there’s also use of forced labour, trafficking, or abuse by their employers.

Cost of Convenience

Fast fashion is seen as an effective way for retailers to meet high customer demands. This “effective” system is built on non-ethical ways that companies make low-quality clothes and promote consumerism amongst buyers.

Fast fashion is not only seen in brands such as Shein or Temu, but also in ones we see in our day-to-day lives and local malls like H&M, Zara, Forever 21, UNIQLO, etc. Being mindful of which companies we support and buy from makes the biggest difference

 

Brains In Progress

Krupa P
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Brains In Progress

An Introduction To Your Brain:

What if I told you that trying a new skill doesn’t just feel exciting, but it actually rewires your brain in a way? Think about the last time you learned something new and I’m not talking about a book you finished a week ago or gossip you learned from your friends at school. Your brain is built to learn valuable and beneficial skills, like learning to drive or to cook, maybe even learning survival skills.

How Neuron Connections Change While You Learn

Researchers studied how two types of neutrons communicate in the brain as you try to learn something new. The neurons will send information to different areas in your brain. However, the strength connection between the neurons only change if the experience was meaningful and significant. The neurons involved in this process are in the sensory cortex, a part of the brain that can also be found in cows or dogs as well. Because of this similarity, the findings could also help scientists a lot of animals learn too!

Mice Helped Researchers Understand Learning?

That’s right! Mice have helped researchers understand our brains! They were used as models to understand how learning happens.

The mice experienced three different scenarios and scientists observed how they responded:

  • Group 1: Received an air puff with a reward
  • Group 2: Received an air puff with a reward only sometimes
  • Group 3: Received only an award without an air puff

Results of the experiment:

Observations had concluded that soon the mice began to ignore the puff of air they received on their whiskers and had no change in the neurons behavior. This shows that the brain can recognize when useful patterns exists and when there isn’t one to learn.

Conclusion:

Our brains change the most when we learn something meaningful and the neurons only strengthen the connections when an experience actually matters. This research really intrigued me and changed the way I see my brain in so many ways. Learning wasn’t just about retrieving and gaining knowledge but also about how my brain constantly rewired and geared itself to make sense of it.

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Staying Hydrated; Tips and Tricks

Avy
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Staying Hydrated; Tips and Tricks

Staying hydrated is one of the simplest but most important things you can do for your body. Water helps regulate temperature, move nutrients, and keep your brain focused. Even mild dehydration can make you feel tired, dizzy, or give you a headache. The good news is that staying hydrated is easy when you build a few small habits into your day.

One of the best ways to stay hydrated is to carry a water bottle everywhere you go. Having it with you makes it easier to remember to drink throughout the day. It also helps to drink water if you feel thirsty, because thirst is usually a sign that your body is already getting dehydrated. Taking small sips regularly can prevent this.

If plain water isn’t your favorite, and you are more of a person that enjoys drinks with flavour in them, there are ways to make it more enjoyable. You can add natural flavors like lemon slices, berries, or cucumber to give your water a refreshing taste without adding sugar.

Another helpful trick is to drink a glass of water during routine moments, such as when you wake up, start studying, or sit down for a meal. Building these mini-habits makes hydration automatic.

Food can also help you stay hydrated. Fruits and vegetables like watermelon, oranges, cucumbers, apples, and strawberries have high water content, which adds to your daily hydration without you even noticing.

It’s also important to limit drinks that can dehydrate you. Too much coffee, soda, or energy drinks can work against your hydration goals. If you’re doing sports or physical activity, bring extra water and drink before, during, and after your activity. Electrolyte drinks can help replace minerals lost in sweat, but they shouldn’t be used every day.

Ultimately, staying hydrated can be fun. You can set phone reminders, track your water intake, download water tracker apps, or make it a challenge with someone else to see who drinks the most throughout the day. With small changes and consistent habits, staying hydrated becomes simple, and your body will feel the benefits every day.

Playlists for Every Occasion (Because Life Needs a Soundtrack)

Elizabeth A
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Playlists for Every Occasion (Because Life Needs a Soundtrack)

Some days feel slow, some feel hectic, and some feel like you’re the background character in a teen movie. Here are a few playlists that fit the mood you’re in, whatever that happens to be today.

To Focus

When you need to focus and get stuff done; soft, steady, nothing too distracting.

• “cardigan” – Taylor Swift
• “Like Real People Do” – Hozier
• “Auguste” – Noah Kahan
• “Valentine” – Laufey

Perfect for homework, studying, or pretending you’re organized.

To Commute

When the walk to school needs a little drama; songs that make the world feel a bit more cinematic.

• “Pink + White” – Frank Ocean
• “Sunflower, Vol. 6” – Harry Styles
• “Cloud 9” – Beach Bunny
• “Pretty Girl” – Clairo

Add headphones, look out a window, feel like the main character.

To Feel Upbeat

When your room is a mess and you need motivation; a little upbeat energy goes a long way.

• “Greedy” – Tate McRae
• “Dance the Night” – Dua Lipa
• “Victoria’s Secret” – Jax
• “About Damn Time” – Lizzo

Cleaning becomes way less painful when the music is fun.

Slow and Deep

When you’re up late and everything feels a bit deep; calm songs with the right amount of emotion.
• “Ceilings” – Lizzy McAlpine
• “Little Freak” – Harry Styles
• “Nobody” – Mitski
• “The Night We Met” – Lord Huron
Not sad, just thoughtful. Good for journaling or staring at the ceiling.

Uplifting

When you need a quick mood boost; instant serotonin in song form.
• “Kiss Me More” – Doja Cat
• “Good Days” – SZA
• “Cruel Summer” – Taylor Swift
• “Heat Waves” – Glass Animals
Great for getting ready, walking to class, or shaking off a bad morning.

Overall, whether it’s a fun jammy session or a deep cry-your-heart-out moment. Music could get you through anything!

When Satire Becomes News: How a Fake Quote Fooled Time Magazine

Anie U
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0
When Satire Becomes News: How a Fake Quote Fooled Time Magazine

In a world where misinformation is ever-growing and increasingly prevalent, falsehoods are being paraded as facts, making it harder for the average reader to discern truth from fake news. However, this issue doesn’t just apply to media consumers – even media outlets can slip up. This week, one of the biggest examples came from a surprising place – Time Magazine.

Time Magazine, a publication usually known for its credibility, accidentally published a quote from The Beaverton, a Canadian satire site famous for its outrageous fake news. A joke meant purely for comedy ended up in a serious international article, showing just how tricky it can be — even for seasoned journalists — to separate fact from fiction.

What Happened?

Earlier this week, Time Magazine put out an article discussing the United States’ strained relationships with other countries. Everything seemed straightforward at first. Then readers noticed something strange: a quote about American foreign policy that sounded wildly dramatic — mostly because it wasn’t real.

It was sourced from The Beaverton, a Canadian website similar to The Onion or Walking Eagle News. Their stories are intentionally ridiculous, fictional, and produced purely for entertainment. The Beaverton’s fictional story hinged on a fabricated quote supposedly from the U.S. ambassador to Canada, claiming: “A Canada that it would be very easy to target with 500% steel tariffs, or one Patriot missile aimed at Parliament Hill.”

The line was intentionally absurd, but just believable enough for Time to mistake it for a legitimate comment. Once people caught it, the error spread across social media, sparking a mix of laughter, confusion, and conversations about how easily satire can sneak into real news.

What Caused This?

Some people immediately blamed the reporter, but the issue goes way beyond one person. The internet is completely saturated with content, much of it designed to sound real even when it isn’t. Satire sites intentionally mirror real journalism — that’s part of why they’re funny.

And in a digital atmosphere where journalists face tight deadlines and constant pressure to publish quickly, mistakes slip through. Readers can fall for satire in the same way: by skimming, ignoring disclaimers, or not checking where information originally came from.

The Bigger Picture

At first glance, the whole ordeal seems harmless, but it reveals something extremely important. In an environment overflowing with news, jokes, rumours, and — more than ever — AI-generated content, being a careful and skeptical reader truly matters. If a major publication can confuse satire for a real quote, any of us can.

This incident is a reminder to double-check sources, look for context, and understand the difference between entertainment and actual reporting. It also shows that media outlets need to continue adjusting to the speed and chaos of the modern internet.

Conclusion

The Beaverton fooling Time Magazine is an excellent lesson on media awareness and a reminder that digital literacy skills and critical thinking are crucial as news continues to evolve. Information bombards us everyday. Now, it is up to us to pause, question, and verify before accepting anything as truth.

Sources: 1 

A Thank You Letter to Creativity

Nelo Anne
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A Thank You Letter to Creativity

First of all, what is creativity?

Creativity is what keeps me connected to myself and adds color to my life, but it also requires complex coordination between many parts of the brain. Creativity is a cognitive process involving the development and production of something original. It isn’t just the product of information one has access to, but the establishment of new and unique concepts, originating from your own mind and imagination.

There are actually three parts of the brain that creativity is linked to: the prefrontal cortex handles complex cognitive activity, like decision making and problem solving. Part of the prefrontal cortex is in charge of emotional processing, both components creativity requires.

Secondly, the limbic system, a group of complex brain structures under the cerebral cortex, regulating memory, behavior and sensations, is also a key contributor. It is one of the oldest structures in the brain, controlling instincts such as eating, hydrating and the fight/flight/freeze response. The hippocampus and amygdala (subsections of the limbic system) help us form ideas, memories and adrenaline.

Finally, the parietal and occipital lobes are two parts of the brain responsible for spatial orientation and visual processing, helping us imagine and picture what things might look like without really seeing them. 

All of this is needed for divergent thinking, which we engage in when we participate in creative activities. But first of all, convergent thinking is the process of finding a single, well defined and proven answer to a question, specifically by taking a broad range of information and narrowing it down, focusing on analysis and logic. On the other hand, divergent thinking is the same as lateral thinking (considering different possibilities, solutions and scenarios), and makes creativity possible. Kids are the best divergent thinkers because they often don’t know enough about how the world functions to expect the most straightforward outcome. 

While some people lean more towards divergent thinking and enjoy tackling ambiguous questions and others prefer using concrete reasoning, everyone possesses a capacity for both. They each have unique strengths that are applied in different situations.

Be that as it may, this is a love letter to creativity, not math. Divergent thinking offers the world fresh perspectives and insightful discoveries, like cream to a bland cup of coffee. I adore the creativity of humans and wanted to take a moment to appreciate all the wonderful things it illuminates in ourselves.

Thank you…for writing

Writing has had a massive impact on my life for as long as I can remember, shaping me considerably into the person I am today. The stories I write reflect my life, thoughts and values (especially when one is about the opposite of my life and the characters have contradicting morals). Though it might sound cringey, the characters I write have individual slots in my personality, belonging to me yet existing in their own way.

Writing lets you explore the world (or another) in any way you want, turn a feeling into something you can look at, and gives life meaning and motivation. Whether you’re writing articles, stories, books, scripts, poems or songs- you’re shaping something that didn’t exist before, and leaving a little piece of yourself in it.

Thank you…for music

Have you ever played a potent orchestral piece or sang along to a powerful song on the radio and felt tingles run through your body? That’s the connection music forges from thin air. No matter the genre, music conveys a message (even if the message is just a vibe).

When I play in a band, I feel a sense of interconnectedness and freedom I don’t get anywhere else. We are there to create an experience together, and everyone (literally) plays their parts. It reminds me that creativity is not just personal, it is always a collaboration between who and other creators, or you and those who are appreciating your vision.

Thank you…for dance

Though I am not a skilled dancer by any means and haven’t taken a ballet class since I was six, dancing has always been one of my favorite means of creativity. Dance allows for such a direct output of emotion- almost like waves of worry, anger or disappointment are flowing off of you, down to rest calmly. When I dance, it’s around my house with headphones on, and I always feel so much better after.

However, it isn’t just a way to regulate and process emotions, it is also a way to express yourself, improvise something new and crazy, and connect with the world in a physical way. There is something beautiful about the way this kind of creation enters the world briefly and then is gone, but not gone to those who took something out of it (which could just be you!).

Thank you…for art

Enough said. It can do the talking.

Thank you…for the spark

The moment of utter excitement, energy and confidence when the wispy outline of an idea drifts through your mind, the way it lights you up, fills your insides with inspiration and renewal. 

Thank you…for possibility

Possibilities are endless, and potential knows no bounds.

Thank you…for curiosity

Curiosity and creativity are heavily linked: exploring and questioning rather than accepting things as they are is how ideas are formed.

Thank you…for the color of life

Without creativity, life would be dull and colorless, like a canvas of black-and-white equations. Creativity is the watercolor seeping across the page, the pastels smeared over a notepad, the vibrant fill on a digital design, bringing everything to life.

Thank you…for growth

Creativity teaches us to learn about ourselves and grow from mistakes, reminding us that nothing will ever be perfect, and that’s okay.

Thank you…for an outlet

Where would we release the intensity of the world?  How and where we channel our energy has a profound effect on both our mental and physical health.

Thank you…for the freedom 

There don’t have to be expectations or pressure. Creativity is about diving into a world of new possibilities and exploring the unknown, asking the “what if..?” and taking the winding path. 

Thank you…for everything else!

There are so many other ways to express creativity, from playing D&D with your friends to acting in Capcut films. Just because you can’t seem to draw a hand right or come up with a complex plot to a novel trilogy doesn’t mean you are an uncreative person, because maybe you are a boss at clearing your mind when you do yoga, writing awesome haikus or solving complex social problems at work.

Benefits to embracing your creative side – because everyone has one!

-Increased empathy: creating or engaging with art helps us understand different perspectives and ways of being.

-Improved mental health: creativity relieves stress and spreads joy.

-Stronger sense of identity: your values and personality are brought out by your creative voice.

-More resilience: overcoming creative challenges creates a persistent, adaptable mindset.

-Improved communication and self expression: gives you the tools to share your ideas, identity and perspectives smoothly, respectfully and thoughtfully.

-Better problem solving skills: experience with trial and error in creative work strengthens skills that are useful in every walk of life.

To sum up, I’m grateful for every spark, every struggle and every smile creativity has brought me, and I hope you will be reminded of the remarkable things you can, will and have created.

Sources

How Retail Was Built: The Innovations Behind Black Friday

Areej C
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How Retail Was Built: The Innovations Behind Black Friday

Introduction:

This weekend when you head out for your Black Friday shopping, or decide to do some online shopping at home on your computer, it’s important to realize the inventions that have facilitated your ability to shop comfortably. Over the last centuries, retail has changed dramatically, evolving from  simple small local markets to massive global industries. Many of the inventions that transformed everyday shopping also helped shape what we now recognize as Black Friday

Five Most Important Inventions 

The Price Tag:

Created in 1861, the price tag was the first of its kind. Derived from ethical and moral shopping dilemmas, the price tag ensured equality in product prices. Prior to the price tag, all prices were determined on the individuals attire and the general wealth displayed.  This called for an influx in bargaining power for both sides, and caused some people to get exploited by buying cheaper products for more. John Wanamaker was a Christian man, with strong moral obligations. He was intent on making the world a better place with his modest intentions, this was by implementing his idea of price tags and opening a store. This store faced harsh criticism from other surrounding merchants, but customers were impressed and kept returning. John Wanamaker’s store was a hit. 

The Coupon:

An invention from Coca-Cola started a revolution of marketing tactics. The coupon creates interest and need for products you never knew you needed. Selling items at a cheaper price entices the public and allows them to try products. In 1887 Coca-Cola’s Asa Candler devised the idea and execution of the coupon by creating a voucher of 5 cents for one Coca-Cola. “It’s estimated that one out of every nine Americans had received a free Coke — meaning that 8.5 million free drinks had been distributed to the public”. The idea was a success, and people flocked towards the product for a a good sale. To this day, many people use coupons, increasing many companies revenue and company awareness. Overall this invention opened hundreds of new marketing tactics that allow people to shop at certain locations, shops, and businesses. 

The Computer:

The first mechanical computer was created in 1822. The history of the computer is quite long and starts even before 1822, but the first mechanical computer has been traced back to 1822. Charles Babbage started the idea of an machine performing complex work for an individual. In his case it was approximating polynomials and other mathematematic equations. Later in 1837, he started to propose the idea of his Analytical Engine. But in the end it was never made, until other scientists brought it to life in 1936. After all of this the most recognizable computer was made in 1945.  The Computer is an invention that manipulates and collects information. Computers store information and can search for them on the web making it have endless possibilities. All of this information is displayed on your computer screen ready to use and making it one of the most used inventions in the world. This invention was useful to retail in the long run as it stored the companies products on a single device, improved store security by creating protective systems, stored business documents, tracked customer purchases and even self started self checkout. 

The Barcode:

Invented by Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver in 1952, the barcode is a technology that identifies and differentiates products from each other and creates unique identities for each one. Barcodes coded products into specific design of bars that made it easier to scan, ring up products and track inventory. Behind each of these codes, all the information about the product was stored and kept, and it could be accessed by a scan by a device. This has impacted modern retail as it has sped up the process of shopping and convenience for the employees and shoppers. What was once a tedious process has turned into a process that accommodates revenue of 114 billion dollars in Canada alone.

The QR Code:

Originating from the video game ‘GO’, in 1994 Masahiro Hara created the idea of the QR code. QR Code stands for ‘Quick Response Code’. The similar black and white tile layout resembles the QR code and its unique layout that is attached to a specific link. Hara realized that a grid layout could hold much more information and could be scanned from any angle or direction, making the QR Code a huge accessible innovation. The QR Code has impacted retail by being a way to collect customer reviews and gain feedback by scanning codes. Many times these codes lead to incentives as well, many times if you fill out the surveys you receive for example $5 off your next purchase. These surveys collect customer data and ask shoppers to specify brand likes and dislikes or other supply questions which is also beneficial to businesses. 

Conclusion:

These five inventions shaped the modern retail world and made today’s shopping possible!  As you head out for Black Friday deals this weekend, or if you already have, remind yourself that every scan, every sale, and every price tag is part of a long history of innovation that built the modern shopping experience!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

 

Your Obese Cat Might Die – Why?

Xinlei L
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Your Obese Cat Might Die – Why?

IMAGINE THIS 

12AM

This is you. Scrolling on your phone, procrastinating studying for the two upcoming tests, three essays and final project. Your small feline friend strolls up to you and nudges your hand, meowing for food. You half-heartedly dump a load of kibble in Meatball’s bowl, continuing your comfortable spiral of dopamine punches into pinches.

 

1:43AM

Eventually, the reels become too mundane and you reluctantly pick up your pencil to discipline yourself into academic submission.

 

7:00AM

The following Saturday morning is one of lethargy and “I wanna go back to sleep..” Meatball waddles up to you once again with a toy in his mouth, his beady eyes glimmering at you. You dismiss his polite offer and suddenly remember you haven’t flown a kite in a while. 

 

9:41AM (-2h 41min)

Two hours later, you’re a bit hungry. Maybe bake some cookies? That’d be fun. 

 

9:50AM

Oh, we’re out of eggs. Guess it’s time for the supermarket. 

 

10:11AM (-1hr 7min)

It’s raining right now though. It’d be cool if you tried making a makeshift umbrella!

 

THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR ACTIONS.

Before your dismissive eyes, time has quietly slipped past you, never to return again. The day skips away as you find yourself at the same 12AM before the same glowing white box with the same small meow box crawling up to you for food, a quiet weight of schoolwork piling up behind you. 

 

If you continue this pattern, not only will your grades shrink up but your small Meatball will enlarge. Bigger and bigger will he become, as the irregular feeding times, careless portions, and the lack of playtime creeps up on him. 

 

You’ll find yourself before the vet one day, her face sorrowful with empathy as she tells you your 50lb cat has liver disease. Treatment would be above $6000 total. The flies in your wallet start laughing at you as you look upon the difficult decision you’re forced to make. 

 

TAKEAWAY

See how all of this could’ve been avoided if you had simply managed your time better? Time is an extremely valuable tool that is equal to all. 24 hours in a day, each precious second distributed equally among you and your peers. The main reason why in twenty years many of you end up in vastly different situations is because of how you manage your time right now. 

 

So get off your phone. Go do that schoolwork. Feed your cat good.

 

Sources

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