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The Rise of Anti-Intellectualism Shown Through Books

Spencer
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The Rise of Anti-Intellectualism Shown Through Books

When you think of novels, your mind immediately goes to a place where reading is a pursuit of knowledge and experience. Classics, non-fiction, or excellently written stories come to mind. These are the books that, in many cases, built us into who we are today, with the characters becoming central figures of comfort in our own lives. 

Speaking as somebody who began her deep interest in novels and stories over five years ago and who takes comfort in the books she reads, I can vouch for how terrifying it is that novels are becoming so shallow. 

I am sure many of you who are reading this have social media and are familiar with “book tok.” A space on social media where book lovers can discuss their favorite novels, and this is extremely effective at getting people into reading and having deep conversations about these books. However, in recent days, it is clear that the new type of novels being mass-produced and pumped out are a reflection of what is happening in our modern-day culture. 

Today, romance novels take the cake in terms of production as well as advertisement. I would like to make it clear that there is nothing wrong with romance novels. Many of the greatest stories ever written center around that very topic. It is clear in the modern day, however, that “romance” novels are becoming less about a succinct connection between two people and are instead measured in the amount of “spice” they contain. Gone are the days of Mr. Darcy’s silent longing, Robbie, and Cecelia’s deep understanding, and Gatsby’s over-the-top parties. Today, novels are reduced to their tropes, most notably enemies-to-lovers or forced marriage. 

I have read a few of these novels, and they always left me feeling so empty. There is rarely a proper connection formed between the two characters, and it seems that the plot only exists to string together the enormous amount of intimate scenes. Essentially, these novels serve no other purpose than being modernized and easily accessible pornographic material, void of any real meaning. 

This is not a critique of modern writers, and I am not speaking about this to come across as elitist. The majority of my favorite novels have been written in the last fifteen years. I have cried with these characters, loved with them, and lost with them. I am speaking about this topic due to my immense love of fiction and my desire to ensure it is not reduced to make-out scenes. 

It brings into question “why are these novels being promoted?” 

When you look at the current political climate and events going on worldwide, it is obvious we are in the middle of an attack on the middle class, education, and curiosity. 

It is easier to control people when they have no knowledge to fall back onto. This extends to books. We have seen a remarkable amount of novels being banned with no real reason other than them just discussing difficult topics, and or being critical of the government. At the very same time this is happening, the rise of smut-based books is simultaneously rising. 

This loss of meaning in written books, and readers being unwilling to expose themselves to anything beyond solely “happy” reads with large romantic themes, is horrifying.

Additionally, as novels generally become less complex. We can see that they become more and more indistinguishable from AI slop. Bringing forth the question “If AI can write stories similar in quality to what’s most common today, what disguises the human experience?” 

We have also seen modern books that are, in fact, deep and complex reads being simplified in their marketing. Often, to appeal to the growing popularity of shallow reads. I was initially drawn to this topic when an online creator described the newly released Alchemised as being “spicy” and “enemies to lovers.” This blatantly ignores the complex themes of loss, sexual assault, and our perception of history.

So the new question becomes “what do we do?” 

Constant self-improvement, acquiring knowledge, and curiosity are the main forms of rebellion. Read diverse books from various genres. Don’t limit yourself to only classics; read as much as you can. 

The rise of novels based on shallow themes and with motivations only relating to romance or spice cannot continue to grow in popularity. The true essence of reading and writing centers around understanding, humanity, and empathy. 

I have lived a thousand lives due to all of the characters I have had the pleasure of experiencing through books. The world I got to briefly live in, and the problems I had to witness and see resolved. 

Reading has made me a better person, and will always be a part of my life. I continue to defend this ancient art and novels that reflect the true human spirit. 

It’s Okay to Not Know Your Dream Job at 16 (or 15, 17, or 18)

Anne J
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It’s Okay to Not Know Your Dream Job at 16 (or 15, 17, or 18)

At some point, as kids, we were all asked the same question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

And somehow, that question followed us. From elementary school days when we would eagerly answer “princess!” and “unicorn”, to high school guidance offices, to awkward family dinners. By the time you’re a teenager, it feels like you’re supposed to have an answer ready. Not just any answer, but a passionate and sure one. A dream job. Something impressive, specific, and preferably achievable.

And although it might seem like your peers around you have one, as they acquire specialized internships, enroll in specific courses, and seem to have all the tribulations in finding a career settled, it’s completely normal to not have everything figured out yet. In fact, I would go on to say that most of us don’t.

There’s this idea that if you don’t know exactly what you want to do with your life, you’re behind. Where everyone else has a plan they’re confidently following, it can feel like you’re wandering aimlessly. In truth, I believe a lot of people are just guessing. Or picking something that sounds good because it makes other people, or even themselves, feel a fleeting sense of comfort and safety. We’re pressured to turn interests into careers before we’ve even had the chance to fully explore them. You like art? Be a graphic designer. You like helping people? Maybe a nurse. You’re good at science? Engineering, obviously.  Suddenly, everything you enjoy feels like it has to justify itself by becoming a job. And if it can’t, it feels useless. On the other end of this spectrum, it can feel like a betrayal to yourself if you don’t select a career that particularly suits what you’re truly interested in. For example, as someone who enjoys humanities, and arts, I was always primed by my peers and adults around me to pursuing something more “realistic”, or with greater job opportunities in a STEM based discipline. This introduced an ugly stressor in my life, a feeling of having to choose between what would help me “actually succeed” in the future and betraying my true self, or pursuing my genuine interests and risking my quality of life as an adult.

However, although it’s important to consider your future carefully, your life doesn’t need an in-depth five-year plan at 16. Or 18. Or even 21. Of course, be responsible with your future, but it’s ridiculous to think there’s something wrong with you if you don’t know where your life might go in the future. Not having a dream job doesn’t mean you’re unmotivated or lazy. Sometimes it just means you’re honest about the fact that you don’t know who you’ll be in ten years, because you’re still figuring out who you are right now.

As well as this, people change. A lot. The version of you that exists today will not be the same version of you in five years, no matter how sure you feel. Interests shift. Values change. Life happens. Locking yourself into one “dream” too early might cause more harm than good, especially if you’re rushing into something because you feel like you’re supposed to have one. Not to mention the anxiety of feeling like you’ve made the wrong decision. There’s also this pressure to love your job. Like if you don’t wake up every morning excited to work, you’ve done something wrong. But a job doesn’t have to be your entire identity. It can be something that pays the bills, gives you stability, and leaves room for the parts of your life that actually bring you joy. Passion doesn’t only exist in careers. It can exist in hobbies, relationships, creativity, and community.

It’s okay if your current goal is just to survive school. Or to figure out what you don’t like. Some people find their dream job early, which is awesome for them. Others find it later. Some never have one, and still live meaningful, happy lives. There isn’t one correct timeline, even though it feels like there is when you’re constantly comparing yourself to everyone else.

If you don’t have a dream job, maybe you have something else instead: curiosity, kindness, resilience, creativity. Those matter. And they’ll take you further than a perfectly polished answer ever could.

So next time someone asks what you want to be when you grow up, remember this: you’re allowed to say “I don’t know yet.” You’re allowed to change your mind. You’re allowed to grow at your own pace.

So, if have absolutely no clue what you want to do, even at your big age of 16 (or 17 or 18)…

You’re not behind!! Be nice to yourself, and it’ll be okay. I often think about how it’s unfair to place the weight of our futures on a single decision we make at 16 or 17. Like honestly, I’m 16 and I can’t even pass my drivers test…(don’t tell anyone)!

5 New Year’s Eve Traditions from around the world

Diya Kunisetty
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5 New Year’s Eve Traditions from around the world

The day I am writing this is December 30, meaning that we are super close to the new year! Whether that means making a long list of resolutions or partying till dawn, the new year is a big event in practically everybody’s life. Today, I’m going to be talking about how different cultures around the world celebrate New Year’s eve!

 

  1. Spain

During New Year’s eve in Spain, a common tradition is to eat 12 grapes at midnight. Mexico also does this, and it symbolises the 12 hours on the clock and is done to bring good luck to the new year

2. Ireland

On the concept of luck, Ireland does its best to “scare” away bad luck. They do this by banging on pots to scare away evil spirits and poor fortune that may impact them during the new year. 

3. Denmark

In Denmark they like to start off the new year pretty active. What I mean by this is that they leap from chairs at midnight to start off a good year. They also throw plates to banish any bad luck

4. Canada

I actually didn’t know this, but in some places in Canada they go ice fishing! After catching the fish they roast them, starting off the year with a freshly caught and cooked meal. 

5. Greece

I thought this one was pretty cool as an onion lover myself. Basically, the Greeks hang a bunch of onions outside their door! They do this to welcome good spirits of fortune and fertility

Now you know about some awesome new year’s eve traditions that you might want to try this year! Thanks for reading!

Sources: https://www.paperlesspost.com/blog/new-years-eve-traditions/?srsltid=AfmBOor3I6obOvdRQ2nEOO5yS3tZi-ya-OSZDASbavF7595GH5gVvjS4

Tiny Component, Large Impact: How the Transistor Revolutionized Technology

Sabarish M
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Tiny Component, Large Impact: How the Transistor Revolutionized Technology

Imagine the world without smartphones, computers and modern technology, from TVs to cars, advanced medical equipment and smart home gadgets. Life as we know it today would be completely different without the development of what is arguably the most revolutionary piece of technology ever created: the transistor. In this blog post, we will be taking a deep dive into the function of a transistor, its history and how it came to be a foundation of technology, and how it is used in modern devices.

What is a Transistor?

A transistor is a semiconductor electronic component which can act as an electric switch or amplifier, which controls the flow of electricity and electric signals. All transistors have three separate terminals, each of which serves a different purpose depending on the type of transistor. Fundamentally, a transistor works by using an electric signal at one terminal to control a larger current flow between the two other terminals, acting as switches or amplifiers in different cases.

Here are two methods that most transistors work:

1) As a Switch to control the flow of electric signals: Transistors use digital logic to represent the two states: on and off. When no electric signal is applied to the control terminal, the transistor acts as an open switch, blocking the current and electric signal from flowing between the two terminals. When a sufficient electric signal is supplied to the control terminal, the transistor becomes fully active, acting like a closed switch that allows current to fully flow between the two other terminals, representing the on state. Computers use these two states to represent binary code, which includes a series of 0s and 1s, representing the off and on states.

2) As an Amplifier: We can amplify electric signals using transistors by providing small electric signals in one terminal to control a much larger current flow between the other two terminals. Unlike switches, which have two distinct states, using a transistor as an amplifier allows us to have an output proportional to the input. A minor change in the signal in the control circuit produces a change directly proportional to the output current. This quality of transistors allows us to amplify weak signals (like those from a microphone) into stronger signals (like those needed to operate a loudspeaker).

There are many different types of transistors, with the major ones being: Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJT) and Field Effect Transistors (FET). A field effect transistor works by using a voltage at its gate terminal to create an electric field that controls the current flow between the source and drain terminals. Common types of FETs include MOSFETs and JFETs. Whereas a bipolar junction transistor has the current flow between the emitter and collector terminals controlled by a current at its base terminal. The two types of BJTs are PNP and NPN Transistors.

There are also other specialized transistors, like the phototransistor, which may not look like the more common transistors but have similar functionalities.

The History of Transistors and How it Came to Be

Before the revolutionary invention of transistors, most electronic devices relied primarily on large, bulky vacuum tubes to amplify signals and act as switches to control electric flow. These tubes were bulky, fragile, and inefficient, which paved the way for the invention of transistors. In 1947, physicists from Bell Labs found a better way to control signals using semiconductors. They developed the first transistor, which had the same functions as the vacuum tubes but was much smaller and more efficient.

With the evolution of technology, scientists and engineers have developed new methods to make efficient transistors and established newer models that are more specialized, which can be carved onto silicon chips. Today, instead of a giant glass tube, we are able to fit billions of transistors onto a tiny microchip.

With the development of new models, new transistors made from Gallium Nitride and Silicon Carbide are used alongside the traditional silicon transistors to make existing systems, such as EV charging, more efficient.

How Transistors are used in Modern Devices

Transistors with their functionality and wide array of uses form the fundamental building block of integrated circuits used in numerous microchips and technology. Transistors allow modern technology, as big as supercomputers and as small as microchips, to enable digital processing, memory and logic. The invention of transistors allowed engineers to develop smaller and more efficient machines that are more efficient. Did you know that a cheap smartphone that can be placed into our pockets today is millions of times more powerful than a computer that took up a room before transistors were discovered?

Sources: 1, 2

Healthcare — Luxury or Human Right?

Nova Astrov
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Healthcare — Luxury or Human Right?
It’s easy to take healthcare for granted — until you realize that for many people around the world, it’s a luxury. In some countries, people skip going to the doctor because they can’t afford it. In others, there isn’t even a clinic nearby. And suddenly, something treatable becomes life-threatening. 
Photo by Dulana Kodithuwakku on Unsplash

Global inequality in access to healthcare is a massive issue, and it’s not just about medicine. It’s about money, politics, geography, and human rights. Even today, around the world, one of the most pressing challenges that we face are the disparities in our healthcare across different countries. In this post, I will cover how these differences have affected people around the world, and how to combat them.
The World Health Organization (WHO) released an article in May of 2025 that stated “people in the country with the lowest life expectancy will, on average, live 33 years shorter than those born in the country with the highest life expectancy.” This statistic alone shows how much where you are born has come to affect your human right of receiving basic healthcare and opportunities to grow.

Health inequities are deeply tied to social disadvantage and discrimination. People living in

poorer countries are often more subject to having lower

Photo by Piron Guillaume on Unsplash

incomes, levels of education and healthcare access. These populations often face marginalization (similar to Indigenous people of Canada) and discrimination. Global targets to reduce these disparities are unlikely to be achieved, according to recent WHO data. The majority of maternal deaths still occur in low- and lower-middle-income countries, and children in poorer countries continue to have a significantly higher risk of dying before turning five. Pregnancy-related risks are higher for women from underprivileged racial, ethnic, or cultural groups, demonstrating how social injustice still contributes to global health disparities.
This can be seen in the Central African Republic, which has the world’s lowest life expectancy, as well as a GDP per capita of approximately $1330. This is significantly lower than Canada (a relatively rich and developed country) which has a GDP of $54,473.

Photo by Husniati Salma on Unsplash

WHO has mentioned many different strategies and tactics to handle these disparities in our lives. The organization openly recognises that income inequality, structural discrimination, conflict and climate disruptions are key to overcoming deep-seated health inequities. Some of these recommendations include:

  • Address economic inequality: reduce the gap between the rich and poor, put money into social services
  • Overcome structural discrimination: fight gender inequality, support refugees, reduce a caste or class system, and understand how politics and war affects people. 
  • Manage the challenges and opportunities of climate action and the digital transformation to promote health equity co-benefits: recognize that climate change harms people. It is predicted that another 68-135 million people will be pushed into poverty due to climate change.
  • Promote governance arrangements that prioritize action on the social determinants of health equity: Build government structures that focus on reducing health gaps.In the end, this disparity is really just a reflection of how our society distributes power, resources, money and opportunities. Millions of people’s lives are being impacted by factors that are well beyond of their control, according to WHO data. Governments, organizations, and communities need to demonstrate an effort to tackling the social, economic, and environmental factors that essentially cause these disparities if the world is serious about improving health outcomes. It is possible to reduce health disparities, but only if we acknowledge that it is a shared responsibility and work together to guarantee that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy life, regardless of where they live.

Sources:
1, 2, 3, 4,

Rotting v.s. Relaxing: The Benefits of Low-Stakes Entertainment

Suha Arvapalli
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Rotting v.s. Relaxing: The Benefits of Low-Stakes Entertainment

Sunday evening arrives, and with it comes the stress of assignments you swore you’d work on over the weekend and tests you forgot you had to study for. You decide that you deserve a brain break, and resort to TikTok doomscrolling in your bed in the name of relaxing. Your promise of “only 5 minutes” grows to 5 hours, but you justify it by claiming it’s self-care. Once you finally put your phone down and see all your work piling up, you realize you’re actually more anxious than you were before.

Is doomscrolling all day really “self-care” when it leaves you with more stress?

What is “Bed-Rotting?”

Photo by Adrian Swancar on Unsplash

With it’s origins in TikTok, the term “bed-rotting” is used to describe the act of staying in bed for hours, scrolling on social media without any notions of productivity. It’s essentially a marathon filled with snacking, scrolling, and streaming, with no end in sight. Using 12+ hours of bed-rotting as a reward for productivity or as a form of self care has become increasingly more common in GenZ youth, with everyone’s screen times spiking and plateauing at 23 hours per day.

The opposite of a healthy mental break, bed-rotting ends up putting you in rabbit holes you can’t get out of. Rather than a form of self-care, it has counterintuitive effects. Sure, a few hours won’t hurt, but once that threshold is crossed, the “I need a break” turns into “I’m avoiding my life.” It’s important to check-in with yourself and get to the root of the rotting, asking yourself, “Why is it so hard to go back to being productive?”

Taking Efficient Brain Breaks 

Between Powerschool notifications, part-time jobs at Chinook, and social pressures, life gets busy for students. Breaks are vital for our mental health, but taking them efficiently is arguably more important. The media we choose to consume can drastically impact how effective they are. When you’ve been making big decisions, studying for stressful tests, and being emotionally alert all week, choosing a “low-stakes” show or movie will allow your brain to let go of some of that mental turmoil.

If you’ve ever finished a show and felt more stressed/addicted than when you started, you probably weren’t watching low-stakes media. “Low-stakes” refers to shows or movies where the world isn’t ending, no one is in life-or-death danger, and there are no massive, anxiety-inducing plot twists. It’s media where the biggest problem is someone accidentally burning their cookies or a minor misunderstanding between friends that gets fixed in twenty minutes. By lowering your stress hormones, low-stakes media helps your nervous system reset from fight-or-flight mode. For a brain fried from organic chemistry, low-stakes media gives you the entertainment break you need without making your heart rate spike, since it’s safe and predictable.

Due to this nature, low-stakes media allows us to return to productivity faster and easier, without making us feel like we’re stuck in a rut. That 10-minute timer you set will actually hold true, instead of being ignored and left ringing in the background.

A Low-Stakes Media List

Photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash

Here’s a list of low-stakes shows to check out during your next productivity break! The general rule is to avoid action or fast-paced thrillers, and instead lean towards shows with a comforting, nostalgic vibe.

  1. The Great British Baking Show: Literally just polite British people baking in a tent, what more could you ask for?
  2. Abbott Elementary: Short episodes filled with comedic punchlines with no heavy stakes
  3. Kim’s Convenience: A warm & fuzzy Canadian show with lots of relatability
  4. Schitt’s Creek: Comedic and filled with character development and growth
  5. Gilmore Girls: For all the fall vibes you could ever need, small-town drama
  6. The Office: For those rewatching it, the nostalgia makes your brain feel relaxed as it knows exactly what’s coming next
  7. Studio Ghibli movies: Stunning visuals, the best peaceful soundtracks, like a vacation for your brain

How to “Rot” Responsibly

In order to ensure your rotting is relaxing and easy to get out of, try not to stay in your bed, and instead consider moving to the living room couch or even the floor. Keeping your sleep space separate is helpful when it comes to sticking to your schedule, preventing the 5 hours of doomscrolling from ensuing. Even if the weather is freezing, try sticking your head outside for a minute to get some fresh air and get rid of that brain fog.

One of the most important tips of them all, STOP DUAL SCREENING! PUT THE TIKTOK AWAY AND FOCUS ON THE SHOW! Consuming three different forms of media at once, scrolling on TikTok on your phone, listening to music on your airpods, and having a show running in the background is extremely detrimental to your attention span and makes you more tired. Also, if you’re watching a movie with your friend and they turn to see you scrolling on TikTok, it’s just bad etiquette. Don’t do it.

While watching your low-stakes show, set a timer or a goalpost for when you need to stop and redirect your focus. For example, clean your room after 3 episodes, or go finish your math homework after 30 minutes.

TL;DR

Everyone needs and deserves a break from their busy lives every now and then. It’s important to distinguish between bed-rotting and actually relaxing. The first step in doing so is choosing to consume low-stakes media during your breaks. These are shows where the world isn’t ending and the drama is minor (like a burnt batch of cookies). It lowers your stress hormones instead of spiking them. Stick to comforting, predictable vibes like The Great British Baking Show, Abbott Elementary, Gilmore Girls, or Studio Ghibli movies to help your nervous system reset.

Remember that you don’t have to earn the right to rest, and sometimes, efficient “rotting” is necessary for you to recharge.

Sources: 1, 2, 3

Towards 2026

Diva Negi
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Towards 2026

As 2025 comes to a close, many find themselves stumped on what New Year’s Resolutions to adopt.


It is important to acknowledge that growth is a punctuated cycle, often linear.

A fresh start and a complete 360 is impossible; rather, you have to build progress slowly but surely.

Here are some ways to get you started.

 


1. Choose consistency > intensity.


2. Set process goals instead of outcome goals; focus on what you are in control of.


3. Learn one new skill and deepen an old one.


4. Create a “minimum standard” for tough days.


5. Practice saying no without over-explaining.


6. Reflect weekly, not just yearly, to keep healthy habits alive.


7. Build habits that support your future self.


8. Reduce negative behaviours before you add new ones; your body and mind operate in harmony, and you cannot pile on more goals and work before taking care of what is already present.


9. Redefine success on your own terms

 

Happy New year!

How to Become a Dictator: A Satirical Guide to Rule

Areej C
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How to Become a Dictator: A Satirical Guide to Rule

Welcome to the only guide needed for YOU to become a dictator. Moreover, rather than facilitating your (maybe?) desire, it will help you recognize the steps taken by someone who aims to control power.

(Just to be clear, this is not for usage, just education!)

Step One: Find a Country in a Complete Crisis

To establish a complete dictatorship, you can’t show up when things are going well. Wait until chaos and turmoil begin to stir, or better yet, create it. You have to ensure that the country is in such a state that people cannot imagine how this situation could be fixed, unless it’s a complete revolution from someone as amazing as yourself! Whether it’s a broken economy, humiliation of your country’s national identity, or stirring up a civil war, fear makes people pathetic and desperate enough to accept a revolutionary with promises to fix it all. 

Step Two: Leverage Your Enemy or Create an Enemy (better) 

People love to blame others for their problems, so it’s your job to create an enemy who is now the epitome of the entire country’s problems, related or not. It’s best to leverage groups who look different, whether through race or ethnicity, or even those who may believe in a different religion than the majority. This unites the majority while outcasting the minority, with all the fear and hate directed to a certain group, you look like an angel casting your vision of a society without any enemies present, whether through ethnic cleansing or a complete genocide.

Step Three: Write a Manifesto to Reason Your Powerful Ideas 

In order for everyday citizens to rally behind your cause, you need them to feel connected to your ideals, now, this is where you give them a friendly helping hand, and push them to read your manifesto that both targets your enemy while allowing you thoroughly explain your ideas. Under the blur of hatred in their eyes, they simply ignore the lack of empathy, or even humanity in your manifesto, if it means placing the blame or even eliminating the enemy.

Outline your ideology in black and white, that promises to restore or guarantee strength, unity and most importantly greatness! Position yourself as the ultimate leader, and the only one capable enough to be bestowed with the honor to carry out this agenda. Ensure this is powerful enough that people can rally behind it, and base their entire livelihoods on it, even if it leads them off a cliff. 

Step Four: Eliminate ANY Political Opposition 

Now, you may think that since you’ve garnered the attention of the people, you’re successful, but while you bask in the attention, political opposition is bound to rise. Not all are smart enough to agree with your brilliance, they may even say this an attempt to establish a dictatorship, but now it is your job to quash any and all of these claims.  Anyone that has the ability to strip your power from you, is now deemed too powerful, and must be eliminated. This may be gruesome for most, but to fulfill your role to the people, it is what needs to be done, no sympathy or any glimpse of humanity must be shown when executing this. While they are gentler ways of silencing such as jailing critics, banning political parties, eliminating them allows for a clean slate that cannot be plagued by their constant nagging. Do what is necessary. 

Step Five: Control EVERYTHING People Hear and See (we can’t afford spreading the wrong narrative, can we?)

If people don’t know/hear/see the truth, they won’t be able to fight you. We need to get YOUR message out there, and this starts with schools. Indoctrination of the youth is key to ensure the longevity of your message, without them, this message will die with you, and this will all be temporary. Propaganda spread through newspapers, radio, and schools will glorify you, and blame your enemies for the country’s crisis. When you paint the story, you control what the people believe, and there is nothing better than that. 

Step Six: Rule Through Fear 

Now by this step the majority of people will begin to realize what is truly happening. You have some staunch supporters, but don’t get arrogant now, they rest know your true intentions. Now here, you must perpetuate fear on the streets of your country. Even if these people do not believe you, they’ll be bound to obey you if they’re scared enough. Now to do so, there are various interesting techniques that can be implemented, secret police, random arrests, torture, the world is truly your oyster! When people live in the constant fear of being denounced or being eliminated, they would rather rat others out than step out of line themselves, this makes it so easy for you! Under your dictatorship, fear replaces freedom. 

Step Seven: Annihilate Individual Freedoms (MOST IMPORTANT!)

In the end, your dictatorship shouldn’t just take power, but take away hope. Personal rights must be abolished. Freedom, any form of speech, religion, thought, expression, must be crushed in your palms. Everything becomes about loyalty to YOU. Humanizing these people allows them to believe the false narrative that they can control what happens to them, but we have now established that is not true anymore. Your dictatorship isn’t about political power, but stripping humanity from your citizens, it’s better for them anyways. 

 

Dictators build their empires by convincing people to trade their freedom for safety and the promise of a better tomorrow. History shows us, when rights are taken slowly, and voices fall silent, it doesn’t happen overnight, but step by step (maybe using this awesome guide).



You Are Marked by Birth; But By Who?

Xinlei L
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You Are Marked by Birth; But By Who?

The Universal Birthmark

Everyone has or had them. Even if you think you don’t, you might just have outgrown your birthmarks. Some people are aware that the origin of birthmarks stems from either an excess of skin pigment cells or an excess of blood vessels. and there are many various types of these skin patterns, coming in creative different shapes, colors, and sizes. 

They’re unpreventable and mostly unrelated to trauma during childbirth. No genetic cause has been identified behind these mysterious markings. Birthmarks aren’t exclusive to humans, but appear in animals as well. 

Interestingly enough, that’s the extent in a nutshell of what scientists have uncovered. That leaves one question remaining. What purpose do they serve? Where do they even come from? How has no one figured this out yet??

 

Fire. Earth. Air. Water. 

Naturally, as humans do, unknown properties unexplainable by science is best explained by superstitious logic. Cultures around the world have harboured many differing theories as to why these markings exist. 

You Witch… 

During the Salem Witch trials, people believed that birthmarks like moles or whatnot were a sufficient indication that one was a witch, and would persecute that man or woman with death because of it. Not limited to the reason for birthmarks. 200 people were accused, and 25 pitiful citizens were executed. 

Maternal Cravings

European, Spanish, Italian, and Arabic cultures thought that birthmarks were the result of the mother’s cravings during pregnancy. For example, if the mother really wanted strawberries and ate them, then the child would bear some strawberry-ressembling birthmark. Somewhat similarly to Japan, they had a saying where if a mother stares into a fire, then her baby will be born with a burn mark. 

Karma!

In Asian cultures, birthmarks represent injuries or karma from their past life, or a sign to help identify a reincarnated person. They could also point at an animal spirit, an astrological sign, or a red string to recognize your soulmate.

Zodiac Signs but On Your Skin

Some even suggest that birthmarks represent your personality or future, depending on their shape and location. For example, if you have a circular or oval birthmark, it can indicate a long, harmonious life with good health. And bonus points if it’s on the head because that’s the sign of a natural leader! 

TLDR;

Scientists have no idea what the purpose of birthmarks is, but many cultures around the world all presume vastly different and interesting theories about them. 

Sources

1, 2

Carpenter Ants, Meet your Fungal Overlord

Nelo Anne
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Carpenter Ants, Meet your Fungal Overlord

Imagine being an ant, minding your own tiny ant business, and suddenly your brain gets hijacked by a fungus and within mere moments your fate as a vessel for ophiocordyceps unilateralis spores has been sealed. Welcome to the world of the zombie ant fungus, a parasitic organism that, before killing its victims, turns them into mindless, walking spore dispensers. Yes, it’s as creepy as it sounds, and yes, it is the source of the zombie outbreak in The Last of Us.

Once infected, an ant becomes completely brainwashed, abandons its colony and searches for a warm, humid location near the ground to lock into a “death grip” and wait for the fungus inside to grow and eventually sprout a stalk out the base of the ants head, effectively killing it and spreading new fungi babies. It’s pretty nonsensically messed up, but in reality this method of survival works very well, and the ophiocordyceps plays a vital role in ecosystem function. For the purpose of simplicity, I will be calling this organism the ZAF (Zombie Ant Fungus).

What is it?

The ZAF, one of the 144,000 species of fungi, is pantropical (a zoogeographic term describing creatures that thrive best in the tropical regions of both hemispheres) and primarily affects carpenter ants. While some studies suggest multiple specialized strains, others indicate a more direct relationship between species without any complex branching off.

How does it work?

The ZAF begins as a spore on the forest floor that attaches itself to a passing carpenter ant without triggering a defensive response (as you can see, this could be a major driving point in carpenter ant adaptation). After this, the fungus germinates (the development of a plant from a spore or seed) creating hyphae (long, threadlike filaments in fungi that serve to breach food sources and absorb nutrients after digestion) which penetrate the ant’s exoskeleton.

Once inside its victim, the ZAF manipulates the ant’s behavior and patterns of movement, rendering it unresponsive to external stimuli. The ant abandons it’s colony and refuses to engage or interact with members, climbing far off into the forest. Most research suggests the hyphae enter the ant’s bloodstream and forms concentrated networks of fibers around its muscles and nervous system directly, rather than controlling its brain.

 

As a result, the ant locks its mandibles in a death grip and the ZAF ingests the creature from the inside out, erecting a stalk from its head and continuing the cycle with new spores.

Why only carpenter ants?

This fungus has evolved to be extremely specialized and only targets one particular type of compound ant species found in tropical and temperate forests.

Why is it important for ecosystems?

This advanced mechanism of self-propagation has many benefits in the natural world.

While it may be unsettling and gross to us, these silent attackers operate in the favor of creatures like the board leafed evergreen and milkweed aphid.

Firstly, the ZAF helps with ant population control and promotes ecosystem prosperity by managing the amount of greenery consumed and damaged by ants.

Millions of other insect species in these habitats also depend on plants for their survival, including aphids, grasshoppers, caterpillars, beetles, and other ant species.

Furthermore, it serves as a natural disease regulator and prevents mass outbreaks within tightly packed ant colonies, and stabilizes the ecosystem of forests, maintaining a balanced, diverse and sustainable landscape.

Surprisingly, the ZAF can also be used in medicine and science as researchers are interested in its potential for helping develop new anti-cancer medication or immunomodulatory agents (substances that can modify your immune system’s functioning so it is more effective by decreasing or increasing your immune response).

Finally, the ZAF forces ants to develop defenses, identify diseases and protect their colonies, which in turn propels both organism’s evolution and adaptation.

So, the next time you think about crushing a mushroom you’ve found in your backyard, remember that it could be ophiocordyceps unilateralis… A reminder that even the creepiest organisms aren’t always as frightening as they seem.

 

Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/science/zombie-ant-fungus 

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

https://study.com/academy/lesson/hyphae-definition-function-types.html 

https://www.britannica.com/science/germination 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3204140/ 

How to be Happy: A Guide to building Joy

Ava
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How to be Happy: A Guide to building Joy

Happiness is a skill you build over time, and it may look different for everyone, but one thing research and real life shows is that it comes from small consistent decisions.

Figure out what happiness means to you

Happiness looks different for everybody. For some it may be finding a bigger social circle, for others it could be spending more time alone. Figuring out what that may look like for you is the first step to building a better routine to make you happy.

Focus on changing what you can

Truth is that you can’t control everything that happens in your life, and recognizing that is important. What you can control is how you respond to it. Saving your time, energy, and efforts from things that are out of your control not only puts you at ease but creates freedom.

Practicing Gratitude

Focusing on the things you’re missing leads to constant dissatisfaction, while recognizing all that you have in the moment  encourages contentment. Practicing gratitude, even for things you may not even noticing helps you acknowledge how much you already have, and how far you’ve come.

Take care of yourself

Your mental and physical health always go hand-in hand.Prioritizing sleep, exercise, and eating nutritiously. When doing these things consistently, your body often feels better and your mood usually follows.

Happiness isn’t always a permanent state but a habit that’s developed.

The Most Effective Music For Studying

Jeanne Y
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The Most Effective Music For Studying

 

What do you listen to when you study? Lofi? Pop? OSTs? Metal? Do you push through utter, dead silence? Does it even matter?

While everyone’s experiences will differ, there are a couple patterns that I’ve noticed during my (pretty epic) academic arc from the beginning of tenth grade to now my final year in high school and I thought I would share some helpful tips from my own experience.

As a major music nerd who’s dabbled in a little bit of everything from punk rock to Shostakovich during study sessions, I’ve narrowed down the music that works best for me as I study. But before I dive into exactly what kind of music I listen to, there’s an essential question I need to answer first that will determine whether or not you even want to read the rest of this article.

What Makes Study Music “Effective”?

The short answer is that it should help you focus.

The long answer is that the energy of the music should match the level of the task. Studying a high-energy topic or learning complex concepts for the first time requires low energy music that helps you focus on understanding. On the flip side, if you’re simply maintaining current knowledge, high energy music keeps you alert and motivated.

Take my struggles with physics for example. While learning about complex concepts like uniform circular acceleration and Newton’s Laws, I put on low attention background music. When I feel confident in my skills, I turn on the high energy music that matches my mood. If I switch the two, I feel distracted or bored.

Honorable Mention: Video Game OSTs

Any gamer can tell you about a time where they gamed for a little longer than they intended. Games are designed to keep you hooked; that includes the music.

Video game companies have teams of professional music and sound developers to create immersive and intriguing audio. Similar to cinema, a good soundtrack changes a simple game into a memorable one, creating immersion and “setting the atmosphere” (see source 1). As a general idea, “good” music invokes emotion. In the context of gaming, it helps reinforce narrative, mood, and foreshadow. But the important part here is immersion. Games are meant to be addictive, to pull you in and keep you there.

When used in the right contexts, we can use this beautifully designed music to our advantage. Studying to video game soundtracks can make you feel fully immersed (almost addicted, if you will) in your studies. It can invoke a subconscious sense of suspense or joy, depending on which one you choose. But err on the side of caution; if you choose a game that you play often, you might want to just play the game instead of studying. I usually pick games that I’ve had minimal contact with.

Here are the soundtracks I stick with:

  • Stardew Valley – relaxing
  • Minecraft – very slow, pretty relaxing
  • Super Mario – upbeat and exciting (and also very iconic!)

High Energy Music

When Should I Play High Energy Music?

You should play high energy music when you’re feeling tired, sluggish, or feeling unmotivated but you know the concepts. High energy music will get you through the boredom of endless practice problems and blurting sessions.

When NOT to Play High Energy Music

  • when you are trying to learn complex concepts
  • writing or reading dense material
  • when you are already in a heavy state of panic

Recommendations

The key is to try something new; there’s no risk to listening to new music and you might just find your new favorite song if you open your mind a little and consider some other genres. Keep your mind and your ears open as you browse this list!

It would take forever to list every song, so this is a boiled-down, condensed, evaporated and heavily filtered list sorted by genre. For the artists with nothing written after the name, I simply just couldn’t pick a few things to recommend and I’ll leave it to you to explore.

(Disclaimer: I don’t keep up with artists’ personal lives or know enough about their beliefs or actions to take any stances – I simply like their art. This list is not representative of my beliefs or values.)

Pop and Pop Rock

  • Taylor Swift albums: Reputation, Lover, 1989, Red, Speak Now
  • Sabrina Carpenter albums: Emails I Can’t Send (and all albums since then)
  • Olivia Rodrigo albums: Guts
  • Tate Mcrae: SO CLOSE TO WHAT, i used to think I could fly
  • Conan Gray: Kid Krow, Found Heaven

Alternative

  • Arctic Monkeys albums: AM, Favorite Worst Nightmare
  • The Neighborhood: Sweater Weather, Daddy Issues
  • Pink Floyd album: Brick in the Wall
  • Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • Neon Trees: Everybody Talks

Punk Rock, Grunge, and Metal

  • My Chemical Romance albums: Black Parade, Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge
  • 5 Seconds of Summer
  • Nirvana: Nevermind
  • Green Day
  • Fall Out Boy
  • Metallica

Older Rock

  • Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites the Dust, Killer Queen, I Want to Break Free, Don’t Stop Me Now, We Will Rock You, The Show Must Go On
  • ACDC: The Razor’s Edge

Classical

(I’m a violinist, so this might be a bit biased)

  • Beethoven: 5th Symphony
  • Dvorak: 4 Romantic Pieces No. 2
  • Johann Wolfgange von Goethe: Erlkonig
  • Mozart
  • Shostakovich
  • Tchaikovsky
  • Paganini
  • Vivaldi: Four Seasons
  • Liszt
  • Stravinsky

OSTs

  • Super Mario Bros
  • Papa Louie 2 OST

Low Energy Music

When You Should Play Low Energy Music

You should play low energy music when you need something in the background, but you also need to enter a deep level of focus instead of a sense of flow and movement.

This is helpful when you’re learning something new and need to concentrate, or when you’re focusing.

When NOT To Play Low Energy

  • when you’re about to fall asleep
  • when you’re bored
  • if you really like the song and it’ll distract you

Recommendations

Some of these are albums, some are songs, some are pieces! Flip through and explore on your own.

(Disclaimer again: I don’t keep up with artists’ personal lives or know enough about their beliefs or actions to take any stances – I simply like their art. This list is not representative of my beliefs or values.)

Pop and Pop Rock

  • Taylor Swift: Folklore, Evermore, TTPD, Midnights (my personal favorite!)
  • Conan Gray: Wishbone
  • Billy Joel: Vienna
  • Lyn Lapid: The Outsider EP

Indie and Alt: 

  • Tame Impala: Feels Like We Only Go Backwards, The Less I Know The Better
  • The Strokes albums: The New Abnormal, First Impressions of Earth, Is This It
  • Peach Pit
  • Mac DeMarco
  • TV Girl
  • Cigarettes After Sex album: Cry
  • Mile High Club: Homage
  • Wallows: These Days, Are You Bored Yet
  • Laufey: Clockwork, Everything I Know About Love

Classical:

  • Beethoven: Moonlight Sonata
  • Debussy
  • Haydn (NOT THE SURPRISE SYMPHONY THOUGH.)
  • Saint Saens: Le Cygne (The Swan)

Sources: 1

Gen Z 212: Youth in Morocco fighting for change

Diya Kunisetty
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Gen Z 212: Youth in Morocco fighting for change

Each and every day, thousands of people across the world protest against inequalities the world is throwing at them. Strong education systems, good-quality healthcare and reduced corruption are all necessities to any society, and when that isn’t provided, regardless of their age, people stand up for their rights.

Today we will be focusing on a youth-led movement in Morocco. Morocco is located in the northwest corner of Africa, and a new youth-led movement is shaking its political landscape. Morocco has a population of about 38.4 million, with both urban centers and rural areas seeing youth participation in activism, highlighting the movement’s broad reach.

What is this new youth-led movement?

Introducing “Gen Z 212”. A movement led by Gen Zs with “212” being a reference to the country’s international dialing code. After the post-partum death of 8 women in an Agadir hospital, youth have swarmed the streets demanding not just higher quality healthcare and education, but just for a more dignified life overall.

These deaths highlighted systemic underfunding and lack of resources in Moroccan hospitals, sparking nationwide outrage. These protests have happened not only in urban areas, but also many rural ones as well. Protests took place in over a dozen cities including Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, and Marrakesh. Some of their famous chants include, “Dignity, freedom, and social justice”, and “stadiums are here but where are the hospitals?”. 

How is this being organized?

Everyone knows about the most popular social media platforms, including Instagram and Snapchat, but a rising communication medium is “Discord”, which is where Gen Z 212 is organizing their protests and demands. With more than 250,000 members on this server, Discord is being used as a shield of anonymity. The server grew rapidly in just weeks, allowing youth across Morocco to coordinate actions and share resources.

On these servers, surprisingly, there is no expected systematic “hierarchy”. As in, decisions are taken by everyone and there is not necessarily any “leader” of the movement. They did this to avoid maximum chances for repression and co-optation. Repression is “the action of subduing something by force”, and co-optation is basically a strategic process where a dominant group absorbs or incorporates potential threats, like outsiders or dissenting groups, into its leadership or structure. This is often to manage opposition, reduce instability, or gain legitimacy, by offering them a role or power without fundamentally changing the system. 

Progression of the movement: 

This movement has grown exponentially across many locations in Morocco since mid September. The first street protests occurred in late September 2025. The first protests however experienced a great deal of violence, which was not what the movement intended to provoke.

Gen Z 212 responded to this escalation of violence by strictly reaffirming the non-violent nature of the movement while also reducing the number of people at each protest to reduce the chance of violent outbreaks. As they also began to incorporate the chant, “Peace, peace, peace”, the previously violent nature of the movement eventually began to reduce. Their demands also became more clear and they were published across a variety of social media platforms, specifically addressing core issues in Morocco including: free and universal quality education, accessible public healthcare, job opportunities for youth and the reduction of unemployment and more. Many documents filled with demands circulated across Discord, and consequently across Morocco.

The movement also made sure to remain non-partisan, rejecting any attempts to collaborate with any other political parties. This non-partisan approach was designed to protect the youth from co-optation and ensure the movement’s focus remained on societal issues rather than party politics.

Conclusion: 

Overall, Gen Z 212 is an exciting movement, with a strong aspiration to improve the socio-economic state of Morocco.  It is also an example of how digital platforms can enable youth to mobilize, coordinate, and influence politics without formal leaders or institutional backing. Let’s see how this story unfolds!

 

Sources: 1 

The Process of Decolonization in Digital Spaces

Sina M
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The Process of Decolonization in Digital Spaces

Introduction

When we talk about advocacy, it can range from issues around the world: poverty, corruption, police brutality, inflation, hate crimes and more. But what happens when we look at the root of all of them? The answer is defined in the basic middle school classroom, known as colonization. This term is the cause of other processes such as gentrification and racism.

Over the last year, with monumental elections, the political landscape has grown more and more divided, with a range of opinions being spread on abortion, immigration, and the economy. And when individuals seem to exhibit apathetic and uncaring behaviour for attention and likes, this puts humanity on a pedestal. People may have been mocked for their appearance, their culture, or their interests, with people choosing “dark humour“ over basic empathy. But has social media also played a role in this? Has it also challenged negative perceptions of different races?

The Tiktok Controversy 

Even if you’re not active on TikTok, a popular video surrounding mixed White and East Asian Americans is sparking debate and support from the African American community. On September 4th, 2025, the user @say_qis, who goes by the name Madeline, posted a video talking about how she can’t stop giving snark to white people at East Asian grocery markets, giving them the side-eye or the look of being displeased and rather annoyed with their presence.

There were two sides on the spectrum of opinions. On one side, people found it disrespectful given that she is mixed with white ancestry and she pretends she doesn’t identify with them. On the other, people are not taking it as seriously. Many East Asian content creators felt compelled to talk about their personal experiences with racist remarks and the obsession with proximity to white people to feel accepted. Their food and monolids being mocked by white people have caused them to not be as vocal for social issues, resulting in such cases going unnoticed, for the sole purpose of appearing more obedient.

Once again, these stereotypes and judgements have further separated their community and given them a weaker backbone. African Americans have come to support this discussion of negative behavioural patterns that have set their respective communities back, as inequality and injustice within judicial and legal systems continue to exist.

An Analysis on Digital Decolonization & Moving Forward

So, what does happen when people see how their lack of awareness, such as their proximity to white people, negatively impacts others in their community? Decolonizing thoughts that are filled with hurtful stereotypes and stigma around individual cultures arise.

For a long time, black people have been reduced to nothing but gang violence, sexualization, and slurs, but not enough people are educated on the reasons why. Seeing that the most common example of racism involves skin colour, black people have felt alone in their struggle to fight against the systems that don’t allow them to prevail.

However, this and the quarter zip trend have led to covert accounts of racism, but people of colour can learn to realize their worth and potential and advocate for issues surrounding them. This may mean taking the time to mention that their culture is of great importance and not just a trend in the media, or something for rich corporations or businesses to profit from, or for appropriation. It should be represented wholly and truthfully with no distortion.

Sometimes, we should be asking why inequality and other overlapping and recurring problems occur. We need to dig down the rabbit hole and not disregard things by assuming that it “isn’t that deep”. Because only then will things begin to change, and that’s what makes our world a better place. Let people be uncomfortable and disturbed while talking about history, since that’s the only way unprivileged communities can move forward. Making the top 10% accountable for unethical decisions is integral to the growth and rebuilding of a society where everyone can be equal and not tripped up by systems that outgrow them.

Colonization is still real and very much prevalent in identity. We remember the past to make the future a little easier and less burdensome for others.

 

Thank you for reading my opinion piece! Please provide your thoughts below on this topic or anything related to it. What other questions can we ask to beg for change? What things are currently stopping us from achieving complete support and advocacy? What kind of unity can we see between people of colour?

Skip The Corporations: Calgary’s Indie Cinema Scene

Suha Arvapalli
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Skip The Corporations: Calgary’s Indie Cinema Scene

Love going to the movies, but hate the loud crowds, stale popcorn, and expensive tickets? Consider making the switch to Calgary’s local, independent entertainment spots and leave the big corporations behind!

Why Indie Theatre? 

Going to the movies becomes a mundane & repetitive experience when visiting big-chain theatres owned by large corporations with multiple branches. With every theatre playing the same films and having the same experiences, whether it’s the snacks or the architecture, Calgary’s entertainment scene becomes oversaturated with blandness. Teens are left feeling bored when the movie theatre experience isn’t much different from binge-watching Netflix at home. Why go to the movies at all?

To avoid this, consider supporting Indie theatres during your next outing. These local theatres come with several benefits. When booking tickets, you’ll notice that they offer cheaper prices compared to the chain theatres. Additionally, you’ll beat the annoying crowds and get aesthetic pictures, since most Indie movie spots tend to go for a retro/vintage vibe when it comes to their architecture.

When visiting these theatres, you may notice the absence of currently trending, high-grossing box-office films playing on their screens. This careful curation of new media allows for niche talents to be showcased, while giving you the opportunity to see the film first, completely unbiased. You’ll be able to say you saw the movie first before it blows up on TikTok. Each ticket bought from these independent theatres allows for local businesses to stay afloat while keeping the city’s history alive.

Indie Theatres For Your Next Visit:

The Plaza Theatre

Photo
Photo posted by Adrian Tsang on Google Reviews

Address: 1133 Kensington Rd NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3P4

With the bright neon sign outside listing showtimes & classic red velvet curtains, the Plaza Theatre will give you all the vintage vibes you need. When it comes to food, popcorn and cold movie theatre food aren’t your only options. With a giant food truck and bistro-like seating area outside, you get delicious eats along with aesthetic pictures. As for the movies, they play everything from upcoming Indie hits to cult classics. After the sun sets and the hanging fairy lights come on, the whole scene turns into something straight out of a vintage romcom. Your Instagram feed will thank you after this one!

 

Globe Cinema

Photo
Image taken by Max K from Google Reviews

Address: 617 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0W9

Globe Cinema can be recognized from a block away thanks to the massive overhanging sign outside. Calgarians feel as if they’ve been transported to New York City thanks to the neon lights and the vibe of this theatre. Commonly referred to as “arthouse theatre”, Globe Cinema is for avid movie-lovers looking to watch high-quality films that remain underground/not popular. They play a wide variety of foreign films and ones from smaller film companies. If you’re ever in downtown, this theatre is a great pit stop.

 

Canyon Meadows Cinemas

Photo
Photo posted by Olly G on Google Reviews

Address: 13226 Macleod Trl #110, Calgary, AB T2J 7E5

If you’re looking for a blast from the past, Canyon Meadows Cinemas is like a time capsule. Walking in feels like you’ve stepped straight into a 90s movie with its neon accents and classic cinema carpet. With $5 tickets, this is the ultimate spot for teens on a budget. They also have a “Dirty Soda” bar where you can get TikTok-inspired drinks to sip on. They play classics on the big screens, like 10 Things I Hate About You (playing this week!) and The Polar Express, playing into the 90s-movie-theatre vibe. It’s cheap and has that retro charm that makes for a fun weekend hangout with your friend group.

 

Cochrane Movie House

Photo
Photo posted by Lesleigh White on Google Reviews

Address: 218 5th Ave, Cochrane, AB T4C 0S4

Sometimes you just need to get out of the city, and the Cochrane Movie House is perfect for a mini road trip. This family-owned spot has a warm energy and vintage architecture. It comes with all the small-town/old-timey vibes you can dream of, and feels more immersive than any big-chain theatre in Calgary. Grab a delicious scoop of ice cream from MacKay’s and then head here for a screening! Featuring everything from blockbusters to comforting holiday classics, the cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make the drive worth it.

 

Conclusion & TL;DR

The experience of a local theater is unbeatable compared to the same, boring experience you get at corporations. They remind you why movies are meant to be seen on the big screen with your friends and your family, and foster connections between yourself and your city. Whether you’re looking for the vintage aesthetic, cheaper ticket prices, or exploring the underground film scene, these independent theatres check off every box. By visiting them, you’re supporting the Calgary small-business scene and keeping Calgary’s history & culture alive.

  • The Plaza Theatre: Vintage romcom vibes, food truck eats, aesthetic photos
  • Globe Cinema: Days in downtown, “arthouse” foreign films
  • Canyon Meadows Cinemas: Student budget ($5 tickets!), 90s nostalgia
  • Cochrane Movie House: Weekend road trips, cozy, small-town experience

Next time you’re planning a night out, ditch the massive corporations and give one of these indie spots a try. Your wallet, your taste buds, and your social media will appreciate it.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

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