Youth Are Awesome, commonly referred to as YAA, is a blog written by youth for youth.
YAA provides the youth of Calgary a place to amplify their voices and perspectives on what is happening around them.
Youth Are Awesome is a program of Youth Central.
Any views or opinions expressed on this blog belong solely to the author and do not represent those of people or organizations that the blog may be associated with, unless explicitly stated. All content is for informational purposes only.
Do you remember all the buzz when Google first unveiled Glass? When it was introduced 4 years ago, the tireless minority of technological dreamers among us were overcome with excitement— to them, wearable tech was way overdue. To the rest of us, the idea was met with a bit more hesitance but hey, even the iPhone felt unnecessary and a bit risqué at the time.
However, concerns were immediately raised regarding privacy, tech etiquette, and ethics, and early users were pretty quickly ostracized in the public eye. As “Glasshole” became the term du jour to describe Glass-users, Google playfully adopted the nickname to describe behaviour to avoid in their Glass “do’s and don’ts” guidelines, but that did little to combat the mass skepticism.
Rather than spending years developing Glass in secret, Google trotted it out as an early “beta” product that was somewhat functional but finicky and literally in your face
Why does wearable technology seem to pose such a threat? Google Glass had no features that don’t already exist on a smartphone (last time I checked, being able to check the weather on the go wasn’t society’s undoing). However, this latest attempt at integration of technology into everyday lives is, in the eyes of some, crossing new lines. It’s vapourware! It’s capitalist propaganda! It’s yet another example of technology venturing into areas that are best left the way they are! Skeptics felt Glass pushed limits on the very way that human and machine interact.
Along with ideological worries, many pointed to specific, practical drawbacks of Glass. An optometrist at Google confirmed that use had caused eye pains, and several US States worried about driving safety passed laws banning “wearable computers with head mounted displays” on the road.
Google announced the end of production of Explorer Edition on January 15, 2015, and it’s been essentially silent on the topic ever since. Rumours circulating in mid-2015 suggested a revival – a new “Enterprise Edition” designed for the workplace more than the general consumer – but it seems unlikely that that will be happening any time soon. In fact, it now seems like Google may be doing their best to “forget” the project, almost all mentions of the product on official pages have been stripped away.
2016 brought the shutdown of Glass-related accounts on Google+, Twitter, and Instagram
Ultimately, the failure of the Glass project is widely attributed to a crucial mistake: it was targeted at mass consumers in a time way before the general public was ready to embrace this type of technology. To quote Astro Teller, head of Glass’s home department, Google X, “misleading marketing pitching the [Explorer Edition of Glass] as a consumer product was one of the biggest mistakes”.
So was Google simply too early? Did it launch a futuristic product when it should’ve spent a decade working out kinks and waiting for society to become a bit more comfortable with tech’s role in our lives? Maybe. But it’s this type of risk-taking that a company needs to hit it big, and it’s overly pessimistic to say that the death of Google Glass represents the death of wearable technology. Instead, it seems to have moved away from the head and towards the wrist for the foreseeable future. Intriguing possibilities remain, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a revival of this product a few years down the road. Even if Google’s abandoned wearable tech, perhaps we’ll be seeing through Apple Glasses come 2020.
The traditional Japanese art of kintsugi supposedly originated in the 15th century, when shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa sent a broken bowl to Chinese craftsmen in hopes for its repair. When the bowl returned to him from China, he was dismayed to find it awkwardly put together with… staples. Large, bulky staples, which frankly did not improve on its once broken state. Frustrated, Yoshimasa prompted Japanese craftsmen to search for a more “aesthetically pleasing” (and probably more sustainable) method of repairing ceramics. The art of kintsugi rose so much in popularity that it was said some purposefully broke dishes, just to repair it back in this way.
The word kintsugi, when taken apart translates to “golden” (from kin) and “joining” (from tsugi). Similar to maki-e technique, lacquer is dusted with a gold, silver, or platinum powder to hold as glue for broken pieces of ceramics. Essentially, the cracks of a broken dish are illuminated in metallics, with no attempt of hiding these flaws.
Golden lacquer is used to repair a teacup | source
The craft of kintsugi follows closely with the japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi. To put it roughly, wabi sabi is an aesthetic, as well as a world view that places beauty in the imperfect. Wabi Sabi values an object more after having been broken than if it had only stayed in its “pure” state. Countering western ideals of symmetry and perfection, kintsugi treats breakage as part of an object’s history, rather than as something to disguise. The symbolism in kintsugi is a powerful one because it can be understood universally — despite its specific Japanese origin.
More than just ceramic reparation, kintsugi reminds us that it is okay (and necessary, even) to embrace your own cracks and flaws. Your off-centered freckle, your laughter that rings a little too loudly, your incessant coffee drinking… the list in your head needs no help in continuing. Kintsugi implies that these oddities are what makes yourself more wholesome, more honest and beautiful. It teaches us to embrace the strains put on us in each struggle, in each pitfall, and see that we are stronger and wiser after the wear and tear.
Strikingly, many high achievers told me music opened up the pathways to creative thinking. And their experiences suggest that music training sharpens other qualities: Collaboration. The ability to listen. A way of thinking that weaves together disparate ideas. The power to focus on the present and the future simultaneously.
The above excerpt is from an article that my music teacher read to the class. The article explores the relationship between a background as a musician and attaining success in modern society. Individuals ranging from corporate entrepreneurs and innovators, to actors and media correspondents, all noted the benefits of having prior musical training. Music builds the important skills of a strong work ethic, thinking creatively, and knowing how to work alone and in a team environment. Furthermore, music acts as a form of emotional catharsis and provides counterbalance in what can be a hectic, work-driven lifestyle. From all these different examples of high-achieving individuals, the author concludes that music does encourage success. But how about examples from current music students?
After reading the article to the class, our music teacher asked for our opinions. What was our personal relationship with music and how has it helped us? As a music teacher, she is obviously a strong advocate of music education, but it’s always interesting to hear it from a student perspective. She selected some of the comments that clearly illustrated the connection between music and other facets of life, and they were published on our school blog.
Students pointed out that music has taught them how to time-manage, allowed them to make life-long friends, and helped them in other subjects, particularly math. I have to agree with all of these thoughts. I felt inspired to write an article dedicated to the topic of music.
Music came into my life unexpectedly. I don’t come from a family of people who are in the fine and performing arts, so my first real contact with music was in Grade 7. Prior to that, I didn’t know I had an interest in music at all. I still remember the day we were selecting our instruments and I decided on the flute. Not because of the sound or anything, but simply because it was a compact and portable instrument. To this day, I am glad that I can just stick my flute case in my backpack instead of lugging around a heavy saxophone or tuba (no offense to people who play those instruments, I think you guys are awesome too!) As I began my process of learning the flute, my eyes (and ears) opened up to the world of music.
Fast forward to Grade 12 and music has become one of the great passions in my life. I wouldn’t consider myself a great musician by any means nor do I have any formal music training. However, it is something I am always interested in learning more about. I’ve only touched the tip of the iceberg and there’s so much more to explore. Besides playing in a band, I’ve been fiddling around with composing and arranging. I’ve also done some conducting and that’s something I want to continue as well. I’d also like to start learning piano. There’s been ups and downs over the years, but music remains something that brings me and others great joy.
What initially drew me into music is the communal aspect. Being part of band, or any ensemble for that matter, is a unique environment. It is people from all different walks of life coming together for the common goal of making beautiful music. It is inherently based around the idea of collaboration and teamwork. The sounds of different instruments moving in unison and weaving a rich aural tapestry. While other academic subjects like English or Math have occasional group work, it’s not on the same scale as being part of a musical ensemble. When I interviewed Donovan Seidle, Assistant Concertmaster for the CPO, he described his experience playing in the orchestra as “being in a 70-piece marriage.”
I would describe it more like being part of a giant close-knit family. Through rehearsals, performances and field trips, you come to know the people around you both as musicians and as friends. Everyone brings their own personality, some quiet and preferring to listen, others loud and enjoy being in the spotlight. Each person matters though, because a band is the sum of its individual musicians. That’s why I find it a very supportive and encouraging environment as well. Everyone was once a beginner, so there is no judgment. Everyone is at different skill levels, but the focus is on the process of learning and improving. The group dynamic is only one half of the experience as musician though.
Music is also an intimately individual activity. Musicians can spend hours alone practicing and honing their craft. It is just them and their instrument. Squeaks and shrills, notes being too flat or sharp, not having enough air, and being frustrated with slow progress. Going over the tough section again and again, until they almost want to quit, but their self-determination says to keep trying. Finally, there are moments when everything clicks together and the sound rings proud and true through the air. They take a deep breath. Enjoy the moment. Before continuing to work again until they can get that sound every time. This is how I would describe my feelings when I practice.
Performing can be both the most frightening and fulfilling thing for a musician. When a musician performs, the audience only experiences a small part of what the musician went through. Countless hours could’ve gone into what is only a 10 minute performance. However, the audience can only judge based on what they heard. Many musicians experience post-performance blues, and that’s because musicians are their own worst critics. They pick apart their performance and it’s easy to beat themselves up over what they could’ve done better. Or perhaps, thinking “I played this so much better during practice“, but there’s no way to redo the performance. What’s done is done.
Personally, I sometimes get intense stage anxiety and it’s something I’m working on overcoming. My heart rate spikes, my body feels tense and my lips start quivering. It becomes painfully obvious because you can hear the shakiness and airiness of my sound. Still, I soldier through and I make it to the end. It takes me a few days to get over the post-performance blues, but then I end up feeling proud of my progress. It may not have gone how I imagined, but what matters is that I keep working. The old adage “practice makes perfect” comes to mind. Even if you are naturally gifted in music, you still require dedicated hours in order to sound good.
On the other hand, sharing music with others can be extremely fun. It just depends on the type of environment and attitude you bring into it. For example, I love arranging my favorite music and jamming out with friends. There’s no pressure. I must also mention that because of the digital age we live in, sharing music is easier than ever. Whether an original, a cover, or a remix of popular music, all of it can be found online. This brings me to my next point: listening to music.
For many people, even if they’re not musicians, they enjoy listening to music. The great thing is everyone has their own musical tastes and there’s too many genres out there for me to even name. Each person has a unique relationship with music and they may listen to different music depending on their mood. Perhaps some classical music to relax or perhaps to help them concentrate while they do homework. Maybe they blast tunes while they’re in the car or in the shower. Sing along with their favorite bands and dance to electronic music. I once interviewed an athlete who said she would listen to hardcore, heavy-metal music to get herself pumped up before a competition. Whatever your taste in music is, it is clear that it evokes an emotional response.
Music is a universal language. It is the bridge across age, ethnicity, religion, all these things that tend to divide us. Regardless of where you’re from, everyone can come together and enjoy music, whether it’s through playing or listening. A recent example that comes to mind is 71-year-old Bernie Katzman, a.k.a. “pianoimproman“.
I discovered Bernie on Twitch, an online streaming platform, where he was improvising on piano for upwards of 90,000 concurrent viewers. Viewers would request all types of songs, ranging from Darude Sandstorm to Yiruma’s River Flows in You. He would listen to them only for a bit, say “I’m ready to play this” and then he would. The music would flow magically from his fingertips onto the piano. He had been streaming for 6 months with a modest following, but last Tuesday, he went viral.
I’ve been following him ever since, not just because he’s brilliantly talented, but because of his cheerful and silly demeanor. He’s been called the “Bob Ross of Music” and I would agree. An improviser since the age of 3, he went on to study at the prestigious Julliard School of Music. After a long and successful career in the professional music world, he now streams on a regular basis, sharing the joy of music with all of his friends. It should be clear from the video that he really loves music. He enjoys music it in a way that I hope I can experience for the rest of my life as well.
For those that don’t know, I have applied to the music faculty at the University of Calgary with the goal of becoming a music teacher in the future. I still have to audition at the end of February, and that will determine if I get in or not. Even if I don’t, music will still be a central part of who I am and how I live my life. It is through my personal experience and the experience of others, that I can say with confidence that having access to music education will enrich your life. I am not saying that music is more important than your core academic subjects. I’m saying that having music in your life will mold you into a more well-rounded individual.
Most people who took music in high school won’t pursue it professionally after they graduate, but that does not mean the time was wasted. Just like if you were on a sports team, being part of music will give you opportunities and experiences that you might have otherwise missed. The opportunity to learn about others, to learn about yourself, and learn about the world all around us. Music fosters self-discipline, accountability and the drive to be better. It is also a form of emotional expression and can be therapeutic. Music takes many forms and that’s what makes it beautiful.
Lately, my mind has been preoccupied with the topic of “growing up” and that has been the focus of my past few articles as well. I’ve been wrestling for a while about what direction I want to take my life. For now, I’ve decided with music. However, even though I’ve “decided”, there is a constant push-and-pull between self-doubt and self-confidence. There are times when I feel like I’m not good enough. Other times, I’m reminded of why I love of music and why I want to pursue it. Perhaps I’ll change my mind later on, maybe I won’t. Things won’t go exactly how I imagined it, but I’m excited to see what the future has in store.
A breath of fresh air and a brand new start; 10 words to describe the approach of second semester.
Unlike first semester, this time around you probably remember how to hold a pencil, you know where you’ll be devouring lunch, and you’ve probably learnt how to survive with as little as six or five hours of sleep. These are reasons why I feel as ready as ever for the start of school again.
During my first semester, I decided to try out new studying strategies and discovered the little things that helped me focus and understand what I was taught in classes. I’ve come to learn that it doesn’t matter how much you cram during the last week before your exam, what determines your academic success is what you do everyday during the four month semester. So, what is it you do in order to get to those As and Bs, or 80s and 90s?
Each individual is different and therefore you will never find a definite answer to how you achieve academic success. However, these are some of my tips and tricks that have proven helpful and share-worthy.
Ask Your Teacher Questions
“The art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge.” -Thomas Berger
Inquiries regarding details or information you don’t understand is crucial for your understanding. Don’t wait until your taking the unit test to start questioning what you know. If you are unclear about something, even if it’s the smallest or silliest detail, ask your teacher and you will be surprised at how much you learn from him/her.
I specifically advise to “ask your teacher” because, although you can google it or ask friends, no one will be as direct and crystal-clear as your teacher. Your teacher will relate it to what the curriculum requires you to know and may give you helpful details that you might need to know for quizzes or tests. Utilize your teacher, utilize your resources and trust me, teachers love regular question-askers because it indicates that you are serious about your learning.
TIPS:
For those with anxiety, you can opt to write questions down during lessons or lectures and ask the teacher about them later, during work time or after class.
Sitting closer to your teacher = Not having to get up or walk as far to ask questions during class = Happy lazy student + More questions asked
I usually choose to sit in front of my teacher’s desk so I don’t have to get up at all and therefore, am encouraged to ask.
source
Develop Effective Note-Taking Skills
Your exam-stressed self will thank you. Mine did.
When I think note-taking, I imagine a paper full of scribbled writing, grey pencil marks against a white background. I shake my head and rather think back to my colour-coordinated flash cards, post-it notes, and pens and my heart fills with delight. Note-taking doesn’t have to be boring and ugly.
Writing notes seriously help you remember them and you’re able to revise them during exam time. However, there are a few guidelines to ensure your notes are effective, presented below.
✔ Only jotting down important and relevant key words and ideas
✔ Making your notes easily readable, rewriting messy lecture notes
✔ Using study techniques according to your learning style
✔Tip: Colour-coding notes
✔ Tip: Quizzing yourself
MY NOTE-TAKING / STUDY TECHNIQUES:
Colourful “post-it” notes for when I’m reading a textbook, summarizing each page and sticking the notes onto the pages. You also won’t be needing to spend time reading irrelevant information the next time you open your textbook. (Post-it Notes from Dollarama)
Taking notes + making flashcards by writing important ideas and definitions on index cards, making the key words I want to remember a blank (“________”). The answers to the “blanks” are written on the back of the index card. ⇒ Different coloured index cards for each unit = easier identification of the units at the end of the course
⇒ Very effective as the blanks “force” you to remember, equivalent to quizzing yourself ⇒Study-on-the-go.(Studio Media Index Cards from Dollarama)
Using fine ink, colourful pens
(Staedtler Triplus Fineliner from Staples)
“It’s the little things that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” -John Wooden
Preparing for your exams shouldn’t be defined by the last-minute cramming students tend to do two weeks before an exam. Rather, an excellent student would choose to put a bit of effort in and study everyday. The student therefore would be likely to understand the information so well that they aren’t needing to “re-learn” it before exams. Yes, be that student!
If you do the above with consistency, it will likely lead to good study habits and trust me, study habits are skills that’ll prove extremely helpful for a good chunk of your lifetime, should you choose to pursue post-secondary.
TIPS:
Have an established time and place for your study sessions. Choose a place where you can focus and pay undivided attention; for some it’s a library and for others it’s their own bedroom.
Try using apps to help you guide your study session. For android, I am in love with ClearLock and ClearFocus. ClearLock“locks” your chosen “distracting apps” for the amount of time you delegate. That means that you won’t be able to access likely your social media apps, until either the time is over or if you choose to reboot your device. ClearFocus keeps you on track regarding time, from study sessions to breaks and shows you statistics for how many study sessions you’ve completed.
“Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success.” -Joyce Brothers
Take care of yourself mentally and physically. Don’t stress if you don’t get a mark that you were hoping for, because life doesn’t stop at school and there is always a chance to do better next time.
Drink loads of water, get enough sleep at night; and in general,pamper yourself instead of bully.
After disappointing many people by disclaiming Pluto as a real planet, NASA discovered a new possible planet, referred to as Planet 9. Although there has been no visible encounters with the 9th Planet, scientists say that there’s approximately a 65% chance that this planet truly exists.
Planet 9 is believed to be 5,000 times larger than Pluto and 10 times larger than Earth. NASA’s reasoning for this probable planet is an unknown gravitational influence in the Kuiper Belt. This is also where Pluto lies, making it very likely that there is another planet present.
NASA is hoping to gain more information on this new planet and solidify their findings in the next few months. If the planet is large enough, it can be viewed even by a backyard telescope.
Hopefully, the Ninth Planet will be confirmed soon and we’ll have nine planets in our solar system once again (so long, Pluto).
Only once are you born
With one first step in your feet
One first word from your lungs
One first goal to complete
Only once will you
Be introduced and acquainted
You better’ve composed yourself
For the picture they painted
Only once will you
Make that perfect dish
Find that perfect job
And be granted that wish
Only once will you
Wake up like you feel
That you’re truly fully awake
Ready for the cards life deals
Only once can you fall
Be regretful for months
That you followed through with the leap
But hey, you only live once
So know to make it count
As we’re but players on this stage
Who work their lives in the theater
Playing but one scene of the pages
Thus when my heart was once broken
Only once would be wise
I thought love’s one of those things
I’d be willing to try twice
I’m living the motto.
Inspiration for this poem hit when…
When I was told that you can only get to know someone once,
And that getting to know part might mean everything about your relationship.
Once.
What an insane idea.
Doesn’t this make this…
This brave new world of ours oh so harsh and unforgiving?
We can but speculate.
As a realist, I truly believe that it cannot be that everyone is against you.
No, they can’t be.
But everyone is rather for themselves.
So serve the world you want to belong in,
And the world will love you back 🙂
If you guys liked this, here’s a link my original poetry compilation called 2A.M. Thoughts. Enjoy!
Mount Kavachi, located in the Southwest Pacific Ocean, erupts. Date unknown. source
Numerous questions sprout and I sit here awestruck pondering upon the possibilities. Are the sharks and creatures thriving in underwater volcanos somehow able to detect when the volcano is going to erupt? Or do these creatures die when the volcano erupts and new populations slowly grow and replace them? Are the hammerhead sharks that have adapted to the extreme environment capable of surviving in their species’ typical environments? These are some of the questions that arise after watching the footages below.
At the end of the day, I remind myself that humans have explored less than 5% of the world’s oceans. 5%. It’s incredible to think about the infinite number of jaw-dropping creatures, volcanos, and reefs just waiting to be discovered and explored.
Featured Image source: National Geographic / Youtube (x)
Valentines day is quickly approaching, and if you need an inexpensive, good-quality, and unique gift, you are in luck! Why? Because it just so happens that the annual Junior Achievement Company Program tradeshow will be held on February 6th, 2016! Many of you probably already know what Junior Achievement is (if you don’t, you can check it out here), but in short it is a program which allows students to become entrepreneurs. The tradeshow is perhaps one of the most looked-forward to events of the Company Program year, because it’s fun and exciting. Taking place in Cross Iron Mills this year, over 20 companies will be showcasing their products, ranging from mittens to clocks to colouring books. There will actually be everything you could have imagined, and more — you wouldn’t want to miss this opportunity.
I was given the chance to contact the Vice Presidents of Marketing of a few of the companies, and in response they gave me exciting previews as to what will be featured at the tradeshow! Keep in mind that this is only a tiny peek into the many different products, as some companies declined the offer of being featured on YAA.
Cinder
In the cold winter (and spring and fall) temperatures of Calgary, there is no such thing as being too warm. Here at Cinder, we offer you a way to keep warm year round. If you haven’t guessed by the picture, they sell mittens! Of course, there are many options for mittens out there… which is why we are proud to present our main special feature, the pocket! That’s right — their mittens aren’t ordinary. These pockets come in cloth, clear, sealed, or no pocket at all! If you want a convenient place to put your busspass, money, or earbuds, Cinder mittens are what you’re looking for. Adding on to that, we have plenty of colours to choose from- there’s a match for everyone. If you want to see the color guide, check out their facebook page here! ps: these mittens are amazing gifts, especially for Valentine’s Day.
Helios
Helios, A Junior Achievement Company, is selling Ice Cream themed candles for $10.00. They come in a variety of colors, with different scents as follows:
Pink – White Cake
Orange, Green, Yellow – Mango Tea
Blue, Purple – Blue Raspberry
They are all handcrafted and ENTIERLY made of wax, including the cookie. Thanks!
Polaris
Do you ever need to use the washroom in the dark, but can’t turn on a light in fear of waking up the whole family? Is your child or younger sibling afraid of the dark? Krystalights are here to make those problems go away in style! Polaris provides hand-strung beaded nightlights in a variety of designs and colours to help illuminate your night. Normally, Krystalights are sold at $15 a light, but for students they are available for $12! Polaris strives not only to illuminate your night, but those in developing countries as well. They have partnered with Light Up the World and 25% of our proceeds will go towards raising money that will be used to implement projects in communities that don’t have access to electricity. You can find out more about Polaris atwww.polarisyyc.com.
Ember
Winter is a time for bundling up and staying warm. It’s a time for grabbing mittens and scarves and turning up the furnaces and fireplaces. Yet, it’s also a time when Calgarians use more batteries, natural gas and electricity than any other time of the year.
“Here at Ember, we asked asimple question: what if we didn’t? We decided that there should an environmentally-friendly and affordable alternative available to all Calgarians this winter. With that in mind, we created the Ember. The Ember is a small, lightweight hand-warmer, perfect for a jacket pocket or for your hands. It works by simply heating it in the microwave for 45 seconds, and voila! It is a completely reusable product with no chemicals, no batteries, no gas, and lasts 15 minutes. Not only do we want the Ember to be used whenever, wherever – we would also like it to be used by whomever. Thus the Ember is available in a wide range of product styles. You can choose from over 10 different fabric designs, 5 different shapes, and 3 scents. Best of all, since we use 100% cotton fabrics, no artificial scents, and 100% recyclable packaging, you can breathe easy knowing that you can warm your hands without warming the planet.”
At $5 per product, we want to make sure that as many people as possible had access to an eco-friendlier alternative this winter. With this belief in mind, we are proud to announce that 25% of our profits go to warming Calgarians in need this winter via Inn from the Cold, as well as an additional 25% to supporting other youth through Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta.
Ekri
Ekri Customizable Notebooks
Simple, sophisticated and completely your own, embrace your creative mind, imagination on the tips of your fingers. Personalize, organize and innovate all your ideas, write down all your stories, connect through your writings in a book that can illuminate your personality. We sell customizable notebooks with fresh customizable covers and different assorted paper for each of your unique personalities. Ekri notebooks are different, stylish and convenient. These are one of a kind notebooks that have different assortment of paper this allows for convince, organization, and enhance your creativity as this all in one notebook is great for a new semester for school. These notebooks will better organize your notes, events, subjects… and more. The price for a single notebook is $6 and $10 for two. Notebooks with customized covers cost $7 each.
Tajaali
Imagine yourself standing at the top of the highest peak in the beautiful Swiss Alps of Central Europe. You look down, and all that runs for miles to miles are luscious fields of the greenest grass in the world. The birds are singing in the distance, mountain sheep are grazing peacefully, and as you look across the horizon, more peaks yet to be conquered are calling. You catch a glimpse of a small, busy town just a zip line’s ride away at the bottom of the mountains, and you think to yourself, “this is the most beautiful place I have ever visited in my life!” Your hands reach for your phone, and as the camera flashes, a thought runs through your head. A picture is a great way to store the memories of your adventures, but as time passes, the emotions that are currently running through you will be forgotten. The picture you just took will simply become another megabyte without much meaning on the hard drive of your computer. But what if you could relive this instant forever every single time you walked through the front door of your home? That’s why we, at Tăjaali, created Instavas, the first ever personalized canvas print. We print the high quality photographs you send to us through our website or email, and transfer them over to canvas in less than 35 minutes! Using the highest quality painting materials, we apply a very special technique to make your picture look and feel like a real painting, creating features that help you remember all those memorable adventures you have experienced throughout your life. Creative. Inspiring. Attractive. That’s Tăjaali. Innovation, from our (he)art, to yours.
Vitreo
Vitreo strives to bring back individuality in a world where the mainstream is becoming more and more homogenous. By creating bottle charm necklaces that are customizable and unique, we expand the horizons for not only jewelry, but fashion as a whole. The message inside the bottle and the contents of the bottle itself can be made to order, making your bottle charm completely unique. Furthermore, we aspire to shed light on mental health issues in our society by donating to the Calgary Mental Health Association. If you’re looking for truly unique and individualized jewelry that supports a good cause, the Vitreo bottle charm necklace is definitely for you.
Scentsation
“Scentsation offers a wide variety of soaps and bath fizz to meet all of your aroma therapeutic needs. Try our relaxing lavender, lemongrass or French vanilla soap bars and bath fizz, or exfoliate with our poppy seed suds. The combination of fragrance, smooth Shea butter and Aloe Vera in our 100 % handmade soaps will be sure to soothe both the body and mind. Made from baking soda, citric acid and various essential oils, our bath fizz will give you a fun and relaxing bath. The colourful bath fizz will Rejuvenate, and lighten up any bath experience”
Charis
Imagine if there were no such thing as having nothing to wear in winter. A place where each and every individual were clad in warm clothes, not shabby garments. Well, imagine no longer! Charis (“Chair-ess”), A Junior Achievement Company, strives to help out those in need, those who are the less fortunate, those who are the homeless of Calgary. This is done through our BOGO (Buy one Give one) campaign, so for each sweatshirt purchased, Charis will personally donate one sweatshirt to our partner and sponsor charity, Inn from the Cold. Our company goal is to help out as many people as we can, especially during the long, harsh winter months of YYC. Charis manufactures thick and comfortable sweatshirts, consisting of 50% cotton and 50% polyester, producing a cozy and flexible garment. The simple yet fashionable design was created by yours truly, and it is definitely one-of-a-kind! Our design consists of a wreath and flame, where the wreath is symbolic of the floral wreath adorning Charis, the greek goddess of kindness, grace and giving. The flame symbolizes warmth, and the wreath is held together by an infinity created by the intertwined vines of the wreath, indicating Charis’ mission statement, to connect Calgarians two sweaters at a time. Together, we support Junior Achievement and Inn from the Cold, to make YYC a better home for all.
Halycon
“Feeling stressed? Don’t stay depressed! Our product, the wellbeing kit, will leave you feeling blessed! Halcyon is dedicated to providing our customers with relief from stress, whether it be from work or school. For only $10, you can treat yourself, friends, or family with the wellbeing kit you deserve. Our wellbeing kit includes: • 1 stress ball – to squeeze, throw, or cuddle • 1 bag of bath salts – relax in a warm bath and restore radiance to your skin • 3 bags of teas – our chai, zen, and breakfast teas will get you through the day • 1 scroll of bubble wrap – nothings more relaxing than popping bubble wrap • 10 pieces of premium chocolate • 1 custom playlist • and 3 motivational quotes. Buying a kit not only helps your own mental wellbeing, but can also help those in need. Halcyon has partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association, and 25% of proceeds earned from all boxes will go towards mental health services that support the community.”
Augment
Augment’s decorative bottle charms reflect the spirit of the holiday season at an affordable price. This Christmas, give someone you love the joy of Christmas in a bottle. You will be pleased to know that 25% of the profits earned will be donated to CARE Canada, a major international humanitarian agency.
Vitae
“Our Company, Vitae (meaning life in Latin), brings you the Marimoss, the Medimoss, and the Minimoss. These aquatic terrariums, custom built and designed by Vitae, feature marimo moss, a unique plant native to the lakes of Japan. Marimoss (picture on the top) and Medimoss are larger jars, perfect for tabletops and counters. Minimoss (picture on the bottom) is a smaller glass vial, making it a great choice for people on-the-go. Marimoss, Medimoss and Minimoss will be sold at $10.00, $7.00 and $5.00 respectively. Portable, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly, these bring vitality and elegance to any space.”
Roses, subtle pecks on the cheek, holding the door, talking over coffee, love letters, saying goodnight over the phone, waking up to a cute good-morning text. All simple acts of romanticism that have been reduced to relationships established within the corridors of instant messaging.
As a generation, and I’m sorry for generalizing, but both males and females are losing the sense of beauty withheld in truly having a romantic relationship. One in which, restraint and respect holds greater importance over lust and impulsiveness. A relationship that requires commitment and care over impatience and selfishness. We opt out for the text over the phone call, subtle and meaningful forehead kisses for make-out sessions, and deep conversations over coffee for “Netflix and chill.”
We’ve become lazy. Lazy to get to know one another for who we are, rather than who we want each other to be. Infatuation towards the illusionary world of perfection we’ve created overpowers the beauty of reality, the beauty of simplicity. The simple love in actions like holding the door for one another or calling each other to say goodnight are no longer significant. Simple actions of reaffirmation to build trust, no longer exist. Instead, “late night hotline bling” resonates with the impulsiveness of our generation, whereas promises and chivalry are now only excuses or artificial gateways into the heart to make one’s lust evident.
By no means do I mean to complain or whine but a girl can only dream. Dream of what she has grown up watching in the movies. Dream of the simplicity of straightforward conversation in comparison to convoluted double-meaning text messages. No one wants to spend time debating in their minds whether or not “he/she was serious” or “what said he/she really meant.” Yet we all fall for it and allow for mediocre relationships to take hold of the drivers seat, to only drive us off the many cliffs of hell and torment superficiality carries with it.
But how do we fix this? How do we ensure our relationships are honest? Simply, be willing to have a real conversation. Connecting through eye contact. Look past the surface and into one’s heart. Listen to the words that your significant other is speaking. Embrace them and love them.
There is a different kind of intoxication that comes with gazing into another eyes, an intimate way of appreciating their being. An appreciation that is suffering the possibility of extinction, for people spend more time staring at their phones than into another’s eyes. Have you ever felt a sense of serenity wash over you after a deep conversation about life, where your eyes spoke a million more words than your mouth could ever fathom?
Have you ever fallen in love with someone’s mind? The way they think and articulate. The expressions on their face during a time of happiness, confusion, or sorrow? Well, how could we? Most of our day is spent staring at screens full of artificial realities anyways. Because let’s be honest- how many people really do have successful relationships bound by the perimeters of social media? And how many are successful based on understanding and care?
But perhaps this all has to do with our immaturity- we are still young and there is nothing wrong with that. And maybe we need to grow into beautiful relationships as such. Maybe love is something we must develop and immerse ourselves into. Maybe we will mature into it. And maybe, one day, impulsiveness, lust, greed, and selfishness will not be a factor. Or perhaps it will. But it’s up to us as individuals to choose. To choose patience over impatience and love over lust.
So if romantic movies have given me any real advice it’s this: Get up, go out, and live your life. And in the middle of all that chaos- fate will introduce you to new people to love and learn from. Keep living, keeping getting up everyday, and keep going out to fulfill any and all aspirations you may have. Love is not forced, love is natural. Don’t wait for it, it’ll come when you are least expecting it. And when it comes- treat it with some maturity.
I have an enormous respect for anyone who has the drive, determination and motivation to make a significant change to their lives for whatever their reasons may be. However, the one issue that I find myself having a bit of a beef with is the choice to go vegan for ethical reasons, specifically for animal rights reasons. I know people who are vegans for health reasons or simply because they really like their fruits and veggies or really dislike meat. Heck, I have even met someone who has cut out animal products in their diet because of the complicated issue of all of the energy that it requires to produce meat and approaches veganism from the point of view of sustainability. It’s the people who have chosen to give up all animal byproducts because of animal rights issues that I have an issue with. I find it hypocritical that people who claim to be all for animal rights can limit this philosophy to their dietary habits and still identify as ethical vegans. This is not to say that there are people who do not do their very best to uphold their vegan beliefs in all aspects of their lives. It is those who have a disconnect between what they say they believe and how they transfer these beliefs to their everyday that I have a bit of a problem with.
But what do I mean?
People in this day and age have such complex and multifaceted lives. Each part of these lives requires its own unique set of materials. School requires books and pencils, personal hygiene requires soap and toothpaste and so on and so forth. Your diet and how you fuel your body only makes up a small portion of your life, albeit an important one. There are so many things that you use and buy and consume that have nothing to do with what you eat. This is why I say that someone can’t call themselves a true (ethical) vegan if they don’t transpose that same conscience that they have with their food to the rest of their day to day life. There are so many products that we use every day, from shampoo to cosmetics, to cleaners to toothpaste that contain animal byproducts. Perhaps we may even overlook even the obvious leather jacket and belt and those oh-so-gorgeous suede boots.
Is it even possible to completely avoid animal byproducts?
The short answer is no. In this day and age, it is nearly impossible to completely steer clear of animal by-products. That said, there are so many products that can be either replaced with vegan options or completely eliminated. Another issue that may come up is the matter of cost. It can be really expensive to find vegan products and even more expensive to use them on a regular basis. Even so, there are brands that do not test on animals and are completely vegan without completely blowing your budget. If you’re interested in finding out more, leapingbunny.org is a great place to start.
Wait, so if it’s that hard to go totally vegan, doesn’t that nullify your entire argument?
Not at all. The entire point that I want to make is that unless you are willing to go the extra mile and uphold your values to the best of your ability in all aspects of your life, I don’t think that you should be able say that you subscribe to those beliefs. I am especially passionate about this point if someone goes on and on about how wrong animal cruelty is (which I totally agree with) and goes to extremes to make a point. Don’t preach it if you’re not prepared to uphold everything that it means. Now, if you were to say to me, “Yeah, I avoid meat and animal products because I don’t like what has to happen for me to get a steak or Jell-O, but I’m not so passionate about it that I’m willing to completely cut animal products out of my life,” I would have no problem with it. If you are willing to admit that you are not prepared to completely immerse yourself, that’s okay. What’s not okay is acting like you are doing the world some great service when in fact you’re not making an effort outside of your diet.
Everyone has their own unique set of beliefs and we all express these beliefs in our own unique ways. Believing in ethical veganism for whatever reason is just subscribing another set of values. There’s nothing wrong with believing something. The important part is being honest with yourself and not trying to force beliefs onto other people without being willing to stay as true to your beliefs as possible. Everyone has their limits. When we find our own limits and respect the limits of others, that’s when we have true understanding.
As you may or may not know, I am an EXO-L. As in, I am a huge fan of EXO, a Kpop boy group. Since last year, many of the fans, including myself, have had some heartbreaking moments as 3 of the members quit and etcetera and etcetera. However, with the beginning of 2016, the group announced that they are going on their first North America tour and soon, through voting, the dates and cities for the tour were chosen.
Unfortunately, Calgary was not one of the 5 finalized concert locations, but Vancouver was included as the only Canadian venue. After lots of negotiating and compromising, I was able to convince my parents to go to Vancouver for the long weekend (12th is the concert).
Long story short, these are the things I have done/am doing to prepare myself for this pivotal moment of my life. I’m sure he fangirls out there will agree with me.
Tickets
The record time for an EXO concert to sell out was 1.47, so I knew that if I were to buy tickets, I had to be fast. The tickets for this concert started selling on the 6th at 7:00 on Ticketmaster, so I set an alarm for 6:50, to give myself 10 minutes to log in and get on the tickets page.
I was going for the GA (the pit) tickets, so the competition for the best seat was intense. I kept the app on my phone as well as my laptop logged on as I waited for the sale to open.
Though I was not fast enough to get GA0 tickets (the rows in this particular venue are numbered 0 – 9), I got GA5, and I will be the second section to enter the arena on the day of the concert.
Merchandise
Unfortunately, in this particular concert, there are no merchandise being sold at the venue, but instead, fans can pre-order merchandise such as light sticks and shirts and pick them up at the concert. Some fans made custom made shirts and made them available for others.
For myself, I got a crewneck shirt and 2 lightsticks.
For other concerts though, you need to make sure that you save up enough to snatch every merchandise possible. (My friend went to the One Direction concert in Edmonton this summer and she spent around $300 just on merchandise).
Personally, this concert will be the first that I’ll ever attend, so I’m taking extra care in my outfit for the concert. As I know that at other EXO concerts, one fan has always been brought up on stage to be serenaded, I will want to dress nicely, just in case that lucky fan will be me. I will definitely be wearing my WOLF (the EXO fans will know the reference) hat and EXO shirt to show support. Maybe I’ll match that with a back skirt?
You should always dress nicely for a concert. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the one on stage.
Physical/Mental
At this concert, I’ll be in the pit, standing the whole night. I need to mentally and physically be prepared for that physical strain. But also, I know that I will cry from joy when I first see them. (Yes, I’m a fanatic). I will have to prepare myself to cry, laugh, and stand for a long time.
Songs
I don’t know about other singers, but definitely for Korean groups, there are things called fan chants. These are lyrics not part of the actual songs, but synchronised chants that fans call out to go with each songs. I’ve never had to memorize any of these, as I’ve never been to a concert before, but I will be studying them diligently. I won’t be the only fan there who’s not part of the chant.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8E6y-KcLMVU
Overall, I am just super excited to see my favourite singers. When I get there, I might be too crazy to actually sing along or do the fan chants. I might just cry through the whole concert.
Ever since turning to vegetarianism in early December, I’ve been finding myself being much more conscientious about my health and that has involved me being more in check with my body, exercising regularly, drinking more water, taking my vitamins, and of course, managing what I eat. Though this change in lifestyle choice was long in the making and based off of personal taste preferences and sustainability, I also wanted to draw on the health benefits of going vegetarian. It definitely isn’t as easy as simply cutting meat out of your diet though, while doing that, you also have to ensure that you are still getting a proper balance of nutrients as you would with an omnivore diet. This led to me reading nutrition and ingredient labels more closely than before, and once I began to do this, I also became more aware of what I was putting into my body. Though it hasn’t yet been two months, I already feel myself losing cravings for junk foods like chips, fries, and other things I used to indulge in to the detriment of my health. Besides maintaining a nutritional balance, I’ve certainly felt challenged at times; coming from an Asian family, meat is a staple in many traditional dishes. Finding ingredients for balanced vegetarian meals was hard at first, but thanks to the help of my handy Pinterest account, I’ve found a few quality recipes with ingredients that aren’t a stretch to get in a typical household, and especially less so if you already like to eat healthy. And the best part of it is they’re as delicious are they are easy!
BREAKFAST
Banana Blueberry Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are probably one of the most versatile yet easy recipes out there, and there’s no limit as to what you can put in it. The recipe below includes bananas and blueberries as the main flavours, but it is so easy to customize from the base oats recipe provided. Frozen fruit is also totally game for this, just put it in with the oats the night before so they can thaw!
I don’t know about you, but I tend to eat quesadillas as more of a breakfast food more than anything, and when they’re this lite and not-loaded, they make for a great start to the day on a savoury note. I love these quesadillas since they take no time at all, and are so thin and un-messy that I can actually dip it in salsa, though I sometimes drizzle sriracha all over for spice. Wait, I do that anyways.
I love a good smoothie for breakfast, but I usually have it as a side to something else, like toast or quesadillas to get my fruit and dairy needs met. Also, smoothies never fill me up quite like an actual fork-and-knife breakfast. However, smoothie bowls are both thicker, more nutritious, more customizable, and also actually have to be eaten with a spoon — way more filling (or at least creates the illusion of that). Top it off with any fresh fruit, nut, or granola mix for texture and you are good to g(l)o(w)!
LUNCH
Quinoa Fried Rice
Yes, this recipe is technically for fried rice, but I always use quinoa for protein. Works the exact same way and also brings a nice texture to the classic dish! I would recommend to go lighter on the soy sauce than what the recipe says though, you can always add in more later and I found it to be a bit too salty for my taste when I made this for the first time. Also, don’t skip the oyster sauce!
I made this ALL THE TIME to bring to my office job in the summer. Quite literally. It is the easiest thing to throw together, especially when you pre-cook quinoa (which I tend to do since I have it so much), and is super nutritious and refreshing. This recipe is also really easy to manipulate, so experiment with different vegetable combinations! I really enjoy adding in corn and avocado to this versatile salad. It is also a good idea to save the dressing and pour over it before serving, but it will still be great and flavourful nevertheless. My personal preference for this salad has been to reduce the amount of oil and increase the amount of lime juice, which definitely adds more tanginess to the salad.
A really weird thing that happened to me during the summer brought me to this recipe: I started craving egg salad sandwiches after eating one while volunteering, but I’m not a huge fan of mayo, and the idea of a egg salad sandwich is appealing but truthfully — unhealthy. This alternative however, is just as good, and uses Greek yogurt instead of mayo and I can definitely enjoy it without feeling guilty (save those for the yolo meal). A layer of spinach between the salad and bread will prevent sogginess and add more greens, making this perfect to bring for a school lunch.
Before turning vegetarian, I knew that I wouldn’t have a huge problem accepting meat alternatives because I already ate them regularly and enjoyed them. Tofu is definitely one of those things, and this is a recipe that has transcended my lifestyle change. Also, living in an Asian household also means that I usually have all of the ingredients needed for this in my kitchen. I always eat this with quinoa (notice a trend here?) since rice takes a bit longer, and the prep time of the rest of the recipe makes it perfectly timed to let it cook whilst preparing everything else. If you’re not picky about the texture of your tofu, skip the cornstarch and just fry in some vegetable oil and save tons of time in the process. I’m also obsessed with the base sauce for this recipe, and have substituted tofu with chickpeas, rice cake, and other veggies!
When I first made this recipe and sent a Snapchat to a friend, the first thing they said was “that looks EXACTLY like the picture on the website!”. And it was true, but probably not because of my (medicore) cooking skills, but because it is so simple to make. Soups = one of the biggest joys in my life, but preparation can often take too long or be to complicated for my liking. However, with this one-pot soup, all you really have to do is prepare the ingredients and simmer! Reduce the amount of water for a more stew-like consistency, and eat with toasted rye for a hearty meal that is sure to fill you up.
Honestly… This recipe is just too good to be true: a) the recipe is super cute, b) all ingredients are fairly common, and c) IT WAS AMAZING. I can’t even count the number of times I’ve made this, and every time it ends up working out pretty well, something that I don’t find success with a lot when it comes to recipes requiring baking that isn’t basic desserts. This easy and filling loaf is also just as good with mushrooms, chunks of stale bread (more appealing than it sounds), and topped with barbecue sauce.
And for the final bonus:
DESSERT
Chocolate Avocado Pudding
If you’re keeping up with the health foods online community, chances are you’ve heard about making various desserts with the ever versatile avocado, and that is not without reason! I’m a huge fan of this super easy (no, I mean incredibly) easy chocolate pudding recipe. It tastes just like regular chocolate mousse, and depending on how much almond milk you put in, quickly becomes a perfect pudding texture. It is more bitter than regular pudding though, but that can be adjusted with agave (or substitute honey or maple syrup) and adding raspberries on top to balance out the flavours. I also recommend adding in a half teaspoon of vanilla extract for more flavour, but this dessert recipe is definitely a win.
If not, you may be a little uncertain as to what all the buzz is about– downtown Calgary is littered with coffeehouses. What makes Analog unique?
Well, that’s what Susie He set out to discover when she began her blog a few weeks ago. Ethics of Analog combines photographs, Susie’s own writing, and quotes from regulars to paint an intimate portrait of the coffee shop and its customers.
Last week, I had the opportunity to sit down with Susie (over coffee at Analog, naturally) and chat a bit about the project. Susie is a peer of mine, a grade 11 student at Western Canada High School, and that’s where she originally got the idea to start her blog. What began as an exploration of ethics in philosophy class lead her to investigate the ethics of Analog Coffee— of the physical space, the environment, and the interactions of the people within it.
Tell me a bit about the inspiration for this project.
“A lot of the people that I meet at Analog are business people, entrepreneurs, or artists that represent really different world views and really different ideas. I wanted to capture that because the relationships I have with those people are really centred around being here. I decided to find what their values were because ethics is really based around finding how we should live. Now, that kind of gets down to the morality aspect but it also shows the values of us. What people value is essentially what they live by.
I compiled a bunch of interviews for people that I personally know; I got baristas, I got a few married couples, I got artists, I got a lot of entrepreneurs as this place seems to attract entrepreneurs, and I got students. I tried to diversify the ages, the occupations, and genders as best I could. I asked them “what is your most important value or leading principle or rule in your life?” and they either wrote it for me or they gave me a long recorded rant about it.”
Beyond the interviews, photography also played a key part in Susie’s portrayal of Analog Coffee. She explains that her choice to keep portraits in black and white is rooted in the idea that “when pictures are in black in white, there are no colours to distract you from who the person actually is“. The photos of Analog, however, she kept in colour for the reader to better “evaluate the physical place and the environment“.
Why did you choose Analog over any other coffee shop?
“It’s a really popular place in Calgary and I have a bit of a personal connection because I spend so much time here…there’s a sort of environment here where you’re able to talk to strangers and form connections. For example, there are a couple other places I go that are coffee shops, but I think that because they are so close to downtown a lot more business meetings go on there so there’s a lot less of a diverse environment and more of a business-type environment? Analog generally seems like more of a social place, and that’s why I think it’s more unique.
Also, it seems like a pretty privileged place to be, I’ll be honest. The coffee is pretty expensive, there’s a certain amount of pretentiousness…I think that creates a good environment for discussion, though. I found that when you ask, like when you ask anyone, as long as you do ask, lots of people are more open to talking.”
What made you choose a blog format?
“I thought that because it was open to the public that would be pretty cool…the blogging creates a sort of personal connection with the story. It allows for a timeline and because it goes in a sort of chronological order, you get ideas from people and then you get ideas of the interactions of values the place has. The order I put it in allows for different perspectives to be next to each other. I think it’s really effective to read it that way so you can kind of get a good sense of what people were saying. That’s also why I tried to record as many of the interviews as I could because when you hear the person talking in your head, that also creates a bit of a connection as opposed to a written format, which comes off as a bit edited. The best part of it is when you are able to read it and you’re able to connect with what the person is saying as if you’re sitting at a table with that person at Analog.”
What’s your guiding principle? What value do you live your life by?
“I think that for me, my most guiding principle would be ‘productivity’ which is a bit weird. Once I finish the project, I feel like I’m more inclined to say something to do with connection…but I did look through what a lot of my values were and I think that it really boils down to productivity. When I answered this question before [I started the project], I said “time”… I’m 16 and I only have 60, 70 years of my life left, maybe 80. It feels long but it sounds short! I think that ties directly into productivity, and productivity ties in a lot more with my own values because I always want to be doing something, creating something…
I think in the end, when I feel like I’m doing something that adds to myself or adds to the world, I think that’s what I define as productivity.”
Overall, Susie found that the commonality throughout her interviews and her observations was a theme of connection; our human desire to form meaningful connections with others.
“The idea of asking for someone’s name when you buy coffee even, that creates a kind of connection. I think especially because this place attracts a lot of entrepreneurs, who are largely people that work based on social connections; and because people come here to catch up with old friends or have coffee or even business meetings, that sets the basis of the idea of social connection. And further, with the kind of values that people answered with, a lot of it was based upon connection— whether it was spiritual or social or personal connection. I don’t know, that’s what I found that people value.
A huge thank you goes out to Susie for sitting down with me and sharing so much about her inspiration and vision for her blog. Her eloquence and passion are a force to be reckoned with, and if you’ve made it this far through this blog post without paying Ethics of Analog a visit, I can’t recommend it enough.
All photos were taken myself or used with permission from Susie’s blog
When we are children we seldom think of the future. This innocence leaves us free to enjoy ourselves as few adults can. The day we fret about the future is the day we leave our childhood behind.
There are times when I wish I could return back to childhood. One of the greatest gifts as a child is to see the world for all its colorful vibrancy. They feel everything so fully and purely. When they’re happy, their faces will scrunch up into the perfect image of joy. You can’t help but smile a bit as well. I suppose that’s why we feel drawn to newborns. It is a way for us to reconnect with our inner child. They are seeing everything for the first time in all its awe and beauty, while we’ve grown accustomed and it seems like nothing special.
I remember a time I was on the c-train and I saw a mother with her daughter sitting by the window. The child pointed her finger out the window and exclaimed, “Look mommy, clouds!” She patted her mother excitedly, urging her to look too. The mother glanced out briefly before returning back to her thoughts. She murmured a “Yeah, it is” with fake enthusiasm. The type of enthusiasm that you give to a child to play along with them, but that you don’t really feel yourself.
Again, the child patted her arm and this time she cried out, “Look! The sky!” The mother didn’t reply. However, that didn’t stop the girl from listing more objects that we consider “ordinary” or “mundane.” This young girl had this energy and curiosity that we all once had. Even the most ordinary thing is extraordinary depending on the eye of the beholder.
When I saw this scene, I felt like the mother. I feel old. Somewhere along the way, my inner flame dimmed. I started to see both sides of the world, not just the good. Even though I gained wisdom, I slowly got tired – worn out. That is the trade-off of growing up. You gain more knowledge of the world at the sacrifice of innocence. You become more mature, but that comes with a sort of bittersweet nostalgia. You no longer see the world through rose-colored glasses, but instead you see it as a place where everyone is always fighting their inner demons. Dreams get tempered with practicality. There is no guarantee of a happily ever after. So I can understand the desire to return back to a simpler life, where one can live in the bliss of ignorance, but life doesn’t work that way.
In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.
– Robert Frost
Should we be afraid of change?
The truth is, whether or not you’re ready to grow up, it’ll still happen. Time will keep pushing you forwards and all you can do is adjust your attitude. Our existence is marked by continual change and impermanence. Life is really just a series of temporary experiences rather than anything concrete. Perhaps it is relieving to know that all the pain and worries you face will come to pass. Maybe it is distressing to know that the happy moments in your life will also fade away in the endless flow of things. Try as you might to suspend time and live in a perfect moment forever, the present will eventually become mere memories.
As I was in my final year of junior high, I remember going to visit my elementary school that had housed me for seven years. I wasn’t there to see anyone in particular, and besides it was afterschool, so everyone had left already. I roamed around on the playground, as if reliving the times running around playing tag and swinging on the monkey bars. Many of my recesses were spent this way, but now everything felt different. I had grown older and I realized how small and barren everything was. As I stared at the school walls, I tried to recall the names of teachers, the fun and embarrassing times I had, but I realized that I could barely remember. They were only faint memories. They seemed incomparable with what I had learned and how I had changed in junior high.
Now, as I approach my final year of high school, I look back on junior high the same way. I have experienced so much in high school that junior high seems distant, even though it hasn’t been many years. My experiences in junior high are a vague jumble of memories, brief snapshots from the hundreds of hours I spent there. I remember the first time I visited my junior high after I had graduated, I knew things had changed. Everything was the same physically, but the hallways felt smaller and the classrooms felt somehow different than when I had been there. I saw the familiar faces of teachers and we chatted like old times. However, I knew in the back of my mind that it would never be the same as when I used to be in their class.
After I graduated from junior high, everyone went their separate ways. People moved to different cities, headed off to different high schools, and pursued their own interests. Some friendships faded, while others strengthened. For now, high school provides a sort of temporary stasis of time. There is a structured routine to how things work. It’s the same familiar friends and teachers each day. The classrooms and hallways feel welcoming, almost like a second home. However, I already know that once I graduate from high school, the same process of change will happen again.
Change is bittersweet.
The truth is, part of me is every age. I’m a three-year-old, I’m a five-year-old, I’m a thirty-seven-year-old, I’m a fifty-year-old. I’ve been through all of them, and I know what it’s like. I delight in being a child when it’s appropriate to be a child. I delight in being a wise old man when it’s appropriate to be a wise old man. Think of all I can be! I am every age, up to my own. Do you understand?
– Morrie Schwartz, from “Tuesdays with Morrie”
Should we be afraid of aging?
According to Morrie Schwartz, we should embrace aging and I have to agree. Aging is not decay, but growth. It is easy to view aging in a negative context. The simplicity of childhood is replaced with teenage angst and eventually the responsibilities of adulthood. It also means a gradual deterioration of your physical and mental health. However, it can be framed in a better light. A part of you is every age. There are times it’s appropriate to let your inner child shine. There are other times when you have be more mature. Growing up doesn’t mean losing who you once were, but rather, you add on to it.
Life is like the rings of a tree trunk. Your childhood forms the core of your identity. It is the starting point for developing the morals and virtues that you will carry throughout your life. With each year, a new ring is added. Some years, the sunshine and rain will be plenty, and you will grow lots. Other years, there will be droughts and you only grow a bit. It is inevitable that cracks form along the way, but it doesn’t stop you from growing a bit each year. It may not feel the same as when you first sprouted out of the soil and experienced the warmth of life for the first time. However, it is through the passage of time that you grow stronger and taller, being able to weather the storms easier. Your branches reach higher into the sky than ever. As you take all of it in, you find that the air up there is filled with an electrifying energy, the energy of potential.
When you ask a Grade 12 student how they feel about graduating, the common response is a mixture of excitement for the what the future holds and sadness about how things will change. Although life may seemingly get more complex as you grow up, there is also much greater potential with where you can go. Trying to remain a child or teenager forever means you’ll only ever experience a fraction of what life has to offer. There are many challenges and obstacles to come, but also many rewards and wisdom to gain.
There is a sense of excitement about getting your own car, getting a job, buying your own house and raising a family. There is excitement about studying in university, to be in an environment of like-minded individuals and have the chance to make new friends. There is excitement to find that one place where everything clicks together perfectly and you realize that you’re finally where you wanted to be. The freedom of childhood that you lost is replaced with a new kind of freedom – the freedom of adulthood. It is the freedom of flying the nest and finding your way in the vast world.
Last weekend, I was given the opportunity to see the amazing show, Shaping Sound at the Jubilee Auditorium, thanks to Kids Up Front Calgary! A dance performance, choreographed by Emmy Award winning choreographer Travis Wall. The Shaping Sound dance company was originally established in 2012 and is based out of Los Angeles. Travis Wall is not the only notable cast member from this production, as many dancers have performed with a verity of celebrities, such as Janet Jackson and Carly Rae Jepsen. Not only that, but many of the cast have also been featured in shows such as Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance.
The first act of Shaping Sound takes viewers on a journey with a young woman (played by Mallauri Esquibel), through her dreams. The show opens with the woman seeming lost, unable to dance in sync with the other dancers. As the story continues, the young woman’s negative relationship with her lover is brought to the surface, expressed through a beautiful bedroom dance sequence. Many mystifying dream-like dance numbers enchant the audience along with unique elements of a verity of dance styles, such as jazz and cabaret. However, the show primarily focusing on a more contemporary style. Dreams and desires are exploited in sensual scenes, which are not only excellently performed, but help push the boundaries of movement.
A particular dance number which captivated the audience was Shaping Sound’s rendition of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. The familiar anthem, light show and outstanding dance moves, introduced the second act, and had the audience cheering throughout, creating an amazing atmosphere which ran through the auditorium. The second act continued to amaze, as unique dance numbers such continued to wow the audience all the way until the end, as a once lost young woman finds the courage to leave her relationship and continue on with her life and dreams. The final dance number inspires viewers, as she is able to dance in sync with the other dancers in an outstanding dance number.
Shaping Sound’s tag line is dance reimagined, and is definitely fitting. Throughout the entirety of the show I was impressed with the unique style of dance presented to me, along with some familiar pieces, which surfaced a feeling of nostalgia. As someone who is not a regular spectator of dance performances, I was on the edge of my seat for the beginning until the end, as were the rest of the audience.
Unfortunately Shaping Sound was only in Calgary from January 15 to January 16th however, the North American-wide tour is far from over. You can find the full list of tour dates and locations here.
because of the complicated issue of all of the energy that it requires to produce meat and approaches veganism from the point of view of sustainability. It’s the people who have chosen to give up all animal byproducts because of animal rights issues that I have an issue with. I find it hypocritical that people who claim to be all for animal rights can limit this philosophy to their dietary habits and still identify as ethical vegans. This is not to say that there are people who do not do their very best to uphold their vegan beliefs in all aspects of their lives. It is those who have a disconnect between what they say they believe and how they transfer these beliefs to their everyday that I have a bit of a problem with.
find vegan products and even more expensive to use them on a regular basis. Even so, there are brands that do not test on animals and are completely vegan without completely blowing your budget. If you’re interested in finding out more, 
