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How to style the suede skirt

Danielle Leong
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Chelsea boots, Turtlenecks, blanket-scarves, and Suede- possibly the biggest fashion trends of 2015, and definitely my personal favourites.  Of course, although these trends entered the fashion world  in the year of 2015, I for one will still be rocking them well into 2016.  Now originally, I was planning on simply doing a fashion-trend recap of 2015.  But then when I got my brown suede skirt as a gift, I realized that I loved it too much to simply take one photo of it.  So here I am, writing a post dedicated to my current fashion obsession- and I mean obsession (I’ll have to be careful not to wear it every day of the week)- the brown suede skirt.  I think I’ve worn this Suede skirt more days in a row than any other item.. and that’s saying something, considering it’s winter.  But that brings me to the first reason why I love the suede skirt so much. Suede is an all-season item.  You can style it differently to match spring, summer, winter, and autumn.  You could almost say that suede is timeless- because it was first seen in the 70’s, and it’s back in style now, and you can wear it all year long.  Suede jackets and boots are also back in, but for me the suede item I just had to have was the brown suede skirt. I love skirts, and I love soft textures, so when you come across suede which puts those two together, it creates an overload of love.  Another reason why it’s a must-have for this year (or era) is because it’s so much more than a look.  Suede is a feel (go to a store and feel the texture if you don’t have any suede at home), it’s a style, and it kind of makes me feel like I’m a character in a book.  It’s classy, cute, and suprisingly warm.  The third reason why  the brown suede skirt in particular is my new favourite skirt is because of it’s colour.  It’s called the brown suede skirt, yes, but it’s actually camel coloured 🙂 (if you didn’t know, camel was also one of the best colours of 2015).  Camel goes with, well, almost anything, which only adds to the timelessness of the “brown” suede skirt.

You’re probably tired of hearing me ramble about this skirt, so sorry (just kidding not sorry because I could talk about it so much more), so here I present to you six ways to style the brown suede skirt.  If you look past my awkward hand positions and attempts at flattering poses, you’ll find inspiration in these adorable outfits 🙂

 

  1.  Layers

 

outfit 1

First up, we have the beloved layers.  I love layering all year round, whether it be by wearing a collared shirt under a sweater in colder times or wearing a pretty bralette/cami under a shirt in the summer.  Layering just makes one look so much more put-together, and it gives off that “I try but I don’t try too hard” vibe.  So when I saw how well the suede skirt layered, I couldn’t resist.  I simply paired a collared sleeveless denim shirt with a floral sweater with a lace rim, and put that over the suede skirt.  I think that the collared shirt under sweater and suede skirt combo looks very preppy and put together, and I’d totally wear this to school.  I also love how the lace rim looks against the suede – elegant, but casual.  In this outfit, I’m wearing my tan leather bag and chelsea boots (also one of the prettiest trends of 2015).  You could easily put your own twist or re-create this look – any type of layering would look nice with the brown suede skirt.

 

2. Croptops (and scarves)

outfit 2

Over the past years, I went through a croptop obsession phase, a scarf phase, and a combat boot phase.  Currently, I’m in the brown suede skirt phase.  Wow, it’s like all of my past fashion obsessions came back to haunt me in one outfit… but I still love it!!  A super adorable trend is pairing striped croptops with these skirts- the cute high-necked turtlenecks work great too.  I love scarves, so I put on this thick plaid one, which goes nicely with the striped shirt.  Of course, I’m wearing my brown combat boots, and a cute bag to go along with them.  I really love how all of the elements in this outfit compliment each other, and I think this one would be best for fall or spring time.

 

 

 

3.  Denim

outfit 3

Look number three is for all of you minimalists out there.  Hey- sometimes simplicity is the best option!  Less is more?  Either way, this outfit is cute, casual, but the suede skirt still gives it a put-together vibe.  You could easily put your own twist on this outfit.  A T-shirt without a denim jacket would work, or a denim button-up shirt, or any time of jean jacket, or a denim vest… I think it goes without saying that denim and suede are like peanut butter and jelly. Denim jackets are a staple in my closet already, and they compliment many styles.  Also, if you’re one for the highwaisted look this skirt in particular is for you.  This outfit shows off the highwaistedness (it could be a word) of the skirt, and the length of it compliments your legs and makes them look longer.

 

 

 

4.  Patterned shirts

outfit 4

I don’t think there is a pattern or material that suede doesn’t go well with.  Florals, Plaids, flannels, or.. abstract! Which is what I’ve chosen to categorize this shirt in, because I don’t know what the actual pattern is called.  Although it does not have a name, I’m in love with this pattern and how it looks against the suede.  This shirt is actually structured, and it’s quite flattering when you pair it with the somewhat form-fitting skirt.  The shoes I’m wearing in this pic are actually also suede, except black suede.

 

 

 

 

 

5.  Pastels

outfit 5

 

Pastels!!! Yet another fashion trend that I’m in love with.  Although I’m wearing lavender on top, baby blue, pale pink, pale yellow, and maybe even light green would compliment the suede skirt as well.  I just really like how versatile the brown suede skirt is 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.  Turtlenecks/Cowl necks/ high-necklined shirts (and black nylons)

outfit 7

Saving the best for last!  This outfit MIGHT be my favourite out of all, but maybe that’s just because it’s winter and I’ve been loving black a lot.  To me, this look comes off as very sophisticated, interesting, and still classy.  (Being classy is pretty important)  First of all, the turtleneck/cowl neck.  I’ve been obsessed with wearing these in winter, because they’re so warm and cozy, and they flatter round face shapes.  This turtleneck is super thick, soft, and oversized (exactly what I’d want to be wearing while curled up with a book)  Although the neckline and details are hard to see, it’s a traditional knit.  Under the suede skirt I am wearing my favourite type of sock (ish) apparatus – the black stockings.  I wear these a lot, because they’re cute and flattering, so I was happy to pair them with this skirt.  Of course, if you’re not one for the black stockings, I think long knee socks, cute legwarmers, or those lace-rimmed socks you find at Topshop work wonderfuly as well.  I’m also wearing my black riding boots, which tie the outfit together, along with a simple gold necklace for details.  The brown suede skirt adds a bit of variety to my otherwise all-black ensemble, but I think a black suede skirt would look pretty cute as well.

 

That’s all, folks!  Oh wait, but it’s not all… If I had the space on my camera, I would’ve been happy to “model” several more looks.  The brown suede skirt is simply a canvas, and how you paint on it is up to you (wow Danielle how deep). The beauty of it is in the fact that it’s hard to make this skirt look bad.  Enjoy!  And Happy New Year everyone!  Let’s make 2016 even better than the year before it.

 

 

featured image source

Studying and Snacking: A Brief Guide

Talia Santarossa
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Exam season is now upon us and it’s time to hit the books and study up. Studying takes a lot of valuable energy and hunger is inevitable during these arduous times. However, there is a right and wrong way to curb the munchies during those marathon study sessions.

DO:

  • Eat food with lots of vitamins and minerals
  • Stick to snacks that create minimal mess and crumbs
  • Have a good stock of healthy options available
Healthy Options:
  • Plain popcorn
    • popcorn2Homemade air pop popcorn is a great option because it only has as much seasoning on it as you want. If you feel the need to add flavour, avoid using large amounts of grease (from butter/margarine) or salt. Not only are they not the best for you, but they can leave residue on your hands.
  • Gum
    • I personally love chewing gum because it keeps my mouth occupied and my hands free to do something else other than be a plate-to-mouth food transport system.
  • Veggies and Dip
    • Not only are raw vegetables super healthy and jam-packed with nutrients, a low-fat dip can help to add some of the flavour that you’re craving. Just don’t overdo it.slicedFruitPlate-lg
  • Nuts
    • Enjoy in moderation because nuts are pretty fatty. That said, some nuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can be beneficial to brain function, which is crucial while preparing for exams. Try to stick to unsalted nuts if at all possible.
  • Fruit Slices
    • As long as your selections are not overly juicy (i.e. apples or firmer mango/melons/pears) and don’t risk getting your hands all sticky, go for it! Fruit contains natural sugars that can help keep you energized without the harm posed by processed sweeteners.

DON’T:

  • Snack on high-fat or high sugar foods
  • Consume foods that can leave hands dirty (Ahem, Cheeto dust)
  • Be too complicated; avoid snacks that require utensils to eat or a lot of preparation
To be Avoided:
  • Potato Chips or Doritos (Sorry)
    • Fatty and guaranteed to get your hands oily or dusty, chips are definitely on the no-no list.
  • Candy or Chocolate
    • candy-bowlPacked with lots of unnecessary refined sugars, not the best choice. However, small squares of dark chocolate are okay because they don’t contain a lot of the sugars that we’re so concerned about.
  • Sticky foods
    • These are messier than they’re worth.
  • Dried fruit
    • Dried fruit actually has a ton of sugar and depending on where you get it, can be full of preservatives. Enjoy in moderation.

Image Sources 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

How this year, you might actually achieve your new year’s resolutions!

~ Chu ☆ ~
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So New Year’s is finally upon us, and with it comes the inevitable doom of having to make resolutions.

Source
Source

 

Personally, I’m not a huge fan of New Year’s resolutions for two reasons. Firstly, I don’t think we should have to wait for the year to change to start changing ourselves, but rather change when life calls for one. I personally strive to always be trying to change myself. Secondly, it’s a well known fact that people never follow through with their resolutions.

Source
Source

 

But if you have made resolutions this year that you are determined to achieve, this might be able to help you out.

I find that the biggest reason people give up on their resolutions is that they tend to be really broad, general, and open ended. They have good intent, but it’s hard to figure out where to start.

This generally leads to constantly trying to justify that you are reaching your goal. Ex. “I ate a piece of celery today after my steak. I’m definitely working towards eating healthier.” Or “I went and got a gym membership today. This will surely be a great motivator to work out more!”

And at the end of the year, you’ll probably look back at a fridge full of uneaten celery, and an unused gym membership thinking “crap”

So how do we avoid this? We set smaller goals. Smaller goals are more focused, they’re easier to work on, and therefore, easier to achieve. So for example, instead of saying “I’m gonna be more active”, you could say “I’m going to go biking every two weeks”, and after a couple months, maybe change it to every week. Instead of saying “I’m going to be more time efficient”, you could say “Instead of staring at the ceiling for 5 minutes when my alarm rings, I’m going to get up as soon as I hear it.” or “I’m going to reduce the time I spend checking social media from 10 minutes to 5.” Instead of saying “I’m going to read a lot more”, you could say “I’m going to spend 45 minutes a week reading” or “I’m going to read one book a month.”

By setting smaller, short term, and more specific goals, it’s actually more effective towards reaching the end goal, because you get to work in little parts. Also, it’s a lot less daunting to work in a little goal than the New Year’s resolutions we usually set.

Some advice to help you set 'smart' goals. (source)
Some advice to help you set ‘smart’ goals.
(Source)

Another way to motivate yourself is to have constant reminders of your goal. Set it as your lock screen. Put a sticky up in your room. You can even set one of your passwords to be your goal. The constant reminders are great for a reminder, and if need be, a great way to guilt trip yourself into at least giving your goals a shot.

Also, keep in mind that New Year’s isn’t the only time for self improvement. It’s always possible to make yourself a better person!

So happy New Year, and good luck on your resolutions!

Cheesy sunset photos with memes are my favourite :D (Original photo source)
Cheesy sunset photos with memes are my favourite 😀 (Original photo source)

 

(Featured image source)

Good-Bi to The Past: Discovering What it Means to be Bisexual

Elene Otte
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5

“People who are bisexual have to live with the knowledge that they could lose everyone they care about with just two words.”

My initial research into what it meant to identify as being bisexual held terrifying promises such as these. Words that I initially dismissed as untrue or perhaps an exaggeration. When I first came out to my boyfriend, he was justifiably shocked. We had both discussed for months about the seriousness of our relationship and how there was little room for the standard ‘overly-friendly friends’ and exes in efforts to form a strong trust and lasting relationship. Neither of us were looking for games and we struggled to use the right words to describe how this would effect us and to what degree.

A standard ‘x+y relationship’. [Image Source]

Telling my family was the most difficult part and I was not surprised by the reaction I received. My parents have more conservative views of what a standard x + y relationship should look like. Part of that is founded in religion and part of that is cultural. They explained to me the fact that females just have a stronger emotional connection with all people and that the feelings I was feeling was nothing more than that. I nodded along, regretting my decision to inform them and biding my time until I could leave the room and awkwardness behind.

Worst fears in relationships. [Image Source]

The trigger for me to realize this was almost like someone had hit the pause button on my life and allowed me to reevaluate all the previous friends I’d ever had and helped me to better understand the insecurity I had in relationships. I felt threatened by previous boyfriends’ friends due to my challenges in understanding what a platonic relationship was. Relationships were built on friendships so from what I understood, how could friends not be a threat? I worked hard to please others because I was so frightened they would leave me if they found someone better and could never relax.

[Image Source]

And although this understanding of myself allows me to relax now, initially it was terrible. The only person I did not regret informing was my sister. Everyone else was shocked and felt bad for my boyfriend, wondering how he could be okay with the way I was. Some friends told me I was lesbian and while the term is not an insult, their denial of how I self-identified was hurtful. Others told me I was cheating on my boyfriend because I struggled to find a balance between him and my female friends and reforming appropriate lines in our committed relationship. At one point, to prove commitment I convinced him that I didn’t need friends and that he could decide which groups and circles we interacted with. I was afraid of who I realized I was and for a while unable to appreciate the good amidst the horrible comments. The worst comment I heard, however, was the accusation that the only reason I was dating a guy was because I was too scared to go against the grain. Too frightened to follow my ‘unconventional, confused and mixed up’ emotions.

But it changed as I began to see the strengths my attraction basis provided. I am going into nursing in the coming fall and the way my mind works allows me to care for others in a more intense way than is (apparently) normal. It also helped me better see the ‘human-ness’ in others, to see their flaws and their beauty in their effort. One of my challenges is high expectations of others that often detach me from who they really are and being bisexual allowed me to counter-balance a lot of my negative mindset.

Dating a boy doesn’t make me straight anymore than dating a girl would make me lesbian. I decide my labels.   [Image Source]

People spoke to my boyfriend about how he felt about my infidelity, as being bisexual is often (although wrongfully) associated with cheating. He stood up for me and eventually my friends did too, knowing of the commitment I showed and the truthfulness and transparency to which I approached our cherished relationship.

So to conclude, were there many challenges that I might not have had to face if I stayed quiet? Yes.

But do I regret coming out? Not at all.

[Featured Image Source]

What’s next for CalgaryNEXT?

Mayor's Youth Council
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In August of this year, plans were unveiled for a new downtown stadium-arena, dubbed CalgaryNEXT. The structure would not only house a new football stadium, but also a new hockey arena and a multipurpose fieldhouse. CalgaryNEXT would be replacing McMahon Stadium and the Scotiabank Saddledome in addition to fulfilling the demand for a fieldhouse. After the plans were unveiled by the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corp., the question was begged of whether or not a project of this size is even feasible right now for Calgary.

The project does come with its share of obstacles, namely budget. The projected cost of building CalgaryNEXT is around 890 million dollars, a fund that wouldn’t be easy to come by in normal circumstances, much less during tough times for the economy. The plan proposes breaking down the cost into 4 different sources: the company proposing the idea, the city, a community revitalization levy and ticket tax. The company would be covering 200 million of the projected cost, while they are asking for 200 million from the city. A community revitalization levy is essentially a loan which is paid back through rising property taxes in the area as a result of the project and it would be covering 240 million. The ticket tax would be used to cover the remaining 250 million (which would initially come from a loan most likely from a private company) through extra tax on tickets for future events in the venue.

 

In addition to questioning the feasibility of producing the 890 million, it is important to consider the cost of first reclaiming the area where the stadium-arena would be built. Currently the ground is contaminated with creosote and the cost of cleaning up this pollution lies between 50 and 300 million. As of now, there is a six month environmental study being carried out on the land to determine exactly how much reclamation will cost. Politicians are approaching the project apprehensively due to the number of obstacles facing the project in addition to reminding us that there are other projects that require more immediate attention. That being said, they are considering the project as a serious option. City Council will release a report regarding the proposal by April 30, 2016.

In the meantime, what do you think? Do the benefits of building CalgaryNEXT outweigh the challenges that are in its way?

Is Engineering for me? Part I: Career Advice

Elvin Limpin
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2

It’s that day when I took my Protestant girlfriend to a Catholic Youth Group event at our church. I wanted to leave her a great impression, needless to say. We then overheard a conversation.

Youth Group Leader: Hey, I haven’t seen you in a long time. How’s school?
Some Guy: Oh yeah, it’s been going well!
Youth Group Leader: Engineering, right?
Some Guy: Engineering.
Youth Group Leader: That’s great. How about your sis?
Sister: Yeah I’m taking Engineering as well.
Youth Group Leader: Cool, cool

Enter another sister.

Youth Group Leader: How about you? Eng?
Sister 2: I’m still in high school, but I’ll probably take Engineering next year.
My girlfriend (aside): Is Engineering a Catholic thing???

Exeunt Some Guy, Sister, and Sister 2.

Youth Group Leader: How about you Elvin, Engineering?
Me: Umm I’m not too sure about it at this moment.
Youth Group Leader: Well, is your dad an Engineer?
Me: Yup, he is.
Youth Group Leader: You should consider then. And broke you’ll never be again.

Okay he didn’t actually say that. 😛 It’s just a tad too tempting to end with a rhyming couplet.

Engineering 

[Source]

Engineering is one of a kind, being arguably the most prestigious undergraduate degree. It’s challenging and sought after by problem solving minds aiming to design and invent the pathway to their dreams, seeking to impact their world in one way or another.

And it also pays well.

I have also been attracted by the prospect of being an engineer, seeing the sheer course load as a big challenge.

Before I get into it, let me just clarify the format I will be using for Career Advice articles:

[Degree or Major]

Employment Prospects: [A, B, C, or D] [Years to spend in school before employable]

The most in demand degrees will be rated A. Degrees lower down might be for niche jobs or would need a lot of networking. While Bachelor Degrees often require only 4-5 years, some industries might expect a Masters Degree or other additional education.

Course load: [/10]

Course load isn’t about how easy or hard your course is. Personality, effort, and support systems are just some of the many factors that could make a degree easy or hard. 10/10 represents a “full course load” of 5 full courses one year including a laboratory component for each course. Some degrees exceed a full course load.

[Short Description]

Just a short description

Let’s get started.

Chemical

[Source]
Employment Prospects: C+in 4 years, specialized positions might require 2 more years of education
Course load: 11/10

With the work chemical in its name, chemical engineering is frequently sought after for its science component. Chemical engineers don’t necessarily work with chemicals, however. Chemical Engineering is about processing materials and energy, and so is useful in the oil and gas industry. It twins the cyclical nature of oil and gas, making it very high risk-high reward. Students usually complete their degree and become ready for the workforce after 4 years. Make sure to be involved in activities that would build yourself a network if you plan to pursue Chemical Engineering, during those 4 years.

Civil

[Source]
Employment Prospects: B in 4 years
Course load: 10/10

Civil’s course load is a bit lighter than other Engineering disciplines, and that either attracts people or turns them off. The reason for the lighter course load is the Civil Engineering deals with structures that do not move, and so you only get to do with static physics. While as I mentioned, only the Petroleum industry has demand for Chemical Engineers, there is a lot more industries that need Civil. The main driving force for employment is construction, and so there will be demand for Civil Engineers in any growing city. The environmental sector also employs civil engineers, as well as the government for community/urban planning. If you’re into Engineering large scale projects as opposed to tinier machines, Civil might be for you.

Mechanical

[Source]
Employment Prospects: B in 4 years
Course load: 10.5/10

Mechanical Engineering deals with machines of varying complexity and functions: airplanes, oil rigs, elevators, computers, robots, and more. Mechanical Engineering is the broadest Engineering discipline. They are employed almost any industry that does not require a specialist Engineer. Some universities offer specializations of Mechanical as minors, such as Aerospace, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, etc. In terms of difficulty, Mechanical is also smack in the middle. This makes it perfect for those creative minds who want to keep their options open or are unsure about their target industry.

 

These three are popular branches of Engineering. Stay tuned for Part II where I go over other branches 🙂

Here‘s the featured image.

2015 Recap & Hopes for the New Year

Kandace Peroramas
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0

{Source}

You never really know what the New Year will bring until it’s December 31st and you’re trying to piece 12 months worth of memory. 2015, undoubtedly, was a year that flew right by. But that’s not without a laundry list of events we’d like to forget about or remember for the rest of our lives. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane:

January:

• Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack

• Measles outbreak in the U.S.

• Justin Bieber’s Calvin Klein ads

• Pope Francis visits the Philippines

• Facebook announces users in the U.S. will soon receive Amber Alerts

• New England Patriots accused of using used under-inflated footballs during their championship game win against the Indianapolis Colts

February:

• New England Patriots defeat the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 49

• “The Dress” goes viral

• Plane hits elevated highway before crashing into a river in Taipei, Taiwan

• Brian Williams suspended from NBC’s nightly broadcasts following the discovery of making false statements about his experience reporting in Iraq

• Saturday Night Live celebrates 40 years

• ISIS militants execute more captives

• Star Trek’s Leonard Nimoy passes away

March:

• Zayn Malik announces he will be leaving One Direction

• Co-pilot of Germanwings flight 9525 from Barcelona, Spain to Desseldorf, Germany deliberately crashes plane into the French Alps

• Apple Watch makes a debut

• Boko Haram pledges allegiance to ISIS

• New Religious Freedom Restoration Act controversy in the U.S.

April:

• Iran agrees to nuclear deal

• Hillary Clinton announces second bid for President

• Jury finds Dzhokhar Tsarnaev guilty in the first phase of the Boston Marathon Bombing Trial

• An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 kills thousands in Nepal

• Furious 7 finishes its opening weekend with $143 million at the domestic box office

• California drought

May:

• Miley Cyrus officially launches The Happy Hippie Foundation

• Ireland legalizes same-sex marriage

• David Letterman says goodbye to his late-night show

• Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, gives birth to second child, Charlotte

• Amtrak train going double the limit derails in Philadelphia

• Mayweather defeats Pacquiao in “Fight of the Century”

June:

• Caitlyn Jenner debuts on the cover of Vanity Fair

• Jurassic World opens with $204 million at the domestic box office

• Nine dead in church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina

• Same-sex marriage legalized in the U.S.

• Chicago Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup

• Greece misses debt payment to International Monetary Fund (IMF)

• NBA Champs, Golden State Warriors, defeat Cleveland Cavaliers

July:

• The spacecraft, New Horizons, reaches Pluto

• Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj Twitter drama

• Mexico’s most notorious drug dealer, “El Chapo”, escapes from a maximum-security prison

• United States and Cuba re-establish diplomatic relations since 1961

• President Obama begins historic trip to Kenya

• Debris found on a remote island in the Indian Ocean is said to be from Malaysian Airlines Flight 370

• Zimbabwe’s well-loved Cecil the Lion is killed by dentist, Walter Palmer

• Dating website, Ashley Madison, is hacked

• Team U.S.A. wins the FIFA Women’s World Cup against Team Japan

August:

• Disney announces its building of Star Wars attractions in California and Florida

• Donald Trump leads in his campaign’s first televised Republican presidential debate

• Bomb explosion at Thailand shrine kills 22

• The first two women graduate from grueling Army Ranger School

• Francois Hollande presents three young Americans and British man with France’s Légion d’honneur (Legion of Honour) medal after tackling gunman on a train

• Stock market crash due to uncertainty in China

• Two television journalists are killed during live morning broadcast

September:

• Scientists announce the discovery of the pre-human species, Homo naledi

• Stephen Colbert makes his debut on “The Late Show”

• Lady Gaga releases music video/PSA about sexual harassment and assault

• 769 killed during the Hajj in Saudi Arabia

• President Obama welcomes Pope Francis and Chinese President, Xi Jinping

• Russian warplanes begin airstrikes in Syria

• Google refines its logo as it becomes a part of a new holding company called “Alphabet”

• Apple introduces the iPad Pro and iPhone 6S

• High school freshman, Ahmed Mohamed, is taken into police custody when his homemade digital clock is mistaken for a bomb

October:

• Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer releases

• Adele releases her newest single, “Hello”

• Shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon, killing 9 people

• Liberal Party leader, Justin Trudeau, becomes Canada’s new Prime Minister

• Hurricane Patricia in southwestern Mexico

• Chinese government shifts from one-child to two-child policy

November:

• Coordinated attacks in Paris by ISIS, killing hundreds

• Facebook activates Safety Check after Paris attacks

• Justin Bieber and One Direction respectively release “Purpose” and “Made in the A.M.” on the same day

• Kobe Bryant announces retirement

• New polls show Donald Trump leading Republican presidential pack

• Planned Parenthood clinic shooting

December:

• Star Wars: The Force Awakens domestically grosses $238 million

• Miss Philippines is crowned Miss Universe after host, Steve Harvey, wrongly announces Miss Colombia

• Guns ‘N Roses to reunite in 2016

• ISIS supporters held responsible for San Bernardino shooting at developmental disability center

• Donald Trump calls for ban on Muslims

• Canadians welcome Syrian refugees

• NFL backs out of study of the relationship between football and brain diseases

• Dubai hotel New Year’s Eve fire

{Sources: 1 & 2}

The chaos of controversies and achievements are a reflection of my 2015, I must admit. I had plenty of goals I set for myself, but most fell short. Don’t get me wrong; I took advantage of many opportunities, met wonderful people, and explored beautiful places, but it felt like something was always missing. Time management? Patience?? Self-assurance??? I could go on, but like the events that made 2015 unpredictable, there will always be something to anticipate.

I just hope, above all else, to turn everything around in 2016.

{Source}

Happy New Year,

Kandace  🙂

Viral Moments of 2015

Talia Santarossa
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0

In the age of the web and social media, the word “viral” takes on a whole new meaning. No longer does it only refer to medicine, but also to anything that spreads like wildfire over mass media. 2015 was an interesting year for the internet, and not one that will soon be forgotten.

1. Justin Trudeau won our votes… and our hearts

Perhaps the most significant and defining moment of this year was on October 19th, when Justin Trudeau led the Liberal Party to their first majority government since the end of Jean Chrétien’s reign in 2004. Not only did Trudeau’s party win the most seats in legislature, but he earned himself a place in the hearts of not only Canadians, but people from all four corners of the world.

justin trudeau

2. #DeadRaccoonTO earns himself a place in Twitter history

This poor creature, affectionately named Conrad, died on a Toronto street in early July. When the city did not immediately come to recover his body, a memorial grew around the deceased little fellow. Soon enough, the hashtag #DeadRaccoonTO gained speed and news of Conrad spread across the Twitterverse. RIP my fine furry friend.

toronto-dead-raccoon

3. The Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge (WHY?)

Here’s the lowdown: girls tried to suction small, round and hollow objects like shot glasses to their lips in attempt to increase blood flow to the tissue. This was all in an effort to plump the lips to make them look more like Kylie Jenner’s lips (which eeeevvveeerrryyyone knows are achieved using injections). What resulted was not full, luscious lips, but instead, the “challenge,” if one could call it that, produced disastrous effects.

4. Minions take over the planet

With the release on the Minions movie came the onslaught of everything related to the small, yellow little creatures. Everything from Facebook pages to Halloween costumes to hordes of officially licensed products, Minions were everywhere and showed no sign of stopping anytime soon. The hype has since died down a bit, but no matter where you look, you’ll probably still find Minions. Oh please let it come to an end. Permanently.

minions

5. Man buns everywhere

Call it sexy, call it horrific, man buns made a big splash, with everyone from Leonardo DiCaprio, Harry Styles, Game of Thrones’ Kit Harington and many the common man sporting the look, man buns made a splash as the most popular male hairstyle of the year. Swoon…

6. Donald Trump announced he is running for president

Oh boy. I could go on all day about the misinformed, misogynistic and racist remarks that the billionaire has made, but I’d rather not, so I’ll just leave these tweets here for your contemplation. Please note that these are only a few of many, many offensive comments, like this one about dating his daughter in this 2006 interview.

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7. Another ridiculous dance song goes viral 

Silento’s song Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) is one of the most viewed videos of 2015. The catchy (if you can call it that) tune has made an impressive ripple in social media over previous months. It’s even gotten so big that Buzzfeed made this video, teaching grandmas the dance.

8. Star Wars: The Force Awakens shatters box office records

It was destined to be a massive success right from the beginning. Since its release on December 18th, Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens has broken so many box office records that there’s already a Wikipedia page dedicated to these feats.

9. Adele steps back into the spotlight to say, “Hello” 

Whatever happened to Adele? Where has she been? No matter, the British superstar is back in full force. The first single off of her new album, 25, has gone viral and has already been covered and parodied countless times. Upon the release of ticket sales for the North American leg of her upcoming tour, they were sold out in minutes.

That was 2015. What will 2016 have in store for us?

Image Source 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

All Donald Trump Tweets taken directly from Twitter

What I Learned in 2015

Emily Donville
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As 2015 comes to a close, I decided to reflect on what I’ve learnt this year. I can’t say it’s been the best year ever, since the past 12 months have held lots of ups and downs, so I mean it when I say it was a rollercoaster. I did however meet so many new people who’ve really influenced me (I’m looking at you, my fellow YAA writers), I’ve learned new things and I’ve tried new things. This year has been a lot of trial and error for me and has thrown me a lot of curve balls to get past but I wouldn’t change any experience I’ve had this year. I believe in some way or another, they were essential to forming the person I am right now. So without further adieu, here are the things I learned in 2015. Thank you.

 

There’s no Harm in Going After What You Want

At the start of 2015, I was a bit of a mess. I was full of feelings and unrequited thoughts. I didn’t know how to deal with it so I either chose to ignore them or created bigger messes for myself. I’ll admit that a lot of decisions I make in my life are geared at making the least amount of consequences /or rejection for myself. As stated in a previous article, I kinda have an ego problem, and along with that is this massive fear of rejection and failure. With that in mind, I hope you won’t be surprised when I say that that kinda complicated my life a bit. I struggled a lot trying to make decisions because I constantly second guessed myself, wondering if this was a good choice or not, but I can say now that that fear was totally irrational. In life, you will face situations that will seem unlikely to be successful or beneficial, but if you really want it, go for it.

I remember staring at a draft in my inbox for a week in May, pondering whether or not joining YAA was a smart idea or not. I can’t remember what my reasons for that were, but they were bogus in the end. Nevertheless, I did send that email and this has been one of the best experiences I’ve had. I’ve started expressing myself way more this year, from blogging for YAA to posting poetry on my Instagram, and it’s been a positive experience. I didn’t know what to expect when I started to share my writing with family, peers and strangers, but it’s been such a rewarding experience. If you’re afraid to share what you’re into, that’s totally fine, but if you’re even considering sharing it, then that’s amazing! I don’t want anyone to find themselves in the spots I found myself this year with bogus excuses because the worst critic is yourself. A change of perspective is so important and refreshing because you could be judging yourself harshly when you don’t even realize it, so please don’t hesitate when it comes to expressing yourself or going after what you want.

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It’s Okay to Change

I touched on this in a past article, but I really want to reiterate the message I was trying to get across. I’ve had so many experiences this year that have molded me into a new person. I was so so scared of changing when I just had to accept that change is natural. I spent too much time worrying about whether or not my friends would drop me for this new me when I should’ve put my energy and focus into other things that had more meaning in my life. I also had to adjust from my transition from Junior High to High School, which is a great deal at that, but on top of that I was transition from art centred-learning to normal school. Going to a school that had students going to 11 different High Schools was tough, and it was hard when I only knew 3 friends at my new school compared to the plenty of friends I had from grade 7-9. I’m still adapting to High School. It’s nerve-wracking and exciting wrapped into one, stressful present that you really don’t want to open but you have to anyways. And so if people ask me how I’ve been doing this year, I won’t say I’m great but I’m not doing terrible either. I’ve been adjusting left right and centre but I like who I am, what I’m doing, who I’ve surrounded myself with and I like what the future might have in store for me. Yeah change can kinda suck, but you have to take it like a pill. I’ve grown to like change more often than not, compared to my fear of it at the beginning of the year. I think a key to not being stressed about it, is to take it as it comes, which I’ve tried my best to do.

Aim for the Best

I spent a lot of time in 2015 putting up with stuff I don’t deserve. I endured name calling in Band from people who wanted nothing but to see me fail and put up with friends who relentlessly offended me (although I kept them around even though they were detrimental to my happiness). I always aim to be that friend who’s happy, friendly and even welcoming even when the skies are super grey and it feels like nothing good could ever possibly happen on a day with skies so dreary. I try to be happy because a lot of the time, my friends aren’t. I’ve developed a habit where I’ll push my own feelings aside for others, which is something I worked on changing this year. It came to a point where I just wasn’t valuing my own health and happiness as high as that of my friends. I then took it upon myself to get rid of those friends who were blocking me from succeeding and I started taking care of myself better. I’ll admit that I’ve begun to spiral as of late with the stress of school, but I put myself first. When times are tough, I remind myself that all my feelings and priorities are valid and that I shouldn’t be pushing them aside because a lot of my happiness is based on what matters most to me. I had to give myself a lot of mental pep talks this year and it’s seemed to help. To anyone who seems to be in the type of aforementioned predicament: You matter. Your feelings matter. Your priorities matter. You deserve the best and only the best, so please don’t settle for less than you deserve.

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I’ve learned a lot of lessons but those seem to be the most important ones that I think about everyday. I’m constantly evolving, and I know 2016 will teach me so many more lessons, and that’s exciting. If you have anything to share, I’d love to hear what you’ve learned this year in the comments.

It’s been a good year. Here’s to another one!

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Year 2015 in Review, or Rather in Photos!

Hafsah Syed
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The good and the bad, year 2015 cannot be described in one word. However, it can be summarized by these 17 photos. The refugee crisis, the Paris attacks, and more, these images, in unranked order, convey more than any words could.

 

As if leading the way, the dolphin jumps in front of a raft of Syrian refugees arriving near the shore of Greece. source
As if leading the way, a dolphin jumps in front of a raft of Syrian refugees arriving near the shore of the Greek island of Lesbos October 21, 2015. source

 

"People mix the wax of candles with the French colours outside the French embassy in Lima, Peru, during a ceremony in homage to the victims of the deadly attacks in Paris" source
“People mix the wax of candles with the French colours outside the French embassy in Lima, Peru, during a ceremony in homage to the victims of the deadly attacks in Paris” source

 

The sun shines as a bird flies in front of the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower was darkened and remained closed for 3 days as the country mourned the victims of the November 13 Paris attacks.” source

 

"Tumblr user Swiked, whose real name is Caitlin, posted a photo of a striped dress on February 26, 2015. She has since removed the post, but she originally asked if the garment was white and gold or black and blue. From there, the photo took on a phenomenal life of its own, with over 10 million tweets about it in under a week. While the dress was determined to be blue and black, the it will still go down as one of the most debated viral images in years." source
“Tumblr user Swiked, whose real name is Caitlin, posted a photo of a striped dress on February 26, 2015. She has since removed the post, but she originally asked if the garment was white and gold or black and blue. From there, the photo took on a phenomenal life of its own, with over 10 million tweets about it in under a week. While the dress was determined to be blue and black, it will still go down as one of the most debated viral images in years.” source

 

"A paramilitary police officer investigates the scene before carrying the lifeless body of 3-year-old Aylan Kurdi from the sea shore, near the beach resort of Bodrum, Turkey, early Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2015. A number of migrants are known to have died and some are still reported missing, after boats carrying them to the Greek island of Kos capsized." The photo of this drowned Syrian boy sparked sympathy and grief worldwide, shedding light on "the greatest humanitarian crisis of our era", as the United Nations has called it.
“A paramilitary police officer investigates the scene before carrying the lifeless body of 3-year-old Aylan Kurdi from the sea shore, near the beach resort of Bodrum, Turkey, early Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2015. A number of migrants are known to have died and some are still reported missing, after boats carrying them to the Greek island of Kos capsized.” The photo of this drowned Syrian boy went viral, sparking sympathy and grief worldwide and shedding light on “the greatest humanitarian crisis of our era”, as the United Nations has called it. (source)

 

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“Volunteers walk on a pile of lifejackets left behind by migrants, many of whom seeking refuge in Western Europe, who arrived by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos on Dec. 3, 2015. (Aris Messinis/AFP/Getty)” source

 

"A runaway hippo on the loose in the streets of Tbilisi, Georgia. June, 14 2015. Portions of the Tbilisi's zoo were destroyed, due to severe flooding in the capital, allowing many animals - including six tigers, six lions and eight bears - to break free of their enclosures and roam the streets." source
“A runaway hippo on the loose in the streets of Tbilisi, Georgia. June, 14 2015. Portions of the Tbilisi’s zoo were destroyed, due to severe flooding in the capital, allowing many animals – including six tigers, six lions and eight bears – to break free of their enclosures and roam the streets.” source

 

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Justin Trudeau is embraced by his mother as he is announced the Prime Minister of Canada. The Liberals surged to victory in a majority government win, a a new and fresh face for Canada. source

 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau personally greets Syrian refugees and helps them to winter jackets, during their arrival at Pearson International airport, in Toronto, on Friday, Dec. 11, 2015. Canada has pledged to welcome 25 000 refugees in the upcoming months. source
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau personally greets Syrian refugees and helps them to winter jackets, during their arrival at Pearson International airport, in Toronto, on Friday, Dec. 11, 2015. Canada has pledged to welcome 25 000 refugees in the upcoming months. source

 

"The death toll in Nepal, which climbed over the course of months, is estimated to have exceeded 9,000 following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake (the worst in over 80 years) struck on April 25. The earthquake destroyed dozens of UNESCO heritage temples in Kathmandu and triggered an avalanche on Mount Everest that killed 19 people. A major aftershock struck on May 12." source
“Nepal: The death toll, which climbed over the course of months, is estimated to have exceeded 9,000 following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake (the worst in over 80 years) struck on April 25. The earthquake destroyed dozens of UNESCO heritage temples in Kathmandu and triggered an avalanche on Mount Everest that killed 19 people. A major aftershock struck on May 12.” source

 

The UK's Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, appear with their baby daughter outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital, in London on May 2. The duchess, gave birth to a girl named Charlotte, the couple's second child and sister to 1-year-old Prince George. source
The UK’s Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, appear with their baby daughter outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital, in London on May 2. The duchess, gave birth to a girl named Charlotte, the couple’s second child and sister to 1-year-old Prince George. source

 

#BlacksLivesMatter protests shot up all across United States of America this year, protesting the killings of numerous, unarmed African Americans such as Eric Garner, Mike Brown and Tamir Rice. source
#BlacksLivesMatter protests shot up all across United States of America this year, protesting the killings of numerous, unarmed African Americans such as Eric Garner, Mike Brown and Tamir Rice. source

 

"An honor guard from the South Carolina Highway Patrol lowers the Confederate battle flag as it is removed from the Capitol grounds on July 10. The removal of the flag followed a horrific attack on members of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church on June 17." source
“The Confederate battle flag is lowered as it is removed from the Capitol grounds on July 10. The removal of the flag followed a horrific attack” many considered was motivated by racism, “on members of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church on June 17”. source

 

A humanitarian crisis came to light when unwanted, Rohingya migrants were stranded in South-Asian waters with little to no food and water. Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand were unwilling to accept them initially... more at http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2015/06/southeast-asia-moment-shame-rohingya-myanmar-150603052854516.html. source
A humanitarian crisis brought international attention when Rohingya migrants were found stranded in South-Asian waters with little to no food and water. Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand were unwilling to accept them initially… more here. source

 

"Pluto as seen in an image taken by the Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) aboard NASA's New Horizons spacecraft, when the spacecraft was 476,000 miles (768,000 kilometers) from the surface. July 13, 2015." source
“Pluto as seen in an image taken by the Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) aboard NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, when the spacecraft was 476,000 miles (768,000 kilometers) from the surface. July 13, 2015.” source

 

Ireland legalizes gay marriage. Along with other countries, the Supreme Court of the United States of America also legalized same-sex marriage nationwide while the hashtag #LoveWins went viral as support. source
Ireland legalizes gay marriage. Along with other countries, the Supreme Court of the United States of America also legalized same-sex marriage nationwide while the hashtag #LoveWins went viral as support. source

 

Donald Trump runs as an American presidential candidate. One of the most controversial candidates ever, Trump has been criticized for his proposals to deport all Muslims in USA, his views against immigration, and more. source
Donald Trump is attacked by a bald eagle during his photo shoot. One of the most controversial American presidential candidates ever, Trump has been criticized for his proposals to deport all Muslims living in USA, his views against immigration, and more. source

 

 

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A World Without Bees?

Dhriti Gupta
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Albert Einstein is often quoted in the saying that “If the bee disappeared off the face of the Earth, man would only have four years left to live.” Although this may not necessarily be the case, living life without bees would still be fairly different, which is why we should be worried about the steady and rapid decline of bee populations all over the  world. Starting as early as 2006, beekeepers began to notice a decline in the populations of their honeybees. The percentage of bee deaths slowly began to creep above the expected and sustainable 18.7%, and more and more colonies collapse each year. Over the course of 2015, a stunning 42% of U.S. bee colonies have collapsed. Scientists have attributed this massive loss to many different sources ranging all the way from deadly parasites and neonicotinoid-containing pesticides to global warming. However, no matter the reason for the unfortunate deaths of these small pollinators, there is no denying that the population of bees is on a downwards trend and this will have a definite impact on our world.

Bees are responsible for the pollination of 71 out of the 100 major crops on Earth. A world without bees would mean a world without most fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. This leaves us with wind-pollinated crops like wheat, corn, rice, and other grains and grasses. To raise awareness about the declination of bee populations, the Whole Foods Market in University Heights, Rhode Island, temporarily removed all products from their store that are dependent on bee pollination. This meant they had to remove 237 of the 453 products usually stocked on their shelves, a whooping 52% of the products sold at the market.

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As mentioned in the video earlier, bees are also responsible for the reproduction of cotton plants, meaning that without them, the cotton and clothing industry would suffer greatly. Aside from the fact that without the help of our little furry yellow and black friends we would have to learn to live without many things, we should also acknowledge the financial aspect of situation. According to a 2014 White House press release, insect pollination annually contributes $24 billion to the US economy, bees accounting for an astonishing 62.5% of that value. This means that the loss of bees would not only result in massive decline of Earth’s beautiful flora and fauna but also in conditions fit for economic downturn.

How Can You Help?

Although the issue can seem quite scary and insurmountable, there are several ways in which you can get involved and contribute to saving the bees:

  1. Bee Organic: buying organic is one of the easiest ways to support pollinator health and avoid monoculture-based farming practices.
  2. Bee a Gardener: plant bee-friendly flowers and herbs to provide forage and habitat for bees
  3. Bee Smart: avoid intensive and chemical pesticides as they cause damage to bee body systems and the ones containing neonicotinoids are actually major culprits in the issue of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).
  4. Bee Supportive: donate to organizations like the Pollinator Partnership or the Natural Resources Defense Council that are dedicated to protecting and promoting pollinators like bees.
  5. Bee Loud: make your voice heard and fight against companies and policies that affect bees negatively by signing petitions or writing letters to express your opinions

 

All in all, it’s quite easy to see that the world would be quite a different place without the helpful little bees that keep it spinning. Although the populations of bees are declining, it’s not Armageddon quite yet and there is still time to implement change and make our modern day society a more bee-friendly place.

Alternatives to Sushi

Katie Kim
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Living in an increasingly globalized and interconnected society, we often see food options that are not native to where we live. Needless to say, Japanese food is one of these options. Although people want to explore new cuisines, they are intimidated by the idea that Japanese people only eat sushi. There indeed is a negative connotation associated with the thought of eating raw fish mounted on a ball of rice, but fear not. These alternative options from the great island nation of Asia may prevent stress when dining.

 

Noodles

Much like Italy’s wide-range of pasta variations, Japan too has its own variety of noodles. The most common types are soba, udon, and ramen. What differentiates these types of noodles is the ingredient and the width of each – skinny buckwheat is soba, fat wheat flour is udon, and skinny, but curly buckwheat flour is ramen. Udon and ramen have hot broths brewed from seaweed or katsuobushi that boil your inner organs and release steam through your ears; soba sits in an ice-cold soy-sauce-based soup that chills your body to its core. So understandably, summer is when soba is traditionally eaten; udon and ramen are usually saved for the winter.

In fact, ramen is so popular in Japan that there are these weird inventions made to ease the eating experience:

ramenramen 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Left: Source) (Right: Source)

Meat

For those seafood-phobes, there are also meat options available. Anything ranging from teriyaki to katsu don falls in this category.  Teriyaki sauce, a salty yet sweet sauce that has revolutionized the United States and Canada, is a key player in these carnivorous dishes. They are often found in fast-food chains, like Edo, where all dining options are teriyaki-sauce-based. Different meats – chicken, beef, and more – are first grilled then drowned in this magical sauce. On the other hand, donburi meats are something completely different. These are deep-fried meats dipped in batter, placed on top of a bowl of rice, and served for your culinary pleasure. (With hybridization of cultures, donburi with curry is increasingly becoming popular, as well).

katsu don

(Source)

Tempura

Tempura – fried vegetables and seafood dipped in a similar batter to that of donburi – is eaten as a side dish or even dessert with the main dish. Tempura is also known to be a street food. It is easy to make and is a non-messy delicacy that appeals to people of all walks of life. But here’s the catch: you can fry ice cream in this same way. Usually of basic flavours, such as vanilla or green tea, ice cream tempura has the jarring difference between the hotness of the coating and the coldness of the inner ingredient.

 

tempura ice cream

(Source)

Now, when your significant other or your family wants to go out for some Japanese food, you no longer have to make up lame excuses to try to avoid eating sushi. You can go and order at restaurants confidently and maybe even impress others for being knowledgeable in Japanese cuisines.

 

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Something new to try in 2016: The Science Behind Art Therapy

Danielle Leong
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Has anyone else noticed how although we are living in an ever-contemporary world, trends and relics of the past are thriving more than ever? Now I’m not only picturing vintage clothing, old films, and records, which are part of a collective cultural history, but I’m also thinking in a more narrow context- the habits of our past individual selves.  There are quite a few, but today I would like to zoom in on something that I believed was buried in the past.  Chances are you’ve already heard of it- this activity’s popularity has been steadily rising.  What is it?  The therapy of art.  Or, more commonly known as Art Therapy.  That’s right- even though watching movies on Netflix or playing video games make us seem like we feel relaxed, studies prove that these activities are actually harmful to relieving stress, especially in comparison to less “modern” ways of relaxation such as, well, colouring.

adult colouring book

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Perhaps you’ve seen one of these before, while walking around the mall?  In case you are still confused, this is an adult colouring book.  Yup, that’s right- a colouring book for adults!  You thought you’d never lay eyes (or hands) on one after Elementary school, but guess what’s back in style! Colouring books for adults were one of the most popular Christmas gifts this year (Merry Christmas everyone, by the way!) and I don’t think they’ll stop sliding off the shelves anytime soon.  I recently visited the Chapters at Chinook mall, and there I discovered adult (and child) colouring books of all shapes and sizes.  There were books that tell stories, books with cats, books with scenery- it seemed as if there was a colouring book individually customized for everyone. And if you don’t have time to go out and get one, by simply typing “adult colouring page” in your Google images search bar you can print off something for free!

Colouring books are only one example of a more common form of art therapy- there are many, maybe even too many to count. Other methods include colouring or drawing inside a simple outline of a shape, painting, drawing, or anything else art-related.  In fact, in my opinion, art therapy is not only limited to the visual arts.  Other people have found refuge in different forms of art, be they music, writing, speaking, acting, or dancing.  All of these activities are amazing emotional cathartics, and if you happen to dabble in one or more I’m sure you would agree with me.

art therapy

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So why is it that art therapy works so well for so many people?  Well, in all honesty, I think it’s partly because so many of us are super stressed out 24/7.  (If you’re feeling stressed out this exam break, I dare you to give it a try!)  In fact, I was trying out a different form of stress-relief when I first stumbled across art therapy.  I was in a Yoga class, and my wonderful teacher had us try out art therapy.  I had a test later that day, and believe me when I say that as soon as I coloured in that circle I felt surprisingly more at ease.  I was pretty curious about why the art therapy worked so well, so I decided to do some research in to the science-y side of things (because who doesn’t love some good science).  What I found was actually pretty interesting, and I’d love to share my brief research with you all.

art therapy 2

It’s pretty simple, actually, and the basic reasons behind why art therapy is so helpful only make it more loveable.  They’re simple, clear, and easy to understand. Art therapy gives us a different way to express our thoughts and feelings, and the sensations experienced  relax the mind.  For example, colouring awakens many sensations at the same time- the sound of the writing utensil brushing against the paper, the sight of the colour travelling onto the page, perhaps the smell, and the touch of your hand holding the pen.  If you take the time to relax and focus only on the collective sensation of the colouring, it helps you live in the present, which creates inner peace.  Often, we simply imagine doing activities, for example climbing a mountain.  However, as quoted in the source below, drawing or making an image is much more powerful than only picturing it.

Art Therapy Works
I found this link to be especially helpful, as I’m sure you will as well.

Want to try something new in 2016? Try art therapy, in whatever form it takes for you!

Featured Image source

Trying to Look ‘Normal’ in a World That Doesn’t Know What ‘Normal’ Is

Elene Otte
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I was raised in a conservative home, with high expectations and little room for error. Although I rarely did what I was told, I forged a somewhat approvable path of relative achievement. I respected myself and despite my short dress phase, mostly my clothing reflected the seriousness to which I approached life.

I began experimenting with make up at a fairly young age, trying out blue eyeshadows and pink lip glosses in fifth grade although it wasn’t permitted in my uniform school. I loved the mirror but I rejected the vanity of photos and the unique opportunity of sharing them that social media allowed. Growing up, I felt torn as my mom told me to pull my shirt up and my skirts down while media told me to do the opposite. I pushed parental clothing rules going into tenth grade, my first public school and also began to buy my own clothing as to not be limited by my parents’ money. I tried different things, shorter and tighter shorts, skirts and dresses believing that feeling ‘sexier’ would make me more likeable.

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Oddly enough, to an extent, it did. Wearing ‘sexy’ clothing allowed me to have a different sort of confidence, the confidence of fitting in and finally living up to an unwritten standard. I got attention, wanted and unwanted and a part of me craved it. I was encouraged in my semi-rebellious behaviour by some good friends of mine, also on the ‘not-approved-by-mom’ list. When those relationships changed, gradually my enjoyment of flirtatious attention subsided. I became more academically focused and just didn’t have the time to do my hair and makeup or pick outfits the night before. So while I sympathize with this attention-seeking attitude to an extent, having had a phase myself, it took me a while to see how shallow it was. I still carried this influential mindset with me however.

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So I had known this boy for a couple of years, let’s call him Derek. Now Derek and I were pretty good friends and had been in some of the same circles for years. He was that kind of sweet person who you’d look at and wonder if he was capable of hurting a fly. Despite the intellectual exterior, his inside was kinder than most.

So upon entering my class knowing no one, it was a relief to see a familiar face. We laughed a lot in class and the time seemed to pass by fairly effortlessly. One day, Derek made a comment about his hands being cold and offered them to me as if for me to judge the temperature. I reluctantly did so with the back of my hand for two reasons. The first being my relative awkwardness about any sort of physical contact and second being my membership in a committed relationship with someone else. I wore shorts that day and when my hands were not sufficient to warm his, he rested his hands just above my knee.

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He apologized instantly and pulled his hands back as if burned by my skin. And I let it slide, reasoning that I had been wearing very short shorts that day. Weeks passed by pretending nothing had happened until one day, it happened again.

After it did, another similar apology followed and I accepted it again. Only after did I realize that it had become a lesser deal just due to repetition. I got up to go ask the teacher a subject-related question and he followed as well. When I turned to leave, I felt something pressing behind me and only minutes later I realized someone had touched my butt. I was shocked and it took me fifteen minutes to find my voice and ask him if he had done it. He admitted it, saying he didn’t know what happened and that he couldn’t control himself.

I spent the next hour wondering what I had been wearing this time. I was wearing leggings, with Christmas patterns that were not tight with a large hoodie that belonged to my boyfriend. I texted Derek hours later asking whether I had lead him on. He replied that I hadn’t and I was even more horrified, believe it or not. It bothered me that I would automatically think to blame my clothing and decided to ask my boyfriend and another friend what to do.

I was shocked at my friend’s response. They laughed, saying that they were surprised Derek had hormones, as though it was a perfectly normal thing. I decided to tell a teacher about it, who was also mildly dismissive, just encouraging me to ‘use my words’ as if it was only inappropriate because I felt uncomfortable. I had nightmares for weeks about it and did quite poorly in school, although I feel like it was more related to the response I received when I looked for help.

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But the reality is, it didn’t matter what I wore. Even wearing winter jackets walking down the street at 4pm I have been catcalled before. It’s not about how people look, how little or how much they wear but about the choices of individuals. I can only comment on sexism directed at females, in my limited point of view but there have been many cases of guys showing more skin (torn/cut shirts) than girls despite a lack of dress code enforcement. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating for a harsher dress code but rather understanding that it’s not about the clothes people wear. Every individual will make his/her own decisions in life and having different thoughts is fine, but what matters is the way in which people do or do not act upon those thoughts.

I could go on about different stories of double standards and victim-blaming where people have never recognized the victim but I just ask you, dear readers, to set your own standards. Don’t settle for the way things seem or the way other people will act and never accept any type of abuse because you don’t deserve that. It might make you feel wanted and accepted in the short term. but it will leave you feeling empty and used in the long run.

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Dear Homophobe

Malika Daya
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Dear Homophobe,

He was 15 and terrorized.
He didn’t even know what being gay meant.
He prayed relentlessly to God, begging Him to fix him.
A fifteen year old boy began to despise himself…
God did not fix him.
And the boy detached himself from the world.
Until, God-willingly, he eventually came clean about his sexuality.
And an angel accepted him for who he truly is.
He finally found love,
In God Himself.

I can not thank God enough for saving him. For loving him. And for allowing that fifteen year old boy to realize that he was a diamond in a pile of coal.
You’ll never understand how or why my heart burns every time someone insults a gay man, for his soul is as pure as yours or mine. Nor will you ever understand the pain my soul endures when he doubts himself because of you.
But even so, I ask of you to try to empathize with those who lost their diamonds because of your actions and your thought.

When you deliberately threw around words like, pansy or fag, he felt like deadwood.
When you told all of his friends, he was a “Queen” and manipulated them into leaving him mid-way, he experienced abandonment and felt madly abnormal.
When you disallowed him to play with you and the boys at family gatherings, he sat alone in the corner weeping, feeling utterly empty and deserted.
Little had he known, that it wasn’t him that was in the wrong, it was and is you.

If there is anything in this world that has the ability to break me, it is the thought of love being defined. Who is to say love is right or wrong? Who is to say your definition of love is any better than mine? For the man you consider to be an abomination is only loving another human-being. Is that so wrong?

Your hatred towards mankind beguiles me. Why does a man loving a man bother you to the extent in which you are willing to oppress him, as if you are superior to him? If you are unable to accept him, then the least you can do is attempt to understand his truth. I plead with humility and love before you, do not let this hatred overcome your kindness and do not let someone’s sexuality become your perception of who they are as individuals.

This is not a letter full of hate, it is more so a pleading request, to love for love.
I am asking of you to step into a gay man’s shoes before you judge one, for you will realize his artistry.
I am begging you to never exclude another being, for emotions are as fragile as glass.
And, I am challenging you to let go of the malice within you to accept every man’s love, for love is God’s blessing.

Don’t be mistaken, I am not doing this for myself, rather I am asking this of you for your future children and grand-children; for if not you, who will teach them how to unconditionally love this creation? Remember, conditional love is not love at all. Would you not love your son if he was blind? Would you disown your daughter if she was autistic? For if you would love them, why would you not love a gay man? Why would you not love your own blood? Why was your love so conditional?

I have posed more than one question to you today, but if you leave with anything, leave with this: Could you live in a world in which you weren’t allowed to love or be loved in the way you deserved? Could you survive acting like someone you aren’t for the entirety of your life? And would you be willing to ruin someone else’s life to cover up for what people like yourself call an abomination? If not, then learn to appreciate man regardless of his differences from your own.

Sincerely,
A Gay Man’s Best Friend

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Sources: 1 & 2

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