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.
On Thursday, May 28th, 2015, YouTube celebrated it’s 10th birthday. If you’re around my age (18), then you probably grew up with YouTube and followed the old-timers such as Smosh, Nigahiga, Shane Dawson, Rhett and Link, Michelle Phan, and Jenna Marbles. Nowadays, newer YouTubers such as Pewdiepie, Markiplier, Tyler Oakley, and numerous others have come to dominate the stage as well. What was once a silly pastime for kids with a camera and a tripod has blossomed into full careers for many people. YouTube has drastically shifted the global concept of mainstream media and television, creating unique hub in the entertainment industry.
On YouTube, we have celebrated the Overly Attached Girlfriend, Grumpy Cat, and various other memes. Trends such as Gangnam Style, the Harlem Shake, and the ALS Ice Bucket challenge went crazy viral due to the sharing of these videos. It’s amazing to think about the millions of people who are thousands of miles apart but all connected through this hotspot known as YouTube.
Now, I don’t have cable television, but even if I did I would still watch more YouTube videos than TV programs. There’s something about a short video that feels so much more personal. You get to know “YouTube celebrities” and don’t worry if they’re putting on an act because they are so honest and more attainable than real celebrities. They don’t shy away from paparazzi coverage of their lives because they are their own publicists and actually want to share most what happens with their fans. When a person signs up for YouTube, they are partially doing it to express their creativity and share content but they are also signing up to make hundreds, thousands, and even millions of friends.
So, sit back with me and reminisce on the wonderfully strange 10 years that we’ve shared with YouTube!
FTC: This is not a sponsored post, and all opinions are completely genuine. ♥
Can you believe June is already here? Start your month off right by checking out these amazing events in Calgary this weekend:
1. Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Weekend
What: Run with, or cheer on, participants as they run 5k, 10k, half marathon or marathon race around the city. Youth Central is also part of this marathon and you can go out and support them! All donations go to charities!
When: May 28, 2015 to May 31, 2015
Cost: From $40, (free to watch!)
Where: Stampede Park, Calgary, AB
2. FunnyFest Calgary Comedy Festival
What: Prepare to start hysterically laughing at the 15th annual FunnyFest Calgary Comedy Festival. This festival will feature over 70 guest comedians and it is definitely worth your money!
What: Now that the weather is starting to get warmer and the snow has now officially melted come to the MEC bikefest. Come out to this event and don’t forget you bike! There will be bike demonstrations, clinics, group rides, free tune-ups and more.
What: This fun festival is a great start to the spring season. 4th Street is completed closed to traffic for this festival featuring food stands, booths and entertainment.
Are you a fan of TED?! So am I! Join me at this year’s TEDxYYC event on Friday, June 26th where we will be hearing from a MIT Doctoral Candidate, an Emmy-award winning Canadian Filmmaker, a Tattoo Anthropologist, and more. It’s going to be a great day! If you happen to find myself, or fellow editor Hui Wen, please feel free to come say hi and hang out with us.
I’m sure that we’ve all sat down in front of a computer screen and watched TED videos before, but wouldn’t it be amazing if you could experience the event for yourself? Well, now you have the opportunity to do so, because TEDxYYC is going to bring the fun and the inspiration right to our own city.
Click here for a full list of speakers, and click here to get your tickets right now! Remember that students receive an awesome discounted rate of $47.39, which is a pretty fair price to pay for an invaluable experience.
What are you waiting for? Buy yourself a ticket and save the date: Friday, June 26th at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Go follow TEDxYYC on Twitter for the most recent updates!
FTC: Youth Are Awesome was provided with passes to attend this event, but all opinions remain completely genuine. ♥
“I’ve volunteered halfway across the world and in my community with multiple organizations. I’ve worked with people aged 3-90, from the handicapped to the homeless. But despite all the differences, volunteering is always the same: the coming together of individuals from all walks of life to improve the world around them.”
“One time I was volunteering as a host for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing dinner and I was learning a few basic handshapes from the coordinator. At one point I didn’t do one of the shapes properly and so instead of welcoming my family I technically told them I was pregnant.”
Graduation season is officially here! Congratulations to all those grads out there. I wish you luck in the next stage of your life. Graduation is really a time to celebrate, you can finally take a breath after the years of hard work and celebrate crossing a major milestone. Everyone knows the graduation ceremony isn’t enough to celebrate such a significant milestone, there has to be an after party!Even if you’re a small group of three or you’re hosting the whole grade, here’s some tips to throw the best inexpensive house graduation party.
Remind your friends how far you’ve all come! Print out baby pictures of your pals and have them set up around the party. It’ll add a nice personal touch to the party and be a great way to start with some laughs.
2. Get some fun games!
It doesn’t matter which games you choose; whether you go with boardgames, Twister, or card games, they’ll all work. Just pick something where everyone can be involved. Games provide a way of building relationships for you and your friends and is a fun, reassuring way for everyone to know that the years spent together really did create lasting friendships.
3. Have lots of candy!
Who doesn’t like candy? Recreate the ring ceremony with candy rings, use candy as an opportunity to add colour to the place. Really, just have some candy for everyone to have too much of!
Photo booths are super easy to put together and they bring so much life to the party. Create a background on your wall by hanging colourful streamers, or even use your yard tree and have someone take the pictures. Share them through social media or print them off – it’s a great way for everyone to goof off and create lasting memories.
5. Good food and great drinks are a must!
What’s a party without good food? It goes without saying, have enough food and drinks for everyone to enjoy.
This past Sunday, May 24, was a historic day for Alberta. After nearly 44 years under PC rule, we are now led by a majority NDP government.
I’m not going to get into what the prospect of this new government is… but I was fortunate enough to be in Edmonton and therefore attended the swearing-in ceremony.
By 2 pm on a HOT Sunday afternoon, the area north of the Alberta Legislature buildings was filled with orange t-shirts, kids playing in the pools, seniors, youth, and people of all cultures and ages. The number in attendance was in the thousands, made possible by Motley holding the event publicly rather than the usual stiff and formal suit-and-tie-only ceremony inside.
A million news sites are out there to tell you the details and give you a moment-by-moment account of the event. What I want to say is this: the new NDP government may be, well, new, but Sunday made a big statement. The ceremony was for the people. The ceremony was a celebration. The ceremony connected the government with the citizens (after the formal agenda, Notley and her fellows came down for a meet-and-greet with the public). The ceremony highlighted new ways of thinking, such as with the appointment of a significantly smaller cabinet.
I could go on and on saying this and that, but one thing that I want everyone to be aware of: Rachel Notley did something spectacular in her speeches. Instead of saying the traditional “men and women” when she was referring to the government and the people, she said “women and men”. How refreshing is that?
We all have our own opinions, our own apprehensions, and our own desires. However, one thing that stands true is this: our new NDP-led government is just that: ours. Maybe it won’t turn out to be that way, but we can at least have hope, right? The crowds seemed to believe so, as the noise was thunderous when Notley was officially sworn in, and even louder when the end of the PC reign was announced. Women’s rights, poverty, economy diversification: let’s have hope their plan becomes a reality.
Like it or not, our goodbye to PC leadership is now final, at least for now. From here on out, we’ll just have to see what happens!
This past week has been an exasperating time of figuring out the last minute details for my graduation. Sure, I may have the dress, but it turns out that graduation day can involve a whole lot more. If you share my procrastinating nature, it is most likely that you are panicking as you try to scramble to find venues to take your photos (places other than the likely crowded Peace Bridge, perhaps?). Below is a conveniently list of some photo locations you may not have considered. Enjoy and happy graduating!
1. Central Memorial Park (1221 2 St SW)
Complete with beautiful paved pathways, fountains and some monumental monuments, this is a perfect location for greenery landscaped with downtown Calgary as the backdrop.
Come on, just imagine you and all of your friends dressed to the nines with this giant head in the background. Day or night, this sculpture is a glorified piece of art that is sure to make any photo.
For the more traditional view of Calgary’s skyline, check out Crescent Heights. This neighbourhood’s beautiful view is sure to enrapture the momentous feeling on your graduation day.
With some of the most beautiful bridges in Calgary as well as a riverside view, Eau Claire gives a stunning and more relaxed atmosphere. Feel free to bask on your day, take a stroll and get some shots of you and your loved ones on the gorgeous Eau Claire path. You deserve to smell the roses!
This exquisite park in the Hillhurst area boasts some of the best gardening work in the city. This spot is excellent for those who wish to take photos with a more natural essence.
Fellow editor Rebecca and I have decided to team up and tackle a mainstream internet challenge every week for however many weeks we can sustain! We decided to kick things off with the Bean Boozled Challenge, a challenge that puts your sense of taste through torture. If you are wondering where we procured these magically disgusting beans, I purchased them at the Freak Lunchbox on 17th Avenue.
To be honest, this challenge was a lot worse than I thought it would be. Would I still recommend it? Absolutely. You can see people on YouTube doing this challenge, but you will never truly understand just how awful the experience is until you’ve had it for yourself. These beans are definitely a great party game, or a good conversation starter if you decide to leave them somewhere like your office desk.
Would I do this again? No, probably not. The fates were smiling down on Rebecca that day and she managed to escape without tasting most of the bad beans. I, on the other hand, got to taste vomit, rotten eggs, and dog food. Admittedly, the vomit and dog food flavoured beans tasted worse than vomit in your mouth or real dog food would. I applaud Jelly Belly for their hard work and dedication to get these beans to taste as putrid as possible.
In an upbeat world that moves along hurriedly, reading has fallen back on the priority list of many. I know I can’t be the only one that puts off quality time reading in order to study or to surf the web. The combination of that and the accessibility and promotion of movies have caused people to see movie adaptations rather than reading the novel(s) it is based off of. Sometimes people are not even aware that there is a book behind the movie! I’m not a staunch believer that you MUST read a book before seeing the movie or vice versa, though I do prefer to read prior to watching. Either way, though, the story is being told in a valuable way. By reading a book first, you will gain more insight into the true motivations and uncut thoughts of the characters, but watching a film allows a visual aspect to be included in your experience. Whatever floats your boat, the following 5 must-read books have popular movie adaptations that are both equally worthwhile to check out.
Against my own personal judgement, I ended up watching the Gone Girl movie prior to reading the book. With an insane amount of holds at the library and my insatiable curiosity at the rave reviews and interesting content (just read the summary and you’ll understand), I finally gave in after months of wondering. With David Fincher as director, I expected nothing less than thrilling and got just that. I finally picked up a copy of the novel for my excursion to Denmark and it was definitely a worthwhile read that kept me captivated on the plane ride there. Definitely do not skip out on this killer duo.
Chuck Palahniuk is perhaps my favourite writer, albeit a controversial one. His book Invisible Monstersis hands-down my the best book I have ever read and over the past year, I’ve gone through all but 4 of his works. Though I have to admit, some of Palahniuk’s works are a bit insane to the point of contention, but Fight Club is one of his greater works. The widely-followed movie adaption is directed by the one and only David Fincher and features Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter in a thrill of anarchy and (symbolic) violence.
When I first read this book, I was shocked that a middle-aged white man living in America in the 21st century could write so genuinely from the perspective of a young Japanese woman living in Japan in the 20th. Arthur Golden’s research prior to writing this novel was extensive, and largely why it is an accurate depiction of life as a geisha, a female entertainer in Japanese culture. The main character was easy to connect to, and the story of her life equally as riveting. And since Japan in the early 20th century can’t necessarily be envisioned by everyone, the movie connected visuals to the words of the novel and provided a full-bodied view of the geisha lifestyle.
Atonement was my favourite book for quite a while for its incredible war-time tale of lies, love, and the consequences of a single act of naivety. The story follows the life of 13-year-old Briony Tallis’ from her childish misunderstanding of adult intent and her flawed recount of a crime to the height of World War II, throughout which the results of her mistake becomes apparent and life-changing for those close to her. Both the novel and movie were incredible to watch and unlike some films, the visual adaptation perfectly highlighted the main themes that Ian McEwan presented in his writing.
I’m sure everyone remembers the Gatsby craze that swept over summer 2013. The release of (yet another) movie adaptation of the famous all-American novel renewed the world’s interest in the arguably tragic story of James Gatz, and who else better to star than Leonardo DiCaprio in the first Hollywood rendering? Unlike other books written in or before the early 20th century, The Great Gatsby was an easy read that combined character with plot. A super quick read at just over a 100 pages, you have no reason not to read this classic and, of course, watch the flamboyant and cinematically-stunning film.
Recently I have been thinking about why memories are so important. How memories affect our actions and decisions. The following is a short story on the importance of memories.
A Letter to my Beloved Katie Patterson….
Dear Katie Patterson,
As I sit on my worn out couch in my living room, I watch the window, I notice some birds anxiously fluttering outside in the chilly autumn breeze. Suddenly memories of you flood into my mind. I think of May 4th 1995. It seems like forever ago, however, it is still fresh in my mind, as if it was just yesterday that you were beside me.
We were sitting in my car and I was driving, we were heading home from a late-night concert. The roads were dark and empty; all you could hear was roaring engine and the rain hitting the windshield. We were both significantly drunk from the concert. While I was driving you put your shivering hand on mine and then looked at me with the universe in your eyes. You broke the silence by saying “I don’t know if it’s just the vodka talking or that I have just gone completely insane, but time on earth is unpredictable, it can all end at any given moment but even if it was going to end today, I would be content because today was our day and it couldn’t have been better”. I chuckled at your remark, then you turned on the car radio and you promptly fell asleep on the leather car seat.
When I think back to that memory, I think about what you said. There is never enough time and we never seem to realize that until the last minute. And the scariest thing is, all we can do is try to live freely and make the most out of every moment. Time is something you cannot buy, and yet we never grasp it long enough to truly say we lived our life to the fullest. Except for you, Katie Patterson. You lived your life to the fullest.
You knew your time on earth could have ended at any given moment, and you were ready to let it all go without hesitation. You simply accepted the fact that life was only but temporary. You loved when we just sat in the grass at night gazing at the stars, you loved when we got your favourite ice cream from the store across the street, you loved simply sitting in the car in pure silence, beside each other. You loved it all, so you made the most of every moment, and basked in the glory of life. You understood the simple fact that life was all about taking risks.
Somehow, you always seemed to be aware of how serious the situation was, and still managed to be optimistic. Like how Johnny accidently deleted your essay that you spent 3 hours on and all you did in response was laugh hysterically at the mistake of not saving it in the first place. You made me realize how precious life truly is. How crying, being angry or depressed is all a waste of time.
You were truly one of a kind. You taught me life is just a game. Where the poor can win and the rich can lose. A game where death is not a loss, but a celebration of a life well spent. And Katie, you won the game of life. You didn’t need money or power to accomplish what you became. You have taught me values that are forever engraved on my heart. You taught me to be kind yet fearful. And to never be afraid of the future, for we can only plan the present. And still I will remain strong. Even if the memories will haunt me for the rest of my days. The memories of that fatal car crash we had on May 14th 1995.
It has been a while since my last posted. I was away for the last while, in Prince George and Vancouver, so for this post I thought I would write about my trip.
Shortly after getting on the road we saw a black bear on the side of the road. It was amazing experience. I have seen two black bears before, cubs running past a friends house, but it was very cool to see a bigger one.
Once we arrived in Prince George, we spent time with family and helped my Aunt and Uncle set up for their garage sale the next morning. The following day we hit the road again, enroute to Vancouver! I have some family and friends in Vancouver, so I was excited to arrive. My mom celebrated her birthday during our time there, so we had the opportunity to see lots of loved ones during the celebrations. On Friday I finally had the opportunity to meet my internet best friend, Maddie! It was an amazing experience. After spending a lot of time chatting and planning, it was great to meet face to face. Highlights included an amazing paint fight, sushi for dinner, taking selfies, and listening to music! The next morning we grabbed Starbucks and went to beautiful Stanley Park with her Youth Leader. In total we walked 7.5 km! Walking in sandals was just pain. It was sad to say goodbye after that, but I told her I would be back again!
On that Sunday, one of my best friend I have known for 11 years, Hayley, came over in the afternoon! My mom, Hayley and I went shopping and afterwards she got to sleepover. On Monday, we saw family and friends once more before leaving back to Calgary. We had a dinner over at my Uncle’s house, and went home the following day. On our way back to Calgary, we saw a Grizzly bear! I have never seen a Grizzly bear in person. We kept driving though, I didn’t want to interact with it! Soon enough I was back in Calgary! It was such a great trip!
We all want to be happy, right? But let’s be honest, sometimes life sucks. Sometimes it feels like nothing is working and it’s all so miserably and pointless, etc. Well I want to spread happiness, because guess what? There are SO many reasons to be happy.
I’ll be posting 5 happy things weekly, and it will be through my eyes using (mostly) my images, but I’m hoping you can connect and see happiness for yourself too. Enjoy, and don’t forget to smile 🙂
Acting like a little kid again
Successful (or at least semi-successful) DIYs
More whipped cream than pie
Beautiful views (especially after a long hike to get there)
New markers, colourful markers, lots of markers
Now ask yourself: what made YOU happy today?
I keep a jar where I write one good thing from each day. I highly suggest making a similar jar for yourself 🙂
You’ve come to the right place. Need a break from school or just want somewhere to hangout? Well, there’s lots of exciting events happening around the city and I’m here to share them with you.
1. Calgary International Children’s Festival
What: An all-ages event for people to participate in a wide range of interactive activities as well as attend some fantastic musical and theatrical performances. Goes from Wednesday, May 20 – Saturday, May 23.
When: 9:30am – 3:00pm from Wednesday – Friday, and 9:30am – 5:00pm on Saturday for outdoor activities.Times for indoor performances vary.
Where: Olympic Plaza and the EPCOR Center for Performing Arts, 205 – 8 Avenue SE
Cost: Free for outdoor activities, prices for shows vary.
What to Look Out For: There’s a number of amazing events to take part in, but LEO stuck out to me for its creativity and imagination. Check out this video:
What: This is an annual fundraising event for Calgary Reads where you can browse through thousands of gently-used books that are for sale at super-low prices.
When: Saturday, May 22 and Sunday, May 23 from 9am to 9pm.
Where: Calgary Curling Club, 720 3 St NW
Cost: $2 admission
What to LookOut For: If you’ve been looking for some new books to read, this is definitely the event for you. Additionally, on the 23rd from 6pm-8pm, kids are invited to wear PJs and enjoy some cookies and milk while they listen to readings from special guests.
What: A show and sale featuring work from a variety of local artisans, ranging from ceramics, clothing, artwork and much more.
Where: Festival Hall, Inglewood (1215 10 Ave SE)
When: Friday, May 21 from 4pm to 9pm. Saturday 10am to 6pm.
Cost: $2 admission
What to Look Out For: If you’re interested in art and fashion, I highly recommend you check out this event. Even if you don’t buy anything, I think it’s great to see the work that’s being produced by talented artisans in our own city.
What: Put on by the theater troupe The Kinkonauts, these actors will improvise an original Shakespearean play based on an audience suggestion, featuring all the classic elements of sword-fighting, ghosts and according to them: “Lots and lots of tights.”
Where: The Birds and Stones Theater, 204 16 Ave NW.
When: Saturday, May 22 and Sunday, May 23 from 8pm to 9:30pm.
Cost: $10
What to Look Out For: I’m always impressed by an actor’s ability to come up with something witty and entertaining on the spot. If you want to see them in action, I’m sure this event will have you laughing all the way to the end.
What: An exciting evening of broadway and opera with the proceeds of the events going to support Compassion Canada’s Child Survival Program in Nicaragua.
When: Sunday, May 24, 7pm.
Where: First Baptist Church, 1311 4 St. SW
Cost: $20 for students
What to Look Out For: I’ll actually be attending this event, so I’m extra excited. The night will feature a number of famous broadway and opera pieces from Phantom of the Opera, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Bizet’s Carmen and much more. While you enjoy the concert, you’ll also be supporting a charitable cause. A win-win situation!
Hopefully there’s an event here that stuck out to you! These are just a few of the many incredible events happening around the city this weekend, and I hope you take some time to explore some new things in the Calgary culture scene.
