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What is your second zodiac sign?

Ailin Li
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Embracing the Second Zodiac

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Recently, articles have popped up declaring the entrance of a new zodiac in our lives. This article by The Washington Post gives you the rundown of all the new dates for zodiac signs. Many people have not been affected, but I am one of those people who will need to rethink my identity. Supposedly, I am a Taurus and an Aries. Maybe this explains why I never found love a week after my worst day or made new friends in unexpected places.

All jokes aside, the technical aspect of this supposed breakthrough is interesting. Many centuries ago, when the zodiac was made, one of the zodiacs triumphed over the other. The zodiac that we are most familiar with is the Western, or tropical, zodiac that is based off the seasons. In comparison, the Eastern, or sidereal, zodiac follows the constellations. The sidereal zodiac incorporates a 13th constellation, Ophiucus, the serpent bearer. There is some speculation that the astronomers of the time only included 12 of the zodiac constellations because they wanted the 360 degrees of the sky to be divided up evenly. Poor Ophiucus was left out because some lazy astrologers couldn’t be bothered to divide 360 by 13.

On another note, I actually did a little research into this subject when the character of Ophiucus popped up in Fairy Tail (an anime). This suggests that the Eastern world was privy to the zodiac us Westerners were not. Although, I asked my parents (who originate from China) about this other zodiac (the sidereal one), and it seems that they were not in the know, either. Why the tropical zodiac seemed to prevail in many cultures is not fully explained, but you can count yourself educated!

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Astronomers have known about both zodiacs since ancient times, but the sidereal zodiac has just been overlooked. In fact, it is so overlooked that it took me forever just to find an image that included Ophiucus in the constellations. A couple of sources are saying that we need to adjust to the new sidereal zodiac, but there is nothing new about it. Both zodiacs have existed alongside one another this entire time. There is no “correct” zodiac, according to science. As CNN explains it, we will all have to embrace the fact that we (may) have two zodiac signs. Now, this may not come off as a big deal to you if you don’t believe in astrology and zodiacs, which is fine. Although, the tropical zodiac may have been onto something else.

Science has shown that the season in which you are born can have an effect on your personality. “Those born in spring were found to be more likely to have a hyperthymic temperament. That is, they have a tendency to be incredibly positive. Those with autumn birthdays had drastically reduced tendency toward depressed moods compared to people born in winter.” More accurately, the season in which you were born may increase or decrease your chances of developing mood disorders. (For more specifics, visit this article by The Atlantic.)

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Our Earth is a magical place, and the vast universe surrounding us is even more mystifying. Horoscopes may seem silly right now, but one day, we may discover that astrology really does play a part in shaping human nature. It’s always fun to keep your mind open to the wonders and mysteries of the world!

Staying safe while shopping online

Mavis Li
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Online shopping. A fun modern day convenience, or a dangerous experience that scams away your money? Very often true, however, is that it sucks up your time when you are not careful. Personally, I enjoy online shopping very much. I can find everything I want, and also a lot of things that I don’t want – which isn’t as possible at physical shops, where some products are hidden from view. The accessibility of online shopping sparks my intrigue towards a variety of new encounters with technology, fashion, and more. Recently, I unlocked my road to online shopping by signing up with Paypal, and so far I have yet to be disappointed with the random things I buy.

Here are some tips for staying safe while shopping online:

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1// Do research 

Not only should you research your product, but you should also research on the seller. There is a lot of fraud in the online world, what with cheap knockoffs and nonexistent products. Look for popular and well-known sites with lots of positive reviews. Sites encoded with SSL (https://) are secure – safe to shop in.

2// Don’t give all your personal information

It’s safer to use a third party payment system such as Paypal to get the job done. Some information, such as your social security number, isn’t required to buy things online. Be aware of what you are entering into the site.

3// Use common sense

Think before you buy. Stay away from sites that advertise offers extravagant offers and coupons. Some products and prices seem too good to be true, and probably are. Don’t be fooled by a pretty picture – read the reviews or just move on to a more expensive choice. Ask yourself, is it worth the risk?

4// Check your receipts

Make sure you paid for exactly what you bought. Check your account balances for your card if you are worried you may have been scammed. This is a good way to keep track of your money, and stay within your budget.

Stay safe, and happy shopping!

What YAA loves about spring: Spring Fashion

Rebecca Yang
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Despite Calgary’s ever changing weather, spring has officially arrived and bringing with it, a new wardrobe full of brighter colours, shorter lengths and lighter fabrics. What we learn from this season’s fashion is to embrace your inner wanderer, contrast and to respect the past.

Look 1:  Mix pieces to incorporate a more delicate piece with a structured item, such as some cargo pants. Bring it all together with a neutral shoe. LOOK 1

 

Look 2: Yes, you can be comfortable and glamorous at the same time. Embrace your wanderlust desires and utilize pieces of earthy tones and versatility, such as this blanket vest with a flannel lining. LOOK 2

 

Look 3: Bringing back old school fashion, raid through your mother or your grandmother’s closet to uncover timeless classics, such as this neutral wool coat. Vibrant colours, like fuchsia further act to make a statement about this blast from the past trend. Brown oxfords are solid foundations to complete this outfit.  LOOK 3

 

Look 4: Head to toe in white is a huge trend this season. Diversify this monochromatic look with different shades of white, such as this cream sweater. Neutral shoes and gold accessories perfectly compliment this outfit. Bring a pop of colour to this outfit with a red lip. LOOK 4

 

Look 5: You can never go wrong with black and white. Whether it is with stripes, patterns or solids, black and white can be used to fashionably contrast with each other and to provide a seamless look. Try dressing in all black and add a hint of white, or vice versa. LOOK 5

 

Look 6: Western styles have been significant across runways, with fringe and suede dominating this season. Incorporate this style with a classic midi skirt and a suede hat in a deep earthy tone. Look 6

15 quotes to jump start your motivation

Gayathri Menon
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It had been a drab day. You dropped your lunch, flunked a quiz, and your best friend got mad at you. Everyone has their bad days, and today was yours.

It’s totally fine to have bad days. I have them, you have them, that kid across the street has them, even that evil aunt of yours has them. But the worst part about having a bad day is not being able to recuperate from it. Sometimes, just sometimes, all you need a little motivation.

Well, here I am! I usually do this in person, but because I won’t be able to listen to you all personally, here are 15 of my favorite quotes that get me going and motivate me to work. I hope you enjoy them!

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“Today I choose life. Every morning when I wake up I can choose joy, happiness, negativity, pain… To feel the freedom that comes from being able to continue to make mistakes and choices – today I choose to feel life, not to deny my humanity but embrace it.”

Kevyn Aucoin

”I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy… I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.”

“Set small goals for yourself and meet them. You are responsible to take care of yourself. You should be your priority!”

“Push yourself, because no one else is going to do it for you”

“Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve.”

Mary Kay Ash

“When you arrive at your future, will you blame your past?”

 Robert Half

“Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it.”

Lou Holtz

“Iron rusts from disuse; stagnant water loses its purity and in cold weather becomes frozen; even so does inaction sap the vigour of the mind.”

Leonardo Da Vinci

“There may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.”

 Derek Jeter

“My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength.”

Michael Jordan

“You cannot push any one up a ladder unless he be willing to climb a little himself.”

Andrew Carnegie

“The most inspiring piece of advice I’ve gotten is simply to persevere. My mom taught me to always keep going no matter what from an early age. When it feels too difficult to push forward, I always remind myself, ‘This too shall pass,’ and then I redouble my efforts.”

Liya Kebede

“Pull the string, and it will follow wherever you wish. Push it, and it will go nowhere at all.”

Dwight D. Eisenhower

“Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.”

Sam Levenson

“Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.”

Theodore Roosevelt

Frank Gehry: a Canadian Mastermind

Katie Kim
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While I was in New York last week, I saw an interesting looking building. It was as though the surface of the building had waves. That building turned out to be a creation of a Canadian architect.

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Born in Toronto under Polish Jewish parents, Frank Gehry, at the age of 86, is a world-renowned architect currently living in Los Angeles. Winning a number of awards, including the Order of Canada, National Medal of Arts, and many more, he has been labeled as “the most important architect of our age” by Vanity Fair.

Gehry grew up building wooden cities with his grandmother in his grandfather’s hardware store. Although he started university in the subject of chemical engineering, he remembered his childhood love of building and went into architecture classes instead. He graduated University of South California with a Bachelor of Architecture degree at the top of his class.

Now, many of Gehry’s buildings have become tourist attractions, but some of the most well-known works are:

 

The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain

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The Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California

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Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, France

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EMP Museum in Seattle, Washington

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Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto

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Real Life Drama Productions

Serena Gadamsetti
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High school itself is one overly exaggerated drama production that no one really ever wants to star in, but there are some highlights to it, like actual drama productions. I myself am a giant drama nerd so I favour this aspect.

Being halfway through high school and performed in three productions, it’s a good feeling to be on stage. Performing Picture 22is exhilarating. All the hard work put into rehearsals and memorizing lines, moulding a character from an idea, it’s an incredible feeling. This sounds really cheesy, but it’s probably one the best things I’ve experienced in high school. It gives you a sense of belonging to a group of people, sometimes from all different cliques.

Amongst the fun I’ve had, drama has taught me a few things about myself too. They are ideas I picked up and am beginning to apply to everything I pursue.

1. Go above and beyond. Spoken like a true classic drama nerd, over acting can be ridiculously annoying. You may be timid and shy in real life, but then you really put your all into a performance, it reflects when an audience is watching. It makes it enjoyable and worth watching! As for everything else in life, putting only half your effort in has never and will never result in something you’re proud of. There’s a difference between accepting the result and being content with it. It will always be easier to do the bare minimum, but trying hard, being content with it, and working harder the next time will give you a sense of fulfilment, (in my opinion at least).

2. Focus on what you need to do. Being nervous on stage is a definite struggle. I get random bouts of anxiety when I’m in front of large groups of people, and I get really antsy while I’m performing. But just like anything you want to do, do it proudly and for yourself. Depending on others and having them depend on you is what life (and plays) entitle, but it is important to never forget what you have to do first before catering to the needs of others. Stay focused on your own physical, mental and emotional health. Make sure you’re understanding and taking care of what you need to do for you before you start caring for other people.

3. Ask questions. Nothing is worse than getting a script and trying to decipher how the director wants the character portrayed, so ask. Ask what they want to see and find ways to incorporate your own ideas. Asking when you don’t know, or don’t understand is okay, in fact, it’s respectable. Getting involved in something, or doing a project and having absolutely no idea what you’re doing is more embarrassing than setting aside your pride and asking questions.

4. Involve everyone. Drama is nice because regardless of what other cliques you’re a part of, you can just be weird and nerdy and have fun. I’m weird and nerdy and try to have fun most of the time, but then drama freely lets me do that and not get judged! Involving everyone who wants to be involved is an important habit to have. Excluding people because they are different mentally or physically, or because they aren’t like the usual group of people you hang arounRSAMD students Helen Mackay and Joshua Jenkins in class of 2009 feature Mother Goosed is a habit that needs to be unlearned. It’s a very common thing to follow whatever the crowd is doing, but stand out and let those who are different be treated equally and enjoy themselves. Everyone who is capable should have the same opportunities.

I thrive on the cliche aspects of life. Each person can take them however they wish to, but ultimately I believe these are important lessons and approaches to all things in life, y’know? If it takes anymore convincing, there are a countless number of benefits of viewing the world through the eyes of a drama kid. 

Travelling Bucket List & Exciting Announcement

Hui Wen Zheng
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It can be hard spending spring break at home while photos of your friends in different countries pop up on your Facebook feed. Even though there’s only a days left of break, it’s not too late to do something exciting right in our city. Check out the weekend preview for some inspiration. However, if you’re still looking to satisfy your wanderlust while at home, why not get a leg up in the game and create a list of things you want to do on your future travels? Read mine here and make sure to stay to the end for an exciting announcement about upcoming content on YAA!

5. Explore Central Park

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I’ve heard enough about how breathtaking New York City is from friends who have traveled there, so how could I not be curious? Though there are a plethora of landmarks, the beauty of a massive park smack in the middle of the busiest city on Earth provides a juxtaposition that is unmatched by any other and makes for a scene I’d love to see in person.

 

4. Experience traditional living in Japan

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The rich culture and fascinating history of Japan places it on my list. As a history and culture fanatic, to experience the many traditions and practices any country has to offer is a no-brainer for me. Anything from partaking in a traditional tea ceremony, dressing in traditional clothing, visiting historical sites, and eating authentic Japanese food (did someone say sushi?!) sounds worthwhile to me!

 

3. Take a canal tour of Amsterdam

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The cinematography of The Fault in Our Stars may or may not have influenced this decision… However, the liberal views of the Dutch, the abundance of waterscapes and beautiful architecture in the Netherlands greatly attracts me to it. The intrinsic and extensive canal systems in its capital city of Amsterdam is a great way to experience Dutch culture whilst getting to know both the geography and the sights the city has to offer. Other must-see locations to see include the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum.

 

2. Hike in Iceland

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Over the recent years, Iceland has proven popular with the adventurous traveler (and what traveler isn’t adventurous?). This is understandable as the rugged landscape of the country provides infinite opportunities for exploration. Like many other places in Europe, Iceland is filled with history, scenic landscapes, and beautiful architecture. Though these points are all valid, the abundance of natural wonders has to be what places it number 2 on my list. So much of the country remains untouched and that’s something you don’t really see anymore. Great hiking locations like the Gullfoss waterfall and Litlanesfoss are just a fraction of what this country forged from fire and volcanic activity has to offer and what I would like to see.

 

1. Take part in a homestay in Denmark!

And for the first on my list and an exciting announcement! From April 1st to 11th, me, as well as fellow blogger Katja will be travelling to Denmark to participate in a homestay cross-cultural experience offered to students from Western Canada High School and Robert Thirsk. During the course of our trip, we will spend 3 days in Copenhagen and the rest with our homestay families, where we will also be attending school on the town of Støvring. Homestays provide a unique traveling experience in which travelers get the opportunity to experience culture up-close whilst living with a welcoming family. It will be very interesting to see the lives of those who live in what has been dubbed “the world’s happiest country” and to be able to better understand the differences in culture between Denmark and Canada. I will be documenting our travels on YAA for the duration of the trip and will hopefully be able to reflect on the differences between Canadian and Danish culture in an afterward.

Denmark has a rich history that goes back to the last ice age and we will be visiting many museums while we are there. The country is also famous for its food and that will definitely be reflected in my upcoming posts. There are so many activities to partake in and locations we will be going to that I can’t possibly list them all,  so check back in the week of April 1st to see our adventures in Denmark!

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Stay happy project!

Courtney Mel
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Everyone has days where they want to curl up in their bed, maybe do nothing or they are sad. I have put together a list of 10 ways you can be happy!

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1. Going for a walk. Fresh air, nature and maybe taking the dog out for a walk can help the mind!

2. Movie marathon. Logging onto Netflix or watching your favourite movies you own always makes me smile!

3. Drawing! A piece of paper and a pencil have always helped me! Draw anything you’d like!

4. Keep a journal. I’ve noticed keeping a journal always helps me stay happy! I wrote my feelings and what I am grateful for!

5. Talking to someone. It may seem scary, but talking to someone does help a lot! Don’t be afraid to say how you are feeling.

6. Bubble baths. Having a hot bath always lets me find my peace.

7. Invite a friend over! It always makes me smile when I can invite a friend over. Maybe for a sleep over to take thing off your mind.

8. Play a game. Playing a game like if you have a video console or on your phone always makes me smile!

9. Star gazing. When I feel sad, I will go outside and count the stars. Looking at them calms me down.

10. Music! Of course, listen to your favourite band and dance around!

 

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Top 4 Childhood Cartoons

Shruti Tangirala
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No matter how old we grow to be, cartoons will always bring a smile to our faces, and send the rush of nostalgia through us every single time we watch them. Although I spoke about annoying cartoons in one of my previous blogs, there are many cartoons that will always have a special place in my heart.

1. Tom And Jerry

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Tom and Jerry is a simple, yet a hilarious cartoon show for children. The show is so effective that it makes not only children giggle, but brings tears out of the eyes of adults from laughing so hard! I have been watching Tom and Jerry ever since I was 5 years old. When I was younger, Jerry was my favourite character. I loved that mouse and its pranks! As I grew, I began to pity Tom and realize what a jerk Jerry really is. Nevertheless, this show is always my favourite and I still have DVDs of Tom and Jerry hidden away in my basement!

2. Courage the Cowardly Dog

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Courage the Cowardly Dog is about a little pink dog that goes by the name of Courage. The plot of this show is hilariously ironic, as Courage is scared by anything and everything very easily! However, he always manages to overcome is fears and save his owner, Muriel, from whatever evil threatens her life. This cartoon has a very inspiring moral, which is that no matter how scary and terrifying something may be, you can always overcome your fears and defeat the evil. So no matter what happens, you will always be able to fight your fears in the end!

3. Scooby-Doo

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Scooby Doo is about a team of four friends called the Mystery, Inc. and their dog, Scooby Doo, who go around solving crimes and uncovering mysteries. The monsters always turn out to be humans in the end, which leads to a very deep meaning of the show, which is that the real monsters are us humans. This can be put in context to the wars that are going on today. The moral of the show is quite true because the “monsters” cause pain and havoc and that is similar to man, who also goes around creating pain and havoc in the world. Luckily there are people like Fred, Shaggy, Daphne, Velma, and even Scooby Doo, who help to unmask the monsters and stop them from hurting innocent victims.

4. Wile E. Coyote and The Road Runner

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Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote is a cartoon that is similar to Tom and Jerry, where a hungry coyote fails all his attempts at trying to catch the Road Runner for supper. Although this is an entertaining cartoon that also causes the viewers to pity the coyote at times, there is a very important lesson to be understood from this cartoon, which is to never give up. This can be seen from the numerous attempts of the coyote, where he tries to catch the bird, even though he has failed a number of times before.

Cartoons are not always for entertainment. They also have a large number of hidden meanings and morals that need to be noticed and passed on to children who watch these cartoons.

Album Review: Sleeping With Sirens – Madness

Talia Santarossa
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American rock group Sleeping With Sirens recently released their fourth studio, Madness. I’ve always appreciated how SWS tends to change up their sound a bit with every album, but their last release, Feel, felt quite flat to me so I was a little bit skeptical as to how well this album would turn out. I had listened to the singles that the band made available prior to releasing the full album and they gave me the expectation that this album would be heavier, much like their early work. Needless to say, I was quite surprised when I heard the full record.

The album has moved quite far away from the realm of post-hardcore for the most part, with tracks Kick Me, Go Go Go and We Like It Loud being the only parts even remotely close to the sound that I would normally associate with the band. That being said, the softer and more emotionally deep sound of the entire album really suits Kellin Quinn’s vocal range and I find myself enjoying the album more than I probably enjoy any of Sleeping With Sirens’ previous studio albums. Although I take great pride in listening to music that’s a bit off the radar off what most people see as popular, I really appreciate the level of universal appeal that Madness offers. Pretty much anybody could listen to it and find some part of it that they like.madness

My favourite tracks overall would have to be Better Off Dead, closely followed by Save Me A Spark and November. They’re all really easy to listen to and all have a really deep message behind them, Better Off Dead in particular. I really love it when music speaks to me personally and these songs do that and more.

If I had to offer any criticism at all, it would be that the overall pace of the album is on the slower side. A slow, soulful ballad once in a while is fine, but the whole album was all over the place; it was walking pace or slower for the most part, with bursts that didn’t make sense to me. I would have preferred if the whole album was faster overall or if the faster, harder tracks were placed more logically. That said, I really like all of the tracks individually and separated from the realm of an album, can all be enjoyed fully.

All in all, Madness is a fantastic album and without a doubt will be held to high esteem among my favourite records. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to pretty much everyone who’s looking for a change of pace.

You can stream Madness from Epitaph Records’ YouTube channel here.

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What to see in YYC: Weekend Preview March 27-29, 2015

Julia
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I’m not sure what the weather has been up to… But! lucky for you there’s events coming up that will let you forget about the blues of Calgary’s indecisive weather. Here’s a sample of what you can see March 27-29, 2015, in Calgary

Taste of Bragg Creek (Friday)10846198_1582534241983685_4620377738609051915_n

Take a nice drive out to Bragg Creek and enjoy local restaurant offerings from 5-9 pm. 21 participating food and drink vendors will have samples available in exchange for 1-3 tickets, which are $1.50 each. This is your chance to not only venture out to lovely Bragg Creek but also to experience the fine quality food options available (e.g. The Bavarian Inn).

 

Carmen & Forgotten Land (Thursday/Friday/Saturday)

Camen_ShowpageBanner_eProof2March 26-28 is your only chance to catch the Calgary showing of Alberta Ballet’s world premiere of Yukichi Hattori’s version of Carmen at the Jubilee. Plus you get to see the company’s premiere of Forgotten Land. Evening shows happen each of the three days, along with a matinee on Saturday. Tickets range from $20 to $119.50, so take your pick and go get cultured. Indulge yourself in the story of a fiery gypsy named Carmen, and the expressive, meaningful journey of losing land.

 

ACAD Students’ Association Show + Sale 2015  (Friday/Saturday)10845585_793277580763612_6366484354396017519_o

March 27 from 12-7 pm is the “pre-sale”, a.k.a. you can spend $5 to see stuff (and buy stuff) before the crowd sweeps through. From 11 am-5 pm on March 28 you can experience it for free (or rather, by donation). This event happens twice a year, featuring items up for sale in the mediums of painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, glass, ceramic, fibre, jewelry, etc. Check it out not only to experience (and maybe purchase) art yourself, but also to support Calgary’s art and design students!

 

Ivanka Chews the Fat (Until Saturday)events6

In this theatrical production and Lunchbox Theatre, “Ivanka” (played by Jo-Ann Waytowich, who is also the writer) shares her 10-Point Personal Tune-Up, directed at those worrying about their bodies, fitness, and age. The show gives motivational speaking through song, dance, and story. 12:10 matinees are available on both Friday and Saturday, along with a 6:10pm show on Friday. Students and seniors can get a seat for only $20, and for adults the price is still only $25.

No matter what you do this weekend, just have fun! Regardless of whether there are special events going on, Calgary offers us parks, pathways, museums, restaurants, you name it, we got it!

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Carmen         ACAD Show + Sale         Taste of Bragg Creek          Ivanka

Love Yourself

Shruti Tangirala
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Yeah, yeah, you probably think this is another one of those motivational speeches that I’m going to talk about in this post. But my intention with this post is to help boost the self esteem of people who think that they are not good enough. You need to accept the fact that you are an amazing individual and you have to be proud of yourself. You cannot depend on others to make you feel good about yourself, because in the end, only your opinion about yourself matters. Here are a few steps to help you go on the right track and start loving yourself.

1. Be Positive

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This is the most important step when you want to change the way you look at yourself. Start by thinking positively. Try this and see how much it changes your perspective on life. Erase all the bad and negative thoughts from your mind. This may be hard, but do not let that stop you from being happy with yourself.

2. Surround Yourself With Positive People

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George Washington was a terrible army general. He lost more than half of the wars during the American Revolution, and yet he led on to become the first president of the United States of America. He did not lose hope and surrounded himself with people who were always positive. The individuals you spend time with have a huge impact on your thoughts.

3. Areas To Work On

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The third step is to not think about the aspects that you lack in, as your weaknesses. Think of them as areas to work on. This will motivate you to work harder for it and you will soon see gradual improvement in that particular area.

4. The 3 Compliments

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This is a tactic that I tried to use on my friends, and it did wonders. Every night, before you fall asleep, give yourself three compliments. Try to think of different compliments for yourself every night. It may be hard at first, but eventually you will go to bed at the end of the day, feeling quite happy with yourself.

5. Kindness

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Be kind to others. It will make you feel proud because you were able to help someone else. What goes around comes around, and eventually, kindness comes back to you. Personally, making someone smile always brightens up my day. It might work for you too!

5 TV Shows You Should Watch

Michelle Hua
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The Big Bang Theory follows the lives of Leonard Hofstadter and Sheldon Cooper, two physicists working at Caltech as well as their friends, Penny, Howard, Raj, Amy and Bernadette. It features witty references to comic books and films that keep you laughing. Whether or not you’re into comic books, I recommend you check this show out.

 

The Walking Dead is set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. The tv show is based off a popular comic series, written by Robert Kirkman. It’s perfect for zombie-fanatics or anyone who likes a drama/thriller/horror. The plot is always unpredictable, and the show consists of great, developed characters that you can’t help but root for.

 

At first, Friends seemed overrated as the first few episodes weren’t too entertaining for me, however as the series progressed it began to live up to its reputation. The series is centred around the lives of Rachel, Ross, Chandler, Monica, Joey and Phoebe. The characters all have witty/ridiculous responses to everyday events which make the show enjoyable and fun to watch.

 

Grey’s Anatomy is a great show for anyone into medical dramas. This series focuses on the life of Meredith Grey, who starts the show as an intern at Seattle Grace Hospital. The show’s unpredictability keeps it interesting, in addition to its shocking season finales.

 

Suits has insanely smart writing that makes the show super addicting. The series concentrates on the life of Mike Ross, a dropout with an eidetic memory who begins to illegally work for Harvey Specter as a lawyer. Although it doesn’t make the best first impression, the pilot episode is sure to captivate your attention.

 

 

 

Mainstream, Honours or I.B. High School Classes?

Kandace Peroramas
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The transition from junior high to high school is a roller coaster of a ride. With the pressure to make the best academic decisions, choosing which classes you are going to take are either very easy or very daunting. As a Grade 10 student, I speak from experience when I say that filling out my course registration form made me sweat. I was given the choice to take all 10-1 courses, all Honours courses or a mixture of both (partial honours). While I have my strengths and weaknesses in the subjects, I was still stumped. Did I want to join my friends who decided to take 10-1 courses or partial honours, or do I choose something that will challenge me? The decision was ultimately mine. In the end, I chose to register for the Full Honours Programme at my high school, which would allow me to move on to the International Baccalaureate Programme in Grades 11 & 12.

All high schools are different, but if the high school you are going to offers an Honours and I.B. Programme, I recommend that you read further for more information. If you are in that position where you don’t know exactly the courses you want to take, or what courses you do want to keep taking, here are some things to consider:

 

1. There are “Recommendation for Success” percentages for Honours, 10-1 and 10-2 classes.

If you are given a course selection booklet, the courses will most likely have a “Recommendation for Success”. The main purpose of this is so you can reflect on which level of a course you are likely to do your best in terms of academics. Depending on your mark in the subjects you are taking right now, you would be suited for either an Honours, 10-1 or 10-2 class. Another reason as to why the recommended percentages are there is so you are aware that the people who will be in your classes are like-minded. This will make learning in your classroom environment more comfortable. Although you do not have to follow the recommendations, it helps in making the most out of your high school experience.

It is also important to remember that the level of the courses you take do not define the person you are. Rather than suiting your classes, the classes suit you so you can academically succeed!

2. There are minor differences between Honours and 10-1 classes.

Going into high school, I was skeptical as to how challenging my Honours classes would be in comparison to the mainstream classes. However, I was quick to learn that the main difference between the two levels is that the Honours classes, especially the core subjects, will teach extra lessons and/or higher-grade lessons. This means that despite being in grade 10, there were 1-2 lessons dedicated to the grade 11 curriculum. For example, in my English class, we had a unit on Greek Mythology, which the 10-1 classes did not have. As for my Science class, we learned about Stoichiometry during our Chemistry unit. Lastly, for Math, we learned about the basics of Factoring, but also had lessons and a quiz based on grade 11 Factoring. The grade 10 and 11 lessons are not dramatically different, but they are challenging and allow you to expand your knowledge!

3. There are also differences between partial and full Honours classes.

With all my classes in Honours, I knew that I would be taking extra courses as part of the program. For example, I had to take an Honours language course (French or Spanish). I chose to go with French, as I had been learning the language since grade 6. I wasn’t very confident going into the class, but to my surprise, it ended up being the class I enjoyed the most! Also, as part of the program, it was required that I take the Religion 25 (grade 11) course as well. I found that taking Religion 15 (grade 10) in the first semester better prepared me for Religion 25 this semester! Lastly, I had to take the CALM online course this year, rather than next year in grade 11. This course teaches you to make the best lifestyle choices for yourself through interactive discussions and quizzes. Despite the additional requirements, they are courses that I do not have to worry about next year.

4. Taking Honours classes allows you to move on to the International Baccalaureate Programme.

If you plan to apply for universities outside of Canada, taking the I.B. Programme would be very beneficial! In simplest terms, the I.B. Programme at the Diploma (high school) level comprises of courses that set an international quality of education for those who want to study abroad. Not only do you take courses that provide a better understanding of the world, but through essays and volunteer work, you are able to become a well-rounded student. For further information on the I.B. Programme, click here. The courses you take in Honours are the courses you are able to take in I.B. Although I cannot say much about the I.B. classes, they do take a lot of commitment in order to do your absolute best. Nonetheless, I am excited to start the 2-year curriculum in September!

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5. The courses you register for are easily changeable. You can switch out or into a class with the help of your counselor!

The main difference I have discovered between junior high and high school is that there are more resources available to me now. The initial schedule that you get is not written in stone, so if you decide that a certain course is not right for you, you can talk to your counselor about making changes. Also, by simply booking an appointment with them, they can help you choose the classes you want or need to take in order to fulfill the criteria to get into your university degree/program of choice! It seems crazy to already be thinking about university, but if you have your heart set on a certain profession, it is best to take classes that relate to said profession.

But, if you are still figuring things out, that is 100% okay! You are not the only person weighing out their options when it comes to their future. But, what I do suggest is considering whether or not you will be taking all 3 sciences: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. I.B. students can only choose to take 2 out of the 3 sciences in I.B., as not all 3 can fit into their schedule. But, if they plan on taking all 3 sciences no matter what, they will have to take one of them in summer school. For 10-1 and 10-2 students, it is possible to fit all 3 sciences into their schedule in grades 11 and 12, so if they decide to go into a program where they specifically need Physics, for example, they have that prerequisite!

6. There are expectations no matter what.

In the 6 months I have been in high school, what I have learned to embed into my brain is that no matter the level of a course I take, there are expectations from teachers (and myself) that I have to meet. This does not only mean academic-wise, but my contribution and work ethic during class. It is easy to slack off and leave everything to the last minute, but there is a reason why you chose to be in an Honours, 10-1 or 10-2 class. Your peers expect you to work hard. It may feel like they are constantly pushing you, but they do so for good reasons. The paths people take during high school branch out so differently, but they all eventually meet when they graduate and celebrate their successes.

7. The course choices are for you to make, so don’t feel obligated to take something you do not want to take!

Having a close-knit relationship with your friends and family makes it difficult to make decisions without some kind of help from them. However, although their opinions are important, you are the person taking the classes, not them. We want to make the people we care about proud, period. But, this does not mean that we also have to make things harder on ourselves by taking a course that we cannot see ourselves striving to do our best in. The reason as to why high school courses are so accommodating is because the ultimate goal is personal success. We now have more freedom to make choices that benefit us in every way possible.

When choosing your courses, think to yourself, “Do I see myself always aiming for greatness? Or am I just doing this because everyone told me to?” You are in charge of what you take out of your high school experience, so always seek to make it the best it can be!

I hope that these tips are able to better prepare you for your future high school courses! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me here or here.

“Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.
You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”
– Steve Jobs

Best wishes,

Kandace  🙂

5 Reasons Why You Should Read Harry Potter

Dina Moinul
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Harry Potter has always been one of my favorite books and it got me thinking about the reasons why I started reading it in the first place. These are just some of the few reasons why I enjoyed the books and why you should read them too!   ❾¾

1. Teaches you about friendship

Through thick and thin, Harry, Ron, and Hermione remained best friends; as some readers call them the “golden trio”. That is one of my favorite things about Harry Potter. It teaches readers that, no matter how bad things get, they always put friendship first.

 

2. Great Role Models

 

Harry shows courage, Ron shows loyalty, Hermione shows intelligence, Dumbledore shows wisdom and the list goes on. All of these are qualities a person should strive to display. The characters in these books all have some traits about them that makes them a great role model. Harry Potter readers will learn to appreciate the characters based on the ethical virtues they represent.

 

3. Teaches you about courage

One of the main themes of Harry Potter is to remain courageous no matter what. That is one of the biggest reasons why Harry Potter is a must read! It will inspire you to stand up for what is right, even in the face of hardship.

 

4. The writing style of the books

The way J.K. Rowling wrote these books is just amazing. She has a way to capture your attention and keep you hooked. For me personally, there wasn’t a time I didn’t have the book in my hand. For the first time, I actually understood what people meant by saying, “this book is glued to my hands!”

 

5. Lets your imagination run wild!

With spells, creatures, funny names, moving staircases and everything magical, it is easy to let your imagination run wild when reading the Harry Potter books. Even if you have already seen the movies, you can imagine the characters and settings the way you want to.

 

What are you waiting for?? Go read them all!! In the meantime, I’ll start reading them for the second time.

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