Home Blog Page 21

Myths about journaling

Journaling is an effective strategy to gain emotional clarity and intelligence in your daily life. It is a practice that not only puts you in tune with your emotions but also allows you to identify where your negative ones stem from, so that you can take the next steps to heal your limiting beliefs and anxieties. It is a powerful tool that encourages you to write down your goals on paper to make them seem even more real and aspirational.

There are numerous ways to journal, but the most important thing you can do when starting your journaling journey is to find the one that best fits you and helps you prioritize your mental health. There is no perfect way of journaling; it is a completely personal process that empowers you to not become a victim of your emotions but to observe and take the next steps in regulating them. Starting a journal can feel overwhelming, especially when the first thing you say to yourself is, “I don’t know what to write.” In this case, structured journals and ones with prompts are recommended, so the more you write, the more you can study the thoughts and feelings you want to unload and challenge. 

Myth #1: You need to be a good writer. 

Spending time perfecting your work or journaling as if you are going to get graded on it creates the narrative that you always need to have perfect insight into things. Journaling is a time to navigate your sense of thinking, to ask yourself important questions even when the answer is not clear, and take your limiting beliefs and negative emotions as information. In order to unload and feel lighter, you simply just need to write what comes to mind.

Myth #2: You need to journal every day.

Do not cling to the idea that to be effective in journal writing, you need to do it every day, morning and night. Please do not feel guilty; what matters is that you are consistent with it over time and journal when you need it the most. It can also take as long as only five minutes! For starters, you can practice gratitude and write one thing you are grateful for today. Gratitude journaling is a good practice for beginners, and if you are stuck looking for prompts. 

Myth #3: You need to spend money on a fancy-looking notebook.

Journaling comes in all shapes and sizes! Some people prefer the idea of sitting down with a cup of tea and writing down on paper, writing digitally in their notes app, on a doc, etc. You do not need to have a visually appealing journal to master it. It’s a piece of emotional expression and a source of reflection with insight into your mind. This outweighs any instant gratification you get from purchasing an aesthetically acceptable notebook. 

Conclusion 

Do not let extravagant journal entries, perfect writing or the idea that you need to be good at writing rob you of the emotional rest and ease that you long for through this practice. It is supposed to be messy and vulnerable. The most exciting part is that there are so many different worlds of journaling, such as manifestation, self-growth, and gratitude.

What matters is that you are ready to embark on your journey to mastering your emotions, and that is worth being celebrated. Scribble, misspell words, take up space on your paper or doc. What matters is that you find information about your mind in sequence with your feelings.

Sources: 1, 2

I Learned to Cook Without a Recipe for a Week: Here’s What Happened

Honestly, cooking? It doesn’t come naturally. A recipe is essential – even then, things get dicey. I once used a teaspoon to measure salt, yet freaked out over “season to taste.” Still, I tried going rogue last week, making everything from scratch, completely freeform. This week involved a lot of guessing – no recipes, no online help, simply relying on what felt right alongside a chaotic collection of spices. It wasn’t pretty, though thankfully non-fatal!

Cooking? It’s a total crapshoot, really – utter mayhem in the kitchen

That first night, the lone chicken wing felt like a failed test – one right answer followed by an obvious mistake. Fortunately, I had some gumption, so I pressed on, sprinkling paprika then adding garlic (perhaps a generous pour of olive oil too). It wasn’t a triumph when I gave it a shot afterward, yet definitely not a disaster either. Perhaps the point is this: few folks possess natural kitchen talent – they simply follow feeling instead of recipes.

Don’t get demotivated down by imperfections; learning takes off when you let go.

The second time I scorched supper, I didn’t bother searching for fixes. Instead, I tossed it then began anew. Dates became a rhythm after a couple tries – by day five, anticipating what he’d enjoy felt almost playful. Soon, meals tasted less like copied recipes yet more…like me.

Lesson 1: Salt, Spices, and Acids Are a Cook’s Love Language

A tiny tweak – a dash of salt, a splash of vinegar, some pepper – completely alters things. It struck me how cooks constantly adjust flavors while preparing food. So, I ditched following recipes exactly, instead trusting what my palate told me.

Keep things uncluttered – it’s how to succeed.

Homemade pasta sauce? Yeah, I tried that. Two hours later, it was…fine. Next time, amazing flavors were on their way! Scrambled eggs, done quick – a minute flat – with chili oil then green onions. Seriously good. Sometimes food just nails convenience.

Sharing food – it builds connections. A meal draws folks together.

Sunday dinners at my place often meant throwing things together – a skill Mom declared “genuine.” It wasn’t fancy, just food. But her approval? That felt like winning something. Cooking without instructions forced imagination, bolstering a little self-assurance along the way.

TL;DR

Ditching recipes showed me striving for flawless isn’t what matters – trusting your instincts does. Letting go of instructions means discovering what you like, both in food and life.

P.S.

Kitchen wisdom? Embrace chaos. A splatter here, a spill there – it usually signals you’re onto something good. Forget neatness; seek exploration.

How Humans Predict Weathers – The Breakthrough of Technology

Whenever we need to check the weather for the next day, we can simply look it up on the internet. It is as simple as that. However, have we ever thought about how scientists and experts use technology and other methods to accurately predict the weather for over 5 days? 

That is what we are going to be looking at in this blog post. You will learn the history of predicting weather, how we predict weather today, and the overall weather forecast prediction process using a wide array of technology.

Why did we need to predict the weather?

Before we had the advanced technology to predict the weather, farmers, sailors, and everyone else had to rely on observations of their environment and current weather conditions to make decisions. This is an inaccurate way of predicting the weather forecast, as the current weather and environmental conditions are constantly changing. 

Another reason we needed to predict the weather is the lack of warnings to sailors and travellers. Before predicting the weather, we had no means of reliably and accurately predicting whether a catastrophic event like a storm or hurricane would take place. This posed a significant threat and was the reason for numerous deaths and destruction across history. Farmers also needed to know accurate weather forecasts to plan activities like planting crops, irrigation and harvesting and make changes if a storm is coming.

How can we predict the weather?

Though we could reliably predict the weather using instruments available in the 17th century, it was not until the 1960s, with the rapid growth and innovation of technology, that we could predict it to high levels of accuracy. In the modern-day world, we are able to accurately predict the weather using a combination of advanced technologies placed at various locations in and outside Earth. The weather prediction process is very complex and involves the use of many technologies and scientists. 

This process begins with the first stage of collecting data. Many ground-based weather stations across the world measure the surface conditions like temperatures, atmospheric pressure, humidity, wind speed, etc. Two weather balloons are launched from different locations on Earth every day to observe and measure the conditions in the upper atmosphere. Then various radars, satellites orbiting Earth and sensors are used to accurately determine the cloud cover, location, and intensity of precipitation, atmospheric moisture at various regions across Earth and much more. All of this collected data from various regions across the world is input into powerful supercomputers and artificial intelligence to run complex math models that simulate the atmospheric behaviour. These models and simulations are then analyzed by experts, along with their knowledge, to accurately form a weather forecast.

TL;DR

Humans needed a way of accurately predicting the weather to warn everyone about the possibility of natural disasters. The rapid development of modern technology paved the way for accurate weather predictions and standardized weather prediction processes to evolve. Numerous weather stations, radars, satellites and other technologies are used to collect lots of data about weather conditions. These data are then fed into supercomputers to simulate atmospheric behaviour models, which are then used by skilled experts to make accurate conclusions about the weather forecasts.

Sources: 1, 23

Ghost Avenue (ゴーストアベニュー) Song Analysis+ Explanation 

 

Viewer discretion: This article will include themes related to depression, death, and guilt. If you’re uncomfortable with these topics, feel free to click off and read another one of Xinlei Lu’s wonderful articles.

 

Introduction

Ghost Avenue is a song produced by the popular Japanese music artist, Eve, who’s most well known for his contribution in creating Jujutsu Kaisen’s anime intro. Now, reading the first sentence, you’re probably thinking; “Wow. This is way too anime weeb core for me, and I barely understand anything!” 

 

Well, do not fret! No knowledge of anime or even Japanese culture will be needed to have a basic understanding of this song. What I recommend is watching the music video at least once with subtitles, which is important to understand this universe better.  

 

 ゴーストアベニュー(Ghost Avenue) – Eve Music Video 

 

Welcome back, unless you didn’t watch it. Ghost Avenue is not only a song but also a hand drawn animation that contains a lot of media to debrief. Therefore, I’ll break down the music video into two parts; storytelling and cinematography. 

 

Storytelling

The video follows a red haired man named Hiruma Mahiru, who we’ll call Mahiru. 

 

Throughout the story, we learn that Mahiru isn’t a very honourable guy. He sleeps with several different girls night after night, and steals their money for a living. Furthermore, Mahiru constantly seeks attention and affirmation through his position as a social media creator, maintaining an energetic happy composure outwardly. He also has a bad habit of drinking and smoking, which can be observed through the state of his room if you pause the video. 

 

In short, it’s clear that Mahiru has something that he wants to escape from, possibly a former trauma that he distracts himself with using these substances.  

 

There’s another character that appears quite often in Mahiru’s personal spaces where only he can see her; in his bedroom and in the hallway of his apartment. This girl, who has a similar colored hairstyle to Mahiru is named Lilin. 

 

Lilin acts primarily as a source of comfort for Mahiru when he’s alone, and has an appearance that’s rather irrealistic compared to other characters in the video. She wears a nurse outfit and appears as if her legs were sewed on. This hints at the possibility that Lilin is just a figment of Mahiru’s imagination, existing in the sole purpose to provide company for him. But this raises the question, where did this girl come from? What inspired her existence? 

 

To understand Lilin’s character, you need to know about an entity that exists in the Eve universe called Zingai. Zingai are supernatural creatures that appear only to certain individuals, and manifests as the personification of a person’s heart – what they feel, their thoughts, their beliefs.  For Mahiru, his Zingai is Lilin. Between 1:56 and 2:03, we get a look into Mahiru’s heart using Lilin’s silhouette, her being is replaced by alcohol, money, cigarettes and gives a representation of loneliness. 


During the flashback with young Mahiru, he runs to a girl with brunette hair who has a hairstyle similar to Lilin’s, and gives her a bunny plush – the same bunny plush that appears in the hallway walking sequence during the chorus. 

 

This girl’s name is Suzuki. It’s clear that they have a close sister-brother relationship by the way they interact with each other, and it’s stated outside of the video that Suzuki was Mahiru’s first love. Not in a romantic way, but in a way that Mahiru didn’t have anyone else to label what affection and care looks like, so he labeled Suzuki as the definition of love. 

 

Very quickly, the scene cuts to Suzuki’s implied death. Blood surrounds the ground she lays on and a couple police officers investigate the situation. Young Mahiru is there to witness the entire situation, picking up the red-stained bunny he gave her not long ago. This scene is the peripeteia of Mahiru’s life, the point when everything changed for him for the worse. 

 

This bunny plush is actually one of Lilin’s forms. She can transform from her human form to the bunny form if she gets a bit of Mahiru’s blood to accompany him when he feels lonely. Funny thing is though, Mahiru doesn’t know that Lilin’s taking his blood. Only when Lilin takes so much blood that he wakes up is when he realizes who the culprit behind all his bandages are. 

 

Then comes the scene where Mahiru’s bleeding out on the pavement, in the same place Suzuki did. This is likely a hallucination, and a manifestation of his guilt for her death.

 

Lilin obviously isn’t a good character to benefit Mahiru’s mental and physical health – she hypnotizes Mahiru in a way to make him think that she’s the only one he’ll really need. Yes, he goes out on fun one-off date nights with random girls and occasional hang outs with his few friends, but the only person that is with Mahiru every single day is Lilin. 

 

Towards the end of the video, Mahiru has realized to what degree this unhealthy habit of fake companionship has taken advantage of him – he is literally dying because of it. Mahiru stumbling to the exit could symbolize him finally taking control of his own life and walking away from his previous lifestyle of pretense.  

 

Cinematography

Ghost Avenue follows a unique style of showing the audience different representations of Mahiru’s mental state, using a videogame editing style mixed with real life. 

 

The very first scene of the MV is shown in a horror-esque style, setting the tone of underlying anxiety that Mahiru carries but hides. 

 

The bar of eight hearts on the top right represents how much blood Mahiru has left, as during the day he barely loses any, but loses hearts actively when dripping blood in his hallway walking scenes. There’s also a significant drop when Mahiru finds Lilin almost killing him. 

Mahiru’s energy he has left to play his happy facade can also represent the heart bar, for he had the most hearts in his appear-to-be-most-happy era, and is surviving on half a heart when the anagnorisis of his situation is felt. 

 

Notice how the video ratio is 4:3, a ratio commonly used for video computer displays. Since the story is told through Mahiru’s perspective, this gives us an insight on the derealization he feels; Only when the focus turns on the black and yellow hoodie guy does the video use its entire screen capacity. 

 

Mahiru’s flashbacks are also presented in the 4:3 ratio, which could point to him not being able to distinguish the past and the present – which is very probable considering his overreliance on drugs and quick dopamine. 

 

Furthermore, there’s a clear distinction between Mahiru’s online persona and what he seriously feels. Two separate but identical versions of him act out the two characters, Digital Mahiru always has some sort of static going on (walking in the hallway, his interaction with Lilin) contrasting to Real Mahiru. 

 

In the hallway walking scenes, Digital Mahiru always drips blood from a heart shaped wound from his chest, with each scene increasing the size of the heart. The two versions of him merge together when the heart wound is too big to survive, and Mahiru’s forced to take into account what reality is. 

 

Ghost Avenue is written on Mahiru’s apartment door, which can be interpreted that Mahiru is figuratively a living ghost. According to Google, a ghost’s definition is “an apparition of a dead person which is believed to become manifest to the living.” The lyrics “Wandering around and living like a corpse” further supports this idea. Lilin can also be interpreted as a ghost, therefore there’s multiple ghosts living in this avenue. Wooow. 

 

As a person who isn’t Japanese, I’d assume that this is a pretty happy uplifting song without reading the lyrics. The lyrics would disagree. This common dissonance between the music and the lyrics in Japanese culture is what makes their songs so deceiving but interesting. This upbeat rhythm contrasting to the depressing lyrics reflect Mahiru’s person in the way where at first glance he appears content, but reading into it more you can tell something’s wrong. 

 

Conclusion

It’s not a surprise that there are dozens of other details I left uncommented in this song, but I’d need to ask for three more extensions for this article before that happens. Feel free to leave any observations down in the comments, I’d love to hear your take! 

 

Have I convinced you that this is a very intriguing, very cool, very deep song yet? If not, that’s okay. Thanks for reading anyways. If I have, I definitely recommend Eve’s other music videos if you want more analyzable pieces of media, especially インソムニア (INSOMNIA) – Eve Music Video, which is directly related to Ghost Avenue.  

 

Why We Get Déjà Vu: The Truth Behind That Eerie Feeling

0

Photo by Aliaksei Lepik on Unsplash

Ever entered a new location, say a restaurant, and immediately thought, I’ve been here before? That peculiar sensation that you just experienced is called déjà vu, which translates to “already seen” in French. It’s a mystery of the mind that nearly everyone experiences, with an estimated 97% of people having reported experiencing déjà vu, yet very few truly understand. Recent studies have uncovered the cloak of these false memories, revealing more concrete answers to a traditionally abstract phenomenon.

What is it?

“Déjà vu,” as explained by neurologist Dr. Jean Koury, “is a false sense of familiarity.” It occurs when the brain triggers a sense of recognition once in a certain situation, even when the experience is entirely novel. The main indicator for proving that the experience has never happened before is the inability to retrieve it from your memory, adding to the overall ambience of mystery.

Why does it happen?

For a long time, people saw déjà vu as a mystical occurrence, possibly a glimpse of a past life or a psychic experience. However, modern neuroscience reveals that déjà vu arises from misfiring connections in the brain in the regions responsible for memory recollection and familiarity. The main part of the brain that plays a major role in déjà vu is the temporal lobe. Usually, it can easily tell the difference between what’s new and what’s remembered. But sometimes, the temporal lobe can accidentally confuse a past memory as a situation you are currently experiencing.

Likelihood of Déjà Vu

Interestingly, déjà vu is more prone to occur in young people than in older adults. That’s because younger brains are more active in building and storing memories, as the brain stops developing at around the age of 25. It also tends to occur when we’re tired or stressed, which can make the brain’s processing a little fuzzy. Even virtual reality experiments have been able to trigger déjà vu by showing people similar but not identical scenes, showing proof that it’s all about pattern recognition.

Conclusion

Even though déjà vu can feel a bit spooky, it’s actually a great sign that your memory system is working well. It demonstrates the fact that your brain is constantly checking for patterns, comparing new information with stored memories to make sense of the world around you. Think of it as your brain’s way of saying, “Wait, this feels familiar,” even if it’s a mistake.

Sources: 

  1. What Causes Déjà Vu? – Scientific American
  2. That Strange Feeling of Déjà Vu — Explained – Cleveland Clinic

5 Thoughtful Ways to Thank Your Teachers

With recent news of Albertan teachers going on strike due to things like unfair wages and difficult working conditions, it shows us how our society tends to underappreciate all that our teachers do for us. As youth in Calgary, we rely on our teachers the most and count on them to support us through our education. In light of all that’s going on right now, it’s time we put some effort into thanking our teachers this Thanksgiving season.

Teachers have one of the biggest impacts on a child’s life, being a child’s trusted adult, counselor, mentor, and educator all in one. Oftentimes, their pay doesn’t reflect all the roles they take on in the classroom, and their passion for their job is admirable. From helping you choose a career path to teaching you important skills, teachers set you up for success. The least we as students can do is show them our gratitude!

If you’re stuck on coming up with ways to show your teacher how much you appreciate them, here are some thoughtful ways to thank your school staff!

Photo by Trung Duong on Unsplash

Kind Cards

Even if they seem like the most basic way of giving thanks, a kind card can go a long way! You’d be surprised at how rare card-giving has become in recent times, especially as we grow older. Instead of giving your teachers cards for just Christmas this year, turn card-giving into a year-round affair rather than just for the holidays. Consider making them a personalized card with a small note inside! You can mention a specific time the teacher helped you out, give them a compliment, or just recognize their work in the classroom in general. It doesn’t have to be a letter or a whole soliloquy, but a silly card with a teacher joke/pun is a great way to bring a smile to your teacher’s face.

You could also customize the message and theme the card based on the class they teach. So far, the most creative one I’ve seen is someone who wrote the words “Thank You” by using physics formulas! At the end of the day, even a simple doodle can brighten someone’s week during hard times.

Enough With the Mugs! Choose Markers Instead

The amount of mugs teachers receive as gifts needs to be studied! If you want to make your gift more thoughtful, replace the mugs for markers or other meaningful alternatives that they can use in the classroom. Teachers spend an unfathomable amount of money out of their own paychecks on stationery and classroom supplies every year. Giving them a gift like whiteboard markers, desk organizers, school supplies, or even a pack of those really good Amazon pens shows you put some thought into selecting a gift they can use. Trust me, you’ll become their new favourite student after this one.

If you’re confused about what your teacher would benefit from, you could also get them a gift card to a stationery store, or even Walmart! You can also go above and beyond and consider teaming up with your friends to create a mini gift basket, or Teacher Survival Kit featuring stationery, snacks, coffee, and teacher puns. Most of the time, the thought you put into the gift means more to your teacher than the actual gift itself.

Photo by Taylor Daugherty on Unsplash

A Short & Sweet Message/Email

This one is similar to the kind cards, but more simple and quick. Whether its on a sticky note, at the top of an assignment, or a short message at the end of an email, tell your teacher you appreciate them! You can thank them for their help in a specific class and provide an example, or leave to a simple “Thank you for all that you do!”

When emailing them for things like help on an assignment or an extension, ensure you are polite and end off the email with a message of gratitude. These small messages/acts of kindness can make a big impact in anyone’s life– not just your teacher’s.

Make A Thank-You Video

If you have the time, resources, and enough people willing to participate, you can make a short Thank-You video for your teachers. Ask your friends for permission to record a short clip of them saying thank you, or speaking about a specific memory with a teacher that they are grateful for. You can compile all these videos into a montage, and include some humor in it as well. Whether its a short clip of them saying a funny quote or an iconic Halloween costume of theirs (is it universal for Physics teachers to dress up as Gandalf?), your teachers will appreciate the time and effort you put into appreciating them.

Create A Class Collage/Poster

If your favourite teacher is leaving, or even if you just want to do something nice for a teacher you appreciate, consider making a collage or a poster with pictures of you and your classmates. You can collect signatures and get everyone to write small comments of gratitude on it as well, or even put it in a picture frame and gift it to your teacher that way. A group photo of your class with your teacher with signatures on the back is a great gift also. If your classmates/friends are willing to, you could all decorate a picture frame (or sign it) and put the poster in it, or just make it online and print it out like a card. This will become a heartwarming keepsake for your teacher to look at!

TL;DR

With Alberta teachers striking over low pay and tough working conditions, it’s a reminder of how underappreciated educators are, especially since they do so much more than teach. This Thanksgiving season, take time to thank your teachers for their impact on your life. Small acts of gratitude can go a long way! Here are some ideas:

  • Write a kind card: Share a heartfelt note or doodle to show appreciation.
  • Instead of mugs, gift supplies: Give meaningful gifts like markers, pens, or gift cards instead of another mug.
  • Send a short message: Add a quick thank-you at the end of an email or assignment.
  • Make a thank-you video: Gather friends to record clips of appreciation or funny memories.
  • Create a class collage: Collect signatures and photos for a thoughtful keepsake to give to your teacher.

Teachers shape our futures, let’s show them how much they mean to us!

What No One Tells You About Studying Effectively

Imagine this…

You have a biology exam tomorrow. Sheets and sheets of vocabulary and concepts to memorize lay before you, calling your name. “[Y/N!]*, [Y/N]! Study me!!!” You give in to their cries, and sacrifice the hours of the night studying like never before. 

 

The next day rolls around, with a new 7 hours of sleep debt weighing down your eyes. You ask around your peers if they’ve studied, scoffing at their pathetic 2-3 hour study times. The test is written and you wait for the results. 

 

Results come in, and the letter grade gazing back at you is challenging to comprehend. How is this possible? You look over at the puny 2-3 hour studiers. They got a higher grade than you. A fiery pool of volcanic rage overcomes you, how could this be?! 

 

Obviously, this situation is slightly exaggerated, but very possible. Fortunately, there is a way to fully avoid this spine-shuddering route. “The solution may not be to work harder, but more strategically.” 1

 

The Art of Studying

“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.” 2 – Sun Tzu, The Art of War 

 

Before the day of the exam, make sure all your gaps in knowledge in the subject are completely conquered. In this way, the exam will not be a piece of guesswork but rather a simple acknowledgement of your highly developed brain. 

 

The key to finding out what you don’t know is assessment.

  • Test yourself
  • Try explaining the topic to someone else
  • Review past papers
  • Use learning apps such as Quizlet

If you find yourself lacking knowledge in a certain area, focus on repairing that part. Don’t waste time excessively reviewing material you already understand. 

 

The Learning Pyramid

To ensure complete confidence over your knowledge, the Learning Pyramid 3 suggests that certain ways of testing your knowledge are more effective than others. Here is the list from most to least effective. The percentages represent how much the method will solidify the knowledge.

  1. Teaching Others (90%) 
  2. Practiced by Doing (75%)
  3. Group Discussions (50%) 
  4. Demonstration (30%)
  5. Audio Visual (20%) 
  6. Reading (10%)
  7. Lecture (5%)

 

The Grade 9 Humanities Teacher 

In grade 9, I had this incredible humanities teacher. She would give us fun projects, teach the class in an engaging way, make us exercise when nobody knew the answer, but most importantly remind us to review material every single day. 

 

As you’ve probably heard many times before, the brain is like a muscle. Without letting it rest, limited gains will be made, as rest time is peak time for muscle growth. Your muscles don’t grow while you’re exercising. 

 

Review is a healthy dose of intensity for your brain to effectively remember things without spending a crazy amount of time. Doing it regularly builds more long-term knowledge than a late night cram would. In other words, spacing out your study sessions will improve long term memory. 6

 

TL;DR 

There are many tricks and strategies to improve studying efficiency that few are aware of. To become an elite student, follow these tips. 

  1. Master your knowledge. Leave no room for guesswork on your exams.
  2. Follow the Learning Pyramid to make the most of your study time.
  3. Review daily. 

With these secrets now passed down to you, I wish you luck, student. I hope your upcoming biology exam will return wonderful and glorious. 

*Y/N stands for Your/Name

Sources

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

The Alberta Teacher Strike

Overview/ Why it matters

The Alberta teacher strike is affecting many Albertans including parents,students,teachers, and government officials. In October 2025, Alberta saw its first-ever provincewide teacher strike, with more than 51,000 teachers walking off the job and nearly 740,000 students affected across public, Catholic, and francophone schools. The Alberta Teachers Association (ATA) led the strike after teachers overwhelmingly rejected a tentative deal from the provincial government. Educators voiced frustration over frozen wages, overcrowded classrooms, and insufficient supports for students. This strike is important because it reveals the growing tension between teachers and the government regarding working conditions and the quality of education. It also reflects broader national concerns about teacher burnout, lack of funding, and the long-term stability of Canada’s education system.

Timeline

The strike began on October 6, 2025, after 89.5 percent of teachers voted against the government’s latest offer. In the days that followed, thousands of teachers across the province participated in picket lines and rallies. The government quickly called for mediation, but the ATA rejected the proposal because class size limits were excluded from the discussion. By mid-October, Premier Danielle Smith announced plans to form an education commission to review the school system once the strike ended. On October 17, the government made November diploma exams optional for high school students due to missed classes. As of mid-October, negotiations remain stalled, with the ATA refusing to return to work until class size caps and working environments are included in talks.

Issues and Demands Proposed By Teachers

The teachers main concerns center around wages, classroom sizes, and the lack of support for students with more learning needs. Teachers argue that their pay has not kept up with inflation or the rising cost of living, leaving many struggling to manage financial pressures. They also demand enforceable limits on class sizes, claiming that overcrowded classrooms make it harder to give students individual attention. Another key issue is the lack of educational assistants and mental health supports, which makes it challenging for teachers to meet diverse student needs. The ATA’s goal is to secure not just a fair compensation but also structural changes to improve the learning environment for all students and teachers.

Developments Following The Teacher Strike So Far

Since the strike began, both sides have faced a lot pressure to find a solution. Teachers have missed multiple pay periods, and the ATA has begun covering limited benefits for striking members. The government offered a 12 percent wage increase over four years, but the union rejected it, saying it does not address class complexity. Talks have since reached a standstill. The government’s proposal for mediation was also declined, as it excluded key teacher demands. In response to disruptions, the Ministry of Education made November diploma exams optional, aiming to reduce academic stress on students. Premier Smith has promised to review the education system after the strike ends, suggesting longer-term changes may be considered once the conflict is resolved. Although, teachers want their needs to be talked about before they go back to work.

Student Risks

Students are among the most affected by the ongoing strike. Many have lost valuable instructional time, which could affect their understanding of core subjects and their preparedness for exams. Students who rely on classroom structure or additional support services face even greater challenges. In high school, the uncertainty surrounding diploma exams and missed coursework has caused significant stress. Younger students may also experience disruptions in learning routines, potentially affecting literacy and numeracy development. If the strike continues, gaps in learning may widen, particularly for those who require consistent, specialized support.

Students also now have an overly large amount of free time, which can disrupt their schedules and leave them without productive activities to stay occupied. This excess free time may lead some students toward unhealthy habits or risky behaviour. Grade 9 and Grade 6 students, in particular, may feel anxious and unprepared for their Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs), while high school students do not have enough time to properly learn the material they need for diploma exams, whether those exams are optional or not. Some students may need to pay for private tutoring to catch up, which can create extra financial stress for families.

In addition, the loss of daily social interaction with classmates and teachers can negatively affect student’s mental health and overall wellbeing. Social interaction at school plays a key role in emotional development and confidence. The cold weather during this time of year also limits outdoor activities, and some parents, especially those working full-time, may prefer their children stay indoors for safety. This reduced activity and isolation can harm student’s physical and mental health. For high school students (especially those in Grade 12) these disruptions could mean missing out on the education they need to successfully complete their diplomas and prepare for future careers.

Risks for Teachers

Teachers face financial, emotional, and professional risks during the strike. With no salary during the job action, many are experiencing financial strain. Although the ATA is covering some benefits, it is not enough to replace lost income. Teachers also face stress from being away from their students and uncertainty about when classes will resume. Additionally, prolonged strikes can strain relationships with parents and the public, as some may blame educators for the disruption. However, teachers believe the long-term benefits of improved classroom conditions outweigh these short-term risks.

Comparing to Other Canadian Teacher Strikes, How Is this Different?

Teacher strikes have occurred in several Canadian provinces, but Alberta’s 2025 strike stands out for its scale and timing. In Ontario’s 2019–2020 strike, teachers protested against larger class sizes and mandatory online learning, eventually reaching a partial agreement. In British Columbia’s 2014 strike, teachers fought for class size limits and later won a Supreme Court case that restored those rights. Quebec’s 2023 strike focused primarily on wage increases and workload relief. Alberta’s strike is unique because it combines both financial and structural demands, such as teachers wanting fair pay and change to address the classroom environment . It is also the first time in Alberta’s history that all public, Catholic, and francophone teachers have united in a single, provincewide action.

Conclusion

The 2025 Alberta teacher strike marks a major turning point in the province’s education system. It has exposed deep frustrations among educators about underfunding, oversized classes, and inadequate amount student supports. While the government emphasizes responsibility, teachers insist that the quality of education is at stake, and that if the government agrees with their terms, there will be a long term difference for student’s learning in the near future. There are many concerns the government will also have to overcome to achieve these negotiations. Although, the outcome of this strike will likely shape future negotiations not only in Alberta but across Canada. Whether through compromise, mediation, or legislation, the resolution will influence how governments and educators work together to maintain both fairness for teachers and stability for students

Citations

Biodiversity Loss – A serious problem Earth is Now Facing

0

Our beautiful planet Earth is known for its variety of rich ecosystems where a diverse range of species are found and coexist peacefully. Did you know that it is estimated that there are more than 8.7 million different species on our planet? That’s wild! The majority of these species are undiscovered, meaning they are unknown to us. The extreme amount of biodiversity is what makes ecosystems healthy and our planet functional. However, in recent years, there have been species that have become endangered or completely extinct, threatening our planet’s diversity. This is known as biodiversity loss.

What is Biodiversity Loss?

Biodiversity loss is the decline in the variety of life on Earth. According to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, it is estimated that up to 150 different biological species are lost every day. Biodiversity loss happens in the form of the extinction of a species due to a variety of reasons. 

What are the reasons for this to happen?

The majority of the causes for biodiversity loss are human-made. Reasons include habitat loss, climate change, pollution, the introduction of invasive species and much more. Habitat loss is one of the leading causes of biodiversity loss as it involves using natural habitats for human use. Many forests and natural lands, home to a variety of animal species, are being destroyed for human use, such as infrastructure. 

Climate change, a cause for many global issues, is also a major reason for biodiversity loss. Rising temperatures cause major disruptions in the lifestyle of many different species, which slowly forces them out of their natural habitats.

Pollution, another cause of biodiversity loss, is produced from various human sources like pesticides and plastics, which contaminate the air, soil and water that is used by many endangered species. Another major reason for biodiversity loss is invasive species. This is when non-native species are introduced to an ecosystem, which disrupts natural ecosystems and causes competition among species for resources. Other human causes for biodiversity loss include overfishing, overhunting, deforestation and much more.

How does Biodiversity loss affect us and the planet?

Biodiversity loss is a serious issue that affects not only the natural ecosystems but also us humans. First and foremost, biodiversity is the key for ecosystems to run safely in many aspects. For example, biodiversity is vital for soil health as there are various species which help keep soil fertile and rich in nutrients for others to use. Biodiversity loss also affects the medicine industry significantly, as many vital medicines are created from various niche herbs and plants that are slowly becoming threatened. Biodiversity helps the environment in various ways, and it is important to maintain it and take steps to prevent biodiversity loss.

What can we do to prevent Biodiversity Loss?

There are lots of ways we can help promote and increase biodiversity. Here are the main ways we can help prevent biodiversity loss:

    1. Advocating for sustainable energy production: Choosing renewable and safer alternatives for producing energy, like solar and wind, will significantly help prevent the biodiversity loss we are facing now.
    2. Spend your time volunteering at local animal shelters and projects that aim to promote biodiversity.
    3. Reducing your carbon footprint: Pollution and carbon emission is a major reason for biodiversity loss. So taking steps like using public transportation and shopping locally reduces the amount of harmful gases we emit into our atmosphere.

Sources: 1, 2

A Guide to Journalling

The digital world has become an incredible and expansive source of communication for anyone. To truly seek the innovative technologies and inventions that have the power to define a society to an individual’s understanding of their relationships or ability to cultivate them, social media apps have become the go-to. But for those who are easily overwhelmed by scrolling through their snaps, 99+ notifications, or fall victim to doomscrolling, they would naturally need to find a hobby or creative outlet that readily stabilizes their dopamine levels. And myself, I came across journalling. 

The branches of journalling….

Journalling doesn’t have an exact structure, it could be writing thoughts of gratitude or reflection in the morning and evening, or combining scrapbooking and drawing to remember a highlighted memory. But it does wonders for the mood-thought-action process in day-to-day lives. I bought a creative journal from Michael’s and started decorating from October of last year, investing my time into printing images and photos, or just having check-ups with myself. The Stream of Consciousness is in fact, very useful, to have a brain dump when you’re truly exhausted. You dip your toes in mindfulness and acknowledgment of things you may have been uncertain of for all this time.

It sometimes may not be directed to yourself in an unsent letter, but another person whom you haven’t raised questions about and still have yet to confess or confirm your thoughts about in the present or past that came over. All people sometimes need is closure, but are also likely to deny it in case of getting your feelings hurt. A lot of what’s stored in our bodies are connected to the psyche through events that cause negative emotions or trauma. Being the first to step forward and strive in accountability is what it takes to truly move on from things that block us from reaching our potential in any area of life. We just have to pick ourselves up.

It’s an activity that you can easily define for whatever interest (s) you have, you may keep a journal for hidden recipes or your fashion wishlist, making it a lot more personal and closer to who you are. Your journal can consist of accomplishments or be where your internal monologue shines. It never has to feel complete or feel like anything, it stores what you’d like to keep away from others or a blueprint for the life you want. Starting over and flipping a new page is supposed to arise an unfamiliar feeling with a weight to it.

Personally I like doing everything written. That way it feels more comfortable and real to me, I like to call it the journey to personal growth, but also as a reminder that growth does not exist everyday. Writing about how my day went to documenting shopping for snacks and delicious drinks is perfect for where I am and boosts the nostalgia factor either way. I journal to explore my personal voice in my writing or to practice it for like at most 5 minutes.

Journalling might not be for everyone and that is okay. However, don’t just give up after a day but maybe after a week to see whether or not you rather try something else. You can still come back even after months of not doing it, and then you still start. Therefore no linear or ideal path exists.

Journals over time have also improved our understanding of historical events, such as The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank during the holocaust, and the window to an individual’s life and mind with Frida Kahlo’s personal diary. 

How to get started – if you decide to go for it

  1. Understand the purpose of your journal and write it down on the first page or wherever you can see it first when you open it up
  2. Write down any goals or aims for journalling on the first page, or just some of your personal goals
  3. Plan how often you would write (every day, every weekend, etc.) – being consistent is integral to any growth or progress made
  4. Decorate the journal so it feels that it belongs to you, or find a way to be able to have fun with it.
  5. Set reminders on your calendar or with someone else at certain times (Morning > evening for me, but any time is fine!)
  6. Take inspiration from things to partake in like scrapbooking days (maybe getting something off your bucket list?) or journalling prompts for an entire month
  7. Enter a state of calm and meditation to get rid of as much outside noise as possible, but still continue to write down even with the occassional distractions
  8. Give yourself time and then just write about anything – something that has been on your mind or how your day is going so far

AI in Education – Benefits and Limitations

0

 

When classrooms go dark, the glow of the screen promises strong learning. But how much of education can AI and the Internet really replace?

With the Alberta Teachers’ Strike going strong on its second week, thousands of students aren’t able to go to school. While it gives a great opportunity for students to take an early fall break, it’s also a massive interruption in their learning. To supplement missed classroom time, the government has provided worksheets for students at home, and left online education platforms like D2L open.

However, this shift toward online learning feels familiar. It’s almost like the COVID pandemic, with students learning from home in a more isolated environment. Video recordings and powerpoint presentations can only go so far, so many are also leaning on AI to assist.

Benefits of AI

Much of classroom learning has been geared toward pulling students away from utilizing artificial intelligence for fear of plagiarism and unreliable information. These worries are for good reason, as will be discussed later on, but AI is meant to be a tool above all. So why not use it as such?

Live-Time Tutoring

AI explains and digresses well. Confusing concepts, especially abstract ones in physics and chemistry, can be easily broken down by a machine model. You can also continue to ask it questions if its’ analogies don’t make sense.

Interactive Reading

If you’ve seen any of my Advice posts before, you’ll know that I’m not the biggest fan of passive reading as a method of revision. But with AI tools, you can read interactively. This makes textbook learning an active endeavor instead of falling asleep and drooling over the page.

Use AI to:

  • define key terms
  •  make summaries
  • identify themes in literary readings

Study Planning and Time Management

Not a new one for us COVID timers who spent the year learning at home, but it’s definitely my favorite use of AI. If you’re new to the structure though, this can take a while to learn because there essentially is no structure. It’s up to students to keep themselves disciplined, and for those of us who haven’t done that before it can be quite difficult.

Use AI to create study schedules that match around your personal productive periods, your afternoon slumps, and sleep schedule. The best part about using AI for this is that it’s fast, efficient, and personalized. It can also prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines.

AI’s Limitations in Education

That having been said, it’s critical not to rely too much on AI in the process of learning. As the digital age continues to push youth toward ever-shorter attention spans, learning deeply cannot be done in Tik-tok video speed. We need to remain careful with our uses of technology during the rise of AI because it affects how we function and how we see society.

Cognitive Decline

Everyday AI use decreases critical thinking skills. Before AI, when the internet was the main source of information, students would have to actually find the answers they were looking for in the vast digital internet archives. You’d have to comb through the thousands of search results to find the answer you were looking for, and then have the common sense to evaluate whether or not this information was reliable.

Now, we just ask Copilot.

A lot of the critical thinking that goes into searching, identifying, and evaluating resources is lost when we ask for exactly what we need and trust the information given to us immediately.

We can mitigate the effects of cognitive decline using AI by:

  • fact check AI’s information
  • use AI to offer alternative viewpoints or challenge your thinking, rather than to think for you
  • try to solve problems and understand difficult concepts on your own before turning to AI tools

Inability to Communicate

It seems like 2/3 emails that I receive in my inbox are drafted by AI now. I also use AI to help draft emails when I need to improve my tone or clarity (I like to ramble, if you couldn’t tell).

However, an increased use of AI to digitally communicate with others eventually leads to an inability to write a message independently. Not only does it contribute to the cognitive decline mentioned formerly, but it also stops the need to communicate organically. Human connection is reduced even further.

There’s plenty of resources that can teach you to write a decent email. Heck, even use AI to generate an email template. Just don’t let it do the core of the communication; it’s a tool, not a replacement.

TL;DR

Learning to use AI is imperative to keep up with the times. More and more digital reliance is being built on generative bots and the ability to utilize them efficiently. They can help enhance education by explaining concepts, scheduling time, and refining communication. But be careful how you use these tools; if you become too reliant on them, you might eventually rely on AI to think, act, speak, and create for you too.

Protected: The Upcoming Calgary Municipal Election — Top Mayoral Candidates

0

This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below.

How To Compliment Someone In A Genuine Way

1

 

The purpose of a compliment is to express to someone your genuine admiration, appreciation, or respect for someone or something. However, I’ve felt that as I’ve grown up, especially as a girl, being complimented or complimenting someone has turned into somewhat of a social commission, an obligatory gesture intended to build connection rather than an honest expression. Whilst still very kind, I’ve found that compliments are becoming increasingly more vague, generic, and standard – ultimately taking away from their impact and meaning. In this article, I hope to share with you a couple things (things I am working on myself!) to help you elevate your compliments, and bring more authenticity to your words.

1. Be attentive, notice details

The most meaningful compliments I’ve ever personally received always feel very specific to me, a product of touchingly careful and thoughtful observations. When you compliment a specific detail about someone, it makes them feel seen on a deeper level than if you were to make a broad statement. It also will give them the impression that they are important to you, in the fact that you took that little bit of extra time to say something not only kind, but attentive.

ex.) instead of “nice outfit!”, you could say “I love your [accessory, article of clothing], the color/style/aesthetic really suits you!”

ex.) instead of “you’re so kind”, you could say “I really admire how you make everyone feel welcome, and how you treat everybody with so much patience”

2. Honesty – the truth doesn’t always hurt

I had mentioned briefly before that I felt as though compliments had become more of a social habit, rather than an authentic thought people chose to express. A compliment really doesn’t mean anything at all if you don’t. It’s easy to want to flatter somebody, and tell them what they want to hear, but I urge you to incorporate more sincerity in your character by keeping the things you say as honest as possible. My rule is, I’ll only give compliments I actually believe in to be true. If I have nothing nice to say, I simply won’t say it at all. This may sound like a blunt approach, but I actually find that it not only adds more weight to the words I do say, but also a refreshing clarity in my everyday life.

3. Don’t always default to appearance!

It’s easy to appreciate what you see, but the most meaningful compliments comment on the beauty of what you don’t see. Try and take the time to notice details about the qualities that make up who someone is. Traits like honesty, kindness, strength, courage and patience are often the lesser recipients of casual praise in our relationships and society – something I think we should make an effort to change.

ex.) “you’re such a thoughtful person.”

      “you put so much work and care into what you do.”

      “you’re really insightful, I love hearing your perspective on things.”

       “you bring really good energy into a room.”

So,  the next time you find yourself in the throes of mundane small talk, and you feel the urge to reflexively exclaim, “oh my gosh, you’re so pretty!“, to connect with someone you just met, direct your good efforts into thinking a little bit more, and speaking a little more sincerely. Giving a thoughtful compliment can not only make the receiver feel truly seen, but also provide the giver with quiet moments of appreciating what makes people so special, of gratitude.

 

Best Ways to Destress this Fall

Falling Leaves Bring Falling Serotonin

For some, the fall season marks the beginning of pumpkin spice lattes, rewatching Gilmore Girls, and spooky songs on repeat, but for others, it can also induce anxious feelings with busy school schedules, the looming pressures of holidays and the lack of vitamin D. In this blog, I hope to reduce some of these stresses by showing you some coping mechanisms and strategies to make sure your only worry this autumn is what your Halloween costume should be. 

Embrace the Chill

As the temperature begins to drop, it may feel tempting to seek the warmth of your house; however, even in the cold, going outside is essential. One of the biggest reasons individuals tend to feel more groggy and worse during the colder seasons is a lack of Vitamin D. Especially living in a place as cold as Calgary, Fall is the perfect time to take advantage of the beauty the city has to offer, as the leaves change colour and before the freezing blizzards approach. 

This fall season, try taking a walk along the Bow River at Bowness Park or one of the other beautiful public parks in the city. Or, venture outside the city and visit nearby U-Pick farms like Saskatoon Farm, located just outside the city, to truly embrace the fall aesthetic.

Creativity in the Creepy

No matter the season, trying out a new hobby or revisiting an old passion that utilizes your creativity is great for your mental health.  Practicing creative skills is a great method for stress relief, boosts self-esteem and is a perfect excuse to hang out with your friends. There are so many ways you can channel your inner artist and your inner and embrace the spookiness of the season through these fall-themed creative activities.

Pumpkin carving is a great way to test your craftsmanship and dabble in spooky activities. Or try printing with leaves to create a beautiful array of natural patterns. 

Indulge In Some Autumnal Eats

Eating well is the key to a healthy mind. Pumpkin is a super food and is extremely high in vitamins like A, C and E, as well as being extremely fibrous and good for your gut health. This autumn, try some new pumpkin-based meals and nourish your body and mind!

Some examples include making a creamy pumpkin sauce for any pasta dish or making a delicious pumpkin oatmeal cookie.

Conclusion

Even if summer is your favourite season, that doesn’t mean the colder seasons should bring you down. Instead, try these fall activities that are sure to be mood boosters!

Robotic Bees: The New Buzz

0

Have you ever thought of life without food? What if animals are replaced with robots? What is the possibility of global extinction of insects? These questions are growing in prominence as we start to notice the decline of bees in our ecosystem, and researchers are investigating robotic solutions. As we address this global problem, we need to begin brainstorming solutions as a society. One of the most discussed solutions as of today is Robopollinators. Through various universities and research facilities, this groundbreaking innovation has the possibility of changing the agricultural system forever. Dive into this article as we explore how one innovation can impact human life.

What is the Role of Bees in Our Lives?

Bees are an essential part of our ecosystem, as they support nearly every aspect of life on Earth. Their key role in pollinating flowers allows for the reproduction of several crops, which turn into the delicious fruits and vegetables we devour. Nearly one-third of the food production globally depends on pollinating bees. Their role is often overlooked, while many people believe they are only important for honey production. Without bees, farmers would struggle to produce enough yield to supply food markets, leading to a rise in grocery prices on a global scale. Unfortunately, the issue of the extinction of bees is aggravated due to increased use of pesticides in agriculture, along with urbanization and uncertain droughts from climate change.

Pixabay. By CharlVera. Published on August 1, 2023

What are Robotic Pollinators?

The structure of a bee is versatile and complex in which enables its ability to maneuver, detect smells and use its visual field to communicate and fly to different flowers. Copying this into a robot is difficult; however, the latest technologies have allowed robotic bees to collect and transfer pollen with a moderate visual field programmed into each autonomous drone. These robotic bees range in size from 3-3.5 cm; however, various robotic pollinators can be much larger depending on the complexity of their mechanical design and computational abilities. In terms of pollination, the robotic bees consist of an ionic liquid gel and gel-coated fibres, which easily pick up pollen and implant it into other flowers.

Pixabay. By Schnapp_schuss. Published on August 15, 2023.

Popular Robotic Pollinators:

MIT’s Robotic Bee:

MIT’s robotic bees are one of the latest robotic bee innovations, which hover for 1000 seconds at a time. This new technology is 100 times better than previous models. One of the key design features is the actuators, which allow the robotic wings to resemble the maneuverability of a bee! The wing structure has artificial muscles, which also contribute to an accurate flight path. For example, the wings flap up to 400 times per second! Unlike previous robot designs, this bee weighs less than a paperclip, which helps increase efficiency and airtime. Some cool functions that this MIT bee can do are spell MIT in the air and perform double somersaults. While these bees are highly talented, they struggle to perform in hazardous environments, for example, harsh wind, severe rain or vertical farm areas. Additionally, the end goal for MIT innovators is to create a bee which can try its best to perform the intricate tasks of a natural bee with the ability to make decisions.

BloomX/BumbleBeeAI:

This robot is created with the help of biomimicry and artificial intelligence to help pollinate crops. This machine uses the cross-pollination mechanism to distribute pollen throughout the crops. The system uses electrostatic forces to move the pollen from different parts of the crops. The main use of this machine was to increase the production of blueberries and avocados, as they are more expensive and limited in the agricultural industry of South America.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Robotic Bee Prototype

This robotic drone uses a lithium battery and 3D printed components to map out what the ideal drone functions should include. This prototype aims to create an independent robot which can last long hours with a battery. The aim of Nitin Sanket, a robotics engineer professor, and their team is to incorporate solar power and biodegradable material; as a result, this can reduce the environmental footprint of the robotic bees. This unique plan, beyond just bee pollination, can inspire other projects to incorporate environmentally friendly components into a multifunctional robotic bee.

Pixabay.By FrederickSnr. Published on January 19, 2023.
Pixabay. By FrederickSnr. Published on January 19, 2023.

What’s Next?

While these robot bees are a great alternative to increase crop production, manufacturers need to consider the environmental implications. For instance, the metal used for these robots has to be mined, which increases pollution. Additionally, products like the lithium battery and waste produced by destroyed robotic bees are not biodegradable. As a result, the material can harm animals and impact the soil.

In summary, robotic bees are a growing technology which can unlock new agricultural systems and facilitate the growing global population. Depending on how they are manufactured, these bees have the potential to replicate natural bees and increase pollination globally.

TLDR;

  • Bees are an essential part of human life: they help grow crops
  • Researchers are trying to innovate a new pollination method
  • MIT has invented a Robotic Bee which stays in the air for up to 1000 seconds
  • Other robotic bees and prototypes are using different strategies to replicate pollination

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8