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“Chinese” New Year

Katie Kim
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February 19th is the Lunar New Year. Most people commonly know this day as the Chinese New Year, but actually, Lunar New Year is shared by several countries and regions in Asia and goes far beyond the Chinese community.

 

This is, how Koreans celebrate Lunar New Year:

 

Food

Koreans eat “ddukguk.” This is a soup with “dduk” or rice cakes. Sometimes it will have “mandu” or dumplings.

 

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image source

 

New Year’s Eve

On New Year’s Eve, the women in the neighborhood will get together to make the rice cakes and dumplings for the entire family the next day. In Korea, on a traditional holiday, extended families get together, usually at the head (oldest) family.

 

Ancestor Worship

Originally from Chinese Confucianism, Koreans practice ancestor worship. Before breakfast (consisting of ddukguk), a table is set for the ancestors. There are foods such as rice, apples, kalbi (barbequed meat marinated in soy sauce based sauce), dried chestnuts, and much more. Families place either pictures or names of ancestors on the table behind the food.

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Once the table is set, a spoon is stuck in the middle of the rice. The belief is that dead spirits can only eat with a spoon that’s stuck in rice. The entire family gathers in front of the table. From oldest to youngest, each person in the family pours rice wine in a cup. Sometimes, to expedite the process, only the oldest members of the family pour the ancestor a drink. (In Korea it is respectful to pour the drink to the elder. It is also disrespectful to refuse a drink from an elder). After pouring the drink, each person, or each generation does a traditional bow towards the picture/name of the ancestor. This process is similar to a funeral and should be taken extremely seriously.

 

Bowing for Money

Once this is done, the youngest generations bow while wishing them a happy new year to the adults for money. Each aunt and uncle will give the kids a sum of money.

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5 romantic movies for February

Zoey Liu
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Since Valentine’s Day is in February, the “most people watched” list is filled with romance films and Valentine’s Day related movies. At the first glance, they might seem like cliché chick flicks (which most are), however, these movies are really very enjoyable.

Here are my 5 top movies for February:

1. The Best of Me

The Best of Me is based on the famous novel by Nicholas Sparks, who is well-known American novelist and producers. Without of spilling any juicy details, the best of me is about an oil rig worker Dawson Cole and his touching relationship with his old high school love Amanda Collier when they returned to revisit their small hometown after the death of a common friend.

The Best of Me

 

2. The Vow

Another movie that’s based on Nicholas Sparks’ book, the vow is a tear- jerking movie starring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams. What would you do if the love of your life forgot about you? The Vow is based on the journey of a husband trying to win his wife back after a terrible car crash which wiped her memory of him.

The Vow

3. The Notebook

Even though this is an relatively older movie compared to the others on this list, the Notebook is an all time classic story. This story begins when a poor but passionate young man falls madly in love with someone totally out of his league- a beautiful rich girl. However, they soon find themselves separate by the social differences which is turns their relationship into complete chaos.

The Notebook

4. Just Go With It

Blackmailed by the son of his loyal assistant, the famous surgeon is going to Hawaii with his loyal assistant as his “in process of divorcing ex-wife” and his young and sexy girlfriend. What could go wrong? And what will he learn through his trip?

Just Go With It

5. The Proposal

Margaret Tate, the big time editor is getting deported back to Canada….unless she marries an American citizen. By threatening to put her assistants editor dream on the line, they are getting fake married! Starred by Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, the movie is hilarious!

The Proposal

 

 

 

 

My February favorites – artists to watch

Paskalina
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There is nothing I depend on more than good, quality music. I find myself constantly hungry to find new artists to listen to, though sometimes it can be quite difficult and time consuming to forage around for a couple of new tunes. When I do find these new gems, however, you may find me listening to them on repeat – and I’m sure you would too when that happens to you. So, to shorten some of your search for music this month, I have gathered an array of my favorite songs for February. They are (and in no particular order) a collection of relatively new independent artists who range from indie-rock to electronic and pop. Put these in the background of whatever you are doing and enjoy!

 

1. Purity Ring

Megan James (vocals) and Corrin Roddick (instrumentals) are an electronic music duo who formed to create Purity Ring in 2010. They have both originated from Edmonton and are about to release their second album, Another Eternity, on February 27. Keep a look-out for them because they are stopping at Calgary on June 2nd for their 2015 World Tour!

 

2. Kishi Bashi

Kishi Bashi is a self-recorded and self-produced project by Kaoru Ishibashi. Kaoru is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter born in Seattle and raised in Virginia. After studying classical music and becoming a renowned violinist, he has since recorded and toured with various other artists including Regina Spektor and the Athens.

 

3. Vallis Alps

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSwCr112PsA

Vallis Alps are a duo who are known for their dreamy, mesmerizing tunes. David, from Seattle, and Parissa, from Canberra, Australia together produce electronic music.

 

4. St. Vincent

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pirgE5ei8-c

Anne Erin, is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Originally from Oklahoma, Anne has since won Best Alternative Album in the Grammy Awards and Female Artist of the Year in PLUG Independent Music Awards. Her music is noted for her wide array of instruments and complex arrangements.

 

5. Freedom Fry

An indie-pop band from Los Angeles, Freedom Fry is a group composed of Parisian-born Marie Seyrat and American Bruce Driscoll. They have first started in 2011 and are continuing to release singles, with Shaky Ground being the most recent one.

 

6. Bombay Bicycle Club

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esCaQdrx9l4

Bombay Bicycle Club are an English indie-rock band consisting of Jack Steadman (lead vocals, guitar, piano), Jamie MacColl (guitar), Suren de Saram (drums) and Ed Nash (bass). The group has experimented with various genres including including folk, electronica, world music, and indie rock. Though this is a remix, you can find the original song here.

 

7. Blood Orange

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXBJ-DnbAdg

Under the pseudonym Blood Orange, Devonté Hynes is a singer/songwriter who is known to experiment with his music styles. Hynes’ music style ranges from alternative to electronic Indie Pop.

 

8. Sylvan Esso

Singer Amelia Meath (of Mountain Man) and producer Nick Sanborn (of Megafaun) formed in 2013 and collaborated to produce an electropop duo.

 

9. Belgian Fog

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4esI3y1v6I

Robert Dale from Seattle creates a solo-production of Belgian Fog. His track, “Loveless Way” was released February of 2014 and is loved for its juxtaposition of melancholy lyrics and happy tune. The song melts into addictive 80s beats and synths reminiscent of an electro-pop style.

 

10. Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend is an American rock band from New York City who formed in 2006 and has since gained large popularity. The group describe their sound as “Upper West Soweto”; mixing preppy, well-read indie rock with joyful, Afro-pop-inspired melodies and rhythms. [source]

 

Featured image source

Red As Seen by a Blind Man: an original poem

Elene Otte
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0

Every once in a while it’s important to freeze for a moment and take a good look at the world around us. This poem stemmed from the ever theoretical question, ‘how can we explain something to someone who has no knowledge of it?’ Explaining red to a blind man is the common paradox. Explaining something that can only be known. But I would argue that red is merely a word, the meaning behind it is what makes something important. Have a read and comment what you guys think 🙂

Hello said the first man
To a blind man beside him
How are you the blind man replied
Holding his white cane thin

I’m quite well
The young man replied
But the sky seems so sad today
And I’m not sure why

Is rain coming?
The blind man questioned
Are the clouds rolling in?
Is it thunder that threatens?

[Image Source]

No not at all
The man quickly said
The sky is just angry
The sky is just red.

The sun that is setting
Streaks across the sky
Reminds me of war
A shrill battle cry.

Don’t tell me of red
The man said with a smile
Show me of red
I’ll be here for a while.

So the man breathed deep
Leaned back against the wood
Thought of red memories
To share if he could.

The blind man looked at him
And the other man could almost swear
That he was looking right into his mind
And at the thoughts that were living there.

“You can win war no more than you can win an earthquake.” [Image Source]

The man sighed again
And broke the eye contact
So he could begin to share
What he knew to be fact.

Red is of war
Innocent blood spilled
Lives that I have taken
Against my will.

For this pathetic country
The sacrifices that I’ve made
When they do nothing in return
But give me a wave.

The wave of dismissal
A red shadow
Silhouette of the sun
Released from what I owe.

My debts my burdens
All come crashing down
It leaves my ears ringing
All the red sound.

Red is the colour
You see before dark
When everyone’s gone
When the contrast is stark.

When the difference is drawn
Like a line in the warm sand
Between them and us
Determining kind or cruel hand.

Red is the colour
Of menacing flame
That reaches to you
Your life to claim.

[Image Source]

Red is danger
Do turn back
Red is warning
Of attack.

So run from red
While you still can
I’ll even help you
Here’s my hand.

We’ll get you home
Safe from the red
Away from outside
Here instead.

Hello there
A third voice broke through
I couldn’t help but notice
And wanted to say something too.

For I see red differently
Not quite the same
For me red is joyful
And definitely not a pain.

The sky is quite beautiful
And anguished tonight
Yearning for lost love
A tragic sight.

Red is the colour
Of that ping you hear
When a friend is calling you
When a friend is near.

Red is the colour of life
That fades when we leave
It is what keeps us going
It is what I will grieve

When it too has faded
From my own cheeks
The warmth of words forgotten
That I now speak.

Well yes red is the colour of flame
Dancing in coals of fire
Tongues licking embers
Burning with desire.

Perhaps red is danger
But it also holds chance
To participate in life’s
Intricate and complex dance.

Red is the colour of love
The cherry lips of a lover
It’s the feeling you get inside
When you’re a good kind of smothered.

Held in a hug
You wish would never end
Held close when needed most
By brother or by friend.

Red is the colour of excitement
Of adventure
When things seem fun
But certainly unsure.

It’s the taste of strawberries
Fresh from the field
The reaping of reward
Of one’s yield.

[Image Source]

Yes red brings death
But it also brings life
And only the limit of time
Can bring meaning to this life of mine.

So yes, that is red
I know this to be true
For I’ve lived my whole life
Knowing this through and through.

The blind man just stared
Stared for a while
He thought for a moment
Then started to smile.

His smile grew wider
Bigger than most
His insightful unseeing eyes
Glanced at the two both.

Both so different
Yet so the same
Each one with a story
A different pain.

So as this blind man walked
Home with his two friends
He thought to himself
What a wonderful end.

How does difference bring us together
Though it’s often seen as bad
When there’s so much to be gained
From different perspectives had.

[Featured image source]

Youth of YYC: Julie, 17

Wentao
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Youth of YYC: Julie, 17

YouthofYYC41

“I feel content reading. It opens your soul to comprehend the world in ways you weren’t aware of before.”

– Julie, 17

Weekly Pinterest Top 10 (#6)

Ailin Li
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Pinterest 6

{Original Image}

Just as every other week, this week I present to you some amazing finds on Pinterest. The selection process is never easy, and I feel like the world’s worst children’s sports team coach when I say this, but all my Pins are “top 10” worthy in my eyes. This week, I have some really cool decorating and DIY ideas, as well as pictures that are sure to generate some thought. For all the previous posts in this series, you can visit the links provided: Weekly Pinterest Top 10 #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5.

{Art}

art

I’ve seen tons of images on the internet with people turning cartoon characters, but this is the largest collection I’ve seen, by far. These are some of the best drawings I’ve seen and it also makes me wish that they were real, or that some spinoff show with these characters.

{Beauty}

beauty

To be honest, I had never even considered that most of these products had expiration dates. Now that I think of it, it makes sense that they do. What I like to do to remember when I bought each of my products is to put a label on it, or write on with permanent marker, the date of purchase. It probably isn’t the end of the world if you use any of these things past the expiration date, but it probably isn’t the best idea.

{Decor}

decor

As university draws closer and closer, my mind wanders closer to potential decorating options. I need my living and working space to feel and look good, but I also like the versatility of “rental decor” so I can change things up every once in a while. These tips are also useable for non-renters who are looking to maximize space or just redecorate without making a big mess.

{Fashion}

fashion

Today isn’t the day to talk about body image, but I’m gonna start off by saying that every body type should be embraced. We are past the point of simple terms like “hourglass” or “apple”. I mean, how can inanimate objects who don’t have bodies define what our human bodies look like? Knowing if you’re long, short, wide, etc. of every part and how your proportions relate to one another is an essential part to dressing properly and in a flattering way.

{Food}

food

I am one of those people who are chronically dehydrated and I often forget to drink water throughout the busy days. But we can all make time to have a few snacks, so why not make them fruits which contain water in them? It kills two birds with one stone and helps fend off any hydration-related health problems.

{Hair}

hair

I know what you’re thinking, “Who has time to do their hair nowadays?” It can be tough when you wake up in the morning and don’t even have enough energy to brush your teeth, let alone do your hair, but this simple hairstyle won’t take more than a minute.

{Laugh}

laugh

There is actually an entire Instagram account dedicated to why kids cry. Some of the reasons will make you face-palm but at the end of the day, seeing these kids cry is still a bit hilarious.

{Live}

live

Now that we’ve all had a laugh, I’m here to make you cry. The full article features several of those “just girly things” (or whatever they’re called) paired with images of soldiers in the same situation. It just gives you a little bit of perspective on what’s important to us as a society. (But don’t feel too bad; I’m not judging anybody.)

{Love}

love

I just thought that this infographic was really cool because I hadn’t considered the origins of mythical beings before. I think that the spirits and other fairytale creatures (or whatever they like to call themselves) a culture adopts says something for the peoples’ values and ideals.

{Nails}

nails

Having weak nails is a terrible affliction that prevents many people from growing their nails longer than 2mm. It’s unbearable when I have a chip in my nail since it inevitably leads to the breakage of the entire nail. They grow pretty fast, so it’s not the end of the world, but it’s still irritating. This neat little trick is something I never would have thought about doing, on my own. It’ll be a quick fix for the next time this unfortunate event happens to you.

Hopefully you were able to find something in this post that made you laugh, inspired you, or just wasted a good few minutes of your time!

FTC: This is not a sponsored post, and all opinions are completely genuine. ♥

Top 5 benefits of Valentine’s Day (Dean’s playlist)

Dean
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Ah Valentine’s Day. The dreaded day for singles everywhere. The time where your couple friends are away with their beloved ones and then there’s you: sad, alone, hysterical maybe. Over the years, however, I’ve learned to appreciate Valentine’s Day for other moments. Be it the smallest or the biggest of venues, there’s always something to do on a day full of love. Let’s not waste any more time with introduction and get right into my list of the top 5 benefits of Valentine’s Day:

 

5) Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me

Yeah, I’m a Valentine’s kid. Being born on February 14th, as my friends constantly tell me, grants me with a giant heart, larger than the heart of the Grinch. And it’s such a blessing because I love caring for other people. Whether it’s true or not, I carry this reputation everywhere I go to every person I meet. Additionally, sharing a birthday with a day that demands to be spent with someone is never a problem. That means that I can always call some friends over to my house so that we can celebrate being single together. And I know what you’re thinking: “are you guys all eating ice cream and watching romantic movies haha” and you know what shussshhhhhhh we don’t do that… every time.

 

4) Maybe I can I buy that. Or maybe that. Oh wait…

Psshhhhhh. Who wants to blow their money on somebody anyway? This Valentines day, you can buy whatever you want and no one will judge. You’re not meeting any expectations from anybody, no specific gift that will swoon a heart. You can buy yourself a new game and delve into that universe without any outside distractions. You can literally throw your money and change around and no one will think you’re weird. If you’re single then who cares if you go into your local Superstore and buy ten boxes of chocolate? Exactly. And speaking of chocolate…

 

3) Nomnomnomnomnomnomnom 

Food is your best friend. Burgers, steaks, salads, cakes, sandwiches, candy, IT’S ALL YOURS. My Valentine’s Day one year was literally just going through my fridge and eating whatever was there, eating whatever I can make out of the freezer, clearing through my snack cabinet, and craving MORE. As if I cared that I gained some weight: it was my day. I had no one to impress but my taste buds and oh, were they satisfied.

 

2) Single friends. Single friends everywhere.

Unless you’re really unlucky one year which would actually be really sad, you’re not alone on Valentine’s Day. No one is alone (believe me, truly), no one is alone (believe me, truly). Anyone who has seen Into the Woods will get my reference. Now, instead of staring at your phone waiting for your crush to ask you out (it never works), call up one of your friends this weekend and arrange something. Go to each other’s houses for a simple party, go see a movie together like the new Spongebob or Jupiter Ascending, or check out any of the local events that might be going on in the city. Sure, spending time with your awesome self is great, but so is a day with a fellow single person. Maybe even call up as many friends as you can for one crazy, stupid day.

 

1) Netflix.

Do I need to explain myself? Really? If you can’t access Netflix, then YouTube is the same result. You can seriously survive this entire lonely weekend with Netflix as your best friend. Trust me ’cause that’s how last year worked.

Image Sources

Feature image

Success baby 

ALL THE THINGS

I DON’T SHARE FOOD

Buzz. Buzz everywhere

Ya’ll got anymore of them images?

Post High School Security Blanket

Serena Gadamsetti
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As teenagers growing up, we’re beginning to face daily struggles and pressures revolving around one question; what are we going to do with our lives? I can say my biggest fear is amounting to absolutely nothing. While I know (ok, strongly hope) that won’t happen; there is the slight, terrifying possibility it could. Which is alarming and I would probably cry.. But other than the typical norms we can file our futures away in; going to post secondary, having a family, raising said family, sending kids off to school, retiring, the suburban dream, and everything else in between; everything else in between can be the best parts of our lives. I feel like I have the most motivation to do something for myself, something enlightening and wonderful, when I’ve given up on everything else that I’m actually supposed to be doing. To put that into perspective, people will save for a trip they don’t need to take, but want to. They will stay up until 3am, even if they have to be up at 6am, just for the sake of spending more time with someone. Funny, huh? People will make time and put in effort for the things they want to, regardless of how busy their lives can be and what others say.

The talk of post secondary is on the tip of every tongue, that is, of every adult I know. I’m not necessarily a huge fan of high school, but I do appreciate the security blanket it envelopes me in. I envy those who know what they’re doing after high school, whether it be going to school or not, solely because I still want to venture out, wrapped up in something I can rely on. Though the chance of failure is much more real after high school, for those who have a plan, even if it doesn’t include college or university, they will work hard. People do not like to fail, it’s not in our nature no matter where we’re going or what we’re doing.

I had the liberty of interviewing a few of my friends in Grade 12, ready to graduate and begin life on their own; whether they have a structured plan, or not. I asked them all a series of questions to get a true perspective on how people view their plans and who has the most structure, versus the least and how confident they are in it.

 

Ethan, 17:10917895_1023708220976301_1159463493311431380_n

Q: In your final year of high school what have you learned the most and appreciate now?

A: “It’s better than Grade 11. My relationships have changed with a lot of people, because they have different interests and it isn’t really anyone’s fault. It’s a time to focus on yourself.”

Q: What do you want to do after high school?

A: “When I was really, really young I wanted to be a palaeontologist, a marine biologist in junior high, and in high school I’ve been thinking more about business. I’ve always been interested in the music scene. Like any other kid, being in business with a music company or a band was the dream.”

Q: Have you received a lot of pressure from your parents about post-secondary, and how has that influenced your decisions?

A: “My parents have talked about university, but I’ve always planned to go to school. I have been pressured, but to go is my decision. I don’t think I could not go to school, that’s too big of a risk to take.”

Q:When you’ve grown up, where do you see this plan putting you in life?

A: “Happiness counts more for a good life. I want it to be enough to make me happy and keep me happy. Jobs are more likely to hire you if you have a degree, even if the degree doesn’t relate to anything about the job.”

Erin, 17:FullSizeRender

Q: In your final year of high school what have you learned the most and appreciate now?

A: “I’ve learned a lot about having confidence and being independent, and not caring at all. Grade 11 mattered the most and now I’m worn out. Everyone’s annoying now and you really have to ignore it and focus on yourself. Now I know my core group of friends that I like to spend time with, I know I don’t need to make everyone happy. My family has gone through my changes with me, my relationship with them has changed, but they’re still there.”

Q: What do you want to do after high school?

A: “Four things I know I want to do. I want to work. I want to do theatre. I want to travel for a purpose, not to benefit myself but help people, and I want to get a lip piercing. I don’t know about university yet, it depends on this following year. So it is a possibility.”

Q: Have you received a lot of pressure from your parents about post-secondary, and how has that influenced your decisions?

A: “I’ve gotten so much pressure about university from my parents, mostly my mom. My mom always wanted me to do science and math, and she doesn’t even know if she wants me to do theatre anymore, and that’s my passion. I haven’t told her that I don’t know if I’ll go to university, or even if I really want to. My dad is really whatever about it. The pressure influenced me in the sense of considering all my options. The thought of not going to university didn’t even cross my mind until recently. If it isn’t where I should wind up, I don’t want to do it. It shouldn’t be necessary if it’s not where I’m supposed to go.”

Q: When you’ve grown up, where do you see this plan putting you in life?

A: “Not Canada, or even North America really. I want to still be able to help people. I know there’s a lot of theatre groups that help people and travel to give a positive message. A family would be nice for sure, maybe I’ll get married at 19, I don’t really want to date though.”

Sarah, 18:

10960034_950608061617871_1926231209035008884_oQ: In your final year of high school what have you learned the most and appreciate now?

A: “I’ve learned who is most important and I figured out what I wanted to do. I wish I hadn’t spent most of high school with one person. I realized that the majority of people now I won’t be close to in six months. It’s important to get through high school and have close friends but it’s still not ideal that I’ll lose a lot of my close relationships. It’s not ideal, but I now know what’s good for me and I know I don’t need to please everyone.”

Q: What do you want to do after high school?

A: “I want to travel all summer. Then I’m going to St. FX university in Nova Scotia for a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics. I’m excited to be around my family out there, and I want to get involved with theatre, it’ll be close to my dorm. I want to come back and travel more next year and find out what it’s like to be by myself.”

Q: Have you received a lot of pressure from your parents about post-secondary, and how has that influenced your decisions?

A: “They haven’t had any pressure on what I wanted to do because I chose a career path. I’m proud of myself for actually choosing it on my own and not based on what they want. It’s hard to move across the county and away from them. My parents didn’t start a college fund, and they said they’ll pay for me to go to school, but I’m trying to do what I can. I can’t say I was completely discouraged from my past career choices, but I know I should be doing what I’ve chosen now. The biggest thing for my parents was that I had a stable job and that’s hard to establish being an interior designer or an event planner.”

Q: When you’ve grown up, where do you see this plan putting you in life?

A: “I want to come back to Calgary, I couldn’t see myself living any where else. My dream job would be working at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. I want a big family, and I want to be involved in all my kids’ lives. If I needed to take a decade off from working just to be with them, I would. I want a family and I want to be married. The way I’ve been raised is the reason I’ve never doubted not going to university. I have a very structured life plan and I will always choose to follow it and be disciplined, but I will always want to be wild and have a free spirit.”

 

The thing I learned from these interviews is that sometimes people don’t need a secure plan to go out in the world. Everyone chooses a different path and it is ultimately the confidence one has in themselves and the hope that they won’t fail. If your passions are what drives you, it’s important to pursue them regardless of the lack of societal structure it holds. There is nothing wrong with wanting the structural norm. If discipline and structure is what you want, then pursue it. Pursue it, but never forget that everyone has the option to do whatever they want, providing they work hard to achieve it.

Some people have things figured out, and some need guidance to decide what’s right for them.

What to see in YYC: Weekend Preview February 14-16, 2015

Gayathri Menon
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After one exhausting week, it is finally time to relax and detox the brain from all the stress that has been clogging it. Yes, my dear readers, it is a long weekend. Days to sleep in, and of course, tons of opportunities to catch up with the city as it bustles with life. I have compiled for you a Weekend Preview, which lists the major events taking place this Valentine’s/Family Day weekend in Calgary.

Have you grabbed your calendars? Let’s go!

 

Chinese New Year Carnival

Chinese-New-Year-1

The Year of the Sheep is here, and to celebrate a new beginning, there is a carnival being held at Chinatown, and it’s free! It is a goldmine of culture as proud and talented individuals display their knack of vocal ability, dance, etc. Check out this website for more information.

Where: Chinatown

When: February 14th and 15th, 2015

Cost: Free!

 

Winterfest

winter_carnival_08_ice-01

 

Relax and stroll into Fort Calgary and be astounded by indoor carnival games and special shows in the theater. Hot chocolate will be served for free!

Where: Fort Calgary

When: February 16th, 2015

Cost: Free, but lunch at Upper Barracks cost $15 per adult and $10 per child.

 

Mythology of the Night Sky

Night-Sky-In-Yosemite-by-nimishgogri

Learn about the Greek interpretation of the February night sky this Valentine’s Day as Lisa Hughes from UofC’s Greek and Roman Studies department talks about how each constellation is significant to Greek and Roman cultures.

Where: Rothney Astrophysical Observatory

When: February 14th 2015 from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Cost: $20 per car

 

The Hobbit

Hobbit9

J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic is adapted into a puppet show, narrating the tale of Bilbo Baggins, who, despite not seeking adventure, finds himself in one. Masks, shadows and puppets are used to bring the classic to life. Don’t miss it if you are a fan of Tolkien’s works.

Where: Check out this website for more information.

When: February 6 to February 21, 2015
7:00 pm and 2:30 pm on weekdays and weekends respectively.

Cost: $20

 

This long weekend, you don’t have to sit on the cough and munch on snacks. Let me know how the events went! Reach out to me on Facebook and Twitter, or in the comments below!

My top 3 favourite sci-fi shows

Thalia
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O R P H A N  B L A C K

 I will never regret picking this show up. I was skeptical (I always am) but the more episodes I watched the more I became a fan. It grabbed my attention from the very beginning with it’s creative and compelling story line. Now, if you haven’t heard of this show yet I don’t know which rock you’ve been living under.

The main character, Sarah (Tatiana Maslany) finds Beth Childs (Tatiana Maslany) in the underground subway who is a mirror image of herself, but before she can ask her what was up and why she had her face, Beth jumped the tracks committing suicide. So naturally, of course, Sarah picks up her bags and shoes, and goes on to assume her identity. In inserting herself into the woman’s life she puts herself in the middle of tangled and sticky mess. As the episodes progress the mess is unraveled. Orphan Black is a show revolving around the idea of clones and human experimentation. Can you get more sci-fi than that?

The story line is amazing but you know what make’s it absolutely phenomenal? The main actress Tatiana Maslany. She plays not one, not two, not three, BUT EIGHT CHARACTERS (and counting). It’s mind blowing because I often forget when watching an episode that it’s one actress doing four times the extra work. Then there’s the characters  Art and Felix. Gosh the entire cast is just so talented.

I 100% recommend this show. It is just absolutely amazing. Also, guess what? It’s a Canadian show. Who says we don’t produce good stuff.

[Not on Netflix | SPACE]

 

 

F I R E F L Y

  This image says it all. I decided to watch it after hearing overwhelming amount of good reviews… oh boy where those reviews well earned.  The thing with this show is that you want to keep watching episode after episode but you also know you only have a limited amount of them. So you make up a plan to ration it over a long period of time. Then that plan goes ka-boom, you watch the entire series in one go, and you find yourself in a never ending period of despair.

I whole heartedly recommend this show.

Firefly stars Nathan Fillion as  Malcolm ‘Mal’ Reynolds, a captain in charge of an airship named Serenity with a makeshift crew that he picks up along the way. The world that Joss Whedon created here was exciting and enticing. It was an odd mix seeing a show that combined Old Western and Futuristic aspects but it worked. I am forever saddened that this amazing series never got renewed for a second season. The cliff hanger and the developed plot was surely leading to something spectacular.

To my fabulous surprise on one sunny day where I decided to stay indoors and brows Netflix instead, I found a thing. That thing, was a movie… picking up where the series left off. I sounded like a pterodactyl for a good five minutes. Serenity was a gem and a gift to the fans. I personally felt like it did give some resolution to a rather abrupt ending. Seeing the characters once more was really nice and the story did not fall short on expectations.

Just do yourself a favour, find out what you’re missing out on, and fix it.

[On Netflix]

 

M A R V E L ‘ S  A G E N T  C A R T E R

Peggy Carter will be the end of me.

You may have seen Carter before if you’ve watched Captain America. She was the gal that fell in love with Steve Rogers before he went super muscular and was crowned with his superhero title. What’s interesting about her as that she is not simply a love interest, a one time character whose only purpose was to support the main male character. Agent Peggy Carter is a highly trained individual in both the mental capacity and the physical. She will pummel who ever comes across her with a fist, a stapler, and  will make them regret ever underestimating her simply because she is a woman. That is a recurring theme in this show. She is a complete BAMF but her co-workers fail to acknowledge that because of her gender. So while Agent Cart deals with sexism, she is also solving the SSR’s case for them. This show screams “Girl Power” and it’s amazing. Peggy Carter is a fully realized female character. Her gender is definitely a major player in the plot but she is also recognized as an individual with personal missions and goals to conquer.

“These love scenes are so awkward ” @HayleyAtwell

The show is set in the 1940s so if swing music is your thing than you should definitely check this show out. The first song they played was “That Man” by Caro Emerald and it was like I hit the ‘Deal’ button. I knew from that moment that I was in it for the long haul. The ’40’s asthetic was undeniably an aspect that really drew me to this show. From what we know from the “present day” Marvel (Captain America, Captain America: Winter Soldier) and the past (Marvel’s Agent Carter) Peggy Carter had a very full and rich life. I’m dying to find out her story and seeing the gaps in the overarching story line fill little by little.

On a side note, you might want to follow Haley Atwell on Twitter. She is killing it over there.

[Not on Netflix | ABC]

 

 

For the fun of it, here are two other shows that you might want to have a gander at:

T H E  1 0 0

Another blogger, Audrey Niksic, did a post on the show when it was new. Check that out over here. From what I gathered from people who are all caught up (I haven’t started watching the second season) the plot gets more intense and more interesting.

[On Netflix | CW ]

 

M A R V E  L ‘ S  A G E N T S  O F   S  H I E L D

Another Marvel show? Yes they tend to be amazing. This show is absolutely lovely and I’ve come to find some of my favourite characters coming from here. It’s a must watch for any Marvel fan. If you saw the first Avenger’s movie and like myself, felt deeply saddened by Agent Phil Coulson’s death (maybe even cried), then I have more uplifting information than a face lift… HE’S ALIVE. Lovable “Son of Coul” (Thor humor) is back but not without consequences.

[Not on Netflix | CTV]

Sleep: How Much is Enough?

Paskalina
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Sleep can be a tricky thing for many people. Students, especially, may feel the burden of having to balance school and other social obligations on the plate. Studies show that teenagers need about 8 1/2 to 9 hours of sleep each night. But the reality is that, on average, teens manage only 7 to 7 1/4 hours of sleep. What with the responsibilities of homework, sports, and after school activities, it is no wonder that sleep is often sacrificed from the routine…

A common case of a sleep deprived student. – [image source]
Without enough hours of rest, your body will suffer more than just looking (and feeling) tired.

So what are some of the effects of sleep deprivation? First off, too many late nights will affect your mood. You may become more irritable, moody, and cranky. Also, you can find yourself frustrated and upset more easily. Your cognitive ability will suffer. This is where staying up late studying, ironically, takes it’s toll on you. Lack of sleep will mess with your attention, decision making abilities, reaction time, and creativity – all as you’d know, are essential for a successful day at school.

Lack of sleep affects your general well-being. – [image source]

So, if any of these behaviors seem familiar to you lately, try mending your sleep habits with these tips:

1) Find your sleep schedule. Regularity is key! Once you’ve established a time to sleep and a time to wake, your body will accustom to your pattern and help you fall asleep faster.

2) That being said, oversleeping on weekends disrupts your circadian system, (your body’s natural clock), and you’ll find it harder to return to it on Sunday night. Avoid sleeping and waking up too late; you’ll thank yourself later.

3) Computers, televisions, your phone, your iPad… all of these devices are best kept away from your nightstand. (And, no, it may seem it but it is not impossible.) The thing is, all of these devices have screens that project blue light. Blue light is most detrimental to your sleep because it lowers melatonin levels (a hormone which helps you feel sleepy); and it lowers melatonin much more than natural sunlight does!

4) …Caffeine. Yes, that Starbucks cup is detrimental to your health and you know it. Alright, I admit I am guilty of it myself. But it is important to know when enough is enough. Caffeine disrupts your sleep and make it increasingly difficult to fall into deep sleep.

5) Finally, if you’re feeling really beat, you may find that a short 15 – 20 minute nap can be quite beneficial and boost you right back up.

Find your sleep schedule! – [image source]
When you sleep, your body is not only using this time to grow and repair itself, but it is also recapitulating the past. Your brain takes information from the day and retains this during rest. That’s why sleep is so critical for learning and recalling information… (late night study sessions will not be as beneficial as sleeping and waking up early to study).

So, as my final note to you: remember to do your body a favor, and sleep!

 

5 makeup tips for glasses gals

Mavis Li
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I am an occasional glasses gal. For me, glasses are necessary to be able to see distances – without them I am fairly blind. Makeup is a bit different when it comes to wearing frames, an extra accessory on your face. I like to think about trying to make my eyes stand out even when they are behind glasses. Don’t hide your eyes, let them share the spotlight by coordinating your eye makeup and frames! Here are 5 tips to consider when you pair up makeup with glasses:

image source

1. Use a liner in a different color than your frames.

An eyeliner in the same shade as your frames can make your eyes and glasses blend together. To make your eyes stand out, try using a liner a shade lighter than the frame color.

2. Match liner thickness to frame thickness.

Liner makes a nice compliment to your frames. Draw a thick liner to pair with thick frames, and a thin liner to go with thin frames. Avoid a thick eyeliner and thin frames, as this can create an odd exaggerated impression.

3. Lighten up your eye shadow. 

Opt for a lighter shade to highlight your eyes, whereas darker shades can become too heavy. A bit of medium tone blended in your crease can add definition to your eyes as well.

4. Cover up dark shadows and eye bags. 

Darkness around your eyes can make you look extra tired, especially when combined with the shadows of your frames. Cover them up with a yellow-tinted concealer to lighten any any grays or reds under the eyes.

5. Curl your eyelashes. 

Curling eyelashes are always a reliable way to wake up your eyes. Pump your curler from root to mid-lash to tip before putting on a coat of mascara.

 

Introducing myself: 18 over 18

Courtney Mel
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Hello, my name is Courtney.

I am new to Youth Are Awesome, as my first blog I thought I would introduce myself and do “18 over 18”, which will tell you 18 things I’ve learned in my 18 years!

For starters, I just turned 18 on December 17th, 2014! I was born in Vancouver, BC. I have two sisters and I am a huge animal lover.

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I have two cats and one dog, I would love to get more animals! I was a volunteer with Youth Central, so I’ve moved onto Youth Are Awesome to be a blogger!

Here are my 18 things I’ve learned and advice:

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1. Never be afraid to be yourself! People will always love you if you are yourself!

2. Don’t be afraid to try new things. You could like it.

3. I’ve learned over time you will find out who your real friends are and you will be happier when you do!

stay-true-and-never-change

4. Don’t let anyone change you. Be who you want to be and always stay dedicated to nobody but you!

5. Be adventurous! It’s fun to explore new things and new places.

6. I have learned never to try to “fit in” it may seem fun at the time, but your real friends have your back!

7. No matter what anybody tells you, always ask yourself before anyone, so you know you are happier!

8. I’ve learned to step out of my comfort zone sometimes and to experience other things too!

dr-seuss-why-fit-in-when-you-were-born-to-stand-out

9. Don’t be afraid to stand out. Nobody what anyone else is thinking, always stand out from the crowd.

10. If you love something, do it! 

11. If you hate something, don’t be pressured into anything you don’t want to.

12. Always pamper yourself! Everyone deserves to take a break, treat yourself to a treat!

13. Be courageous. If you have always been afraid of something and want to try, then do it! Step into the light and be courageous!

14. Beauty is everywhere.

15. Don’t be harsh on yourself. If you think something is wrong, try to fix it or ask for help, but don’t be harsh on yourself for it.

16. Try your best! Always try your best for anything it may be.

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17. Don’t give up. Try your best and never give up fate!

18. Love yourself. Always remember to love yourself and take chances!

 

 

featured image source

 

A history lesson: Why Valentine’s Day is more morbid than romantic

Talia Santarossa
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St. Valentine, namesake of Valentine’s Day.

Everyone knows that February 14th is Valentine’s Day; the day where movie theatres, restaurants and virtually every other thinkable “date location” are filled to the brim. Little do many people know about the origins of the day and the unfortunate tale of St. Valentine, the saint whose feast day is celebrated that same day, and whom the entire day is named after. Granted, Valentine is a Christian saint and not everyone who celebrates the day of love is of that religious denomination but it’s important to understand the origins of the day nonetheless.

Allow me to set the scene… Imagine third-century Rome, under the rule of religiously oppressive emperor Claudius II. He, as ruler of the Roman empire, ordered all to worship the gods of the Roman pantheon. Those who were Christian or associated with such people were considered criminals guilty of a treason punishable by death. As the Church was persecuted, much of what went on had to remain under wraps. One of these early Roman Christians was Valentine, a Catholic priest.

Emperor Claudius had passed a decree banning marriage (Claudius reasoned that soldiers would be more inclined to take risks and put their lives on the line if they had no wives or children to worry about) and it was a mission of Valentine’s to covertly marry couples so that they could live out the rest of their lives as spouses united in holy matrimony. His dedication to his faith was such that even the threat of death was not enough to keep him from practicing and spreading his beliefs. He went along with his business as per normal until he was finally caught and imprisoned.

valentine skull
You can see St. Valentine’s skull at the Basilica of Santa Maria de Cosmedin in Rome. Although a bit creepy, it’s definitely worth a visit.

During his stay in prison, his help was solicited by the jailer, a man by the name of Asterius. His daughter Julia was born blind and it is said that Valentine taught her, prayed for her and through a miracle, cured her of her blindness. This was enough to convince Asterius of God’s existence and he converted to Christianity. At the same time, Claudius, however, for a reason unbeknownst to many, took a bit of a liking to Valentine. In what may well have been a fatal error, Valentine attempted to convert the emperor to Christianity. After what could be described as a miserable failure, he was condemned to death. After beating and stoning failed to kill the priest, he was finally beheaded. The night before his execution, he wrote a letter to Julia, thanking her for her friendship which he signed, “With love from your Valentine,” thus inspiring the romantic messages of today.

Although people today think of roses and chocolates when they think of Valentine’s Day in modern times, most will not recall that the day’s namesake was a martyr who gave his life through a brutal death to ensure that others could live with love. So next time that you send a romantic message to that special someone, remember St. Valentine, without whom the marriages and love of many would never have been possible.

Sources: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Image Sources: 1 / 2/ 3

8 Tips to Ace University Life

Amy Chen
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There are only a few more months of high school left to go. How prepared are you to enter into university life? I knew I was nowhere near prepared for university so I decided to ask some of my university friends for some tips or must-knows before I stumble into university life. Many of them gave me some really awesome tips not only on how to succeed academically but also success in university life, life away from home.

1. Know how to cook.

Let’s be honest here. Where would we be without food?!

At the moment, many of us still don’t realize how luxurious a life we live at home. We are able to come home everyday and dinner is already made. Thank you parents! However, what happens when we leave for university and we no longer have our parents there to make the delicious suppers that we take for granted? Are we just going to eat KD and instant noodles everyday? So in the summer, learn how to cook. Have your parents teach you their recipes or just do some surfing on the internet for fast and healthy recipes. Eating instant noodles every day is just not going to cut it.

2. Read your syllabus!

According to one of my uni friends, the syllabus that you get for each course is basically your bible to success in university. It tells you the objectives of the course and any important dates. So even if you have to spend hours looking through those pages, it is worth it in the long run so you can better plan out your time and make sure you don’t miss due dates.

3. Know you way around

Get to know your new home for the next four years. Although there’ll be people to show you around campus, there is no harm in getting to know the city better as well. Know how transit works in the city as getting to know the city will make your life a whole lot easier….unless you want to stay on campus for the whole year.

4. Learn how to manage your time

Get a planner (either on your phone or an old-school planner)! Planning things out instead of procrastinating and leaving everything until the night before is probably the best treat you can give yourself. Deadlines in university are DEADlines, you will basically die of regret if you don’t meet them. So, when you have projects, whether it is labs or some other assignment make sure you do the work as soon as possible. Procrastination may be your friend in the short-term, but in the long-run it will be your worst enemy. Not only will this benefit you academically, but it also helps clear up your schedule so you can have a balanced life.

5. Get involved

Whether it is volunteering, joining a sport or club, being engaged in the school community is a great way to enrich your university experience. At the U of A, they even have a dodge-ball league! Whatever you do, it is crucial to remember that university is more than just an education experience, but it is a social experience as well. To get the most out of university, being engaged would be a great contrast to the dull textbooks. Being involved in meaningful activities also gives you a sense a belonging in the school. Instead of saying, “I go to this university”, you could say, “I am a student at this university”(which shows that you are actively involved within the community).

 

6. Good Friends are important

For many of us, university is going to be a fresh start because our friends may not be going to the same university as us, therefore it is only natural to build new friendships. According to a university friend of mine, it is important to make friends wise. This does not mean judging everyone you meet on a scale of 1-10, but it simply means that when building friendships it is ideal to pick people who are like-minded in work ethic so you can motivate each other to stay on track and to increase your chances of surviving university.

7.  Financial Management

After hearing about this tip that I’ve been oblivious to for the past 16 years of my life, I experimented with managing my own finances without relying on much money from my parents. And the truth is, not having many money or in my case, not having money because you spend it too quickly really sucks. With the freedom of becoming adults who can manage our own lives comes with responsibilities. As many of us have learned through Career and Life Management, a monthly budget may be the most useful thing we have ever learned besides trig (hahaha). Keep track of your income and plan how much you would spend on certain things. Don’t buy things impulsively. University is not about luxury, it is about survival!

8. Ask Questions

It is crucial to ask questions during class or during the tutorials offered. This seems so straightforward but apparently many people are scare of asking questions in university because you are in a class of a few hundred people first year. The hard reality is many of us don’t feel all that comfortable to gather our thoughts quickly and comfortably ask a question. However, after asking that first question, the “stage fright” goes away.

I hope that these 8 tips can help you ace university! Good Luck Everyone!

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