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What I learned from my first job

Jessica Liu
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Getting your first job – also known as your first step into the “real world” according to many parents. For me, it was Panago Pizza. Where I was paid minimum wage ($10.20), washed greasy dishes until my fingers were prunes, and went home smelling like a strange mix of flour and oil every night. Still though, fishing my paycheck out of the big yellow envelope for the first time gave me quite the rush of euphoria.

Recently I had quit my Panago job. But after 8 months of juggling work, school, friends, family, and healthy alone-time, I’ve got some stuff to share.

 

1. You are solely responsible for yourself. 

If the shift starts at 5PM, it doesn’t mean show up at 5. Rather, be fully changed, washed, and ready to make a mad dash for pizza trays when 5 o’clock rolls around.

Safety may not be on your manager’s mind, but you better be diligent about slippery puddles, sharp knives near slippery puddles, flaming hot screens, slamming doors, and tickets catching on fire for your own sake. 

Sure, a coworker might tell you it’s okay to have a free pizza, but if it isn’t actually cool with the manager… well, your name is going to be printed on the ticket. Oops.

 

2. Building good relationships with coworkers is WORTH IT.

Ranting about a sociopath customer who lashed out over a can of Orange Crush to your coworker while doing dishes is the start of a beautiful workplace relationship.

When you’re pinched for time and you desperately need someone to take your shift. “Oh Robeeert? Paaaaaiige?”

When you’re starving and your coworker decides to bring a huge box of cookies to share because they actually like the people they work with.

“Hey, is that Jessica, or is that a pizza with legs?” (My apron was coated with flour, marinara, and toppings. Some probably ended up on my pants since I ran out of places to wipe my hands). Permission to laugh and de-stress granted!

 

3. Your comfort zone gets bigger without you even realizing.

I am ALL about that personal growth. There are certain things that you have to do when you’re an employee, and when you’re in that kind of situation, you just shrug, do it for the job, and learn to embrace it. That right there in itself, is your comfort zone and tolerance growing like a rapidly expanding universe.

Expressing your opinions to your manager and coworkers is great practice for assertiveness and gaining respect.

Learning to deal with, or even appreciate silence is just as useful as learning to converse with others.

 

Getting a job in your youth is an enlightening and exciting experience. So if you haven’t already, get out there and feel the rush!

 

 

 

 

 

The Future in Flying

Rebecca Yang
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With the disappearance of AirAsia Flight QZ8501, the concern over the capability of commercial airplanes becomes more pertinent. 2014 has seen its share of tragedy in the skies, including another Asian flight, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. Although, 2014 has reported a significant decrease in the number of crashes than previous years, the fatalities paint a different story with 1,158 deaths. But with vast accelerations in other modes of transportation, such as sensor-detecting motor vehicles, these incidences cannot be merely portrayed as coincidences. How is it that a commercial flight can still go missing within a decade of Google Glasses, retina displays, and numerous hacking ventures?  Despite the seemingly inundated progressions, there is a revolutionary movement in aviation that has and is continuing to brew.

This year, commercial airlines catered to 3.2 billion passengers. With a vast portion of the world relying on flights as a method of transportation, the consideration of service and safety are significant factors to the future of flying. Flights are monitored by two radar methods. The primary method, which was developed in the 1930s and utilizes radio signals, and the secondary method that requires additional information directly from the plane.  Some have argued that this method may be outdated and since the Air France crash of 2009, there has been a steadfast direction towards equipping planes with black boxes that hold GPS technology. Whilst this method may seem effective in theory, unless this information is streamed to air traffic control, its range and durability consequently makes the box difficult to locate after a crash.

But the streaming of this influx of information is not cost-effective. Prices of flights are on an increase, as domestic supply of seats decrease. Despite the decline of jet fuel, it seems that airlines, such as Delta are benefitting from the cause by becoming more restrictive with its budget. Furthermore, some airlines, such as Air Canada, are adding on additional payments for baggage and overhead storage.

Airbus proposes "Smarter Skies" with their Future in Airbus. (Airbus)
Airbus proposes “Smarter Skies” with their Future in Airbus. (Airbus)

Yet, the future of flight still remains bright with various innovations in various designs. Airbus‘ design goal for 2050 was released with the statement, “More flights, fewer emissions and quicker passenger journey times.” It is with this mindset that we look up to the future of the skies. There is an idea, a need for change; all it needs to do is take flight.

Build your self-esteem

ife
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Self-esteem is a measure of how much an individual values or views him or herself. Our self-esteem constantly develops over the course of our lives and sadly, being criticized by family, friends, and society in general gradually tends to lower our self-worth. Even looking at my own life, my own self-esteem is lowered when I think I don’ t do well enough at school. As a result, I feel like I have to do better and feel like I have to be a perfectionist. As individuals, when we have a low self-esteem we tend to lower our level of self-confidence and fall into a state of depression.

Here are some effects of low self-esteem:

  • You tend to practice perfectionism
  • You demonstrate an excessive need for acceptance: a great desire to please authority figures.
  • You become easily defensive
  • You have little faith in your judgment and are highly vulnerable to peer pressure
  • You consistently tend to put down yourself
  • And off course you feel SAD

On the other hand, a high self-esteem allows individuals to maintain an optimistic viewpoint of life. For example, when I do well on a test or even get a compliment from one of my friends there’s something inside of me that feels uplifted. As a result, my self-esteem is boosted up and all of a sudden I gain a lot of self-confidence. During this moment you like you’re on top of the world!

Here are some effects of high self-esteem:

  • You feel capable of influencing another’s behaviors in a positive way
  • You can communicate positive feelings about yourself
  • You approach a hard-hitting situation with a positive outlook
  • You will have a longer life span
  • Most importantly, you feel HAPPY with yourself

Now, the question you’re probably asking is, “How do I improve my self-esteem?”

You see improving one’s self-esteem requires a self –realization that only you must come to terms with. Of course there are many way for us to improve ourselves. Here are some that really help:

Stop comparing yourself to others

stop-comparing-comic2

In order to avoid low self-esteem, one important thing I do is to stop comparing myself to other people. You see, trying to live up or even compete with another person is a losing game. I focus on being the best I can be because I don’t need another person’s life to bring mine down.

Learn to appreciate yourself 

Trust me when I say everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses because these are two things that make us distinctive individuals. What I usually do in order to appreciate myself is to spend more time focusing on qualities about myself that I like and less on the ones that I dislike. One thing I usually do to accomplish this is to take on a hobby that will help me project my strengths and less on my weaknesses.

Don’t worry about being “perfect”

One thing I’ve learned from life is that when you try to aim for perfection, it is ultimately a lost cause. Putting too much focus on trying to make yourself perfect will ultimately cause you to fail in the end. And of course, I understand that we all make mistakes, especially those that are easily avoidable, but you have to forgive yourself and move on. As a response to this, I tend to set goals for myself and achieve them. This is a powerful way in which you can constantly renew your confidence.

Learn from your failures

there-is-always-hope-dont-give-up

As human beings, when we fail, we tend not to bring out the best out of the hardship. We need to recognize that when things don’t go our way, there is always something that can be learned from one situation to be applied in another. So when you fail or even loose your way, always get back up with a positive attitude.

Find good friends that constantly uplift you

o-CONFIDENCE-facebook

 

This point sounds like a no brainer, but be sure to surround yourself with friends that constantly uplift you. Having friends with negative attitudes might be emotionally contagious, which isn’t good for you. So be sure to surround yourself with friends that care about your feelings. Friends that will build your confidence.

I hope these help improve your self-esteem like they did mine. 

 

Picture Sources: 1 2 3 4 5

Other Sources: Huffington Post, Wikihow, Love To Know

 

New Year’s Resolutions: Why are they always left unfulfilled?

Jasmine
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Jasmine K.

“I want to excel in my academics this year and achieve ninety-five and above for every subject. “

“I want to learn how to program and write codes so I can create an app. “

“I want to participate in science fair and create an invention for my project.”

 

These are all commonly found on a sheet of paper entitled ‘New Years Resolutions’. Yet, when one writes these goals down on a sheet of paper, does it really mean the actions will be executed the next year, or has a new year resolution transformed into a wish rather than a goal?

The denotation of a new year’s resolution is, according to Cambridge Dictionaries Online, ‘a promise that you make to yourself to start doing something good or stop doing something bad on the first day of the year’. However, what does society connotate this phrase as? In today’s environment many youth can, almost instinctively, say ‘no’ to the question ‘have you fulfilled your new year’s resolutions this year’. A youth interviewee who wishes to remain anonymous is quoted:

“No I haven’t ever completed my new years resolution… I always fail during the middle of the year as I can’t sustain my resolution. “

One might inquire: why can’t people sustain the progress of a goal? One simple and straightforward answer can be the culprit of many problems in today’s society: laziness. Although it is a harsh and direct accusation to people who may not be lazy and toil their hardest consistently, it is difficult for many to uphold their resolves when they have already ensconced themselves in their habits.

“Sometimes you know you are close to breaking a habit, but then you submit to temptations or other things,” says Jasper, a student who has completed many of her resolutions but can’t finish some as they are hard to sustain.

There are still, however, people who do fulfill their goals as they set smaller, more achievable targets, making it easier to achieve what they set for themselves.

http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1534468/thumbs/o-NEW-YEARS-RESOLUTIONS-2014-CANADA-facebook.jpg

“Yes I have fulfilled my new year’s resolutions, although most of the things that I have completed throughout the year are pretty basic things. These include going to sleep earlier, completing homework right when I get it and not procrastinating. But those are the simple things that might not affect me that much. Broader things that might affect me include spending time with my family more and maybe being able to relax a little more instead of being so stressed all the time.” Justin says, answering to an inquiry.

Overall, new year’s resolutions aren’t a lost cause, however, if slacking becomes a habit, the goals one sets for oneself may be harder to achieve. With smaller goals and a persevering attitude, these resolutions can and will come true.

Weekly Pinterest Top 10 (#3)

Ailin Li
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Pinterest #3

{Original Image}

Today, I am presenting to you some awesome inspirational posts to start off the new year. Yes, this post is not about new year’s resolutions nor exam tips. Rather, I am simply here to share a couple photos and articles to make you laugh and/or give you ideas. To check out the previous Top 10 lists, just visit the links provided (#1, #2).

{Art}

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Unfortunately, I can’t make this image any larger without losing the quality, but you get the idea. (I recently switched to a Mac and can no longer copy and paste photos the same way I’m used to. I’ve only had it for three weeks, so please bear with me as I tinker around.) This photo features the cast of the Harry Potter series drawn in anime style! You have to go check out the original image because the detail is amazing and this rendition has just left me speechless. The characters look super adorable and you can’t help but love everybody (even Voldemort).

{Beauty}

Beauty

If you are looking at this image and utterly confused right now, don’t worry. Makeup is a confusing and scary process, and I am here to guide you through it. This image breaks down the places where you should contour and highlight depending on your face shape. The ultimate goal is to achieve a slim face with soft, yet defined features. Thus, you will notice that square faces require a lot more highlighting and contouring than oval faces do (which is not a bad thing at all). If you are new to makeup, or even an old-timer, this diagram will ensure that you get the perfect contour to flatter your face.

{Decor}

Decor

The thought of university and moving onto campus residence greatly scares me as I am a bit neurotic. These decoration ideas are simple, charming, and could dress up even a drab dorm room. You can also consider these ideas for your current/future home for a quick change to shake it up for the new year.

{Fashion}

Fashion

Now, nobody is saying that you can’t stray away from this little diagram, but it does provide a really great guideline for paring necklaces and necklines for those who are a bit unsure. A small pendant necklace could be worn with (virtually) any neckline and design-less shirts will usually look good with long, drooping necklaces. Proceed with your own discretion!

{Food}

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Again, not a great quality picture, but you can get the idea. I would also recommend saving this photo because it’s a really useful guide to understand approximately how much of what foods you should be eating with objects that we actually see every day. (I mean really, who knows what 4 oz. looks like off the top of their head?) It’s a really great infographic if you care about nutrition and proportions, but if not, then I guess you can just keep on scrolling!

{Hair}
Hair

After years and years of using bobby pins, it had never occurred to me that using the ribbed side of bobby pins would make a difference. (For those of you who were privy to this trick beforehand, please don’t judge me.) This article also provides advice for hiding (or dressing up) bobby pins in intricate hair designs so that the little pins aren’t so gaudy.

{Laugh}

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Alright, this photo really needs to be seen in high quality because it is actually hilarious. The basis is just poking fun at how gullible people are and how a lot of people will believe whatever they see on the internet. Although it may seem like Pinterest is sponsoring me at this point, I promise that I am not forcing you to go to their site. It just so happens that technology hates me.

{Live}

Live

I feel that this quote is perfect to keep in mind for the New Year. Thinking back on 2014, there are most certainly moments in all of our lives which we would like to rewind to or delete. No matter how great or how terrible the past year was for you, the new year holds new experiences and opportunities around every corner. Never stop trying to achieve and reach for the best!

{Love}20b39033d123b236626f2df6d92d8f09

Everyone, forget about Kim Kardashian breaking the internet. This itty bitty kitty has just taken the prize and everybody’s hearts. I honestly don’t know how you could look at this cat and not go “awwwwwwww” (even if you don’t want to admit it).

{Nails}
Nails

If you read my post about finding your perfect nail shape, you will know how much nail care means to me. This post saved my life a little bit, because now I can paint my nails flawlessly on my own. Painting nails may seem like a simple enough task, but I can assure you that it is harder than it looks. Using this technique, you can say goodbye to weird globs or streaks showing up in your beautiful nail colour.

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. ♥

Egghead: or, You Can’t Survive on Ideas Alone by Bo Burnham (BOOK REVIEW)

Thalia
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Official Summary: ” Bo Burnham was a precocious teenager living in his parents’ attic when he started posting material on

Retrieved from here

YouTube. 100 million people viewed those videos, turning Bo into an online sensation with a huge and dedicated following. Bo taped his first of two Comedy Central specials four days after his 18th birthday, making him the youngest to do so in the channel’s history. Now Bo is a rising star in the comedy world, revered for his utterly original and intelligent voice. And, he can SIIIIIIIIING! (Kind of.)

In EGGHEAD, Bo brings his brand of brainy, emotional comedy to the page in the form of off-kilter poems, thoughts, and more. Teaming up with his longtime friend, artist, and illustrator Chance Bone, Bo takes on everything from death to farts in this weird book that will make you think, laugh and think, “Why did I just laugh?” “

 

I first came to know of Bo Burnham because I saw captions or gifs of his performance on social media sites (naturally). I was intrigued and to my pleasure his comedy special was available on Netflix. “What.” was a heck of a ride. There was dancing, singing, and jokes with deep significant meanings that were a criticism of the world today. I remember thinking on more than one occasion “I can’t believe he just went there.” In all honesty I was a little confused as to how I felt towards it but after time it had warmed up on me.

Retrieved from here

Then I found out this guy wrote a poetry book and I was like “What.” After I found that out and heard people raving about it I made it my next mission to buy it. Oh Boy was this certainly not a mistake.

This book is a roller coaster ride. It goes from “immature” poo poems, to a critic on American capitalism, to depression, to more poo-isc poems, to some of the most simple and romantic poems I’ve ever read. Just wow.

The drawings are really good. They’re no just good, they’re lovely. The poem and the drawings support each other, compliment each other, and at times the drawings are part of the flow so much so, they are essential in understanding the literature. The illustrator of the book is Chance Bone who is pictured on the right.

I recommend this book 99.9%. For me, I can say it was worth it and will come back to it time and again.

Leelah Alcorn and the importance of support and acceptance

Carol Zhang
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leelah-alcorn-2-800
Several days shy of the new year, a suicide note was posted on 17-year-old Leelah Alcorn’s Tumblr page. Earlier that Sunday, she walked into traffic on an Ohio highway, killing herself.

In her letter, Leelah explained how her parents’ unacceptance and lack of support for her coming out as transgender culminated in her decision to commit suicide. Additionally, she expressed that she wished her death would prompt more discussion about the startling number of transgender suicides and donated all her money and belongings to transgender civil rights movements and support groups. A copy of her full suicide letter, the original which has since been deleted upon the request of her family, can be found here. A candlelight vigil in front of the Kings High School was held and attended by several hundred people.

Preempting her suicide, Leelah made a post on Reddit several months previous, describing how her parents had reacted angrily when she revealed that she was transgender, forcing her into conversion therapy, bullying her, and later isolating her when she came out to her schoolmates as gay.

The backlash against Leelah’s parents have been in many cases unacceptably harsh and insensitive; it remains true that they are human and make mistakes. However, this one has ended in the death of their child and opens questions as to how parents should handle such situations in the future.

“… we told him that we loved him unconditionally. We loved him no matter what. I loved my son. People need to know that I loved him. He was a good kid, a good boy,” Carla, Leelah’s mother, said to CNN.

There can be no doubt that Leelah’s parents indeed did love her very much. But they did not give her the support and acceptance that she needed more than anything, and that is where the problem lies.

However, in a society that is recently becoming more understanding of the LGBTQ community, support and acceptance from strangers can go a long way. Thousands of supporters on social media have painted their ring fingernails pink today in support of Leelah and to raise awareness for the transgender community.

Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs), which exist in most public schools in Calgary, are another great way to get involved. Leelah Alcorn had a vision of a society where transgenders were treated as humans and equals, and this vision should be made into reality.

Today, January 6, individuals around the world are showing their support of Leelah through the #PinkforLeelah on social media by painting their ring fingers pink in solidarity.

 

Weird Etiquettes (Global Edition)

Katie Kim
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To change it up from my recent Crash Course World History blogs, I wanted to write about something a little bit more current.

At the Mnet Asian Music Awards held in Hong Kong in the beginning of this month, Suho (the leader of South Korean-Chinese boy band Exo) was criticized for being rude to Andy Lau when presenting an award. Suho (in white) and Andy Lau (in black) are known to be some of the greatest celebrities in Hong Kong and China together. Suho was accused of being rude by giving the trophy with one hand while looking elsewhere, not at Andy.

Suho and Andy Lau
http://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/146760/20141205/chinese-tabloid-sina-chastises-exo-for-rude-behavior-toward-andy-lau-at-mama-2014.htm

 

In many Asian countries, including Korea and China, it is basic etiquette to receive and give with both hands, especially to and from those who are older. This comes from the ancient Confucian culture. However, if you observe closely, you can see that Suho has one arm extending the trophy to Andy with a hand under his elbow.

In Korea, the give-and-take-in-two-hands rule has variations. Using one hand to give or take while supporting the arm near the elbow or the armpit is the equivalent of using two hands. This is most seen when a person is pouring a drink into someone else’s cup. Both the bottle and the cup are too small to hold up with both hands. This is when the hold-your-arm-up rule can help out.

There are variations in the bows too. In Korea, generally we aim to make a 90 degree angle. However, in China, it’s a sign of respect to look into the other person’s eyes when bowing. So generally, the Chinese people don’t bow as low as the Koreans.

By criticizing Suho for being rude, people are neglecting the differences in the Korean and Chinese customs. Knowing other countries’ customs will stop this kind of misunderstanding from happening, so I have compiled the top 10 weird customs around the world.

 

1. In Russia, giving flowers with yellow blooms represent break up. Also, Carnations are for the dead or surviving veterans of a war.

Carnation on a grave
image source

2. In China, giving a clock to someone means you want his or her time to run out (aka to die). Also, anything to do with the number 4 is bad because the pronunciation for number 4 is the same as death.

Giving a clock
image source

3. In Egypt, don’t put salt in your food. It is an insult to the host because it means their food needs to be seasoned to taste good.

putting salt in food
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4. In Venezuela, it is rude to be on time or early because it means that you are too eager, or greedy.

5. In Greece, children throw their lost teeth on their roof. It is thought that this custom will bring them good luck. (We do this in Korea too).

Throwing teeth on roof
image source

6. In Hungary, don’t clink your wine glasses or swig beer. In 1849, in a war with Austria, the Austrians celebrated killing 13 Hungarian generals by clinking wine and drinking beer. So Hungarians pledged to never clink wine before drinking.

Clinking wine
image source

7. In Bolivia, don’t talk about business at a social event, like weddings and dinners. Bolivians believe that dinners are meant for making relationships not deals.

8. In Turkey, it is custom for the host to pay for the meals. Request to split the bill is considered polite, but won’t be accepted. Instead, the guest will suggest a follow up meal. (This, too is the same in Korea).

9. In Korea, you only write the names of the dead in red. The color red symbolizes death, so writing a name means that person is dead. (This is the same in China).

Writing in red ink

10. In Finland, people prefer to relax and socialize in saunas with others. Family, friends, and even business partners will go to saunas together.

 

Some customs are the same in many countries, but criticizing different customs is ruder than neglecting each countries’ unique etiquette.

Source:

Middleton, Jackie. “13 Unusual International Customs You Never Knew Existed.” Readers Digest Canada. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Dec. 2014.

 

How to deal with “goodbyes”

Richard Lee-Thai
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How to deal with goodbyes

Original Image

There’s always a bittersweet twinge when you say the word “goodbye”. It’s when close friends move away. It’s when break-ups happen. It’s when loved ones pass away. “Goodbyes” are a part of life, just as much as saying “hellos” are. That is to say, life is full of beginnings and endings.

Perhaps by some cosmic coincidence, I’ve learned one after another that several people I’ve gotten to know are going to be leaving. The announcements came as a surprise and a sobering reminder that familiar patterns can change all of a sudden. There’s a certain sense of desperation when you come to the realization that this might be the last chance you see each other for a long time. No matter how hard you wish that it isn’t true, that won’t change things.

The impending loss forces you to reflect on the time you spent together. It makes you appreciate all the small things that you took for granted, whether it was a smile when you passed each other in the hallways or the enthusiasm that they brought to work every day. It dawns on you that it won’t be the same after they’re gone. There may be a final hurrah to celebrate how they impacted others, but once they’ve left, the world keeps moving forward – it won’t wait for you.

It’s during this time when you gaze nostalgically at old photos and reminisce on the lessons that they taught you. Even though they aren’t with you physically anymore, doesn’t mean that they aren’t with you spiritually. The memories that you created together aren’t automatically worth nothing after they’ve left. They’ve left a lasting impact on you and will shape the person you are in the future.

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss 

1782396_647466468660790_8271934260753695386_oFrom HONY 

“Do you remember the saddest moment of your life?”

“Probably sitting at the kitchen table with my dad, an hour after my mother died, realizing we had to figure out what we were going to do for lunch.”

I came upon this photo weeks ago, but it left a profound impression on me. Reading in between the lines, the message he’s trying to convey is how crazy it is to go back to “normal” life after such a devastating loss. I’ll inevitably have to say goodbye to my parents someday too. Maybe it’s something that I should just ignore, but it’s always at the back of my mind regardless. I imagine I’ll be grief-stricken for a period of time, but that I’ll eventually accept the truth and move on.

Realizing that nothing lasts forever makes everything seems that much more precious. You don’t know what you have until it’s gone. It’s important to think about these things from time to time, even though it’s honestly easier to convince ourselves that it’ll never happen to me.

Despite the heavy nature of this topic, I hate to end on a sad note. The closing of one door is the opening of another. Life has its fair share of loss, but there’s also so many things to be happy about. “Goodbye” should really be a “see you soon.” That is because you never know if somewhere down the road, your paths will cross again.

New Cold War?

Rohan Kumar
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The Russians actions on Ukraine and other countries in its vicinity has put us at the brink or within the next cold war. We are all aware of the recent crisis which sparked tensions between the west and the east. This was Russia’s annexation of Crimea in Ukraine. This act by Russia’s leader Vladimir Putin to gain political power started hostility between the countries that are involved in NATO and UN.

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Image Source

 

Russia’s annexation of Crimea created tensions between countries which resulted in the United States and NATO to deploy special operations near the Russian Border. With these tensions mounting other countries have worked towards protecting their own countries. Russia is economically weak, deprived of foreign investment, beset by capital flight, and almost wholly dependent for cash on energy exports at a time when the international oil price is dropping. Insiders said, “Russia’s actions in Ukraine are more a show of weakness and fear. This is not expansionism, this is insecurity.”

Germany Ukraine
Image Source

 

Russia’s insecurity is later shown with evidence of espionage. These auguries of a rising confrontation between Russia and the west are not hard to find. A recent report by the European Leadership Network said close military encounters have jumped to cold war levels, with 40 dangerous or sensitive incidents recorded in the past eight months. Sweden recently launched a full-scale naval operation to hunt down a mini-submarine, assumed to be Russian, trespassing inside its coastal waters. The submarine was not found as the Swedish were unwilling to search deeper in the water. If the submarine was found it could have sparked a bigger crisis. Other governments in the Baltic region have similar worries. In August, Finland scrambled US-made Hornet fighter jets when Russian aircraft illegally entered Finnish airspace on three separate occasions in one week. A Finnish research vessel was also harassed.

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Image Source

 

In an interview with the Guardian. Sauli Niinisto, Finland’s president, added his voice to the chorus warning that the world was “at the gates of a new kind of cold war”. These acts of violence created by insecurity has put the world at the brink of a new cold war.

The Best and the Worst Fashion Trends of 2014

Hui Wen Zheng
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2014 marked a big year for fashion. From the return of turtlenecks to the evolution of menswear-inspired outfits, the range of trends that were birthed, and a lot of them rebirthed with modern spins, were innovative and definitely sparked discussion in the fashion community. There will be mixed reviews to everything, and when it comes to clothing, positions will vary greatly from person to person. Nevertheless, here are my personal opinions on the biggest fashion trends of 2014.

Worsts

Wide-Leg Pants:

Take a bold print to the next level with this free pattern for a classic wide leg pant.
(Image: joann.com)

Boyfriend jeans, I can get behind. But this? The wide-leg has been slowly ascending in the fashion world ever since Heidi Klum was spotted in various pairs. Though they do have their place on runways and celebrities, I find them incredibly impractical to the average person and — to be honest, quite unflattering as well.

’90s Revival:

(Image: Glamazonsblog.com)

It seems that the ’90s just will not die. For whatever reason, crops tops, slip dresses, and metallics continue to be spotted on fashion websites everywhere. As much as I love Clueless, the boxy and mundane style of the ’90s just does not appeal to me at all.

Socks and Sandals/Heels:

(Image: smithandcaugheys.co.nz)

I love Birkenstocks, but my love for them drops tenfold when someone decides to wear a pair of socks with them. However, what I find even worse is the socks and heels trend. Louboutins and Nike athletic socks are not a match made in heaven. This trend is so incredibly tacky and has always been something that was considered unfashionable by many (so much that one of the top Google search results is “socks and sandals birth control”), and now it’s developed a following in the fashion world! What changed…?

Bests

Normcore:

(Image: bloglovin.com)

Normcore can be best defined as dressing in a manner that is ordinary and uncomplicated. Outfits like this mostly consist of a palate of neutrals, sportswear, and are overall casual and comfortable. I’ll admit that this fashion movement does take elements from the fashion “worsts” that I listed above, but the modern spirit that normcore embodies is what begs its forgiveness from me. Though I’m not a follower of “pure” normcore (white sneakers, light-wash mom jeans, plain top… You get the idea), I find the embellished style wearable and chic. Another bonus, getting to dress in shades instead of colours makes me infinitely happy.

Menswear Inspired:

Style Right Now: 25 Street Style Looks with Oxford Shoes - StyleCarrot
(Image: Stylecarrot.com)

The feminist movement reached newfound popularity this year and where the crowd sways, fashion follows. Trousers, brogues and blazers were all over the runways in 2014, as well as the streets. I’m in love with how classy and put-together a menswear inspired outfit can look, plus, it channels my personal style quite a lot and I find gives me a sense of empowerment that is linked to the feminist movement.

Turtlenecks:

I'm not a fashion expert but I love this outfit bc I believe in not over doing your look. Some girls over accessorize but I think if you have a cute new shirt just wear it with a pair of your fav jeans and a scarf don't add on too many accessories or you look like your trying too hard! #simpleandelegant
(Image: dholic.co.jp)

The return of the turtleneck was one that was joked about quite a lot online. Personally though, I find that the rebirth of turtleneck was not only a reintroduction, but also a revamp on the classic style. New, not to mention chic, styles of turtlenecks and sensible ways to wear them have emerged and differ greatly from how they were treated in the late 20th century. When done right, a turtleneck sweater brings an element of coziness and professionalism to an outfit and can be just as cute as a snood scarf, not to mention just as comfortable.

 

Disclaimer: these are honest opinions fueled by my brain and are not meant to offend anyone in any way. Remember, true fashion is wearing what makes you happy!

Cover Image: dustjacket-attic.com

Blogger of the Month January 2015: Zoey Liu

Malika Daya
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Blogger of the Month January 2015: Zoey Liu

With the New Year comes a new blogger of the month, congratulations to Zoey Liu for becoming the first blogger of the month in 2015! Zoey is a talented and diligent blogger, you’ve probably read some of her DIY blogs in regards to making your own candy cane, Melted Snowman Cookies, or even Stand Out Halloween Costumes. Zoey’s contributions to Youth Are Awesome are valued and loved by not only all of the readers but also her fellow bloggers. Her blogs are not only helpful and innovative but also informational and an enjoyable read! Introducing Zoey Liu:

blogger of the month

I have had the privileged opportunity of being able to interview Zoey Liu and get to know a little bit more about her, now it is your turn!

Q: Why did you want to start writing for Youth Are Awesome?

 A: “I wanted to write for YAA because I love to read blogs about all sorts of crazy and mind-blowing stuff on YAA, and I thought that it would be really cool for me to share some more interesting things. Also, I felt that I wanted to be a part of YAA because I believe that it is the perfect platform for youths in Calgary to express their opinions and interests in a safe and judgment-free environment.”

Q:What inspires you?

 A: “I truly believe that everyone around me inspires me on a daily basis. Without my family and my friends, I would not be the same person I am today. In addition to my human inspirations, I sometimes become inspired by motivational quotes or DIY ideas on Twitter, as they speak to the crafty component deep within me. Never-the-less, I also feel very connected to food because I find that good food can also calm me down, and that feeling inspires me to share the recipe with the rest of the world.”

Q: How would you describe yourself?

A: “Personally, I see myself as an extremely boring person who loves to stay at home and watch Netflix in my bed. Been very passive, I still enjoy going to the movies or the mall with friends and have long conversations with them.”

Q: How do you hope to inspire people through the Youth of YYC series?

A: “I hope to inspire people by showing them how much youth can achieve in society. It is evident that even though each individual’s achievement is unique, they have all made a positive impact on society which they should be proud for. Through these youth, I believe other members of society may recognize their own achievement or their potential to achieve.”

Q: Which one of your blog posts are you most proud of and why?

 A: “The blog post I am most proud of was the “My Day at the University of Alberta Open House”. To me, I felt that was the post which I had the most connection to since it was a story that was completely based on my experience. With the least number of pictures, I still believe the content of that post was the most interesting out of all my blogs.”

Top 10 Alternative Songs of 2014

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A lot of good music came out this year. Whether you’re into pop, rock, R&B or Hip-Hop there were awesome new songs in every genre. I’ve had had 365 days to listen to a ton of new music and have created a list of my 10 favorite alternative/rock songs that came out this year. Remember this is just my personal opinion. Although some of these tunes may not have been the most popular, I consider them the best one’s out there in 2014!

Jack White (source)
Jack White (source)

10.   Temporary Ground – Jack White

Jack White is a versatile musical genius.  Most of his songs off of his new album like “Lazaretto” are heavier rock and fairly upbeat whereas “Temporary Ground” has more of a bluegrass country feel to it. It was a nice change to hear and the female vocals are absolutely beautiful.

9.Believer- American Authors

This is a great summer tune. It was very catchy and made you want to dance. It’s unique because of the Bollywood feel to it and an easy listen.

8.Blue Moon – Beck

Beck is another musical genius who decided to show off his more acoustic/indie folk side in his most recent album “Morning Phase”. This song just so happens to be the single off the album.

7.Argentina – Tokyo Police Club

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Vance Joy (source)

The reason why I like this song so much is because it is basically 3 songs in one. (There are 3 parts to the song that are only separated by a few seconds) It tells a story. The first part if very upbeat and easy to dance to whereas the second part is very toned down and mellow, then the third part is the perfect right in between.

6. Riptide – Vance Joy

Again, this song was perfect for the summer. Super cute, great lyrics and an awesome music video. Vance’s vocals are nice and the ukulele is the perfect touch. It’s just overall a great happy and fun tune.

5. Gotta Get Away -The Black Keys

I didn’t particularly enjoy the Black Key’s most recent album “Turn Blue” but this songs really jumped out to me. I think it’s super fun upbeat and catchy.

4. It’s Alright Now -Bombay Bicycle Club

Bombay Bicycle Club never seize to impress me, this songs is the perfect balance of upbeat and mellow. The drums are awesome and make you want to dance, but the slower vocals are more laid back.

3. Flashed Junk Mind – Milky Chance

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source

This talented German duo is definitely a band to keep on your radar. This single is absolutely incredible, it’s a great “get happy” song to listen to on a road trip or first thing in the morning. It’s catchy without being annoying and the vocals are great.

2.Shut Up and Dance – WALK THE MOON

This is the most recent and probably the catchiest song on the list. It’s great for dancing and having fun on a Saturday night with your friends or for singing on the top of your lungs with a hairbrush microphone in your room. Although the lyrics aren’t anything special and the song isn’t very complex, it is still one of the best songs of the year.

1. Warm Foothills – alt-J

Every song on the “this is all yours” is absolutely amazing, it is by far the best album of 2014. This song is one of the slower ones, but is my favorite on the record. The vocals and lyrics are both gorgeous, the whole thing is whimsical and melodic and everything I could ask for in a song.

 Featured Image Source

My Netflix List for A Lazy Day

Zoey Liu
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Since this is your last weekend of freedom from school, I know a lot of people that would love to stay in bed all day to watch Netflix and just relax the mind and the body! However, it has being an issue to find amazing TV shows to watch. So, I’m going to recommend you my favs:)

Orange is the New Black is very enjoyable and fun to watch
If you enjoyed the Arrow, the Flash will be an Arrow 2.0
Jane the Virgin is your classic chickflick with a hint of mystery!
If you love Stephen Kings’ novels, you would love this show!
The main character is absolute eye-candy!

Those are my suggestions for the last weekend of winter break if you choose to be just as unproductive as me! Enjoy!

 

 

Conscious consumerism: What you should do after Christmas

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If you are looking for tips for a greener post-Christmas, then you’ve come to the right place. When you are looking for simplified techniques, to cut out stress, save you money, and get organized after Christmas is over then you have to sweep up all the extra things and continue the holiday cheer. There is nothing that can ruin a person’s holidays than the post-stress. However, why not relax and enjoy while you reuse, reduce, and recycle.

Collecting ashes from wood burning fires for use in composts

Many people ask is ash good for compost? Indeed it is. The reason for this is because it does not contain nitrogen. Nitrogen burns plants, but since ashes do not contain nitrogen they are feasible.  They are especially useful in the garden, or even a compost pile. The positive impact is tremendous.

 Reusing gift bags and gift wrap

With all the left over gift wrap and gift bags, re-use all the ones in good condition again – for the next Christmas. Another fun way to use the scraps is to use them to make decorations. When winter is over, and spring rolls around the corner it would be a great idea to throw a spring themed party, or even get together with your friends and make some crafts, or table decorations for an amazing day.

Search for recipes to use up leftover food

It’s time to make a change. So if you would you like to save money, and stop wasting food, here is a recipe for leftover food. You can make fresh soup from old vegetables or banana ice-cream from old banana’s.

For example: Crisp-Fried Pasta With Egg, Goat Cheese, and Tomatoes: just the name of this dish is mouth watering. Therefore, take that extra left-over pasta and crisp it up in a skillet. Throw a little olive oil in and whip up this amazing meal. Don’t forget to toss the goat cheese or tomatoes on top.

Holding an ornament swap or upcycling rather than tossing out

It is also always great to re-use your old ornaments. If you have a clear ornament you could actually spice it up, and re-create something completely new next year!

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