Youth Are Awesome, commonly referred to as YAA, is a blog written by youth for youth.
YAA provides the youth of Calgary a place to amplify their voices and perspectives on what is happening around them.
Youth Are Awesome is a program of Youth Central.
Any views or opinions expressed on this blog belong solely to the author and do not represent those of people or organizations that the blog may be associated with, unless explicitly stated. All content is for informational purposes only.
Post-it notes are a product that we use everyday for various different purposes from bookmarks to simple reminders and to-do lists. Post-It Notes come in various different shapes and colours. Did you know that the invention of this simple yet incredibly handy product was accidental? Yes that is right, post-it notes were invented accidentally by scientists at 3M (Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company).
History of Post-It Notes
In 1968, Spencer Silver, a 3M scientist, was experimenting with various materials to create a strong adhesive for aerospace and aviation applications. Instead, he accidentally developed a weak and reusable adhesive. In 1974, Silver’s colleague Arthur Fry, a product developer, was seeking a bookmark which would stay intact in his hymnal without damaging the pages and thought Silver’s invention was perfect to function as a temporary bookmark. Fry, then promoted the product to others in his company and started developing prototypes of the Post-It notes. He applied the adhesive to strips of paper, creating the first prototype and shared them with other employers to convey its effectiveness.
In 1977, 3M released a test version which was called “Press ‘n Peel”, which was unsuccessful as customers failed to understand the use and purpose of the product. A year later in 1978, 3M launched a marketing campaign, known as the Boise Blitz, where the product was renamed to how we know it today: “Post-It Notes”. In this campaign, 3M was giving out free samples of the product to offices in Boise, Idaho, which ended up being a huge success in which majority of the people liked the product very much.
In 1980, 3M launched the Post-It Notes across the United States and the rest of the world in the next few years. The Post-It team have received various awards for the huge success it has brought to 3M. Since then, Post-It Notes have been recognised as an iconic office stationary across the world. As of 2025, more than 50 billion Post-It notes are being sold worldwide in over 100 countries every year. It is also noted that 3M’s policy of “permitted bootlegging” which allowed employees to develop and pursue their own ideas was the sole reason for the development of Post-It Notes.
How are Post-It Notes Made Today
Once we know the history of Post-It Notes, let’s take a deep dive into the process of how they are manufactured and mass produced at such a large scale. First and foremost, 3M uses a low-stack adhesive material as the adhesive for the Post-It Notes. The adhesive is then applied to sheets of paper using rollers and other automated machinery and then pressed heavily together. Then, the large rolls of paper are sent into the assembly line, where advanced machinery slices the paper into standard Post-It size. Lastly, cut sheets are stacked into pads which are then packaged and labelled and sent off for distribution.
3M is taking various efforts to cut waste and increase sustainability when mass producing its product. Its is worth noting that 3M’s Cynthiana, the facility where Post-It Notes are made, recycles and reuses all its waste produced form manufacturing.
Various Uses of Post-It Notes
Ever since it was invented, the Post-It notes have been used in a variety of different ways such as creating lists, reminders, notes and bookmarks. The Post-It Note is utilised heavily in a classroom and office setting for brainstorming ideas, organising, providing feedback, communicating with others and much more.
Throughout the 21st century, spanning from the late 2010s to the current day, youth globally have integrated themselves into the the development of policies, while continuously advocating for change in response to the realization that climate change no longer remains simply an environmental issue but one that if not now, but will eventually impact each aspect of our lives, political, social, and ideological. This grassroots movement is a citizen-led, and in particular usually youth-led movement to challenge the government stance, inaction and even continuous contribution to climate change. The movement hit an all time high in 2018, with the rise of youth activist Greta Thunberg, who went on strike from her Swedish school starting the ‘Fridays for Future’ movement. Her actions of civil disobedience, and protest against the Swedish Parliament by skipping 251 weeks of school, spread globally. A single act of defiance from Greta inspired a generation of youth activists and their own mass protests and the international wave of increased democratic engagement. This movement in particular challenges the contradictions within modern democracies, with governments who preach individual rights and freedoms but refuse to do just that: protect life, liberty or freedom.
Advocates say with democracies influence and prioritization of corporate deals, industries, and economic gain, all elected officials no longer serve the people or their civic responsibility, violating their own social contract. Governments have failed to act sufficiently on climate change, and undermine and destabilize the democratic accountability liberalism is built on. This movement is heavily reliant on the courage of bottom-up activism, student campus protests, online organization, and peaceful protest in public places. Especially amplifying the voice of marginalized groups such as the Indigenous community and youth, who have no-say in policy decisions. In response groups such as the ‘Extinction Rebellion’ and ‘Fridays for Future’ formed with the goal of civil disobedience and change to governments response to climate change.
These activists in-turn have received incredible backlash, and are victims to certain acts of illiberalism, such as unwarranted arrest, violence from the police, etc, often with Indigenous activists facing the harshest backlash, being met with violence for protecting their ancestral lands from exploitation. This moment as a whole grows each day, and contributes to reforms developed such as pushing for the proper application of the Paris Accord, carbon taxes, ending fossil fuels subsidies, and all together moving towards an ethical economy based on individual communities.
Even with being met with such backlash, this movement has put the much needed pressure on governments and allowed for global climate change discussions to be continuously brought up into conversation, with allowing climate emergencies to be set in place, and most importantly questioning politicians their stance on climate change. This movement is a representation of how the importance of civic participation, especially in grassroots movements can persuade and show the importance of a true democratic system that values such opinions and voices.
So this is your sign, the climate change movement is an example of a key issue fostered and brought to life and recognised by the world due the work done by youth across the world, like many other important issues. Whatever you believe in, stay firm and remember that each action has a significance and may change minds and most importantly change hearts.
At some point in life, most of us have found ourselves whispering our needs instead of declaring them. We shrink ourselves to fit the comfort zones of others, or bite our tongues to avoid “being difficult.” But here’s the truth: your voice is not a disruption. It’s a declaration.
This blog is your rally cry. Your reminder. Your unapologetic permission slip to speak louder—for yourself, for those around you, and especially for those who haven’t yet found their voice.
👤 Self-Advocacy: Loud Doesn’t Mean Aggressive
Image Taken by Joe Yates on Unsplash
Too many people have been conditioned to believe that self-advocacy is selfish. But advocating for yourself is the opposite—it’s radically self-aware.
It’s saying:
“I deserve to be included.”
“I deserve safety, respect, and acknowledgment.”
“I’m allowed to set expectations and hold others to them.”
Whether in a classroom, workplace, relationship, or community space, advocating for yourself doesn’t mean being confrontational. It means being clear. It means understanding your worth so deeply that others start to notice—and respect it.
And let’s be honest—advocacy isn’t always easy. Sometimes it feels like swimming upstream. But if you don’t speak up for yourself, who will?
🙅🏽♀️ No Bystanding: Silence Isn’t Neutral
It’s easy to think that if something doesn’t affect us directly, it’s not our business. But silence often speaks louder than words—it reinforces harmful norms and excuses injustice.
The next time you witness:
Microaggressions in a conversation
Someone being excluded or bullied
Harmful stereotypes are being tossed around “as a joke”
You have a choice: turn away, or turn up. Being a non-bystander doesn’t mean launching into battle—it means being present, aware, and willing to say something.
We all get nervous. We all fear backlash or awkwardness. But courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s deciding that speaking up matters more.
The people who are impacted most by injustice often have the fewest seats at the table. Your voice could be the one that makes room.
🧱 Boundaries: Your Peace Is Non-Negotiable
Unsplash Image by Getty Images
One of the most powerful forms of self-advocacy is boundary-setting.
Boundaries are not rude. They are not overreactions. They are acts of emotional intelligence. They say:
“I value myself enough to decide what I will and won’t allow.”
“I love you, but I need space.”
“I care about this, but not at the expense of my mental health.”
When you set boundaries:
You teach people how to treat you.
You clarify what you expect.
You honor your needs instead of betraying them for acceptance.
And yes—setting boundaries might offend people who benefited from your silence or your people-pleasing. Let them be uncomfortable. Discomfort is often the doorway to growth.
🗣️ “Louder For The People In The Back!” – Why It Matters
This phrase isn’t just catchy—it’s a movement. It’s what we say when we want the truth to echo. It’s what we shout when people pretend not to hear us. It’s what we declare when someone tries to dim our light.
When we speak up:
We inspire others to do the same.
We normalize assertiveness.
We dismantle systems built on silence.
Whether you’re the only woman in the meeting room, the quiet kid in a loud classroom, or someone navigating systemic barriers—the moment you speak up, you change the temperature of the room.
So let them listen. Let them squirm. Let them learn.
💥 Advocacy in Action: Real-Life Moments to Raise Your Voice
Wondering where to start? Advocacy can happen in everyday places:
In group projects where your ideas are overlooked.
In friendship dynamics where emotional labor feels one-sided.
At family dinners, where uncomfortable comments go unchecked.
In public spaces, when someone is being mistreated.
It’s not about shouting. It’s about showing up—with clarity, courage, and consistency.
🔥 Final Words: Volume is Valid
You were not made to be small. You were not born to blend in. You were made to stand out, to speak up, and to shift atmospheres.
Your boundaries don’t make you rigid—they make you anchored. Your refusal to be a bystander doesn’t make you nosy—it makes you necessary. Your advocacy doesn’t make you bossy—it makes you brave.
So say it louder. For the doubters. For the people in the back. For the version of you that once thought silence was safer.
We were promised the future. Not in vague terms, but in bright, shiny headlines and school posters and TED Talks and pixelated PowerPoint presentations that told us that if we studied hard, stayed out of trouble, and trusted the adults in the room, we’d inherit a better world than the one before.
They said technology would connect us, not divide us. That democracy would evolve, not unravel. That justice was slow, but sure. That “the arc of the moral universe bends toward justice,” even if it takes time.
But what they failed to say was that the arc is only as moral as those in power, and only as just as those who refuse to bend it.
Now, my generation, Gen Z, is waking up in the wreckage of a promise that was never really meant for us. Climate disaster is no longer theoretical. Rising fascism isn’t history, but instead its headlines. Rights we thought were permanent are being erased with the stroke of a pen. Economic systems that were supposed to reward effort have become machines of exploitation. The world we were told we’d lead one day is already on fire, and we’re being handed a paper fan and told to fix it, quietly, politely, and preferably without upsetting the markets.
I don’t remember the exact moment I realized the future wasn’t coming. Maybe it was watching politicians offer “thoughts and prayers” after school shootings, instead of policies. Perhaps it was hearing about another Indigenous community without clean drinking water, while oil pipelines received full government protection. Maybe it was watching world leaders shake hands in photo ops at climate summits, only to return home and approve new fossil fuel projects. Or perhaps it was when I realized that even when people scream the truth, institutions wear noise-cancelling headphones.
There’s this myth that young people don’t care about politics. That we’re too caught up in our screens to care about the real world. But the truth is far more uncomfortable: we care deeply. It’s just that the political system was not built for us. It was built to outlive us and to profit off our silence. We were raised on language that glamorized democracy, but what we’ve seen are governments that bend to billionaires, not people. We were raised on language that praised justice, but what we’ve seen is that justice is expensive, conditional, and often delayed until it no longer matters. We were told to “change the system from within,” but what do you do when the system keeps locking the doors?
What makes this moment uniquely painful is that we’re not just dealing with broken systems. We’re dealing with the deliberate performance of progress. Institutions have learned how to mimic change without actually delivering it. They know the language of equity, the slogans of sustainability, the curated aesthetics of inclusion. A corporation changes its logo for Pride Month while funding anti-LGBTQ+ politicians behind the scenes. A political party posts a land acknowledgement before approving a land grab. A school hosts a mental health awareness week, then punishes students for falling behind. It’s all branding, not transformation. And we’re exhausted.
Still, this isn’t a eulogy for the future, not yet. Because, despite everything, something powerful is happening beneath the surface. Young people across the globe are not just paying attention; instead, we’re organizing, protesting, writing, speaking, creating, and building. In India, youth are calling out religious nationalism at the risk of arrest. In Iran, teenage girls are removing their hijabs in acts of breathtaking resistance. In Sudan, youth-led resistance committees coordinate humanitarian aid and strategy in the middle of armed conflict. In Canada, Indigenous youth are reclaiming land and language and culture while fighting centuries of colonial violence. In Gaza, young journalists document occupation and genocide while under siege. And here, in the so-called “free” parts of the world, we’re watching. We’re learning. We’re refusing to be pacified by hollow words.
We may not trust institutions, but we believe in each other. We’ve seen how much power lives in a protest, a petition, a post that cuts through the noise. We’ve seen how truth spreads in defiance of algorithmic censorship. We’ve seen how solidarity builds movements that cross borders and languages and identities. And perhaps most importantly, we’ve seen that hope is not a passive thing. Hope is work. Hope is resistance. Hope is inconvenient. It doesn’t sit quietly and wait for permission. It shows up, again and again, even when it’s tired, even when it’s scared, even when it’s heartbroken.
The future that was promised to us was never truly just ours. However, that doesn’t have to mean that we can’t build one. It’s not just the polished, corporate-approved version that they envisioned, but something more honest. It’s a future built on justice, care, community, accountability, and healing. One measure is not by things like profit margins or military might, but by how fiercely we can protect the most vulnerable.
This future doesn’t hide behind neutrality in the face of oppression. It speaks the truth. It names injustice. And it tears it down.
We were told to wait for the future. We’re done waiting. We’re building it together.
Summer isn’t just a time for vacations and iced drinks — it’s also the perfect season to take care of your body and mind. From the way sunlight affects your mood to how seasonal foods can help your skin, here are 7 proven ways to stay healthy and energized this summer.
Hydration Hacks That Actually Work
Staying hydrated in the heat is crucial — but drinking plain water isn’t always enough. When you sweat, your body loses electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which water alone doesn’t replace.
Try this instead:
Add a pinch of salt and a splash of lemon juice to your water
Drink natural electrolyte sources like coconut water
Eat water-rich fruits like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges
Fun fact: Dehydration can cause brain fog and headaches, so staying hydrated also helps you stay focused and alert.
2. Sunlight and Mood: The Science
Exposure to sunlight increases your body’s production of serotonin, a hormone linked to improved mood and calmness. It also helps regulate your circadian rhythm (your internal clock), making it easier to sleep at night.
Best time to go outside: Within the first hour after waking up — even 15 minutes of natural light can reset your mood and energy levels for the day.
3. Seasonal Eating = Smarter Eating
Summer fruits and veggies aren’t just delicious — they’re packed with nutrients your body needs in warmer months.
Top picks:
Berries (antioxidants)
Tomatoes (skin-protecting lycopene)
Leafy greens (cooling, hydrating, and rich in iron)
Eating seasonal produce means fresher, more nutrient-dense meals — and it supports your digestion and skin health.
4. Beat the Heat for Better Sleep
Heat affects your sleep more than you think. Your body needs to cool down to fall into deep sleep, but high nighttime temps can interrupt that process.
Tips to cool down at night:
Take a cold shower or rinse your feet before bed
Sleep with a fan, AC on or use a cool damp cloth on your neck
Avoid heavy meals late at night — they raise your internal temperature
5. The Real Deal About Sunscreen
Sunscreen isn’t optional — even on cloudy days. But not all sunscreens are created equal.
What to look for:
Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher
Reapply every 2 hours, especially if swimming or sweating
Mineral sunscreen (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) is better for sensitive skin
Most forgotten spots: ears, eyelids, back of hands, tops of feet, and the part in your hair.
6. Walking Outside = Brain Boost
Studies show that “green exercise” (moving outdoors, especially in nature) can boost memory, focus, and creativity. Walking in sunlight also triggers vitamin D production, which supports brain and bone health.
Even a 20-minute walk around your neighborhood can improve mood and reduce anxiety.
7. Don’t Forget Eye Protection!
UV rays can damage your eyes just like they damage your skin. Long-term exposure increases the risk of cataracts and vision problems.
Look for sunglasses labeled “UV400” — this means they block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Bonus points if they wrap around your face for extra protection.
Summary:
Summer is the best time to refresh your health habits. These science-backed tips don’t require big changes — just small, smart choices that help your body and brain stay balanced, protected, and energized.
Preface: Listen to the songs and do a quick read on the lyrics, so we can discuss togther!
Why I love this song:
I loved the song “Like a Tattoo” initially because of Sade Adu’s soulful vocals. The music was full of life and haunting at the same time; the profundity of emotions captivated me, and I felt love, regret, and drama. Exploring the narrative, I began to uncover the answers and questions alike. What happened between the shooter and the lover? Were the scars of emotional pain so intense that they were visible like a tattoo? After entering the rabbit hole of interviews and the mysterious life of the singer, I became attached to and wanted to work on developing my interpretations in relation to the context of the song. The pairing of expressive delivery and intense lyrics had me wanting to research and analyze the lyrics further.
About the song:
The song investigates feelings of guilt and regret of the past and its unremitting consequences on an individual. The theme can be apparent in lines such as “As I reveal my shame to you,” where the vulnerability of revealing past mistakes is directly addressed, or, ambiguous and implied, such as in “Like the scar of age.” which subtly conveys the indelible marks of trials and tribulations of life that leave emotional scars. Overall, the song addresses the intense struggle required in the psychological turmoil stemming from unresolved moral dilemmas. The discussion ranges from guilty avoidance of truth by forming a romanticized notion of reality to regretfully addressing the truth and feeling the intensity like a scar. Sade Adu beautifully captures the essence of what it means to be trapped in a cycle of regret and guilt over past actions and the hardship required to overcome those sentiments.
The history:
As Sade Adu states in an interview with Michael A. Gonzales, “I [Sade Adu] was always Mrs. Soul Woman.” She grew up “quite deprived of music,” but her half-Nigerian heritage (Encyclopædia Britannica) and the late 20th-century British landscape (Encyclopædia Britannica) exposed her to the diverse musical environment of blues, jazz, reggae, rock, and more (Encyclopædia Britannica)(Gonzales). She not only draws influence from jazz and soul legends such as Billie Holiday and Miles Davis but also her own personal conversations.
For the song “Like a Tattoo,” she interpreted a story of a “guy in a bar in New York years ago” (Gonzales). He talked about his experiences, and Sade interpreted them as the emotional turmoil of a “man who has been in Vietnam” (Gonzales). Regardless of the fact that her goal wasn’t to address the effects of the Vietnam War, it still plays a crucial role in providing listeners with context as to what could have possibly happened to influence her perspective. The album Love Deluxe was released in 1992 (Sade). A time period long enough to start seeing post-war effects, the military conflict left war veterans to suffer the consequences of PTSD (Vietnam War). The topic of mental health would have been prevalent and prompted music artists to incorporate the issues. For example, the song “The Final Cut” (1983) by Pink Floyd (Final Cut) also explored veterans struggling with their memories and the moral complexities of war, much like “Like a Tattoo.” In conclusion, Sade Adu’s “Like a Tattoo” carries the contextual roots of emotional turmoil and PTSD post-war. Sanat Pai Raikar. “Roger Waters | Life, Career, Pink Floyd, Trivia, & Facts.”
Citations:
“Biography.” Sade | Official Website for the British Iconic Band, www.sade.com/biography. Accessed 16 Oct. 2024.
I think all of us, having lived in Canada, have tasted one of the best breakfast combinations; pancakes with that distinct sweetness of maple syrup! There is no doubt that maple syrup is an essential part of Canada’s national identity, but I always wondered, why so? If you have pondered upon the same question as me, then keep on reading because this blog is all about why Canada and Canadians love maple syrup so much.
Although Canada is the world’s biggest exporter of maple syrup, exporting more than 70% of the world’s maple syrup, the economic benefits that this industry provides to Canadians is not maple syrup’s only role. Instead, it has deep roots in Canadian history, with origins coming from several Indigenous communities.
Indigenous Origins of Maple Syrup:
Before European colonization, Indigenous groups such as the Anishinaabe, Mi’kmaq, Haudenosaunee, and Abenaki had developed their own tools which they used to tap trees to access what they called “sweet water.”
These Indigenous groups live in the area known as the “Maple Belt,” comprising the hardwood deciduous forests from the midwestern United States across Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, and had access to red, black, and sugar maples.
The Anishinaabe and other Indigenous groups in this region start their maple syrup extraction in a season which they call “maple moon” or “sugar month,” when temperatures rise above freezing. The process of tapping a maple tree would be done by cutting a small hole in the tree, and inserting a spile to direct the sap from the tree into a handmade birch-bark bucket placed nearby. The sap would be left in the cold to separate the lighter water from the heavier, viscous sugar syrup.
Maple syrup continues to be a major part of the Indigenous lifestyle. It is used as a sweetener, anesthetic, and for meat preservation in many communities.
Through trade and contact with European settlers, this knowledge of tree tapping was passed on by the Indigenous communities, serving as a start to the maple syrup industry.
A symbol of Canadian Identity:
There is no doubt that the maple leaf and maple syrup are an essential part of the Canadian identity. For example, the maple leaf is at the center of our flag, and bottles of maple syrups are sold in gift shops across the country.
Sugar shacks, small cabins where sap is boiled to process maple syrup, are visited by several Quebecois and French Canadian families, as Quebec is the province that produces the most maple syrup in Canada, and by children in Ontario as part of fieldtrips.
TL;DR
Although maple syrup is important for Canada’s economic growth and global recognition as the world’s largest producer of maple syrup, it also has a rich history stemming from the practices of Indigenous groups. The maple syrup represents Canada’s interconnectedness, and is a symbol of the shared cultural practices that builds Canadian society.
Every July 1st, red and white swirl through our streets as the maple leaf flutters proudly above gatherings, picnics, parades, and fireworks. Yet beyond the festivities, Canada Day invites us to pause—not just to celebrate, but to reflect.
The Land We Share
Before the cheers begin, I find it grounding to acknowledge the truth of the land beneath our feet. Canada’s story didn’t begin in 1867; it reaches back thousands of years, shaped by the deep knowledge, culture, and resilience of Indigenous peoples. Land acknowledgments aren’t a formality—they’re a recognition of ongoing relationships and responsibilities.
This year, I’ve been thinking about what it means to live in a country still learning to walk the path of reconciliation. Canada Day can be an opportunity to listen—to stories, to truths, to voices that are too often sidelined.
What Canada Means to Me
Growing up in Calgary, Canada always felt like a mosaic rather than a melting pot—threads of language, music, and cuisine overlapping in beautiful, unexpected ways. I see “home” in the local library’s multilingual shelves, in the glow of Chinatown lanterns, in a neighbour offering bannock during Stampede week.
Canada, to me, means:
Saying “sorry” even when it’s not our fault 🙃
Tim Hortons runs before sunrise
Ice skating in -30°C and pretending it’s “not that cold”
Having fierce conversations while still holding doors open afterwards
Looking Ahead
There’s a quiet kind of hope in being Canadian. It’s in the way we keep showing up—at polls, at protests, at food banks, and community centers. It’s in our willingness to keep learning, keep growing, and keep questioning the systems around us.
So yes, I’ll wear my red and white. I’ll watch the fireworks with friends, blast The Tragically Hip, and indulge in a butter tart or three. But I’ll also carry the quieter thoughts with me—the ones about history, identity, and building a future we’re proud to inherit.
Because loving Canada doesn’t mean ignoring its imperfections. It means holding space for both celebration and growth—cheering for what we’ve become and committing to what we still must be.
Under the guise of ‘for the people’, democratic institutions operate with the promise of providing power to ALL the people it represents. While in supposed democratic nations such as Canada, the core of the implementation of voting systems such as ‘First Past the Post’ are deeply flawed, prioritizing electing an individual to a riding with relatively the most amount of votes, even if it is less than 50% of the population. Within Canada’s 2021 federal election, a Liberal minority was called, but the liberal received 33.6% of the popular vote. How does this fairly represent and uphold the values of a democracy?
This supposed democratic system pushes for a two-part system, even if there are numerous parties running. Without two parties, the government would never have received 50%+ votes otherwise. This system makes it significantly more difficult for smaller opposition parties to gain traction, and accumulate votes to win a riding, leading to no representation for such parties. In order to combat this, within society, individuals turn to ‘strategic voting’, to avoid wasting their vote they’ll choose between the two opposing, and dominating parties such as within Canada’s 2025 election: the Liberals and Conservatives.
The ‘First Past The Post’ system, unknowing to most people, creates an undemocratic system where only two parties will dominate, and the years following consist of them fighting for power, which minority parties fall from political existence.
This belief is outlined within Duverger’s Law, emphasizing the inevitable rise of two dominant powers from the fear of citizens to split the vote, from a so-called ‘better’ party. This law highlights the inevitable rise and fall of these parties, specifically of a centre-left and centre-right on the political spectrum. The will of citizens can never be represented within a democracy with the FPTP system; there is no democracy within a system that forces fear voting, all to keep a certain party out of power.
This is clearly represented through the outcome of the 2025 Federal Election. Such days signal the unraveling of the democracy Canadians once could have relayed on and enjoyed. By entrenching a two-party system, we sacrifice genuine representation: voters no longer choose the candidate most attuned to their riding’s needs but rather select the “lesser evil” simply to block an opposing party. We witness how the NDP, Bloc Québécois, and Green Party have been marginalized, with even their own supporters vote against them to prevent a more feared outcome. Such dynamics erode the very foundations of democratic freedom. It underscores our duty to encourage a pluralistic system, and to insist that our government remain open to criticism.
It’s the 18th century. After a long journey, you and your fellow European settlers finally disembark onto a brand-new, elusive, yet exciting island. After exploring the land and taking in everything this new alien land has to offer, you hear a rustling in the bushes behind you. Slowly, you turn around, and a shadowy, swift figure emerges. It’s a tiger-no, a wolf? This yellow-brown dog, decorated with dark black tiger-like stripes, roars at you. You freeze in awe, and name it the Tasmanian Tiger.
Ground breaking tantalizing discoveries in genetic work have led to optimism in de-extinction efforts. Recently, scientists are working to bring extinctic animals such as the woolly mammoth, quagga, and Tasmanian tiger back to life. And no, this idea isn’t some kind of Jurassic Park-style fiction about bringing extinct animals back from the dead. There is actual scientific evidence supporting the possibility of reviving these historic creatures. In this blog I will be exploring everything about the Tasmanian tiger and whether or not scientists can truly bring this animal back from the dead.
The Tasmanian tiger, or thylacine, was an extinct carnivorous marsupial native to Tasmania, Australia, and New Guinea. It was typically found in biomes such as forests, grasslands, and woodlands. Due to its hunting nature, it was particularly drawn to areas with dense vegetation and open plains. Its appearance resembles that of a large dog with tiger stripes, possessing both dog-like and cat-like features. It is the only animal known to showcase a combination of cat and dog traits, leading to a “cat-dog hybrid” comparison.
Videos of thylacine actually exists!
The Tasmanian tiger was one of very few animals that went extinct before 1940 to have been captured on video. This is an extremely impressive accomplishment, as the thylacine was already on the brink of extinction, and video capturing technology was still relatively new. It is thanks to videos like the one above that we were able to confirm the Tasmanian tiger actually existed and gain a much deeper understanding of its anatomy and behavior. This video is an amazing record of a species lost to time and a reminder of just how important species preservation is before it’s too late. Due to footage like this, people are even more optimistic that scientist could, maybe one day, bring this amazing creature back to life.
Extinction of the Tasmanian tiger was primarily due to the rise of humans, combined with the harshness of Mother Nature. Everything just went horribly for these creatures. Overhunting, habitat loss, competition, and disease all contributed to their fall. Once European settlers found their way to Tasmania, they started overhunting them. In some cases, there were even bounties placed on the thylacine’s head. Humanity blamed the thylacine for killing sheep, and the Tasmanian government would place bounties on them. With a bounty, there was very high motivation to hunt them. The rise of farming and industrialization led to lots of habitat destruction. The introduction of humans also led to the introduction of domestic dogs and invasive species directly competing with the thylacine for resources. To add insult to injury, there was evidence that a lot of thylacines were being infected with disease that rapidly spread across the population. All those factors caused a rapid population decline. The last wild thylacine was killed in 1930, and the last captive thylacine died in 1936, with it officially being labeled extinct in 1982. Unfortunately, at the time, there was no global outrage over their extinction. Conservation wasn’t really mainstream, as humanity was very different back then. The last captive thylacine’s death went practically unnoticed. It died due to circumstances that could’ve been prevented, as they were entirely due to human error. Zoos back then had much lower standards regarding the animals’ enrichment or welfare. Nowadays, something like that would never happen, and zoos take conservation and animal welfare seriously. While yes, it went extinct, it’s important we learn from this, as the global and environmental impacts could have been serious, and issues like these still remain in today’s world.
Potential Impacts on The Ecosystem
Since the thylacine went extinct so long ago, us, as humans, weren’t able to properly or fully document the impacts on the ecosystem that the Tasmanian tiger left behind after its extinction. However, based on basic ecology principals, we’re able to theorize many of the lasting impacts that the extinction of the Tasmanian tiger could’ve caused. The thylacine was a tertiary consumer found on the fourth topic level of the ecological pyramid. This classification identifies the thylacine as an apex predator, further evident by its diet, which included small mammals and birds such as black ducks, swamphens, or Tasmanian native hens. Seeing how the thylacine was one of the few predators of these animals, there’s an incredible likelihood that its extinction meant that these species no longer faced natural predation. The extinction of an apex predator in almost all cases directly results into triggering a trophic cascade. With no top predators dictating all the smaller animals, an imbalance of populations amongst the food chain is created. This eventually leads to an effect known as mesopredator release. Essentially, since there is no apex predators, medium sized predators receive a monumental spike in population, which in turn causes a decrease in even smaller animal populations due to the greater food demands of those medium sized predators. Overall an apex predator going extinct such as the thylacine is never a good thing for the ecosystem.
Colossal Biosciences and the University of Melbourne’s Thylacine Integrated Genomic Restoration Lab currently have plans to bring the thylacine back from the dead. A few things to preface before I explain the details: the thylacine they’re creating will not be 100% accurate to the one that went extinct, as this animal has been dead for years, so there is a lot of guesswork. There is also potential for behavioral differences from the original thylacine, as one’s genes don’t necessarily determine their behavior. Besides that, their goals are to pretty much make their own version of a thylacine. The main method is de-extinction, where modern tools will be used to recreate the thylacine’s genome by looking at its closest relatives. Scientists have currently sequenced all of the thylacine’s genome from preserved thylacine specimens, and the closest relative has been identified as the numbat. The plans are to use the numbat as a genetic template, and potentially a surrogate. Using a process known as CRISPR, the goal will be to edit the genome of the numbat to match the DNA of a thylacine. Piece by piece, they will try to reconstruct a functional thylacine genome. Once the genes have been edited and an embryo is created, it will be planted into a surrogate such as the numbat that will carry and give birth to the thylacine. This will be a bit tricky, as marsupials are typically born extremely early, making the artificial womb process more complex. They’re shockingly far along with this process, as they’ve almost completely rebuilt the thylacine genome, with over 300 gene edits made. They expect to finish within 8–10 years, with a high likelihood of it being actually feasible, with most technology barriers passed. Other de-extinction efforts are more far along, such as the dire wolf, woolly mammoth, and northern white rhino, all showing great progress. With all of these de-extinction efforts, a huge morality debate has come along with it.
Should humans bring thylacines back?
The resurrection of any extinct animal raises many morality questions. Should humanity just let them rest peacefully, or should we try to redeem our ecology failures as a humanity? There is a wide range of both pros and cons when discussing if a dead animal should be brought back. On one hand, this is an amazing opportunity for scientific advancement, biodiversity restoration, conservation awareness, and a form of redemption. On the other hand, there’s ecological uncertainty, ethical concerns, fewer resources for other endangered animals, and behavioral inaccuracies. Learning how to bring back an extinct animal will push the limits on what we know about genetics and reproductive technologies, potentially allowing breakthroughs in medicine and further protection against extinction. The previously damaged ecosystem could potentially be repaired with the reintroduction of certain animals. Getting to witness de-extinction efforts will generate a huge public interest in all things conservation. However, we don’t necessarily know how these new animals will interact with the environment. Many things must be questioned, such as where to even put the animal, how the ecosystem will react, and whether or not this could cause any disruptions. It’s also speculated whether it’s even moral to create something in a lab, highlighting the trauma we may be giving to the creation, as well as any other animals involved in the process. Putting all this effort into something niche will take resources away from current ecology issues. Finally, the animal created may not even have the same behavior, essentially introducing an animal that otherwise wouldn’t exist. This entire topic could have huge consequences, where most experts agree it should be used to complement conservation and not try to act as a substitute.
TL;DR
The Tasmanian Tiger was once a marsupial native to Tasmania that ended up going extinct due to the rise of humanity. Videos of it still exist, giving us great insight on it. Scientists are currently trying to bring it back using CRISPR, and they have currently made quite some progress. This topic in general raises some serious questions about ethics, but with great hope for science.
Giving back to our community is a great way to show our appreciation to the people around us. It creates a healthy environment for everyone to be a part of and helps the community as a whole to grow. Studies have shown that giving back to your community boosts your overall mental and physical well-being. Giving back also makes your life more purposeful, while helping you build strong relationships within your community.
Here are a few ways you can show appreciation to others in your community:
1.Volunteering
Volunteering is an excellent way to bring a positive change and impact into your community. As a volunteer myself, I would certainly say that volunteering with numerous non-profit organizations has provided me with the opportunity to help the people in our community directly. Volunteering opens our eyes to the contemporary issues faced by the people in our community.
There are numerous places you can volunteer to donate your time and effort to a meaningful cause such as local food banks, libraries and numerous community events. Joining volunteer organizations is also a great way to show your appreciation to your community. Furthermore, volunteering shapes us into a better person by implanting strong values and skills within us.
2. Donating
Donating to charity organizations is a great way to show support to others in our community. It creates a genuine difference in our community and helps those in need. Donating does not always have to be money. It can be anything from clothing to old books. It is also known that donating develops a sense of belonging with your community. Donating helps build a stronger and healthy community where everyone cares about each other.
3. Buying Local
Buying products from local stores is a great way to show appreciation and support to local businesses in our community. Buying local will help local vendors to compete against the huge international corporations, while reducing your carbon footprint. Purchasing from local stores reduces the transportation time for the goods, which significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions. Spreading word about these businesses also helps them to grow.
4. Connecting with others in Your Community
Connecting with others in your community is a great way to build relationships and a sense of belonging within your community. Some ways to do this is by attending community events, joining community clubs and associations. Also, simply spreading kindness to others in your community is a great way to boost everyone’s morale.
Overall, Giving back to your community is something everyone should do. It helps us and others in our community grow. Some other ways of giving back include helping organize community events, fundraisers and more. Taking part in a good cause is very fulfilling and makes a difference in our community.
Regardless of what field you may be pursuing, literature and article reading are essential skills if you’d like to cite experts, previous studies, or have any sort of deeper understanding of a topic. That being said, articles can get dense and difficult to read if you don’t understand all the jargon, so here’s a step-by-step guide on how to review literature in an efficient and effective manner.
The Abstract
This is the part of the article that is in plain language, so most people can understand. Make sure to read this portion first in order to gain an idea of whether or not the information is worth investing your time into understanding – if it’s not relevant, find another article. There is no point in floating around the wrong article, hoping the right information will come up.
Abstracts should be concise and to the point. If there’s any jargon in the abstract that you don’t understand and isn’t explained, look it up. It will probably be considered background information that’s necessary to build up new understandings.
The Introduction
As its name suggests, the introduction introduces the topic of the article. It mentions its significance and its application to the real world. This part is really important if you are using the literature as background to your own work; take into consideration how different side effects or scraped data could affect aspects of your work here.
Materials and Methods
If you want a really deep understanding of the article, you’ll have to dive into this section with quite a lot of time on your hands, because oftentimes the processes and machinery used by scientific research are complex and dense. To completely understand the research, you’ll have to know how the scientists got to their results.
However, if you’re looking for broad results or just an informal comparison of your results, a broader understanding of the method will be sufficient. While it’s great to understand everything, do not prioritize materials and methods if you are aiming to get breadth and not depth.
Results
The results of an article tell data as it is. It’s often presented as a collection of data, plots, and graphs, but really, it should be assumption-free and only give the information that was collected.
This is where you’d pull the information to make your own conclusions, if you were using the data as part of a data set. It’s also relatively objective, although graphs may be biased, so when you are creating conclusions, be sure not to make any assumptions that the dataset did not indicate.
Discussion
This is where the authors of the article interpret the results of their data. It’s the same as a Conclusion, except scientists often avoid using that word because it implies that the research has concluded. Most times, it hasn’t and will continue to develop over time with more studies, trials, and experiments.
The discussion breaks down how the data collected answers the hypothesis, which was introduced in the abstract and the introduction. It also dissects the real-world applications of the data and the relevance of the data (like revisiting the introduction!), which is helpful.
References
This is where you’ll find the articles and research that the authors of the articles referenced. It’s useful if you want to understand more about the topic or if you don’t understand the article you just read, because it provides the background information, but its core relevance often comes from seeing the age of the articles. In rapidly developing fields like computer science and psychology, you may not want to use an article that is based on outdated science.
If you grew up in Calgary, you already know once July hits: it’s Stampede or nothing. And if you didn’t grow up here? That’s ok because today I’ll be telling you about the most chaotic, cowboy-coded, deep-fried, boot-stomping event of the year. Stampede.
Stampede 2025 was chaotic.. Here’s what I thought made this year’s version so unforgettable (and why it’s way more than just a rodeo).
The Music:
The music this year was amazing! There were so many different artists performing their hearts out on the co co cola stage, ranging from indie local acts to TikTok-famous performers. At this point, most people went to the stampede, solely for the music. Just to name a few, Don Toliver, Meghan Patrick, Cole Swindell, and Tinashe. I think that Stampede isn’t just a carnival, because at this point it’s a lowkey music festival.
The Food:
I would describe it in 3 words: Deep-Fried Chaos
The food at Stampede this year (and honestly every year), is absolutely mind-boggling. These carts are selling not only a variety of different tasty delicacies, but also creating the most insane combinations. Here are a couple of them:
Deep fried pickle cotton candy
Ramenritto
Fruity Pebble Korean Dog
Dubai Chocolate funnel cake
Deep-fried pickle oreos
Lemonade-in-a-bucket.
Stampede food reminds me of the game Truth of Dare. When I was little, me and my friends would play Truth or Dare a lot and we would dare each other to try crazy food combinations (like Doritos and nutella). Stampede is definitely giving a 10 year olds classic dare turned into an awesome business. .
What to Do (More Than Just Rides)
First of all, the rides were crazy, flipping people up and down and all around. But beyond the spinning and screaming, here’s what else was iconic:
Rodeo
Dog shows
Fireworks
Pancake Breakfast
Parade
A whole lot of food and shopping
Personally, growing up I absolutely loved the rides, but now that I’m older, I’m interested in the other attractions that the Stampede has to offer too!
Conclusion
Stampede is an absolutely amazing experience that really brings countless Calgarians together (both patriotically but also physically as almost 200,000 people showed up on July 9). The crazy food, awesome music, thrilling rides, and entertaining shows all make Stampede so popular and awesome. If you haven’t had the chance to go yet, it’s still open till July 13, so make sure to stop by for some deep fried oreo pickles!
Calgary Stampede season has begun in full swing, with the Stampede Parade a few days ago kicking off the festivities. Stampede’s popularity is continuously growing, with more and more people in attendance as the years go by. The festivities in Stampede Park– such as the rides and infamous weird food combinations (skittle covered hot-dogs, deep fried oreos, watermelon burgers, and worm poutine to name a few)– are enticing to the younger generation, promising days of fun-filled outings and memories made with friends.
Coined the “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”, Calgary Stampede is a 2-week-long spectacle that features rodeo shows, Western culture, and modern entertainment into one exciting celebration. Whether it’s the chuckwagon races and rodeo events or the fun rides, street food vendors, famous pancake breakfasts, or nightly concerts featuring big names like Shania Twain, Stampede offers something for everyone. (Visit the Stampede website for the full list of festivities!)
Local businesses and Calgary citizens get into the spirit, with cowboy hats, boots, and denim becoming the unofficial dress code. For many Calgarians, it’s more than just an event– it’s a cherished annual tradition that brings together communities, showcases our culture, and draws visitors from around the world. Whether you’re there for the rodeo, the music, or the midway food, the Calgary Stampede captures the spirit of summer like nothing else.
More than just fun times, Stampede provides a platform for small businesses, local talents, and even those passionate about veterinary medicine to ensure their interests reach a wider audience. It promotes agriculture and prioritizes animal welfare behind the scenes. Youth are given the opportunity to gain important skills and practice their passions, whether its through volunteering, gaining work experience, or taking part in programs like the Stampede Show Band and science competitions. The Calgary Stampede educates and entertains simultaneously!
The Calgary Stampede is visited by millions of people, which means the crowds can get overwhelming fast. Planning your visit ahead of time gives you a better shot at avoiding the worst of the crowding, allowing you to visit all the attractions you’re most excited about.
Check out the Stampede website and click on the day you’re planning to go, there’s usually a full list of that day’s attractions and events. Pick your top priorities so you have a clear idea of where you want to head next, instead of wandering around the park unsure of what to do and when to do it. Plan on going really early or really late to beat the crowds. Going late is also a good idea if you want to escape the heat, and some vendors offer nightly discounts.
Without a rough idea or plan of how you want your day to go, it’s easy to miss out on events entirely, especially the ones that require tickets. Purchasing tickets online before the show is a smart idea, if possible. Some shows and attractions sell out quickly, so checking online in advance can save you a lot of time and disappointment. A little bit of planning goes a long way in making sure you actually get to experience what you paid for, and not just spend your day lost in a crowd.
You can also give yourself time to wander aimlessly through the park to check out the vendors and rides on your own time, if that sounds the most fun to you! Although, if you’re thinking of attending any shows, planning ahead is the way to go.
Calgary’s chaotic weather conditions can be annoying to deal with, it’ll go from sweltering hot to a full-on hail storm in an hour. Calgarians commonly receive tornado and thunderstorm warnings during the middle of a bright sunny day, Calgarians know just how quick the weather can change.
Stampede week is usually mind-numbingly hot and sunny, but we also get some rainy days as well (like this Thursday!). It’s vital to stay prepared for both extremes and check the weather forecast on the day of your visit. We all know how unreliable Calgary weather forecasts can be, especially if you’re looking into the future.
For warm weather, ensure you go through your usual hot summer day checklist. Carry a water bottle (there’s water stations throughout the Park), lots of sunscreen, and a hat to prevent getting heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Stampede is nothing without cowboy hats, so you’ll blend right in! If you get tired or dizzy, find some shade wherever you can and take a break. Try not to spend too much time in close-knit crowds, but I know how hard it is to avoid them. The best you can do is stay prepared!
For rainy weather, please wear a sweater or coat; your Stampede outfit can wait. Trust me, the mini skirts aren’t worth the week of sickness after. You can re-visit on a warmer day to show off your denim!
Stampede grounds are vast, I’m sure everyone can meet their workout goals just by spending a day there. 10k steps sound easy compared to the amount of walking some people do here. You’ll be on your feet for most– if not all– of the day, so come with proper footwear!
Wearing boots is practically one of the requirements to enter Stampede grounds, meaning making sure you have comfortable cowboy boots is vital. Boots are great if they’re broken in, but if they’re new, I suggest staying away from spending your day in them. Stick to sneakers if you can, and ensure they’re the right fit.
Taking everything above into account, I strongly encourage you to stay away from the heels. Don’t do it. Bring a change of shoes for halfway through the day if you must, for the sake of your own feet.
Conclusions
Calgary Stampede’s energy is addictive, leaving you coming back for more. Ensure you check beforehand on the activities available for the day and plan your visit for the best experience! Calgary’s climate is unpredictable, so stay prepared for drastic weather changes and dress accordingly. Lastly, Stampede wouldn’t be Stampede if you don’t go home with aching feet, so choose your footwear wisely. Boots are a staple, but only if they’re broken in.
Like usual for every carnival/major event, a lot of the food and items available for purchase at the vendors can get quite pricey, so be nice to your wallet and set a budget. Thankfully, Calgary Stampede gives youth the opportunity to see their favourite artists (e.g. Don Toliver, Khalid) for free! Prepare for the crowds and stay safe. Most importantly, have fun!
Unsplash. Serghei Savchiuc. Published December 16th 2023.
The viral chocolate bar has been quite popular due to its discussion on social media, mainly TikTok. This sweet was only available in Dubai until 2024, when US companies started importing it to fulfil the demand of the foreign audience. This chocolate is shaped in a bar and has a pistachio filling inside. The most exciting part of this experience is the crunchiness is its Kataifi Pastry Dough, which is blended into the pistachio cream!
2. Hwachae- Korean Fruit Bowl
Unsplash. VD Photography. Published on March 24, 2022
Similar to the Kunafa Pistachio Chocolate, this recipe has gained recent popularity through TikTok; however, it originated in Korea 600 years ago! The idea is similar to a Fruit salad punch in which strawberry milk, lemonade and lots of fruits are mixed into one bowl. This is the perfect recipe for the summer, in which you can tweak the recipe to add frozen fruits or extra honey.
3. Crinkle Cake
Unsplash. sheri silver. Published on November 20, 2018
The concept of a crunchy cake is a new idea which delights all sweet lovers who prefer crunch in their food. The phyllo dough, which is also used in treats like baklava, is used to make this cake crunchy. Additionally, this cake is creamy due to its custard filling. While the recipe can be adjusted to suit your preferences, it is most commonly used with lemon juice or rose water.
4. Cruffins
Unsplash. Skyler Ewing. Published on May 11, 2022
Another unique dessert is the hybrid of croissant and muffin, the cruffin! This sweet has a layer of cinnamon and sugar that enhances the interesting appearance of this muffin. The dough resembles puff pastry, though the taste of a cruffin is similar to that of a churro. In making a cruffin, bakers pay attention to the make time in which the baking of crescent roll dough or puff pastry must be a perfect brown colour.
5. Coffee Cake
Unsplash. Crazy Cakes. Published on March 8, 2021
Despite not being a recent dessert, the idea of coffee cakes pleases a large audience and has increased its popularity over the years. New coffee cakes use the concept of soaking a cake in coffee to create moisture while also strengthening the flavour of coffee. Spices such as cayenne, turmeric, cinnamon, etc. have achieved widespread appeal due to their compatibility with sweet. Similarly, coffee cakes easily blend in with plain, sweet, cinnamon, or even pumpkin spices. A classic coffee cake includes a base which is a mixture of spices and coffee, while the cream in flavours. Classic coffee cakes often feature coffee-flavoured frosting as well.
