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.
Despite the hot weather, I have been aching for chocolate lava cake since July. Just imagine prying open a dense, rich, chocolatey cake and finding gooey fudge pouring out… ugh.
In case you couldn’t tell; I love chocolate. I also love finding video recipes of easy and delicious foods from great YouTubers. In this case, it’s Byron Talbott, a professional chef who shares his talent and love of food through the internet. All of his videos are very visually appealing, and his recipes are practical and delectable. For these reasons, he has become one of my favourite YouTubers. This chocolate lava cake, made with just a few simple household ingredients, is guaranteed to be as easy to make as it will be to eat!
I recently had the chance to pick up a new CamelBak LOBO, a quality hydration pack made for mountain bikers. I will be looking at some of the key features of this product, and give my personal thoughts on it as well. Let’s begin with some of the product specifications. It is able to hold up to 3L of water, which is good for people who are looking for quick access to water without the burden of filling it up every hour, depending on how fast you drink. It has a main zipper which stores the “bladder,” the item that stores the water. It has two additional zippers which are designed to hold essential gear for long rides, such as sunscreen, bike tools, phones, and keys. It has two buckles that you can clip on to keep the pack extra safe and secure. The back side is made of a cushiony material, and some “netting” on the top. There is also a helmet strap, which can be used to strap on a single helmet. Now, lets explore each part in depth.
For looks, I would give the LOBO a 4.5/5. The pack comes in a variety of fitting colours. The bag is small, compact, and lightweight, and looks “professional” when riding.
For the bladder, I would be looking at 4/5. It is durable, and the water seldom leaks out. The opening of the bladder assures the water doesn’t leak out and drip into the bag. It is easy to close and open, which makes filling it up a very quick process. When putting the bladder in the bag after filling it with water, I find it somewhat difficult to fit it in all the way in. I would recommend clearing the extra pockets first, and then putting the filled bladder in the bag. The tube attached to the bladder is connected to the bottom, and comes up through a hole in the bag and out into the open. The water flow is very smooth, which makes the drinking process quite enjoyable. I did notice however that when it is warm outside, the water tends to get warm. It would be nice if CamelBak installed some type of device that would help preserve the water throughout the day, so you aren’t stuck with warm water. Yuck! The cleaning process is also quite simple. The bladder is able to dry out on its own with its “dryer arms,” and the tube and mouthpiece can be easily washed.
In regards to the “feel” I would be looking at a 5/5. The LOBO is excellent when it comes to this. It is very light, even with a full 3L bladder with both extra pockets full. The back of the LOBO is composed of soft cushion like items, so you don’t feel whatever’s inside your bag when you’re riding. The straps are ultra thin and light, and are made of a breathable material. The bag straps on very easily, and comes with extra buckles that ensure it stays on your back throughout the day.
For storage, I would be giving the LOBO a 3.5/5. Although it has two additional pockets for essential items, I would have liked to see an additional pocket that could fit an extra rain jacket or sweater, just incase. Overall, I would say the storage space is moderate, but could use a few improvements.
The CamelBak LOBO is an excellent item. Although a bit pricey, its durable, lightweight, has moderate storage, and is ideal for the average biker. So next time you’re looking for a simple hydration pack for biking, try the CamelBak LOBO!
I recently went to Phoenix Grill and I will be judging this establishment by three things: The menu, service and food.
First, the menu was great, with tons of options ranging from noodles to pizza and meat dishes. I learned from my visit that they also will accommodate towards allergies. Overall, the menu is perfect while allowing you to fix dishes to your personal needs.
The service was awesome. Our waitress was quick at refilling drinks and never forgot about us. I really was happy with the service because I was able to get what I needed in an appropriate amount of time.
Last, the food. I ordered the peking dumplings to start and they were delicious and plated nicely. For my entree, I ordered the Tuscan chicken, which was also good. I really enjoyed the Tuscan chicken because it had so many different flavours to it with the sauce, melted cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. The food was awesome at Phoenix Grill.
Overall I give this restaurant a 5/5 for its plentiful menu, great service and awesome food.
On Aug 6, Facebook mobile users were hit with a controversial update where the private messaging function of the Facebook app was disabled. Instead, users were forced to download the separate Facebook Messenger App if they wanted to message their Facebook friends on their phone. Facebook’s decision was met with backlash from consumers, accusing the company with invading their privacy.
In our current age of internet and technology dependence, information has essentially become a commodity, sought after by large corporations in order to truly get to know their consumers and their needs, and in turn, to boost their profits. When you download any social media application on your Apple or Samsung device, there is usually a notification that pops up, asking for your permission to access your contacts. This is so that the application can easily integrate and/or find your friends that are also using this social media. Many consumers are skeptical of this, as if allowed, the application can also send your contacts information back to the company. But your contacts information are not that big of a deal, so why is everyone freaking out over the Messenger app?
This is because the Facebook Messenger took “accessing your information” a step further, asking for permission to use your phone’s cameras and microphone. This prompted serious allegations against Facebook, some accusing the company of “spying” on our conversations, what with the need to message others on a different application. Some experts even claimed that Facebook can turn our phone’s cameras and microphones on and off at anytime, and film/record our conversations. Meanwhile, Facebook denied these charges; stating that the Messenger application is an improvement on the old private messaging, and with new features, it had to be in a separate application. With the new Messenger app, users can take pictures and videos and easily post them on a chat, or voice call another person over wifi/3G connection. Facebook explained that it was due to these new features that the application needed access to the cameras and microphone. Facebook further stated that the Messenger’s privacy settings are no different than the original Facebook app, so they are not crossing any lines here.
Whether you believe in Facebook’s statement and use the application, or you are taking it safe in terms of your privacy, the opinions of the general public on the new Messenger app can be summed up by one picture:
adequate-dry or crushed chili (personal preference)
adequate-oil (enough for stir fry the wings-oil for frying)
2-3 Anise (optional-to add aroma)
1 tbs dark soy sauce
1-2 green onion (use white part for frying and green for decorating)
Method
Wash and raise the wings. Put a frying pan on stove and add 2-3 tbs of oil to the hot pan. Place the wings in the oil. Pan fry the wings until both side is golden brown.
In another frying pan add 1 tbs of oil. Put ginger, anise and green onion white in the hot oil. Stir fry until you smell the aroma start coming out. Add the wings to the frying pan and mix well.
Add 1-2 tbs of dark soy sauce to the pan and mix well and add one tin of Coca Cola.
Put the lid on and let it boil for 10-15 minute in medium heat. Add the dry chili (depending on your personal preference) and turn the heat on high until the sauce is thickened.
These past few weeks, social media has been a plethoric ration of #theALSIceBucketChallenge. With celebrities causing an inevitable domino effect on the world-wide web, people from Bill Gates to the average Joe have chosen to pour ice water on themselves to “raise awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).” People can donate and/or create a video of themselves completing the Ice Bucket Challenge in support of ALS.
But is the Ice Bucket Challenge actually helping people understand what ALS, sometimes referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is? Or is it perhaps merely just another temporary social media stint? Sure, people may complete the Ice Bucket Challenge in the comforted sense that they are helping a research charity. It seems that the mass majority of participants are merely creating a video of themselves doing the Ice Bucket Challenge for just the sake of creating a video. But do people actually realize what ALS is through these videos? In other words, where is the “awareness” part to the Ice Bucket Challenge?
ALS is a neurological disease that is rapidly progressive, affecting nerve cells throughout the body. The rationality behind the Ice Bucket Challenge is that the chilling sensation from the ice water causes some of the similar sensations of a person who has ALS. When the nerve cells are affected, it leads to the loss of control of voluntary muscles, such as the chest and diaphragm muscles. Most victims of the disease die from respiratory failure. The prognosis of ALS after diagnosis is usually 3-5 years. These are just some of the facts and figures.
Another figure is that one research project of three to five years for a cure to ALS costs approximately $120,000-$140,000. Presently, the ALS campaign has raised over $70 million. Looking at this figure, one may suppose that it does not matter if this campaign is yet another social gimmick as it has raised more than a sufficient sum of money in a rapid amount of time. And at the end of the day, raising money for the cause is the ultimate goal. However, when it comes to the longevity of raising funds for ALS, one social media campaign may not be enough.
If people truly want to continue the efforts in fighting ALS, people should at least have the knowledge of what they are fighting against. No one goes into a battle, without recognizing who they are up against or what their soldiers may endure. The Ice Bucket Challenge is about raising “awareness.” So let us actually raise some awareness on ALS. Thus, allowing people to become cognizant on what the victims of ALS and what their families and friends have to go through.
In addition, people should be aware of the type of research their money is funding. Some, including Pamela Anderson and Grimes, have rejected the Ice Bucket Challenge due to the ALS Association testing on animals. These pieces of information seem to have become lost in this effluence of videos and compilations of the Ice Bucket Challenge’s ever-growing popularity.
The Ice Bucket Challenge should not be used for celebrity propaganda or a series of fail compilations. As the campaign has this prime-time spotlight, the Ice Bucket Challenge should be used to build that essential connection between victims and the public through information. After all, this is what the challenge was supposed to accomplish, bringing awareness to ALS.
Gloomy, sullen day. Cloudy skies. Your day went bad, and you returned home, ignoring your neighbor’s cheerful wave.
Sound familiar?
It happens to everyone. Sadness gets the best of us and brings them down to its level. So what do we do?
We fight back!
I present to you, seven ways to make yourself feel better about yourself! Here goes-
SMILE!
Believe it or not, even faking a smile releases endorphins into you brain which make you feel better. For better results, smile in front of a mirror. Because who wouldn’t want to see a gorgeous face? *wink*
Under no circumstances does that mean that you go and do a few crunches and be done with it. Working out can be super fun, when the right kind of energy is put into it. Add a little dance! Here‘s a fun workout routine!
Besides, working out, just like smiling, releases “happy hormones” into your system, making you feel (and look) better!
Source: www.workoutmemes.com
Do something new
Try out a new activity. If you like cooking, try a new recipe. Play a new song on your instrument. Teach your pet a new trick. There are so many realms in the world left unexplored!
Head out!
There is nothing like relaxing in the lap of nature! Sit by the lakeside, hike into the forest, or go for a long drive into the country.
Even better, grab a few friends along the way. Nothing like a campfire with close of kin!
Write a gratitude list
Write down three things you are grateful for. They can be as small as “I am grateful I reached school in time” (That’s something I would be grateful for!). Do this every day, just before you go to sleep. Over time, you’ll feel grateful for the tiniest of things (YAY!!).
Help someone overcome their grief
As strange as it sounds, helping someone cope with their sadness is very helpful in bringing up your own spirits. In the process, you would have gained yourself a buddy for life! I find that sympathizing with someone always helps me feel better, and also help the other person feel better. Plus, I have gained many true friends that way.
Hug!
Hugs are a cure to everything! Hug it out!
So…did my tips help? Let me know on Facebook and Twitter!
Lucy is an action/fantasy movie about a 25-year-old student who eventually gains the ability to access 100 per cent of her cerebral capacity. This movie brings back an old theory: the theory that humans can only access 10 per cent of their brain’s capacity at a time. Although it seems genuine, this hypothesis has no scientific back up and is proven to be inaccurate. However, the general idea that guides this entire movie is this theory, and I believe that it makes the movie more interesting.
Click here for more on the theories in the movie Lucy. (Warning: Contains spoilers.)
For those who are really interested in the storyline of Lucy, here is a more detailed summary of the story:
Lucy is a 25-year-old student in Taipei, Taiwan. One day, her friend forces her to get involved in dirty business (delivering a case of something) that he is afraid to handle himself. Lucy is captured by the gang that is supposed to receive the case and is sent to Japan to deliver packages placed in her stomach. Three others were also captured, in the same situation as Lucy. The plan was to transport these packages of drugs to different countries as a way to make money. However, the package inside Lucy leaks, giving her the sudden ability to access more than 10 per cent of her brain’s capacity. She uses these powers to stop the gang from obtaining each package and keeps them safe in her own hands. She then goes on to pass on her knowledge, not knowing what to do with the vast amount of information she possesses. However, the gang is furious at Lucy for intruding into their plan and track her down, trying to kill her while she is sharing her knowledge with professors and doctors. Eventually, Lucy is able to share her knowledge by turning herself into a computer and accessing 100 per cent of her brain’s capacity.
Opinion:
I think that this movie presents a really interesting and unique idea. If you are someone who likes “different” then this is probably the movie for you. Personally, I didn’t enjoy it as much as many of my friends did, because there was a lot of violence on behalf of the protagonist (I’m sorry, I’m a typical believer in the protagonist being someone who doesn’t kill but rather saves people from death…) and the storyline didn’t seem to get you anywhere. Of course, this is just my opinion of the movie; many think that Lucy was refreshing (in the sense that it was different from regular films) and exciting. If you are looking for reviews, here are few reviews from both ends of the spectrum: Metacritic and Roger Ebert.
Disclaimer: This is about a sensitive and serious topic. I don’t mean to offend anyone. My goal is to have a mature discussion and to present a youth’s perspective on this issue.
Why am I doing this?
In light of Robin William’s death, conversation about mental illness and suicide has resurfaced. However, it seems that these issues get their 15 minutes of fame before being buried again by other tragedies. The stark reality is that countless people battle each day against not only their mental illness, but also the stigma that surrounds it:
“Depression is a choice.”“People who commit suicide are selfish and cowards.”“People who are depressed are weak.”
These are among some of the hurtful comments that I’ve heard.
They are clear signs of people who do not understand the true scope of this issue. This is the reason people are fearful or feel ashamed of talking about mental illness. They are judged by others who have not taken the time to listen and empathize. These sweeping generalizations are only widening the rift between those are depressed and those who aren’t.
That’s why I’ve made it a personal initiative to better understand those dealing with mental illness, so that hopefully I am able to help someone out there.
To say that “I understand what you’re going through” would be a lie. I have never experienced depression firsthand, so trying to wrap my head around what it feels like is not easy. I can only go by what others have explained to me.
I’ve listened to police officers who have prevented numerous suicides in their career, to suicide-attempt survivors who now openly talk about their experiences. I’m also grateful to have friends that have had open dialogues with me about what struggling with depression is like. It changed my perspective and how I will act from now on.
Over the years, I’ve had many conversations with friends as they shared their problems with me. As a person who tries to look on the brighter side of things, I would naturally offer advice or solutions.
One time I said: “It will get better.”
The response I got was: “How do you know?”
This was surprising to me, because I was told those words felt empty. They were a false promise. They were right. How did I know if things would get better?
When a dark cloud of negative thoughts follow you around each day, it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Although it may seem obvious to an outsider of the other options that are available, it is because we are not seeing from a depressed person’s point of view.
Clinical depression is not the same sadness that we all deal with sometimes – it’s not something that they can simply “get over.” They are a prisoner to their own mind – they do not choose to be depressed, they just are.
Just as cancer can strike anyone, why is there a stigma surrounding people who have depression? Depression is indiscriminate. It affects the rich and the poor, the celebrities and also the everyday people we interact with. Would you ever call a victim of cancer “weak” or that “it’s their choice”? No.
Listen. I’ve learned that I have to listen, don’t lecture. It’s about their circumstances and not about how the situation may seem to me. Disagreeing with how they feel is actually more harmful than helpful. One should never use “tough love” because it only makes a depressed person feel more isolated and alone in their struggle.
They are doing the best they can. They’ve had day after day of trying to find the “happiness” that everyone else seems to have. In reality, sometimes the people who act the happiest are those who are hiding the most pain. Think twice about what you say, because you never know how your words may be received by someone else. We have all faced our own struggles, so at least strive to connect rather than criticize others.
People often say: “Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.” But I’ve also heard: “Suicide is a permanent solution to a permanent problem.”
“Thoughts on depression from an artistic mind” published in the Globe and Mail by Michael Redhill described depression as: “There’s no cure, only remission. People who suffer from depression are never fully out of danger because it is depression’s nature to recur. Sufferers of depression have “episodes” the same way those who suffer from multiple sclerosis do. It comes, wipes the floor with you, and then somehow returns you to the world. But it comes back.”
Depression is treatable with a combination of medication, therapy and support, but you never when a relapse will occur. Don’t get me wrong, people who have depression can end up leading very happy lives, learning how to cope with their illness and not let it overwhelm them.
However, there are too many people who fall through the cracks of society. It doesn’t happen overnight. It happens day after day when we fail to recognize the signs of someone considering suicide. It happens when they feel as though no one loves them or will miss them. It happens when they come to the conclusion: “The world would be a better place without me.”
It is these internal and external problems that get stacked each day like a tower of books, until it wobbles precariously on the brink of falling and staying upright. Suicide is a last resort.Never call suicide “selfish.”
People who consider suicide have already thought of the consequences. They’ve been pushed to a point where just want to end their pain – it’s something that we can’t really understand until we’re at our lowest. Nevercall suicide a sign of “weakness.” They’ve endured unimaginable suffering and they’re stronger than anyone who calls them weak.
We all play a role in suicide – in prevention and pushing them over the edge.
I always feel a sense of helplessness and despair when I hear about suicide. I can’t help but think of the ways it could have been prevented. We are nothing without love. Fame, wealth, drugs, sex, these things can never fill the void that is feeling alone.
We are all human. I urge you to be informed about mental illness. Even if the stigma persists, you are one less person who is a part of it. Be empathetic. A person’s diagnosis does not define them, so seek the beautiful person that is underneath. Depression is not an easy subject, but it is vital to saving someone’s life. It may be a classmate, a co-worker, a family member. It may be a close friend, a teacher, a stranger.
People you know are battling mental illness and it’s important that you’re there to shoulder the burden. Reassure them in the fields that they are insecure about. Remind them that you’re there when they need it. Be that shoulder to cry on. Being that supportive presence is like being their anchor – the person that keeps them steady in a tumultuous ocean of negativity.
For the depressed, please reach out. Other people can’t help you unless you allow them into your world. As much darkness that seems to be in this society, there are also as many people who genuinely care. There are organizations dedicated to helping people such as yourself. There are trained professionals who do their job for a reason – to help people who are suffering. There are people like me out there, who cannot bear to see a perfectly good life, full of opportunities and dreams, be wasted.
If you’re helping someone with mental illness, remember to take care of yourself too. It can be mentally and physically draining, so take a break when needed. You’re doing an admirable job and you’re trying your best. Even the experts get it wrong sometimes. The point is that the depressed person knows that someonedoescare and willmiss them if they take their own lives.
Accompany them through their dark world, and hopefully one day they will find the light at the end of the tunnel.
http://www.kidshelpphone.ca/Teens/Home.aspx (1-800-668-6868) A free 24/7 hotline where you can chat with a stranger, if you’re not comfortable speaking to someone else. It is confidential and non-judgemental.
http://teenmentalhealth.org/A teen-focused website that provides explanations on various mental illnesses, as well as stories of youth who experience them.
http://www.iasp.info/resources/Helping_Someone/ A forum by the International Association for Suicide Prevention that provides various resources on how to help someone with suicidal thoughts.
“A message to the depressed” is made by Youtuber Sky Williams and was my inspiration for writing this post. A short, but moving video about depression.
“Why we choose suicide: Mark Henick” A TED Talk from a person who was pushed to the point of suicide and how his mindset during that time.
“Overcoming hopelessness: Nick Vujicic” A TED Talk from a man born without arms or legs. He explains the hardships he faced growing up and what he did to overcome them.
“please don’t kill yourself” is made by Youtuber Anna Akana and she explains her experience after the loss of her sister to suicide.
“The Science of Depression” is made by AsapSCIENCE as they explore what chemical and biological factors might be causing depression, as well as how to treat it.
Articles:
“Keeping the ball rolling” is written by Jake Shapka from the Calgary Drop-In Centre. He discusses the stigma surrounding mental illness and the need for continuing conversation about it.
Could you imagine having to pick either living life to full fill your passion and to live for the love of your life or to diein order to be reunited with your family?
In such a situation what would one pick? Life or death? Love and passion or to be reunited with your kin? At the age of 15 this question frightens me, but I think I have found my answer after pondering for quite a while.
Why give up on life when one day you will die, and you won’t have the option? If you have the option why would you give up on living, why would you give up on accomplishing your dreams, why would you give up on the love of your life?
If I was on the bridge of life and death, I would pick life. I would chose to fight everyday, to live that life I’ve been given to the fullest. You want to know why? Because one day, I will die and I will reunite with my family if that is what happens after death… but I would prefer to live. I have yet to my very own Great Perhaps. I have yet to travel the world, have a family, face many more hardships and moments of happiness. Life is complicated, but you don’t give up on complications. You don’t give up on love, you don’t give up on your passion and talent. You don’t give up on yourself.
Family is important but wouldn’t they too want you to live? Love for them never dies, unless you let it.
Why give up on your life when you haven’t even begun living it? Things happen in life, some good, some bad, and some horrible, but regardless you will always have a reason to live. Live for your passion, live for someone you love. Don’t let go unless you don’t have an option.
Where there is a choice, there is hope, don’t distinguish your own fire of hope.
Mia too had the choice, after getting into a fatal accident it was her turn to decide would she live for the love of her life and Juilliard or would she die to be reunited with her family. One choice that could change not only her life but many around her… What would she pick? Adam and the cello or her family? Life or death?
Head to your nearest theatres on August 22 to see what she ends up choosing. Witness a beautiful story about love, family, and passion come to life, If I Stay by Gayle Forman.
Got a backpack? Want nice toned arms? Let’s get pumping!
PREPARATION
1. Obtain a backpack (preferably an old, torn, battered one)
2. Fill it with appropriate weights
Textbooks, dictionaries, rocks, cabbages all work as fillers. Use anything available to you.
The recommended weight for starters is around three textbooks (15pounds)
3. Wrap the top handle of the backpack with an old shirt/towel.
This will reduce the friction of the hand rubbing against the handle, and thus prevents blisters.
*Basic knowledge of the original exercise is required, as only the setup will be instructed*
knowyourmeme.com/memes/do-you-even-lift
1. Biceps Curls
The backpack is in a similar shape to a kettlebell and hence cannot be curled as conveniently as a dumbbell.
Setup instructions:
1. Find an elevated surface to sit on. You want to be able to extend your arm directly downwards, holding the backpack, and still not touch the ground.
2. Open your legs slightly open, and lean forward
3. Plaster the back of your upperarm (where your triceps are) to your thigh)
This is to prevent your other muscles from engaging in the exercise.
4. PUMP AWAY
Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
2. Deltoids Extension
Two lighter weighted backpacks are preferred in this exercise.
Setup instruction:
1. Stand legs open at shoulder width apart
2. Have each arm holding a backpack, keeping them to the sides of your body.
3. Keep your arms straight. Do not bend your elbows throughout the exercise.
www.bodybuilding.com/
4. PUMP AWAY
3. Triceps Extension
If pain is felt in the neck or your lower back, stop immediately.
1. Hold the backpack with both of your hands on the top handle.
2.Stand legs at shoulder width apart
3. Position the backpack behind your head (as show in diagram)
Starting at a new school can be exciting to down right frightening. Whether you’re going from junior high to high school, or transitioning in the middle of the school year, the jitters and worries of finding new friends is very prominent. You may be lucky to have friends going to the same senior high as you, or you may be lucky by having a natural charm that just oozes out of you and beckons people forth. For some people though, meeting not just new people, but new friends can be a daunting experience. It is with these people in mind, that I now present to you five useful tips to meet people at school.
1. Go to clubs or try out for sport teams
At your school, find something that interests you and join. Do you love writing? Join the school newspaper. Do you like anime and your school is lucky enough to have a club for that? Join away. Love taking pictures? Photography club or maybe even yearbook club is your calling. Can you effectively dribble a ball and shoot? You should try out for the basket ball team. By going to clubs and joining sports teams you are able to meet new people that share the same interests and are able to work well together.
2. Involve yourself in collaborative classes
Joining classes like band, drama, and leadership can be time consuming but in order for these classes to function, it involves a certain amount of communication and team work for them to work. Sometimes being thrown into a group of like minded people can yield good results… especially when they’re for marks.
3. Bring gum
Everybody wants gum. You have gum. Charm them with a witty joke or an original flavour of your personality while you’re at it and they’re all yours. The good old bait and switch.
4. Volunteer at your school
Little feels better than knowing you helped someone out that needed it. While you’re feeding chicken soup to your soul, you’ll be working on your communication skills with your peers and hopefully meeting people that care just as much as you do.
5. Smile and put yourself out there
“Smile? Really? That’s your last tip?” Yes, yes it is. Trusts me, it helps not to look like you’re about to murder everyone in your near vicinity while you’re walking down the hallway. Don’t always expect people to talk to you first. Take the initiative, introduce yourself and try and make small talk. Not everybody you talk to will remain your friend for the entire school year, but the chances of finding those true friends increases considerably than when compared to sitting in the back all by yourself. Wear your favourite fandom shirt and perhaps it’ll act as a beacon to fellow fans. Do I smell friendship in the oven? I think I do.
I had the amazing opportunity to go to an advanced screening of the new movie If I Stay last weekend, and being an old fan of the book, I was ecstatic to see the end result of this film. Because I saw the movie early, that also means I heard the soundtrack for this film early. I walked into the film not knowing what kind of songs would be in it, I knew that there would be some classical music because of Mia’s interest in it and I knew their would be some original songs from Adam’s band Willamette Stone, but that was about it. I was pleasantly surprised to hear some of my favorite indie artists, including Ben Howard and Beck, just to name a few. The soundtrack fit the movie perfectly; most of the songs are quite slow, but that should be expected in a sad movie like this. The original songs by Willamette Stone are awesome, Jamie Blackley, who plays Adam, definitely has some talent. I don’t care too much for the classical music, but I can appreciate the talent that goes into it, luckily there are only a few of these pieces in the movie. There really isn’t a song that I hate off of this album! I am not going to review all of the songs on this soundtrack because I don’t want to bore you to death but here are a few of my favorites:
This is not only the first song on my list but is coincidentally the first song in the movie. I fell in love with this song when I heard it on the radio a few months ago and nearly squealed when I heard it in the background of the movie. It has a 70s rock vibe to it which makes it easy to love, and even easier to jam out to!
2. I Want What You Have by Willamette Stone
This is the first original song by Willamette Stone that is featured in the movie. Although the lyrics are fairly bland, this song is super catchy and when Adam was playing it on stage with the rest of his band, I was instantly intrigued with it. The vocals surprised me a lot, I wasn’t expecting Jamie Blackley to be that good of a singer! This song is constantly stuck in my head; but I’m happy to have it there!
3. Halo by Ane Brun & Linnéa Olsson
This is by far my favorite track on the whole entire album! The vocals are dreamy and the cello in the background is so soothing, it’s hard to believe it is the same song that Béyonce created! I bought this song the minute I got home and it has been on replay ever since, it’s perfect to listen to on these rainy days that we are having!
4. I Will Be There by Odessa
This song has a psychedelic feel to it that reminds me of Lorde, but it sung by a woman that sounds like Ellie Goulding, which if you ask me, is the perfect combination. It is catchy, beautiful and an easy listen!
Make sure you buy the soundtrack which is available now before you see the film If I Stay, which hits theaters everywhere on August 22!
Every year in August, the Eau Claire plaza area gets flooded with people, booths, vendors, and FOOD. That’s because every year in August, the Taste of Calgary takes place!
For those who don’t know, the Taste of Calgary is a festival where you buy multiple tickets for $1 each, and then you use these tickets to get sample dishes from different booths. The booths are all run by different restaurants around town, giving everyone the chance to fall in love with their food and want to go to (and spend money at) their restaurant.
Desserts, juices, fried food, burgers, Chinese, pasta, pizza, crepes… you can try just about everything. Before heading to the Taste of Calgary, I had to Google some of the things on the menu, because I didn’t know what half of the things were. For example, “Medu Wada” from Curry Club, and “Gai Dan Jai” from Wing Tat. But really, once you get to Eau Claire plaza and see the booths, the decision of what to get is then fuelled by the delicious things on everyone’s plates and the aromas coming from here and there.
After much touring of the booths, my mom and I ended up with some really good food.
Yellow Veggie Curry (Jackie’s Thai)
First was yellow veggie curry from Jackie’s Thai. I’m a wimp when it comes to spicy food, so I had to ask if the heat of this dish would be tolerable, and much to my satisfaction, I was given the go-ahead. I am a veggie fan, and that adoration of mine is strengthened when veggies are cooked in a flavourful sauce over a bed of rice. Curry is something I love the flavour of, but as I said, I can’t do spicy food, so this dish was very much appreciated by me. Yummm zucchini and squash and other vegetables swimming in curry sauce…
Tandoori Chickin Tikka (Delice Pastryshop and Cafe)
To add some protein to the mix, the next dish we chose was tandoori chicken tikka from Delice Pastryshop and Cafe. Although the amount of fatty meat on my piece was a bit disappointing, the meat was quite nice. I love trying ethnic foods, and this was definitely a good opportunity for me to try something new without pushing my tastebuds out of their comfort zone.
Mini Tex Burger (Jamesons Irish Pubs)
My mom and I couldn’t help but notice the numerous people walking around chowing down on mini burgers that looked really yummy. So, we gave in to the temptation and got a mini tex burger from Jamesons Irish Pubs. This burger, my friends, was my favourite dish of the day. A fresh, moist patty topped with lettuce and tomato, a few cheese curds, some sort of refreshing yummy relish, and probably some other spread, all encased in a pretzel bun. Each bite was full of flavour, fresh texture, and outstanding deliciousness.
Of course, we needed dessert, so next up was the maple bacon ice cream sandwich from Black Betty Burgers & Wine Bar. As a general rule, I believe that ice cream sandwiches that use real cookies are the best. Because then you get the joy of a cookie along with the joy of ice cream, combined to further add the joy of the two together. Now, take the ice cream and make it maple bacon, and ooh la la you’ve got something good. Especially on a hot summer day. Yummm
Green Tea Sandwich (Lava Dining)
Last but not least, we returned to a booth we had looked at earlier, to get ourselves a green tea sandwich.
This sweet treat from Lava Dining is hard to explain. Decadent cream was sandwiched by soft, foam-like bread/cake of some sort, making for a dish that was both unique and delicious. A great end to a great lunch 🙂
Hundreds of American citizens of all racial backgrounds took to the streets of Ferguson, Missouri this week following the death of 18 year-old Michael Brown at the hands of a police officer. Protests and riots were violently countered by the state police using tear gas, rubber bullets, and smoke bombs (BBC News), further fuelling the public outrage towards the police state and its perceived racial discrimination towards the minorities. There is but one question: just how can the shooting of one boy ignite state-wide unrest?
The incident occurred on August 9 in Ferguson, Missouri, where an unarmed Michael Brown was gunned down by a police officer following an apparent struggle between the two. Bystanders claim that Michael had surrendered and had his arms above his head when he was killed. The officer responsible was admitted into a hospital for facial injuries.
After the shooting was made public, riots erupted and people were seen looting stores and destroying government property to protest the suspected racial police brutality. In response, the police arrived to combat the civil unrest, donning gear that would otherwise fool us into thinking that they were American soldiers, if not for the police cars (ABC News). Criticism struck both sides of this conflict, as President Obama condemned the reactions of the Missouri police to the mass riots; while shaming the Ferguson residents for their unruly behavior during the protests (International Business Times).
“There is never an excuse for violence against police… nor is there an excuse for police to use violence against protesters.”
In light of the shooting and the following police brutality in Missouri, it is evident that racism and discrimination is still alive and well in parts of the U.S.. In a town like Ferguson, where African Americans make up the majority of the population and other races are the minority, it is very easy for prejudice towards both sides to develop. For example, after the shooting, many news and media sources began circulating this picture of Michael Brown, with his hands forming an apparent gang sign (CTV News).
This was met with immediate backlash by the African American community, as they claim that the media handpicked this photo in order to incriminate Michael and to make him look more guilty. This kind of “nitpicking photo” is all too common unfortunately, as Twitter users brought attention to this by posting two pictures side by side, one of which is their graduation photo, the other often depicting them in a suggestive and compromising situation. One of these tweets that stood out from the rest was by a lawyer named CJ Lawrence, containing a photo of him at his graduation ceremony with former President Bill Clinton behind him, while the second photo was of him dressed up as a rapper for Halloween with a prop gun and whiskey in hand.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, we are forced to recognize the existence of deep-rooted racism in our society. Although countries such as Canada share a more modern and respectful perspective on the issue of racism, it does not mean that we are free of it. Our hearts go out to the Brown family, who are currently mourning for the loss of their son, Michael.
People often say: “Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.” But I’ve also heard: “Suicide is a permanent solution to a permanent problem.”
