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Brunch at Gruman’s Delicatessen

Lauren Morris
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Brunch at Gruman’s Delicatessen

When seeking the perfect brunch location, a delicatessen is not normally the first image to pop into one’s mind, but then again, “Gruman’s Delicatessen is no ordinary deli.” Run by a family from Montreal, Gruman’s is a Jewish Delicatessen that offers traditional Jewish fare such as home cured lox and slow-roasted brisket, alongside Montreal-style deli foods, all made from family recipes. The owner, Peter Fraiberg, has been running restaurants and catering businesses in Calgary for over twenty years. In addition to this, Gruman’s offers other breakfast and lunch fare, making it a unique and refreshing brunch alternative to brunch places that one may be more familiar with.

Gruman’s restaurant is not one of Calgary’s urbanite brunch places where everything is trendily renovated. It is a rather plain squat building with sensible furnishings, but photos of the family dating back to the days of black and white photography furnish the walls and there is a celebratory feel to the restaurant that speaks of tradition and liveliness. The space is not lavished with all the newest styles, but walking in, it is easy to see that Gruman’s is run with a sense of familial pride; outstanding reviews lavish the front entrance and the deli counter at the rear of the restaurant is brimming with deli fair ranging from Montreal-smoked meat to Baba Ganoush. Walking in their front entrance, there are two ratings that stand out among the flood of praise; Gruman’s was recently featured on Food Network’s “You Gotta Eat Here,” and was voted Top New Restaurant on Urbanspoon in 2012.

Grumans
Gruman’s exterior

Gruman’s is typically open on mornings and during lunch time, catering primarily to the influx of people from Calgary’s downtown area. On weekdays between 7 and 9 a.m., Gruman’s offers an early bird breakfast special, where patrons can get such quick and satisfying breakfasts on-the-go as a bagel with cheese, meat and egg for only $5.

At 11 a.m. on a Sunday, the light airy restaurant is, as most places throughout the city, quite full, and there is a short wait to be seated. That being said, the wait was nothing compared to other places, where the wait can often be 45 minutes and upward. For those hard of hearing, Gruman’s may not be the optimum brunch location as it was loud and busy, with lots of background noise. That being said, it could be quite the challenge finding a place that is not loud and busy during Sunday brunch. The staff at Gruman’s was friendly and informative, quick to answer questions about the restaurant and explain it’s history. During the typical “brunch” hours, at Gruman’s items off of the breakfast or lunch menu can be ordered.

Gruman’s offers a Smoked and Poached Breakfast Poutine, hashbrowns mixed with cheese curds and bits of Montreal-smoked meat, topped with poached eggs, and smothered in a lemon Hollandaise sauce, with a side of toast ($13). The cheese melted from the heat of the potatoes, and was gooey and delicious, especially combined with Gruman’s awesome Montreal-smoked meat, which had a smokey, rich, nutty flavour and was extremely tender. Their meat can be bought at their deli, and is definitely worth bringing home to bring sandwiches to the next level. The eggs were

Gruman's Breakfast Poutine
Gruman’s Breakfast Poutine

poached perfectly, done as requested, and the Hollandaise was rich and creamy, with subtle and not overpowering tangs of lemon. The biggest complaint about this dish would be the hashbrowns, which could have been crisper. Also, rather than serving toast on the side, this dish would benefit from an extra smattering of curds or meat, or perhaps a side dish of fresh fruit to even out the artery-clogging meal. That being said, overall Gruman’s breakfast poutine was highly comparable to other high-end breakfast places, with the Montreal smoked meat being its winning feature.

For lunch fare Gruman’s offers a selection of traditional Jewish foods,

The Chicken Club
The Chicken Club

soups, salads, sandwiches, such as the Chicken Club, and other popular lunch fare (such as poutine). The Chicken Breast Club comes with herbed chicken breast on a toasted bun topped with “applewood smoked cheddar, pancetta tomato, lettuce, red onion, and caramelized onion aioli” with a side of coleslaw, and a side of fries that can be subbed for another deli selection, such as Gruman’s popular potato salad ($15). The chicken was tender and well done, with the cheddar adding a hint smokey aftertaste and the pancetta providing the slightest salty, mouthwatering flavour. The coleslaw was vinegary, but flavoured with skill, not overpoweringly of vinegar, but not sweet either, like it can be at some places. The potato salad was mild, creamy, and again, not sweet, like can often be the case. Overall, the chicken club was a healthy, protein-packed lunch selection that also doubled as a deliciously savoury treat.

All in all, Gruman’s is a quaint, family-run deli worth supporting. The love

The deli counter at Grumans
The deli counter at Grumans

and care that is put into the recipes, which have been handed down over generations, is outstanding, and the products Gruman’s offers proves it. The Montreal-smoked meat is phenomenal, as other selections such as the lox surely are, and Gruman’s is definitely a place worth going back to try all of the selections. It is also helpful to note that Gruman’s caters even, so if hosting an event, Gruman’s would be a unique independent to choose, and sure to be enjoyed due to its superior quality and flavour.

Gruman’s is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and on Sundays from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. It is located at 230, 11 Ave SE.

 

9 unique date ideas for teens

Azmaira Hirani
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Tired of the same old dinner and a movie date? You’re interesting, they’re interesting – you can definitely do better than the normal dinner and a movie, especially considering the fact that it’s so overplayed! Plus it’s awkward if your parents have to drive you both everywhere – no one wants their parent to third wheel their date. It’s difficult to keep coming up with spontaneous date ideas that are fun and thrilling for both you and your significant other, especially if you’re looking for that casual “I swear I haven’t put a lot of effort and thought into planning this” type of date.  So, I’ve come up with a list to help you out. These are all budget friendly, fun, intriguing and romantic ideas to try!

1. Find YouTube Challenges and do them! 

I know, sounds kind of lame. Yet if you find the right ones, they always end up being a lot more hilarious than expected. They take up a good amount of time, and if you record yourself it’s always fun to take a look at how silly you looked. Even if you guys haven’t DTR (Determined The Relationship) they’re still fun! (…I promise)

2. Go for a picnic

Troy & Gabriella
Troy & Gabriella

Who doesn’t love to have PB & J sandwiches and sparkling apple juices? Picnics are just adorable and so exciting. It’s considered retro but is still cute. Gentlemen, if you planned a picnic for your special lady I’m sure they would just adore you more. There’s no harm in giving it a shot! Plus, who wouldn’t want to be treated like Gabriella from High School Musical?!

3. Bake cookies

This activity does not only prove that you can make delicious cookies, but also lets your partner know that you know how to have fun in a kitchen. Cookies are just great. Simple. Here’s a recipe to Chocolate Chip cookies by Ms. Fields!

4. Rent a movie, mute it, improvise dialogue

Crazy, Stupid, Love.
Crazy, Stupid, Love.

A bit silly, but fun once you get into it. Sort of like the thing they do at the beginning of Crazy Stupid Love, but you’re not at a restaurant.

5. Build a fort

Enough said!

6. Colour a colouring book

Take some time to reflect back onto what amused you during your childhood, embrace it and get creative.

7. Finger paint pictures for each other

Speaking of artsy things, embrace and channel your inner artist and pursue finger painting 😉

8. Have a paper snowball fight!

After deciding your bases, have an indoor snowball fight… but with paper balls! Gets the healthy competitiveness going and the adrenaline!

9. Have a Disney movie marathon

Movie Night!
Movie Night!

Get some popcorn, twizzlers, blankets and pillows. Cuddle up, and enjoy revisiting your childhood obsessions. Spend a day watching and thoroughly enjoying some good ol Disney movies!

 

I hope these ideas helped spark some creativity within you! Enjoy spending that quality one on one time with your other and please try to stay away from the cliche dinner and movie date! Enjoy!

 

The merits of slacktivism

Laurie
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It’s become the key word these days: one treated with derision and a patronizing air, oh those slacktivists, the ones who tweet #BringBackOurGirls and think that somehow they’ve saved a student all on their very own.

We see them as hypocrites: the people who are all talk and no substance.

However, for someone such as me, who has never gone myself to volunteer in a country in need or even participated in a march or protest in front of city hall, I don’t feel entitled to criticize slacktivists. After all, when facing an issue I feel very passionate about, I have no idea about where to start or what to do (well, actually, I suppose I usually write about it.) Trying to redistribute your government’s budget or change their international policy is a difficult thing after all. And so in this regard, slacktivism is an appropriate first step, an easy accessible way for people of all walks of life, regardless of whether they have the money to donate or time to volunteer, to express their opinion on a matter.

It may have not been extraordinarily more effective, but I suppose at least these protestors showed their degree solidarity and persistence last August in Calgary (Image source)

This sort of “activism” is surely better than nothing; consider the message lending your support at a rally makes, or even wearing a rainbow pin on your backpack. Slacktivism is the easier and quicker way of joining the chanting and sign waving.

Particularly the celebrity endorsement: seeing how many companies to have a well-known figure endorse their fry pans, what non-profit or activist group would complain about such an influential person spreading their message?

slacktivism3
Image source

After all, the first step is always awareness. Until we know about an issue, how can anything be done? I think this brings up one of the first advantages of social media activism: amplifying minority concerns and voices may have not been heard in the mainstream.

Secondly, consider that for some issues, such as same-sex marriage equality, it may be simply social acceptance that is sought—and on social media sites, slacktivists maybe providing exactly that, by, in the masses, changing the world’s view of the social norm bit by bit.

Image source

The problem, I believe, arises when slacktivism is accepted as an alternative for activism. We can hardly expect anyone to speak up for all the issues in the world. But this doesn’t mean that we should be passive, or that we should be pacified by this small message of action, show of defiance. It is incomparable to those who try to take a stand.

The bottom line is this: just changing your profile picture or tweeting a hashtag does not make you a humanitarian, an advocate, or an activist. It does not entitle you to feel as though you have accomplished something, or that now you have done your part you can forget about an issue completely—which, may in fact be a consequence as explored by this study.

slacktivismslacktivism2

This is no substitute. Slacktivism is something else entirely it’s own. I think it is a fantastic thing to take part in, spreading a message and concern. And if that is all that you do, particularly if otherwise you would do nothing, well, that is fine as well. But just remember, this is all you’re doing.

It is simply a click of a mouse.

How to sleep better

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Sleep is a big issue among teens. I know that we stay up all night doing our homework and then end up sleeping five hours or less because we don’t want to be late for school. Of course, the main reason for that could be procrastination, job, volunteering, sports or anything else that you has to be done after school. Below are some quick fixes to the inevitable all-nighters.

We sleep late because our teenage bodies are naturally designed to go to bed late and wake up early. This biological programming sets that body alarm clock that keeps us going because our bodies are used to it. We release melatonin (the sleep hormone) deeper into the day than adults do. Which is why we don’t get tired until 11 p.m. It’s hard to fit in eight hours of sleep, which seems like an unrealistic amount to us. However, without eight hours of sleep, there are many negative effects which you may have already heard of, like depression, greater use of caffeine, alcohol, drug use, moodiness, less concentration, unfit, bad performance, and lower grades. Thus everyone should get the snooze-on!

Stick to a schedule

Make sure that you wake up every day at the same time. My friend actually told me that by doing that she was able to naturally wake up on time and catch the bus, even though she forgot to set the alarm the night before. Also, every night make sure you get to sleep at the same time or at least a half an hour before or after that time. This is something that is vital, because it helps to regulate your sleep schedule as well as the body clock. Naps should be one hour, maximum. When you sleep on the weekends, make sure that you don’t sleep longer than you do usually or longer than two hours.

Set the mood

Set a curfew for yourself that would be something along the lines of not using your phone, tv or computer two hours before going to bed.  I know that sounds harsh, but you can read a book, do your homework, read a magazine, paint your nails, write in a journal, or paint. Also you could take a nice relaxing bath, as well as dim the lights.

Keep in mind your overall health

 

This is something you probably have heard many times before, but alcohol, smoking, and lack of exercise all can take a toll on your health. Make sure that you try your best to maintain a proper, rhythmic, and healthy lifestyle. Of course, this is something that will not just help you sleep better, but will make your overall health A+. Of course if you cannot let go of coffee, try to substitute it with caffeinated teas like green tea, not soda and chocolate. Green tea is great for the mind, body, and spirit so head on down to your grocery store and give it a try! I addition try to drink caffeinated drinks before the evening or afternoon.

Wake me up food ideas

 

These breakfast ideas can also be made at night. So if you need to catch the bus, breakfast can be on the go. Plus you wont be wasting money an time at a café to get some food.

 

Got that all? Good—now go to bed!

 

 

CALGARY EXPO: How I barely survived, pt. 2!

Jessica Mai
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CALGARY EXPO: How I barely survived, pt. 2!

ALRIGHT! Part two to Calgary Expo! If you haven’t seen the first post, click here to read it. Also: I’m going to be putting a couple photos randomly throughout this post. Appreciate the greatness of these cos players.

Last post I talked about comfortable shoes, makeup primer, respect, line ups and storage. This time around, we’re getting down and dirty: let’s talk money.

group cosplay!
Group cosplay!

The Calgary Expo is full of vendors selling their wares, whether it’s tarot/palm reading, fandom memorabilia, posters, t shirts, CDs, mugs, etc. If/when you do go, you will be surrounded by merchandise right, left and centre. This means that if you want to buy something, you need money (first rule of economics guys: money can be exchanged for goods and services. Magical.) – something which a young unemployed teen like myself tends to lack. Here are a few essential things you’ll need to save money for if you’re going to attend in 2015:

1. TICKETS. Over the years that I have gone, tickets range from $25-$40 for the one day passes, and weekend passes are just above $100. However, there are also VIP passes to consider, which are so expensive I cry just thinking about it.

2. PHOTO OPS. This is one of hardest things to purchase. The prices can range from $20-$200, depending on the person you’re seeing. But Jessica! This person is my role model! It’s so awful that time has been turned into an expensive commodity! I hear you, but your role model’s gotta make a living too.

3. MERCHANDISE. This is where the guilt settles in. You pull out your mental calculator and realize you already blew $200 bucks on autographs alone – BUT THIS POSTER! THAT MUG! YOU NEED IT ALL. Or do you?

elsa
Elsa

4. You do need it all. If there was ever a time for impulse buying, this is it (I was never a good role model – that being said, it’s probably best you listen to your conscious than a teenage girl who only ventures out into the sunlight for Comic Expos).

5. That being said, you need to prepare! Start saving money in advance – I managed to save a good $400 a couple months before and that was more than enough. I also tried to hold back on my spending this year though – the old me would have gone through that in the first 15 minutes. (Role model or not – I still have pretty good advice)

6. Last one guys: like I said in my last post, the Calgary Expo is about having fun. Saw a cool cos player? Ask for a picture! Go with
your friends and do a group cosplay! Sure, getting here took a lot of money – but having fun and experiencing the exuberance of the Calgary Expo – surrounded by people who share your interests with the same amount of passion as you do?

That, my friends, is free.

Thanks, mom

ife
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Thanks, mom

From my experience with Mother’s Day, I have learned that it can either bring out the best or the worst in us. It can leave us emotionally drained with memories and regrets that can be trapped in our hearts for a long time.

Mother’s Day is an occasion that is worth celebrating. Conventionally, children surprise their mom with homemade cards, boxes of chocolates, and even red roses. They are usually treated out to dinner or a day spa. If nothing else, mothers, no matter their age, are guaranteed a phone call from family and friends usually giving them thanks for putting up with them over the years and their unending perfection.

A mother is one that person in our lives, whether biological or not, has been with you through each and every roadblock in life. As a result, on this special Mother’s Day I decided to give her a signed card with lovely remarks and since she does all the work for me most of the year, I decided that it would be a good day for me to do all the work so she can relax. In addition, I was able to come up with enough money to buy her a massage chair and she actually loved it.

I found a cool video that shows just how hardworking our mothers are. Enjoy!!!

World’s Toughest Job

Here are a couple of my friends with their mothers, including mine too.

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And Finally me:

IMG_1772

Thank you to all the mothers that have given out their time for us.

Netflix Obsessions: the 100

A N
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I recently started watching a new show on Netflix called The 100. I saw a magazine ad for this CW Network show awhile back and it really caught my eye. Ever since I found out it is also on Netflix (updated every Thursday!), and a book, I cannot stop talking about The 100!

image source: www.scifimafia.com
image source: www.scifimafia.com

Plot: Earth had a huge nuclear war and survivors found refuge in the Ark, a spaceship that is orbiting around Earth in order to continue sustaining life. It has been years since this tragedy, and the leaders of the Ark think that after 500 years, that it is finally safe to return to Earth. However, they do not want to risk death, so they send down 100 children in Juvenile Detention to make sure it is safe. Among these 100 is Clarke, a young girl whose mother is a nurse on the ship and wants to protect her family. On the  other hand, there is also Bellamy, a boy who wants to rebel and cut off communication with the Ark in order to convince them that Earth is unstable, so the kids may live freely on land, alone.

Although it is not even on it’s tenth episode, I have already fallen in love with Bellamy. He is such an intriguing character and is played by an amazing actor, Bob Morley. He is stubborn, and sometimes rude, but he is also very caring and protective over his sister Octavia and not to mention Clarke. Although they are not dating, I am a strong believer in Bellarke and hope to see them together soon.

The story is also very compelling and the show plays it out perfectly. Each episode is 45 minutes and switches between the people on Earth and the people on the Ark. It is interesting to see both sides of the story unfold and get the contrast between the stress and worry of all the officials in space and the carelessness of the delinquents down on Earth.

Side note: the soundtrack for the show is impeccable. There are songs by Imagine Dragons, Youngblood Hawke and Ben Howard!

I hope you’ll check out the 100 on Netflix or the CW channel and love it as much as I do!

Explaining #BringBackOurGirls

S
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On April 15, more than 300 were kidnapped from their schools that were located in Chibok, Nigeria. This horrid crime has accelerated through social media around the world. It was carried out by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram carried. You have probably heard of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign over the past couple days.

Why did they attack the girls?

They group had been terrorizing northeastern Nigeria for almost five years now. The region is half Muslim and half black. The had been wanting to establish a Islamic state, which would be governed by the strict Sharia law. They oppose the western culture, as well a education of females. Thus connecting to the kidnapping.

What are their intentions?

Some of the girls who had been kidnapped have escaped. However, 276 are still held captive. Some think that they may be sold as slaves, while others think they will be used to get ransom. Whatever it may be the situation is devastating and they girls should be set free. It’s unclear what the Nigerian government will do to help as well. Which is why activists have taken steps in social media, protests etc., in order to help them. The frustration fuelled with this kidnapping has grown larger with another eight girls captured on May 5, 2014.

What is being done to help?

There has been an announcement by the United Sates of America that they are deploying a 200-person military as well as law enforcement delegation in order to help search for the missing girls. We can just imagine how tough it must be for the families struggling to find their daughters. In the meantime we should I join the campaign with many others that already have to #BringBackOurGirls because each and every person has a voice and it should be used. Tumbler has had many posts in this, as well as Instagram and other social media websites. Some people who we may recognize are showing below supporting the campaign!

 

Mother’s Day Crafts

Daisy
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Mother’s Day was this past Sunday! What did you get the nicest, most caring, strongest, and most beautiful woman in your life? No matter what age you are, crafts will always be welcome as a gift. Here are some craft ideas I found that were interesting and will definitely show your appreciation for everything your mom has given you.

 

Remind her of all the wonderful times you guys have had together!
Remind her of all the wonderful times you guys have had together!

A memory bracelet/chain. 

carddopening

A Butterfly Card. 

Show your mom your love through your artistic talents!
Show your mom your love through your artistic talents!

A Tote Bag. 

 

Flowernr4

A Flower Ring. 

 

Your mom keep this beautiful card and picture frame on her desk!
Your mom keep this beautiful card and picture frame on her desk!

Spinning Cards.  

The Metamorphosis: A Recap

Aaron
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As I’ve posted about earlier, The Metamorphosis by the Alberta Children’s Hospital Youth Council occurred last week at the Inglewood Community Hall. With the generosity of all of our supporters, we were able to raise over $10,000 in total towards mental health. On behalf of the council, I would like to thank everyone who helped with the event, as well as all of our guests who came down to Inglewood last Saturday.

Stay tuned for next year’s event by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter.

Courtesy Aaron Pan
Courtesy Aaron Pan
Courtesy Aaron Pan
Courtesy Aaron Pan
Courtesy Aaron Pan
Courtesy Aaron Pan
Courtesy Aaron Pan
Courtesy Aaron Pan
Courtesy Aaron Pan
Courtesy Aaron Pan
Courtesy Aaron Pan
Courtesy Aaron Pan
Courtesy Aaron Pan
Courtesy Aaron Pan
Courtesy Aaron Pan
Courtesy Aaron Pan
Courtesy Aaron Pan
Courtesy Aaron Pan

Against the media: “Look Up”

Ailin Li
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By now, Gary Turk’s spoken poem, “Look Up,” has gotten almost 30 million views after just one week of being uploaded on YouTube. After glowing reviews in the comment section and a very high like-to-dislike ratio, it seems that “Look Up” is becoming the newest internet sensation. If you haven’t watched it yet, please do down below and formulate your own opinions on the video, as this article is going to present quite a different perspective.

 ‘Look Up’ is a lesson taught to us through a love story, in a world where we continue to find ways to make it easier for us to connect with one another, but always results in us spending more time alone.

I have to say, I thought it was a brilliant piece too. When I think about all the people I know who are extremely funny online but can’t hold a 15-second conversation in real life. Classmates who can’t answer “2×8″ without their smartphone calculator. “We’re a generation of idiots, smart phones and dumb people,” Turk says, and I couldn’t have agreed more. But after reading this article, I started forming new opinions. Yes, technology is starting to take over, but why should we dwell on all the negative aspects of the internet? Can any of us really say that social media is terrible and we would rather live without it? If any of you answered yes to that, I must ask you to reevaluate just where you’re reading this article.

In order to present my opinion, that no, the internet is not as segregational and emotionless as Turk says, please enjoy my own spoken poem (I’ve included the link to a version where I’m actually talking to dramatic music).

Response to “Look Up”
by Ailin Li

I have 422 friends, in no way am I lonely.

I speak to them every day, and they’re starting to grow on me.

Social media has led me to meet many people, in parts of the world I’d never given thought.

It’s more often that your world views and opinions become expanded than not.

From Switzerland to Italy, New Zealand to Thailand,

Connecting with people whom I care about, right at my hand.

Different cultures of music and food, all this exposure, I didn’t realize what was outside my door.

Keeping it shut? That’s not even an option anymore, my door is always open, I’m ready to explore.

When I look out into a world of smart phones, I see smart people.

Sharing information, discoveries, news spreading faster than previously able,

Birth, death, love, tragedy. More information than can be taken in during a lifetime.

Faster innovation and discovery in its prime.

The rich can help the poor through online donations and media awareness,

Whereas people could have previously cared less,

The internet has woven a society of artists and philanthropists.

Our future leaders can emerge, and say, “Yes, it does get better than this.”

Where everyone gets a voice, regardless of their person,

The gates to support and comradery all become open.

So no, you don’t have to put down that phone, doing so won’t make you feel any less alone.

Bonds aren’t built through any amount of face time or FaceTime, but rather a space in your heart that has grown.

When you power up your laptop, you access an entire online civilization,

It’s up to you whether you open your mind or let it stay shut in.

But nonetheless, a small population of cheaters and haters aren’t enough to represent an entire generation.

You can find love on the internet if you find the right place to look,

There are thousands of archives of aspiring writers’  books.

Music and comedy, ideas for new inventions, we can change the world if we give people a chance,

That won’t happen if you don’t look down and give it a glance.

You can engage in conversations with people who will actually care,

When everyone else may be unavailable, your online friends will be there.

Long distance teaches us that it’s not about the time that you spend,

But rather who is willing to stay in touch up until the end.

Technology is not our overlord, it’s a gift that some have taken for granted, self control is what they lack.

At the end of the day, we can all walk away, but we know we’ll come back.

But nothing can stop you from living your life if you just have the common sense to know when enough is enough.

If you get to a point where stepping away is too though,

Then you’ve abused your own power with no one else to blame.

Balance is a tricky strategy game.

Technology isn’t evil if you aren’t evil yourself, you can put it to good use for everyone’s best interest.

Learn where the line is and stay within limits.

You can look up from your phone, shut down your display, but go live life not as anyone else says.

Live life your own way.

At the top of the world

Purnoor Tak
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Recently, on my trip to Dubai, I had the pleasure of watching the sunset from the tallest building in the world. Spectacular could not even cover it.

From http://mostbeautifulplacesintheworld.org/?p=477
From http://mostbeautifulplacesintheworld.org/?p=477

Burj Khalifa, a skyscraper in Dubai, is the tallest manmade structure in the world. At a staggering 839.8 m, it gives a 360 degree view of Dubai from all angles and sides. It also holds the record of the building with the most floors. Its 163 floors easily topped that of its predecessor, which was the World Trade Center at 110 floors.

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The World Trade Center, from http://www.aecom.com/News/World+Trade+Center

Not only is the Burj Khalifa a reflection of Dubai and its complex architecture, it is arguably one of the greatest feats of mankind and represents our determination to grow and expand our horizons. But there are many other projects currently trying to receive the title that the Burj Khalifa has held for the last few years. One of the most notable of them is the Kingdom Tower, currently in construction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It will stand at 1,000 meters. Imagine that!

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_Tower
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_Tower

Youth Week: Back to the Future

Jasmine
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Youth Week Calgary! It’s the time of the year where we can go out with friends and enjoy ourselves for free or for a cheap price! This Youth Week, I visited the Boys and Girls Club to view a screening of Back to the Future 2.

The Keystone youth program prepared snacks and created a friendly, theatre-like environment. There were also beverages and snacks (such as popcorn, chips, etc.) sold for a cheap price of $1. The great environment and service was made possible because of youth volunteers from the Keystone program (if you are looking for a volunteering program that allows you to volunteer inside and outside of Calgary, volunteer at Keystone! They offer volunteering programs for ages 13-18 that introduce unique opportunities). For more information on the Boys and Girls Club and the Keystone program, read Richard’s blog here.

 

Screen Shot 2014-04-28 at 5.42.25 PM

The movie (Back to the Future 2) was insightful about how people in the past thought the future was going to look like – flying cars and hover boards. What did people think 2014 was going to look like? This movie answers this question and in an interesting and different way than you might expect; Back to the Future 2 is definitely a movie worth watching!

Review: If I were to rate the entire program out of five, I would rate it as a 4.5. Everything was great; the environment, the movie, the preparations, etc., but I felt like the sound and visuals were a little too faded. Other than that, this Youth Week event was great and it left a positive impression! Not many youth visited because this was the first time Keystone organized an event for Youth Week, but be sure to visit next year!

 

Cochrane Youth Expo!

Jessica Mai
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This weekend, there will be a youth expo in Cochrane, May 9 – 10 – and even though it technically falls outside of Youth Week Calgary, it’s still considered a Youth Week event. This expo is simply to have fun and showcase the many talents of Cochrane’s youth. The expo was started five years ago and is spearheaded by the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane. Past events in the Youth Expo included competitions like skateboarding, singing and other diverse categories to show what youth had to offer.

Also, this year the youth leadership group is doing an awareness campaign for youth homelessness and how it affects them. This awareness campaign includes a campout to experience what it’s like sleeping outside (especially in the snow! Which is something I should not be saying in May…). The Boys and Girls Club also have a youth coalition dedicated to researching and aiding youth homelessness – so for those of you that are looking to volunteer, this is a great place to start!

This year upcoming events include a “Minute to Win It Olympics” at the parking lot of the Boys and Girls Club at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. For those of you who have seen how fun the TV show looks, this will be a great event! There is also a free barbecue (FREE FOOD GUYS) at 7 p.m., followed by the campout.

On Saturday, they have multiple free sports to try out, including bowling, yoga, and public swimming! This event is purely to bring together the youth in a wholesome and fun environment (WITH FREE FOOD), so there’s no harm in going! One note to consider, the campout is registration only.

Maybe I’ll see you all there!

 

Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions: Eastern Conference

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Last week, I talked about my predictions in the Western Conference. This week, I will be analyzing the Eastern Conference, and give my opinion as to who I think will win. Without any further ado, let’s get right into this!

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Initially, there were four games in the Conference, but now, its down to only two. On one side, we have the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens. These two teams have been heated rivals for years. Both teams have been very successful, especially Montreal, who have won the most Stanley Cups to date. The Boston Bruins, however, are heavily favoured in this series. They have several talented players, including Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron. They managed to win the Stanley Cup in 2011 during a Game 7 thriller against the Canucks, and also appeared in last year’s finale against the Blackhawks. The Bruins, in my opinion, are most likely going to win. However, the Montreal Canadiens still have a slight chance. Their playing style shows us that they are desperate for the win. They also have a very strong team. In the end, it might even come down to the two goalies, Carey Price and Tuukka Rask, who are also very talented in their own ways. This series is most likely to come down to a Game 7, but the winner is for us to find out.

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On the other side, we have the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Rangers. It’s pretty straightforward, in my opinion. The Penguins will win, no doubt about it. They are a strong team with the best player in the world, Sidney Crosby, who surprisingly hasn’t been performing well the past couple of games. The Penguins have plenty of playoff experience, and managed to win the cup in 2009. They also made it to the Conference final last year against Boston. New York, however, is just getting started. They really haven’t been that successful in the past couple of years under John Tortorella. This year, they have been operating under Alain Vigneault, where they have had much more success. Even though this is true, I think it will be difficult to get past one of the best teams in the league with such little experience.

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So now its down to two (predicted) teams, the Bruins and the Penguins. Ironically, this was the same matchup in last years Eastern Conference final. This is a tough decision, but I’m going to have to go with the Bruins. They’ve been full of confidence, strength, and power lately. It will definitely be a close one, but the Bruins will end up making it to the Stanley Cup final in my opinion. Now, we are left with the Blackhawks and the Bruins in the finals, which happens to be a repeat of next year. If you are an NHL fan, feel free to write down your predictions is the comments below!

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