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.
The Lamassu are ancient deities of Assyrian culture that are depicted as giant winged bulls; these were extremely prevalent in the Assyrian Empire. The creature had the combined body of a bull, wings of an eagle, and the head of a human. The symbolism for these different body parts are as follows:
Bull body: Strength and Perseverance
Eagle Wings: Swiftness and Freedom
Human Head: Intelligence and Wisdom
The Lamassu were meant to embody the ideal aspects of a guardian. As a result, colossal statues of these creatures would often be placed in front of palaces or city gates. Aside from artistic purposes, these statues were also meant to ward off evil and protect the Assyrian kingdom.
Origin of the Lamassu
Lamassu have been seen mostly in ancient Assyrian art, but were originally rooted within Babylonian traditions and culture. They were mostly described as protective spirits and were also placed as figures who could repel chaos. Some of the earliest references of these mythological creatues date back to over 4000 years ago!
Where Are They Now?
As we know already, the Lamassu were originally found at the gates of ancient Assyrian cities. Many of these statues were found in the ruins of what is now Northern Iraq. After being discovered, many statues were sent to lots of museums around the world, such as the British Museum, the Louvre, etc. However, there are still statues of Lamassu in Iraq that are located in local museums, and ones partially buried in ruins. Many were damaged by conflict and recent wars unfortunately.
Why Are They Significant?
Lamassu are not only important for mythological pruposes, but they were also important because they showed what ancient people valued. This is due to the Lamassu’s combination of strength, wisdom, and freedom, symbolizing the traits that Assyrians admired the most. They’re also important because they are overall just masterpieces of art. Some Lamassu can range over ten feet tall and weigh many tons, and the statues also create an illusion where they look still from the front, but seem to be walking from the side.
Conclusion:
I hope that you’ve learned more about ancient Assyrian culture and understand the meaning behind the Lamassu. I highly recommend visiting the museums listed above to go visit these statues. It’s mindbreaking how colossal and majestic these statues are in person!
As part of being a 2025 high school graduate, my 3 years of high school (in Alberta) has come to end. For me, these past 3 years were filled with incredible friends; melodramatic interactions and academic stress; and heartwarming and heartbreaking memories. Whenever high school is mentioned, one of the most common descriptions about it is that it goes by fast. Truth be told, it really does; as one that had just graduated, the first day still feels like yesterday.
Before I graduate out of this blogging program, I hope that you too can have a wonderful high school experience that lasts a lifetime. This blog will contain 5 pieces of advice for high school. While they don’t necessarily have to apply to everyone, I hope that at least one will have enhanced your high school life.
Part of the high school experience is that you are able to meet and become familiar with the people around you. Unlike post-secondary, many high schoolers come from similar surronding elementary and junior high schools. Therefore, the majority of high schoolers are familiar with one another, able to develop and thrive during high school. Even if this is beyond your comfort zone, connecting with these people in any way – this could be through clubs, class participation, or even just a somple greeting – can fill your high school memories with lots of bonds and memories.
These classes don’t have to be prestigious or rigorous like AP and IB classes. They could be theatre, language, or career related (like mechanics and foods). Going out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself into new and/or harder things adds to the high school experience. In the end, you’d only be leaving those classes feeling rewarded. Even if you drop out, you would end up knowing it is not for you, giving you a better idea for what is.
High school usually happens before adulthood. It is a safe haven for you to develop and adapt to as much life skills as possible. These could range from social skills, time-management, concentration, to balancing life. Before things start to stack up and get more serious, making yourself a better person alleviates that transition into adulthood.
It is understandable to not be able to juggle between academics, friends, extracurriculars, and other commitments. To be honest, those moments will happen throughout life so struggling with them is normal. In high school, times do become stressful and unbearable, especially during exam season. However, those times teach us that part of the balance that we need in life requires breaks; we need time for ourselves, away from life’s troubles. When times get rough, simple breaks like eating a snack, walking outside, answering that person’s message, will make those times easier. Additionally, getting into that habit makes future occassions more tolerable.
Last but not least, from the friends to classes to self-care, high school only lasts 3 years. With that short amount of time, a lot of memories can be carried forward. Someday, those simple moments of hanging out at one’s house every week could turn into every year. Once graduation comes up, so will the final opportunities to make high school an unforgettable part of life. Whether it be deciding to go to the dance alone or exploring the city with friends, the unfortunate truth is that those moments will soon be part of “the good old days.”
On top of that, break your comfort zone! The advantage of having such a short amount of time is that embarassing moments are also short. Even if you know you’ll have a strong recollection of those in the future, others will not. High school will inevitably have those exciting and embarassing moments, but they will all become an incredible memory to look back at. So create as much of them as you can!
Despite how frightening the entrance may have been, high school is an exciting place. Once it is over, it will all be a bittersweet feeling, knowing that you can be glad that certain things happened in there. High school is a part of many milestones; graduation is only a checkpoint to the potential that we all have. It is true that life moves on, but moving forward with a memorable high school experience is an incredible blessing that connects childhood to developing adulthood.
High school only lasts 3 years and here are some tips into making the most out of it.
1. Connect with the people around you
2. Challenge yourself with certain classes (doesn’t have to be rigorous – it could challenge certain skills, like theatre, language, and career-related classes)
3. Develop as much lifelong skills as possible
4. Understand when to take breaks
5. Create as many memories as possible!
With these, high school not only challenges you to become the best that you can be, but ensures that you can thrive forward in life with awesome memories! Graduation may only be a checkpoint of your potential, but having amazing high school experiences is a blessing that connects childhood and developing adulthood for life.
Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an important application in many aspects of manufacturing. Invented in the 1980s (which was not too long ago!), 3D printing has gradually expanded to take up important roles in various industries. For example, Boeing employs 3D printing technology to produce some of the “titanium parts” required for its 787 aircrafts. 3D printing also has the potential to decrease the complexity of the objects that it creates. For example, General Electric “created a helicopter engine with 16 parts instead of 900”. This demonstrates the potential for 3D printing to make production more efficient.
The actual process of 3D printing is that a 3D printer produces and aligns thin pieces of a desired material, usually “in the form of liquid or powdered plastic, metal, or cement”. Then, it will typically fuse all of these thin layers together.
A transformative method of manufacturing
According to this Investopedia article, currently “3D printing speeds are too slow to be used in mass production.” However, that is not to say that 3D technology already significantly improved manufacturing productivity in certain areas. 3D technology has been especially handy at “reducing the lead time in the development of prototypes.” For a manufacturing company, the lead time is essentially the elapsed time between the start and end of a production process. Although 3D technology is not as suitable for mass-production in our current age, making one product, the prototype, typically faces much less problems!
3D printing replaces many other production processes, like “drilling, welding, [and] injection molding.” All of these make the production of prototypes easier and cheaper. In addition, 3D printing technology is actively used in medical sciences. Some even anticipate that “in the future, organs and body parts may be created using 3D printing techniques”. 3D printing is extremely versatile, in which each object it creates has the potential to be unique. However, the precision in production is also maintained, determined by how the object was first designed on a computer software.
Conclusion
With 3D printing being employed in so many different fields, undoubtedly, its potential for future growth is immense! With designing softwares becoming increasingly advanced, the 3D printers themselves will also evolve to be more precise at creating objects. Perhaps, they will be able to produce more complex items as well! 3D printing is truly a fascinating technology.
Summer isn’t just a season; it’s a feeling. It’s the golden light; the smell of sunscreen; the hum of sprinklers. Big plans aren’t needed to capture the magic of summer. Romanticizing summer means slowing down. Noticing small things. Making everyday moments feel special. Here’s how to do it, even if you’re just staying home.
Chase the Golden Hour Like it’s Your Job
Golden hour is pure magic. It bathes everything in warm, soft light. Step outside or open your windows and let the light fill your space. Take a moment to just breathe it in. It turns the ordinary into something special.
Turn Simple Rituals into Celebrations
Make your coffee or iced tea an event. Use your favourite cup. Add fresh mint or a slice of lemon. These small moments become little celebrations. They make your day feel more intentional.
Create a Summer Soundtrack
Music sets the mood like nothing else. Pick your favourite summer songs. Let the music carry you through the way and suddenly, even chores can feel lighter. Summer sounds make memories stick.
Collect Tiny, Tangible Memories
Press flowers on a walk. Save a ticket stub or candy wrapper. These small things can hold big memories as they become your personal summer scrapbook. Years later, they might even bring stories back to life.
Wear your Summer Wardrobe with Intention
Put on your favourite summer clothes, even if you’re just at home. Dressing for summer can help you feel the season. It’s a simple way to boost your spirits.
Savour Seasonal Flavours
Eat watermelon slowly, sip lemonade with fresh mint, or try a new ice cream flavour. Taste connects you to summer itself. Each bite or sip can be a small celebration, a way to fully enjoy the moment.
Find Beauty in the Ordinary
Look at the shadows on your wall. Watch clouds drift on a hot day. Listen to cicadas buzzing nearby. These small things hold hidden beauties, and noticing them can turn your regular day into something beautiful and poetic.
Slow Down. No Multitasking Allowed
Put your phone away and focus on one thing at a time. Read in a hammock or watch the sunset. Being present will make moments richer and help you truly live your summer days.
Romanticizing summer isn’t about perfect photos or big plans. It’s about enjoying small details, giving yourself space to be present. Slow down this summer. Make your days feel like a story worth telling.
Pantone Picked It, But Did Anyone Actually Stick With It?
For the last 25 years, 26 different colors have received the prestigious title of Pantone Color of the Year. But are these titles self-proclaimed? Does being crowned the Color of the Year actually mean anything? And how, if at all, do these colors influence trends in design, fashion, or even technology? Lots of people are incredibly skeptical about whether this title is just a marketing scheme, while others base all their artistic choices for the year off of this color. In many ways, colors can be reflections of mood, culture, and innovation. With 2025 being halfway done, we’ll be looking not only at 2025’s Color of the Year, but also taking a closer look at where we’ve seen this year’s color so far.
What Even is The Color of The Year?
Now that the stage has been set, let’s dive a little bit deeper into what the Color of the Year even is. The Pantone Color of the Year is an annual selection made by the Pantone Color Institute, meant to capture the global mood or cultural climate at the time. The selection encourages the design community to engage with color more intentionally, sparking conversations about the potential connection between color and culture. The Pantone Color Institute is a division inside of Pantone, specializing in color trend prediction, color psychology, and brand consultancy. Starting in the year 2000, what was initially a branding move to expand Pantone’s influence in the fashion and design world later became a global conversation regarding how color reflects the human experience. Each year a new distinct color is chosen; so what makes these colors unique?
The color selected each year is a lot more unique than your everyday color. This is primarily due to why the color was even chosen in the first place. For each respective year, the selections are based on trends, how culturally relevant it was, as well as the potential symbolism and storytelling the color is associated with. Let’s use 2021 as an example. In 2020, as we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns happened. 2021 was the year immediately following the most controversial and world-changing year in a long time. Because of this, going into 2021 was a very emotional time for a lot of people. This definitely altered Pantone’s selection, as for the second time ever, they decided to elect two colors for Color of the Year. The colors chosen for 2021 were Ultimate Gray and Illuminating. Ultimate Gray is a calming, neutral gray, symbolizing the resilience and peaceful, quiet strength the world had going into 2021, as well as the fatigue and fear many individuals faced in the middle of a global pandemic. Illuminating was meant to give a duality to the neutral feeling of the gray. It is a bright, ecstatic, hopeful yellow offering optimism and a joyful contentment to the end of the pandemic. Two colors were used to contrast each other to better fit the cultural emotion everyone was having into that year. As you can see, the selection process isn’t entirely random, and there’s an actual discussion on what color should be selected each year. With that being said, those were the colors for 2021; so what about 2025?
Now that you know a little bit more about what the Color of the Year is, let’s talk about 2025’s chosen color. The Color of the Year for 2025 is Mocha Mousse, an airy, light brown shade layered with hints of a rich, chocolatey undertone. In recent years, especially with new blooming technologies, such as AI, everything has been a lot more fast-paced. Simple tasks have never been easier, and people’s attention spans have been declining. With Mocha Mousse’s soft, earthlike tone, it offers a comforting and reassuring effect. It’s believed Pantone chose it to represent 2025 as a message for people to slow down and reconnect with simplicity. The name is obviously inspired by a dessert, evoking a sense of luxury and pleasure, connecting to the movement of self-care, reminding people it’s okay to celebrate smaller victories and to indulge more in this very busy world we’ve created. With the simplistic theme, it’s very likely those could both be potential reasonings, but has anyone even caught on?
Where Have We Seen Mocha Mousse So Far?
Half the year is already over, and Mocha Mousse has set a few trends. In the worlds of interior design and home decorating, multiple paint brands like Benjamin Moore, PPG, and Behr have created Mocha Mousse inspired shades, such as Cinnamon Slate, Grounded, and Purple Basil. Fabrics like velvet have been often paired with Mocha Mousse and similar shades. Many appliances now come in vintage, lighter brown shades, such as Mocha Mousse. In the fashion industry, many runways and red carpets have showcased softer brown shades known as “latte,” heavily inspired by Mocha Mousse. More luxurious designer brands, such as Gucci or Fendi, are now offering many mocha colored leather products, such as outerwear or luxury suede items. Even graphic designers have been using Mocha Mousse for branding and print, as well as utilizing it to bring an earthlike luxury vibe. Social media, such as Pinterest and Instagram, have seen a popular rise in mocha toned aesthetics from outfit ideas to home decor ideas. This adoption shows Mocha Mousse is more than just a simple trend. It has the potential to influence what society wants in the world of clothing, products, and comfort.
So after going through where the color has mainly appeared this year, do these trends even mean anything? The trends are suggesting that people crave a more calming, warming, and securing atmosphere. During these fast-paced digital times, it’s hard to reconnect to a more earthly, slower environment. This color helps bring that out, and the trends surrounding the color can help show these feelings to real people and society. The popularity of cozier colors and materials emphasize a more comfort focused style of life that is all about simplicity, sustainability, and permanence. Fashion brands capitalizing on this color ties into the idea that it brings a sense of luxury. This is not necessarily the luxury of being rich, but the luxury of being able to relax. Ultimately, it tells us that society in 2025 is valuing comfort and simplicity as a contrast to the fast-paced digital age we’re currently living in. Understanding this allows us to form a stronger psychological connection with what it means to be human, giving everyone hope for the future of humanity.
TL;DR
Overall, Mocha Mousse was selected as the color for 2025 to help provide a sense of security in these fast-paced digital times, appearing in and influencing many different fashion and social trends. Its rise allows us to better understand what humanity may be seeking in this rapidly growing digital age.
Throughout the years, new technologies and innovations have allowed entertainment to be displayed through various forms. Whether it be virtual reality or movie theatres, the audience can connect with artists through movies. While movies are available on various streaming platforms which can be viewed from home, movie theatres provide a unique experience. In particular, 4DX movies build a special experience where the audience interacts with characters in adventurous scenes through scent, motion and texture. In this article, we will unpack the concept of 4DX movies!
Moving Seats:
One of the main experiences in a 4DX movie is being able to move with the camera. The movements occur through motion codes, a set of instructions for specific movies. A common term used for movie experiences, such as 4DX and D-Box, is haptic technology. Haptics are a system which uses actuators to develop vibration, motion, and texture to a specific scene. These technology cues depend on the audio and visuals presented in the movie; hence, synchronizing your experience with the characters. Motors are placed under the seat while other vibration sensors may be placed behind the seat to create a dramatic shake during intense action.
Pixabay-By Peggy_Marco
Scents:
What makes 4DX special in particular is the various scents that match the visuals. For instance, there is a smell of burnt rubber for racing scenes and the smell of a lush green forest during an adventure scene. These aromas are released through timed sensors near or beneath the seats. The fumes often fill the entire theatre, though the scents may be faint depending on the movie and individual theatre maintenance. Furthermore, customized scents are used for various movies. For example, the movie Wonka had a customized chocolate scent!
Unsplash by Martin de Arriba
Mist and Wind:
Another cool effect of 4DX is incorporating a light spray of water during scenes such as rain or rafting. For instance, in How To Train Your Dragon live action, there is a few scenes in which the dragon splashes the camera with water. The mist is generally placed in the seat in front of you where it wouldn’t hit your face directly but rather at an angle. Additionally, some theatres use snow and fog for various movies. Snow is made with a soap bubble mixture and is often complemented with wind. One of the most apparent environmental effects a theatre can offer is wind. The gusts of wind during a fast action-packed scene allow viewers to be completely immersed.
Unsplash By Dainius N.
Is it Available in Calgary?
Yes. Surprisingly, Canada only has 2 theatres that have 4DX with the first theatre in Toronto and the second in Calgary! The Cineplex Scotiabank Theatre Chinook is a great place to visit with friends to truly dive into a movie. This theatre option initially became available to the public in 2019 while the theatre in Toronto opened in 2016.
Pixabay By Peggy_Marco
Why isn’t it so popular?
While the experience can be exciting and unique, not all viewers prefer constant motion and exposure to different smells for multiple hours. Additionally, the cost of maintaining such theatres is quite high considering all the machinery required for a single theatre room. Furthermore, 4DX is designed for action-packed and horror movies. Therefore, light-hearted movies and other genres are less likely to be displayed. Some common movies displayed in 4DX include: Fast and Furious, IT, Annabelle, A Quiet Place, Mission Impossible, etc.
The entertainment industry will continue to expand its use of technology in which we could be exposed to a whole new realm of digital creation. While this article went through the summary of 4DX cinema, the only way to truly understand 4DX is to experience it yourself!
Whether you’re curled up with popcorn, hosting a movie night, or escaping the weekday grind, there’s a perfect film for every mood. From heart-pounding thrillers to heartwarming stories, here’s a handpicked selection of movies that will keep your eyes glued to the screen.
1. Feel-Good Favorites
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Genre: Adventure/Drama
Why Watch: A visually stunning and emotionally uplifting story about breaking free from routine. Ben Stiller plays an office worker who embarks on a globe-trotting adventure that’s both literal and metaphorical.
Perfect for: Dreamers, creatives, and anyone needing a dose of inspiration.
2. Mind-Bending Thriller
Prisoners (2013)
Genre: Crime/Drama/Thriller
Why Watch: Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal deliver powerhouse performances in this haunting mystery. It’s gritty, tense, and morally complex—perfect for fans of layered narratives.
Perfect for: True crime junkies and fans of slow-burn suspense.
3. Comedy Gold
The Nice Guys (2016)
Genre: Action/Comedy
Why Watch: Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe are an unlikely comedic duo in this hilarious detective story set in the 1970s. It’s sharp, stylish, and genuinely funny.
Perfect for: Anyone craving clever dialogue and retro vibes.
4. Tearjerker
A Man Called Otto (2022)
Genre: Drama
Why Watch: Tom Hanks stars as a grumpy widower whose life is slowly changed by the kindness of strangers. Bring tissues—you’ll cry, laugh, and maybe call your grandpa afterward.
Perfect for: Fans of emotional, character-driven stories.
5. Sci-Fi Spectacle
Arrival (2016)
Genre: Sci-Fi/Drama
Why Watch: A rare sci-fi movie that values communication, emotion, and thought-provoking ideas over explosions. Amy Adams gives a career-defining performance.
Perfect for: Sci-fi fans who also love a good cry.
6. Underrated Indie Gem
The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
Genre: Adventure/Drama
Why Watch: A modern-day Mark Twain story about a man with Down syndrome chasing his wrestling dreams, and the unlikely friendship that forms along the way.
Perfect for: Lovers of heartfelt road-trip stories.
7. Dark but Brilliant
Get Out (2017)
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Why Watch: Jordan Peele redefined the genre with this razor-sharp social thriller. It’s smart, terrifying, and unforgettable.
Perfect for: Horror fans, psychology lovers, and those who like their scares with substance.
Final Thoughts
No matter your mood, there’s a film here that promises to entertain, provoke thought, or tug at your heartstrings. Got your own must-watch movies? Share them in the comments!
Calgary’s small businesses are vital for the development of our city. So many unique amd niche businesses can be found in the streets of downtown, selling homemade candles, pastries, socks, and more. As a thank-you for all the hard work that goes into each and every one of these small businesses, I compiled a list of Calgary-based companies that deserve some appreciation.
If you’re looking for a new place to shop, this post is for you!
Yann Blanchard is an internationally-recognized chef who settled in Calgary after studying in Paris, France. He seeks to continue his father’s legacy through his craft and opened Yann Haute Patisserie in 2009, with the business consisting of 10 employees. This pastry shop functions inside of a big yellow house, which Yann and his team renovated into a bakery. Citizens of Calgary are raving about his delicious delicacies and claim that him and he is the best at his craft. If you’re interested in buying delicious macarons, cakes, croissants, and more, check out Yann Haute Patisserie!
They do deliveries as well, and have a separate delivery menu. For more information like store hours and contact information, check out there website here.
Milk Jar is a Calgary-born small business started in 2016 by Holly Singer. Holly’s mission was to raise money for programs supporting people with disabilities, and she began in her kitchen hand-pouring candles to sell at local markets. Her goal was to raise $500, but her work began to gain immense popularity in the Calgary scene, and MilkJar is now a rapidly-growing business. They boast “inclusive employing” and provide jobs to those who are disabled, while creating plant-based, phthalate-free, “clean-burning”, deliciously scented candles. They have raised over $400,000 so far and aim to create a safe, inclusive workspace for everyone.
As if they weren’t amazing enough already, they offer workshops for people to create their own candles and diffusers. If you’re interested, check out their website here!
Noto Gelato is the talk of the town, catering to everyone’s gelato needs. They aim to bring authentic Italian gelato to Calgary, and have gained immense popularity doing so. Their gelato is handmade, and their ingredients are imported directly from Italy. They have a wide range of flavours and a welcoming ambience in their NE location. They offer stellar deals such as “Free Scoops for Dads” on Father’s Day, and many reviewers continuously mention the great service and staff.
If you’re craving a sweet treat, learn more about Noto Gelato here!
Moonstone Creation is a beautiful and authentic Indigenous-owned shop located in the heart of downtown Calgary. Run by a mother-daughter duo, this boutique carries handmade pieces such as beaded jewelry, moccasins, leatherwork, and art made by over 60 Indigenous artists across Canada. Their goal is to preserve and share Indigenous culture through art and storytelling, creating a space that celebrates creativity and tradition.
Every piece sold at Moonstone has meaning behind it, and by supporting their store, you’re directly uplifting Indigenous artists and their communities. If you’re looking for a gift, statement piece, or just want to learn more about Indigenous culture, Moonstone Creation is the place to go! Check out their website here.
Labode Shoppe & Interiors is a charming little boutique tucked away in the neighbourhood of Inglewood. Owned by a mother-daughter duo (Bobbi and Mercedes), this shop is a carefully curated space full of cozy home decor, unique gifts, and lifestyle pieces that bring a soft, minimalist aesthetic into your space. Everything in the shop is inspired by European culture, from handmade ceramics to textiles and glassware.
This boutique specializes in timeless styles, offering items that provide comfort and elegance. If you’re looking to elevate your living space with something thoughtfully made, Labode is the perfect place to visit. You can learn more about them on their website here!
Conclusions
Calgary is composed of hundreds of small businesses, each offering new and unique products. Unfortunately, I couldn’t fit more of my favourites like Wakado Ramen (I’ve already mentioned my love for this place in previous posts) and The Silk Road Spice Merchant into this blog post, but I want to end off by encouraging everyone to go and explore the amazing businesses our city has to offer.
From greenhouse-boutiques to stores specializing in vintage eyeware, there are so many lovely companies to shop from if you take the time to look. Taking the current state of politics into account, it’s becoming increasingly more important for us to shop local and support our small businesses. I hope you found some cool spots to check out after reading this post!
In her debut novel, Amaka Egbe writes the story of a young Black girl, and new reality as her life is sprung into chaos after moving in with her estranged father.
Before delving into this review of author Amaka Egbe’s ‘Run Like A Girl’, I would like to take a moment to thank those who sent this book. Being given the chance to read it was a privilege, and I’m grateful for such an opportunity. Getting to experience a story like this, and to be exposed to such an amazing book is truly special.
Amaka Egbe’s debut YA novel ‘Run Like A Girl’ follows protagonist Dera Edwards through her transition from the familiarity of her childhood home with her mother, to the new predominantly white suburbs of West Harmony to live with her distant, emotionally unavailable father. As an athlete, Dera finds partial solace in the chance to continue her pursuit of her Olympic track dreams at her new school, until she is crushed when told her new school doesn’t have a girls track team. Shocked, Dera decides to take a leap of faith by joining the boys track team instead, where she quickly realizes her new teammates are much less than welcoming.
Now as the only girl on the team, Dera navigates the newfound challenges of such judgement, pressure, and social isolation as one of the only Black girls in the school. To fend off the rumors and challenge how she’s seen at her new school, Dera teams up with school journalist Rosalyn, to change her narrative through a feature in her blog, as well as to maybe get closer to Rosalyn’s cousin, Gael. As Dera fights for space on the track team and within her own life, she journeys through highschool while dealing with the weight of reconnecting with her absent father, learning the complicated truth of her parents divorce, fighting through her new online fame, and figuring out her feelings towards Gael, her fellow track star with his own story to tell.
For me, this story was a thoughtful reminder of the constant struggle of young girls, specifically young girls of color and their journey to overcome the struggle of overcoming perceived notions, and stereotypes to grow into their identity. Dera, a young Nigerian girl, faces new pressure from an environment where she is constantly questioned, whether from within her school as the only girl on a boys team or to her home where her father lacks emotional availability for her. Dera is written as a complex and strong female lead, who pushes the bounds of her expectations, her running capabilities, to pursue her sport with determination. Winning her first race was the moment, her character challenged her belonging, that said somehow she didn’t fit on this team, or simply that girls couldn’t compete at HER level.
What sets this book apart from other YA novels is its portrayal of family. More often than not, YA novels avoid overcomplicated family structure or oversimplify complex emotions felt when discussing the struggle of divorced parents, or an absent figure. This book didn’t, Dera’s parents are clearly divorced, and we are brought through Dera’s emotions and thoughts behind each day, and her parents’ choices. To Dera, her mother is familiar and comfortable, but her father, who she didn’t grow up with, is often awkward and isolated from Dera. For many immigrant children, and children who deal with unique family structures and circumstances, this is reality, with children like Dera stuck between adults who have their own history. A history Dera hoped to find, and that shaped how she saw herself. This representation is often not seen in YA reads, and is more than accurate and truthful, and allows for readers to view Dera’s progression through understanding her parents, and her father in particular.
Most of all, this book speaks to girls, and particularly young girls of color who are told to shrink or change themselves entirely to fit into spaces where they are questioned. The title Run Like A Girl flips a phrase that’s been used as an insult and turns it into something empowering.This phrase doesn’t ask Dera to reject that she is a girl, it asks her to embrace it and stay true to herself. The author reminds us that being a girl is not something to overcome, but is a gift and identity. Dera’s story isn’t about proving she’s as good as the boys, but that she was already enough, and always was.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves an inspirational, feel-good read that doesn’t sugarcoat the truth. It’s a story about growth, identity, and showing up for yourself, even when everyone around you is hoping you’ll give up. It’s a reminder that being a girl isn’t a limitation. It’s a reason to run harder, faster, and louder. To Run Like A Girl, and be proud of it!
Jeremy Lin is a professional basketball player who came from Taiwanese and American descent. He was born on August 23rd of 1988 in California. His basketball career started in high school, where he consolidated himself as one of the best players on his junior varsity AND senior varsity basketball teams. He then went on to play for Harvard University’s basketball team, where he had an outstanding career. Therefore in 2010, Jeremy Lin made the bold decision to declare for the 2010 NBA draft.
His NBA Journey
Despite his incredible performance for his school teams, Jeremy Lin unfortunately went undrafted in 2010. He then signed as a free agent for the Golden State Warriors in the 2010-2011 season, where he then bounced around teams, until he finally found his place in the New York Knicks in the 2011-2012 season. For this season, Jeremy Lin’s role was nothing more than a benchwarmer. However, when some of the starters such as Iman Shumpert and Baron Davis were injured, Jeremy Lin was given a chance to start in the upcoming games.
Linsanity
Upon coming off the bench, Jeremy Lin blew away expectations, he shocked everyone by scoring huge numbers in a consecutive amount of games, one of these games included 38 points against Kobe Bryant on the Lakers, who was also nominated as the 12th best player in the league. This massive scoring streak led to the viral phenomenom “Linsanity“, which refers to the insane scoring nature of Jeremy Lin for this time period (get the play on words?). For the inspiring weeks in which Linsanity happened, Jeremy Lin averaged 22 points and 9 assists, for seven consecutive games! This marked Jeremy Lin as a global icon, especially for Asian-American communities.
The Downfall
Although Linsanity was great, all good things must come to an end, and during the peak of Jeremy Lin’s prime, he suffered a knee injury which took him out for the rest of the year. The New York Knicks then decided to sign him away to the Houston Rockets, which shocked many fans as Jeremy Lin was a pivotal piece in thier team. After signing to Houston in 2012, things never felt the same for Jeremy Lin. He was getting less playing time and was being overshadowed by better performers, such as the Houston star, James Harden who was averaging 26 points and 6 assists.
What About Now?
After being traded around some more, Jeremy Lin decided to stop playing in the NBA and play overseas for Taiwan, where he is currently playing for the New TaiPei Kings. He has not officially retired from basketball yet, but in many interviews he has hinted at this idea.
His Legacy
Although his prime was short lived, Jeremy Lin captured the worlds attention and broke lots of barriers for Asian-American athletes. His legacy and career can serve to remind us that it doesn’t matter how long you do something for, it matters how well you do it.
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The definition of geothermal energy is “heat energy stored beneath the earth’s surface”, according to this webpage from the Government of Canada webpage. As it is a renewable form of energy, geothermal energy can be replenished and generally does not get used up.
According to the Government of Alberta, the first time that geothermal energy was harnessed for industrial use was in 1818, when a French engineer, François Jacques de Larderel, developed a brand new method to “extract boric acid from hot springs.” Since then, many more power plants have emerged all around the world. Check out this webpage for some more information about geothermal energy!
There are three main different types of power plants using geothermal energy: dry steam plants, flash steam plants, and binary cycle power plants. The dry steam plants directly utilize the steam coming right out from a geothermal reservoir in order to push its generator turbines and generate energy. This type of power plant was first built in 1904 in Italy.
Now, the flash steam plants “take high-pressure hot water” from underneath Earth’s surface, in order to convert to steam to generate electricity. This type of power plant is the most abundant around the world, because after the steam cools, the water it turns into can be “injected back into the ground” for reuse.
The binary cycle power plants still utilize the heat from the hot water below the ground, but do so by transferring this heat into a secondary fluid, which then evaporates into steam and turn the generator turbines.
For all of these types of power plants, the heat of a geothermal reservoir is used to generate steam; this step is very important, as electricity can only be generated if the turbines are spinning. However, this only occurs if the force from the steam pushes the turbines.
Geothermal Energy in the Canadian Context
In Canada, the highest temperature geothermal resources are in Western Canada, specifically in “British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Alberta.” Although Canada possesses large geothermal energy resources, the Government states that “more data is required” to learn about many regions’ land’s features and characteristics. Currently, several geothermal power generation projects are under development.
Conclusion
Geothermal reservoirs truly provide great potential for the production of energy. Renewable types of energy, like geothermal energy, are more sustainable. Geothermal energy is especially prevalent in the regions that are close to tectonic plate boundaries.
Have you ever realized that something you learned is incorrect or inaccurate? For many youth, this could be some simple lies from parents, like the “fact” that they always have eyes on you. Additionally, this could also be from school, namely sciences, especially Chemistry. Lastly, our bad habits and mistakes, which could be an influence from others or simply a gap in knowledge, are also evidence that what we learn is not always right.
How do we know that we are learning the right things? What can we do about it?
Unfortunately, we will always fall victim to learning incorrectly. There is no guarantee that we will always get the truth, especially in this complex world where there are numerous ways to approach a single problem. However, where’s the fun in knowing everything? As humans, we inevitably make mistakes, but the beauty of learning comes from knowing that you can grow from these mistakes for the better; part of learning is to understand what to unlearn.
Making constant mistakes is a sign that you repeatedly grasp something incorrect. It could be as simple as arithmetic to be as complicated as mixing up parts in a system (like how a car, brain, or titration works. They are a relatively easy signal for you to recognize and adjusting that pattern of mistakes could simply be fixed by revision.
Similarly, bad habits are repeated actions that may be inappropriate, depending on the situation. On the contrary, they are harder to recognize without receiving acknowledgement from others, as well as the fact that what seems appropriate in one scenario may not be in another. To unlearn bad habits, challenging it little by little (in other words, using less of that bad habit) is usually better compared to tackling it all at once.
Here, things become complicated if you do assume that everything that you learn is correct. In the ever-expanding universe and diverse societies, there is always new content that may seem to violate previous ones. The reason why things can become complicated here is because unlike bad habits and mistakes, it is unclear what to unlearn: forget about the old information or disregard the new ones? Nevertheless, the good news is that oftentimes, both sides contain some element of the truth, which is why being adaptable is essential to further develop yourself.
To be innovative is to be inventive of new things. In order to achieve that, new ideas must be created, but they usually oppose the ideas of others or what you’ve been taught before. Without the courage to try something new, innovation wouldn’t exist, which introduces another dilemma on what to unlearn: an old feedback (or something else from the past) or the new idea. Innovators are often challenged as to what’s right, but they always discover new things by unlearning old ones.
Lastly, constructive feedback is a suggestion on how to improve/unlearn something. They are uncomfortable to receive, but similar to bad habits, they can provide great insight that has been overlooked. In the end, it is your choice to follow the feedback or not, as well as what to unlearn.
As much as learning is necessary for us to grow, unlearning ensures that we develop away from the “bad” stuff. Unfortunately, because we don’t know everything, the assumption that everything taught to us is correct takes away the reality that unlearning brings us closer to the truth. In terms of society, being adaptable to what you learn contributes to who you are and what you strongly believe in. Everyone is challenged everyday to decide what to unlearn and what to remember, but every result from that strengthens how much you value your opinion and independence.
TL;DR
What we learn in life may not always be incorrect. Instead, there are many things from our life, both external and internal, that would benefit you more if you unlearn them. Some signals for this could be the following: constant mistakes, bad habits, new information contradicts old ones, innovative goals, and constructive feedback. Sometimes, unlearning is simple, but other times, it can be complicated and depend heavily on the situation. Regardless, how you approach those dilemmas builds who you are and enhances how much you believe in your values and independence.
Summer is all about keeping things simple, light, and deliciously refreshing. Whether you’re planning a picnic, lounging by the pool, or just avoiding the stove on a hot day, these recipes are here to make summer cooking a breeze.
Here are 10 easy and refreshing recipes that you’ll be making again and again, no sweat (literally).
Watermelon Feta Mint Salad
The ultimate sweet-salty combo. Just cube some watermelon,crumble feta over it, and toss with fresh mint and a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze. It’s the flavor of summer in every bite.
2. Lemon Herb Pasta Salad
Toss cooked pasta (try rotini or orzo) with olive oil,lemon juice, chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, parsely, and a handful of crumbled feta. Chill and serve. Perfect for a picnic or potluck!
3. Cucumber Yogurt Dip (Tzatziki-Inspired)
Mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, dill, and a splash of olive oil. Serve with pita, raw veggies, or as a topping for grilled meats.
4. No-Bake Berry Cheesecake Cups
Crush graham crackers into the bottom of small jars or glasses, top with mix of cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and honey, then pile on fresh berries. Chill and enjoy!
5. Coconut Mango Smoothie
Blend frozen mango chunks with coconut milk, a banana, and a splash of lime juice. Creamy, tropical, and totally addictive.
6. Grilled Corn with Lime and Cotija Cheese
Brush fresh corn with a little oil, grill until slightly charred, then sprinkle with lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese. Finish with chopped cilantro.
7. Avocado Chickpea Salad
Mash chickpeas and mix with diced avocado, red onion, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Great as a side dish, in a wrap, or on toast.
8. Peach Caprese Salad
Swap tomatoes for juicy peach slices and layer with mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Sweet, savoury, and stunning.
9. Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry
Use spiralized zucchini as a base, and toss with sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and whatever summer veggies you have on hand. Light, fast, and super customizable.
10. Homemade Lemonade with a Twist
Make a classic lemonade, but add muddled basil, lavender, or a few smashed raspberries for refreshing twist. Serve over lots of ice and maybe a splash of sparkling water.
Final Thoughts
Summer meals should be low-effort, high-reward – and these recipes deliver on both. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, you’ll find these dishes easy to whip up and impossible to resist.
Did you know honey can be stored for eternity? There’s so much more to honey than its sweet taste. Many institutions recognize honey for its amazing health benefits and versatility, from relieving sore throats to mending surgical wounds. This seemingly innocent food has taken the medical and dieting communities by storm. From being prized by ancient civilizations to being eaten for breakfast every morning, this food has a lot going for it. In this post, I’ll delve into all the amazing properties that this magical food has to offer, taking a look at everything including its healing powers to its role in the environment.
Healing Properties
Honey has countless heath and medical related benefits, some of which include antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as digestive heath, and wound healing. In fact, it is especially common for doctors and other health care professionals to recommend honey as a medical treatment for things like wounds or a sore throat. There is even special medical grade honey used to help treat more serious burns or cuts. By taking a closer look at how honey is able to do all these incredible things, we can uncover the science behind what makes this food so amazing.
Antibacterial
Honey has low moisture content, high sugar concentration, and a high acidity, all of which causing a very poor environment for any bacteria to thrive in, giving honey it’s antibacterial properties.
Anti-inflammatory
With the ability to reduce swelling and soothe irritation, honey can act as the perfect anti-inflammatory response, it contains many antioxidants that can help neutralize harmful molecules that trigger inflammation. It also acts as a sort of protective barrier on the inflamed or irritated area, protecting it from any further damage and reducing the pain the injury has caused.
Digestive health
Not only can honey coat the lining of your digestive system, easing pain and reducing issues like acid reflux, but it also contains prebiotics. Raw honey in particular contains oligosaccharides that act as prebiotics. A prebiotic is a type of fiber that has the ability to feed the good bacteria in our gut. Our guts are full of both good and bad bacteria. The good bacteria we call probiotics and prebiotics are kind of like food for our helpful probiotics. Taking care of the probiotics in our gut helps to strengthen and support our immune system, as well as aid digestion and promote general bowel movements.
Wound healing
With a mix of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, honey has great wound healing capabilities. As mentioned earlier, medical-grade honey is a very common substance used to treat wounds. Medical-grade honey differs from regular honey as it is sterilized and processed to ensure there are no contaminants. It typically undergoes a lot of testing to meet specific medical standards. Manuka honey is one of the most popular and well-known types of medical-grade honey. Native to New Zealand, it contains unique compounds that give it even stronger healing properties.
Honey has an incredibly long shelf life. When stored properly, it can last for centuries. There have even been reports of archaeologists finding pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that were estimated to be over 3,000 years old. That being said, you’re probably wondering how a food product can last that long. There are actually many scientific properties found in honey that give it such a long lifespan. Firstly, honey has a very low moisture content. Honey is considered hygroscopic, which is a term that refers to substances that typically absorb moisture from the air. This, combined with its incredibly low water content, creates a very harsh environment for any bacteria or yeast to grow. As a result, its shelf stability increases because the chances of it rotting or souring become almost impossible. In addition, honey has a high sugar concentration, which, paired with its high acidity, increases its overall defense against bacteria. This creates a harsh environment for bacteria or mold to thrive due to the osmotic pressure and the acidic nature of the honey. As mentioned, one of the main reasons honey can last forever is because of its low water content. However, if water does get in, yeast can start to grow and ferment, causing it to go bad. In order to preserve it for as long as possible, it is important to keep it tightly sealed and stored in a cool, dry place. So, if honey can last a long time, then why does the honey you buy from the store typically have an expiration date? Food items are always required to have a best-before date for legal and marketing reasons. Typically, a label from the store will say best before 1 to 2 years. However, if you store it properly and have pure, real honey, it can last for basically forever.
Not only is honey notably good for humans, but it’s also amazing for the ecosystem. While honey does not directly affect the ecosystem, it plays a huge part in pollination across the entire environment. Honey is the bee’s primary food source. Being a food source for such a beneficial insect makes honey important by association. Bees pollinate plants, allowing said plants to reproduce and provide more food for animals that feed on those plants. Many plants and crops rely heavily on pollination. If you’ve ever tried to grow a houseplant, you know that in order for it to grow indoors, you need to manually rub the pollen from flower to flower because there are no bees inside your house. This shows just how important bees are for nature, since if they were not there, nothing would be able to grow as no pollen would be spread around. While you could argue that birds can spread pollen too, they are much less specialized for the pollination role and are only secondary to bees as primary pollinators. Honey, acting as a food source for the bees, allows them to do their job, which in return does wonders for the ecosystem.
Overall TL;DR
Overall, honey is a powerful food with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. It can last for nearly an eternity and supports the ecosystem by nourishing bees.
On June 12th, 2025, at 8:09 GMT, 230 passengers and 12 crew members took off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, heading to London Gatwick. Less than a minute later, the plane crashed into the hostel of BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad.
The result? 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and dozens of locals and bystanders were killed.
Survivors? Just one.
Let’s take a look into the horrific and unexpected crash of Air India Flight 171.
HOW did the plane crash happen?
Moments after takeoff, the aircraft rapidly lost altitude and slammed into a building used as accommodation for doctors at Byramjee Jeejeebhoy (BJ) Medical College and Civil Hospital, triggering a massive explosion.
Reports indicate the plane broke in half upon impact, with the rear section catching fire.
WHY did the plane crash?
Based on video footage, aviation experts speculate that improper positioning of the wing flaps during takeoff may have contributed to the crash. However, a definitive cause has yet to be determined.
One of the plane’s two black boxes (flight data recorder) has been recovered. India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, stated, “This marks an important step forward in the investigation. It will significantly aid the inquiry into the incident.”
WHO survived, and HOW?
One man, referred to as the “miracle in seat 11A”, was the sole survivor: 40-year-old British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh.
“I don’t believe how I survived,” Ramesh said. “For a while, I thought I was going to die. But when I opened my eyes, I realized I was alive. I unbuckled myself from the seat and tried to escape.”
He made it out through a small opening near his side of the wreckage. Ramesh said he suffered impact injuries to his chest, face, and feet.
WHAT happened to the bodies?
Dr. Minakshi Parikh, Dean of BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital, stated they were “relying only on DNA matching to identify them”.
As of June 15th, 32 bodies have been identified, but many families are still awaiting DNA results. And identification has proven extremely difficult, as most of the remains were charred beyond recognition.
TL;DR
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171 crashed less than a minute after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 229 passengers, 12 crew, and dozens on the ground. The plane struck a medical college hostel, causing a massive explosion. Only one person, 40-year-old British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survived. The cause is still under investigation, with one black box recovered. Most victims are being identified through DNA, as the bodies were badly charred.
