YOUTH ARE AWESOME
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.
Selective colour is a photography technique that refines the focus while adding a bit of monochrome flair. Indeed, this trick can extend to timelapse making as well; I found this timelapse by Liban Yusuf as an especially interesting way to view the world. Maybe it’s the reflective nature of a monochrome scene but with the unique hues kept around.
Find the other interesting timelapses I’ve shared under an archive here.
This article is definitely not about Starbucks, much to your potential dismay. Starbucks has had its fair share of media attention, most recently, the launch of “Dumb Starbucks” in Los Feliz, Los Angeles.
With a visit to Crepes and Cravings today, I discovered that Starbucks isn’t the only company that can dazzle and amaze you with their drinks.
Crepes and Cravings
A small little sweets shop begging for attention within an already star-studded lineup of food shops on 17th Avenue, Crepes and Cravings certainly can join the elite on the “red carpet” of 17th Avenue must-visit food shops. In celebration of YYC Hot Chocolate Fest, presented by Calgary Meals on Wheels, various food shops in Calgary have brewed up their finest, most luxurious signature hot chocolate. In an attempt to be named “Calgary’s Best Hot Chocolate,” 16 food shops have their hot chocolate ready for you to taste over the month of February.
I was definitely a bit surprised when I first walked in due to the small size of the facility; however, I was instantly greeted by one women who was working cash, sweeping the floors, making the drinks, making the crepes, and everything in between. Anyways, after I had asked for the hot chocolate, and paid $2.50 for one cup, I had the hot chocolate personally delivered to my seat by this one lady. Here’s what she brought me.
YYC Hot Chocolate Fest – Crepes and Cravings Hot Chocolate: Review
I didn’t know what to expect after hearing five minutes of what sounded like a bull riding competition; however, my occasional glances assured me there was no bull riding going on. Instead, passionate artistic creation and a love for culinary arts were “going on.” Although that may sound super cheesy, I assure you that if you visit Crepes and Cravings – which I encourage you to do so – you will understand what I mean. Although the drink was just in a Dixie cup, it seemed to have been crafted with more talent than the Dixie Chicks. A hot chocolate rich in flavor, ranging from milk chocolate to dark chocolate, it was basically like a hot chocolate Slurpee. Whipping cream as my top layer, gelato as my 2nd layer (yes, there was gelato in there), milk chocolate as my 3rd layer, and dark chocolate as my final layer. Sipping up and down, I could taste a variety of flavors. It was truly delicious. I am definitely a hot chocolate fan, with my now previous favorite hot chocolate being Tim Horton’s White Hot Chocolate, but now, this one definitely takes the cake. In comparison, Tim Horton’s White Hot Chocolate (WHC) is really just a bag of sugar with some Canadian value and a nicer cup. Timmies WHC really had no flavor, it just tasted sweet, and vanilla-e. Now by no means am I saying that Timmies WHC is bad, rather, I am encouraging you to make plans right now to go to Crepes and Cravings and drink that hot chocolate. (In hindsight, in comparison to this hot chocolate, Timmies WHC definitely is pretty “bad.”) Now let me clarify for you that although I am a hot chocolate fan, I am definitely not a “foodie!” I don’t know a lot about food, and I’m not super passionate about tasting foods made from different restaurants, vendors, or chefs (partially because I’m not a “foodie,” and because I’m kind of poor being a student and all…) However, after drinking this hot chocolate, I feel like I can now judge Masterchef because I now understand everything food critics and judges say. I may be sounding a little crazy and weird right now, but that hot chocolate was so good. So good that I was inspired to write a whole article about it. So good that Timmies Hot Chocolate now just seems to be like what the Calgary Flames currently are compared to the Pittsburgh Penguins (I can assure you that I am a die-hard Flames fan). So good that 400 words just cannot describe just how great the hot chocolate was.
YYC Hot Chocolate Fest – Participate and win prizes!
Now instead of continuing to rant, I encourage you to go out to Crepes and Cravings and try out their hot chocolate. This special will only be available until the end of February, as the end of February marks the end of YYC Hot Chocolate Fest! Located at 1013 17th Ave SW #101, Calgary, AB T2T 0A7, their hours are as follows:
| Sunday | 10:00 am – 7:00 pm |
| Monday | 11:00 am – 7:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 11:00 am – 7:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:00 am – 7:00 pm |
| Thursday | 11:00 am – 7:00 pm |
| Friday | 11:00 am – 7:00 pm |
| Saturday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
If you don’t feel like going to Crepes and Cravings because it is too far away, or for any other reason, I really encourage you to go to any other of the food shops participating in the YYC Hot Chocolate Fest. A link to the website which lists the vendors participating and more information about the event is here. You can win awesome prizes just for going out to drink a hot chocolate as part of YYC Hot Chocolate Fest, simply by taking a picture with it, or of it, and posting it to social media using the tag/hashtag #YYCHotChocolateFest. Also, you can rate the drinks (simply by using a five star rating system, you don’t have to do an elaborate review!) to also win prizes. For more information, definitely check out the website.
To Conclude:
Anyways, I would like to conclude this post by encouraging you to check out other bloggers review of drinks that they had at the YYC Hot Chocolate Fest, as well as thanking you for reading this article. If you tried the drink, tell me what you think about it! If you tried other drinks, tell me what you thought about them! As always, comment here or send me a tweet!
I know what you’re thinking. This is so fake. And to be honest, I don’t believe in them much either. But I do know that you should try to get to know yourself as much as possible or at least get as much information as possible. These zodiac signs might contain a little bit of truth.
If you don’t know your animal, click here to find out. Or, check out the descriptions first, pick the animal you feel like has the closest characteristics to you and then check with the link. Comment if whether or not what you choose and what you actually are were the same!
Horse:
Horses are very social and interact well with their peers. They are usually clever, kind, cheerful and talented. They know how to dress and are energetic. Likely why they like crowds. However, they are also usually impatient and hot-blooded. Lots of times they also leave things unfinished because they give up on it.
Rat:
Rats are smart, work for achievements, and therefore most probably wealthy. They always seem to be talkative, but they never confide in others. Rats are also flexible and adaptable. However they usually lack concentration and stability. They are also very stubborn and live by their own rules that in turn make people think they are narrow-minded.
Ox:
Oxen are simple, honest, and straightforward. They also follow their own rules and are not easily influenced by their surroundings and very often see the main goal they are looking for. However, they do have a bad temper and have poor communication skills. Sometimes they also look down on people who don’t hold up as high ideals as they themselves do.
Tiger:
Tigers are brave, unpredictable and a symbol of power. Women are considered faithful and intelligent. They are also very expressive; but that is also their shortcoming because they always seem to project themselves on others. They love adventures and are very confident.
Rabbit:
Rabbits are gentle, sweet, and passionate. They are very popular and people like them because they are good company. However, they are likely to invest in the wrong places and lose money. They cry easily but they are nice to have in a romantic situation.
Dragon:
Dragons are lively, intellectual, energetic and held to high esteem. They are born leaders and naturally aggressive and determined. However, they might be arrogant, over-confident, and usually don’t think before they speak.
Snake:
Snakes have a good temper and are mysterious and delightful. They are charming and popular but not natural leaders and usually don’t strive to be. They aren’t outspoken however ad are good at silent communication. However, they tend to be jealous and suspicious.
Sheep/Goat:
People like sheep the most because they are gentle and calm. They are elegant, charming, and artistic. However, they are also insecure and worry over little things causing them to be pessimistic sometimes.
Monkey:
Monkeys are clever and lively. They love sports and are flexible, cheering, fun, and loving. However, they do hide their opinions sometimes but their emotions are easy to spot. And they are discouraged easily.
Rooster:
Roosters are deep thinkers and masters of fidelity. They can be honest, bright and ambitious. They are very observant, leading them to think they are always right when they might not be.
Dog:
Dogs are loyal and straightforward, honest and sincere. When they fall in love, they will fall hard and most likely not change. They are sometimes instable and have sharp tongues at times; causing them to unsocial at times.
Pig:
Pigs behave well, and are caring, trusting and naïve. Although they are associated with laziness and sleeping, they are also associated with wealth. They will always want to do everything right and will even sacrifice themselves for others if need be.
1. Famine in Sudan by Kevin Carter
This picture induces pity and guilt due to the huge disparity between the third world and first world. I feel that it is a sin for me to not take any action for people like these. In this picture, a child is crawling towards a food camp in Sudan, and vulture is waiting for him to die- so he can eat the child.
The photographer, Kevin Carter, was so frustrated by the these dire conditions that three months after he took the photo, he committed suicide.
2. Aruna Shanbaug
In 1973, a junior nurse was sexually assaulted in India. Aruna was traumatized and she was paralyzed. Parts of her brain died and she spent the next 40 years in the same room. Even though Aruna was frozen into a position that she acquired after the horrific incident decades ago, her case brought a major change, thanks to her caregivers and friends. After her case and appeal, Euthanasia was permitted in India (at strict conditions) and many more were saved from being forced to live death.
For information: http://www.firstpost.com/living/the-unbearable-agony-of-being-aruna-shanbaug-a-great-injustice-331622.html
Recently, I went on a university tour with my school and I discovered something I usually don’t discover in Calgary – biting winds added to the chill of a Canadian winter. Since I’m a blogger who detests winter, I hardly ever go outside, and if I do it’s usually to get from warm location A to warm location B. But on tour we walked for the majority of the day, and although my legs look great because of it, my face, unfortunately, does not. My once under control and moisturized skin took a turn for the worse. It became paler, dull and flaky. Not only that, but I also became quite sick during my tour, and it was an absolute nightmare for my skin. I couldn’t breathe properly, I was blowing my nose every chance I got and I was constantly tired – and my skin showed it. But I am a prepared Canadian, and although it’s a bit harder to fight off sickness, at least I can look good doing it. I’m going to give you the solutions to help you battle your winter skin.
PROBLEM: Dry, flaky, red nose.
SOLUTION: Sickness or not, this is something we all face. If you have winter, you have the dry Rudolph nose. Now for preventative measures (and this goes for everything else too), water is your BEST FRIEND. I’ve been downing at least two litres a day and already my skin looks less flaky. But for the nose especially, I find I have to be extra careful. It’s a delicate area, and therefore should be treated as such. Before doing anything, I like to use a warm, wet towel to place over my nose. Not only does this help with my stuffed up nose, but it also helps to bring a little moisture and soften the flaky skin around the nose. Follow this up with a gentle exfoliator and slather on a good amount of petroleum jelly before you go to bed and you’ll wake up to a thankful nose.
PROBLEM: Chapped lips
SOLUTION: This is the worst. It hurts to smile and any lip colour you put on sinks into your lip lines that strangely look like a scaled down version of the Grand Canyon. Same procedure goes for your lips – warm with a towel, exfoliate, moisturize. These are the key three steps to defeating winter dullness EVERYWHERE. Personally, I love using LUSH’s Popcorn Lip Scrub to slough off those nasty flakies and follow up with a heavy duty lip balm.
PROBLEM: Dry cheeks
SOLUTION: Before anything, I like to steam my face. This doesn’t need any fancy equipment – a sink full of hot water and a towel will do the trick. Just lean over the sink, drape the towel over your head and let the steam do its work. After this I usually follow with Aveeno’s vitamin c scrub and a thick layer of sunscreen for the day (and petroleum jelly for the night).
This weekend, I drove to Edmonton go see the Harry Potter Exhibition at the Telus World of Science with fellow bloggers Jordan and Bryna. It was a long commute, so I hope this review will help you decide whether or not it is worth your time to go check it out if you were wavering about buying tickets. The HP exhibit is on at the Science Centre until March 9, 2014 and tickets are $23.50 for students. If you do happen to live in Edmonton or somewhere very close like Red Deer, I highly suggest you go and check it out! On the other hand if you live somewhere further like Calgary, where it takes three hours to drive up; I still highly suggest going, but make a weekend trip out of it.
The exhibit was amazing. Unfortunately, there was a policy against pictures so I can’t show you my experience, but I can definitely tell you about my experience. The system they set up to get into the event itself was amazing. During the lineup, a lovely man came up and handed everyone house scarves of their choices, which lead us to a mini photoshoot, then into a room where a few volunteers got “sorted” by the famous Sorting Hat, (Bryna got to go up and the look of excitement on her face was priceless!) which then proceeded into a room which showed a fabulous montage of all the characters growing up, over the years. This was a wonderful way to keep the giddy children and even impatient teen fans occupied before their turn in the real exhibit – it really felt like you were entering Hogwarts!
I can’t tell you everything that was in the exhibit because there is far too much to name, but the selection was huge! We got to see pretty much every character’s wand, many costumes worn by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, including a few from the Yule Ball and some of the early movies, and many sets like Hagrid’s house and the potions lab. At the very end there is an amazing gift shop especially made for the Exhibit, and it was super neat, albeit pricey. Scarves were $35, hoodies $75, and wands were $50! So don’t expect anything to be cheap, but do expect whatever you buy to be good quality and in great shape. Although there was a lot to see, it took only about a half an hour at most to walk through it all, so if you are only going to Edmonton just to see the exhibit, I’d consider walking through the rest of the Science Centre, (which is really nice, yet very small compared to Calgary’s, and again took about half and hour to go through), or go to West Edmonton Mall.
Overall the Harry Potter Exhibit at Telus World of Science in Edmonton was amazing, there was tons to see and worth the money, if you live close. But if you are from Calgary and driving a total six hours, go on the weekend and make a trip out of it. Edmonton has a lot of other cool stuff to check out! Go get you tickets here
Now that the trending game Flappy Bird’s popularity has begun to die down after being removed from the App store and Google Play, let’s ask the question that’s probably been on all of our mind’s since we hit the download button. Why on earth do these dreaded games gain so much popularity in the first place?
We’ve all raged over not being to succeed at a game before, but why do we continue to come back to it and try again, instead of moving on? The reason is simply because it’s human nature. Once there’s an element of competition, it’s nearly impossible not to react and try to beat yours or someone else’s high score. We strive to one-up each other all the time and when we succeed, we are given that short period of being allowed to brag about our accomplishment.
When we lose the game or get a low score (which in Flappy Bird is not at all hard to do), it makes the sensation of winning so much more enjoyable and gives you that brief sensation of triumph and confidence. The game play keeps players engaged and does not require much strategy to win, making it simple and fun. The perfect amount of stress, adrenaline, competition and occasional success is what makes these games so addicting. That is, until, in my case, you’ve come to the realization that you have just wasted an hour trying to pilot a fictional bird through pipes instead of doing anything productive, which might also why there are so many people happy to see that it’s no longer available for download.
Sometimes we find harmony in the smallest pieces of our lives.
As most of us know, the 2014 Olympic winter games have arrived. Although it may seem like everything will run smoothly, there has been extensive speculation on the safety of the athletes. Some even say that terrorists are plotting to ruin these Olympics. The question is, are the Olympics really a symbol of peace? Is the athlete’s safety in jeopardy?
Since 1896, the Olympics have been an ongoing event in which different nations unite. Some of the most talented and skilled athletes from around the world compete against one another. Besides the competitive aspect to the games, there is also a friendship aspect. Furthermore, various nations have the ability to share their values, beliefs and culture. The Olympics also promotes this idea of competition, and athleticism. It gives you the opportunity to represent your nation proudly. But of course, there’s a dark side to the Olympics as well.
According to various newscasts, a plane from Ukraine was grounded in Istanbul after a Sochi-related bomb threat. The so-called terrorist was heading towards Sochi, and requested that he arrive at the Sochi venue. This had taken place right before the opening ceremonies were about to begin. Over the course of the past few centuries, we have seen that the political aspect to the games plays a significant role as to which countries feel safe to participate. For example, in the 1972 Summer Olympic Games in Munich, tension had risen. This was the first Olympic games ever to be held in Germany since the Nazis hosted them in 1936. Many countries refused to participate. Among them were the Israeli athletes, but they eventually decided to go. The 1980 games in Moscow had been boycotted due to the Soviet invasion on Afghanistan. Although the Olympics can be a time where nations unite, there is still much controversy.
In my opinion, I don’t really think the Olympics are that bad. After all, most of the Olympics that were boycotted were done so because of something pertaining to war. The Olympic venues are very well secured. At the Sochi games, some events require spectators to pass through a detector. Hundreds and hundreds of security guards are on duty. But for now, lets not take this issue to seriously.
Sources:
http://history1900s.about.com/od/famouscrimesscandals/p/munichmassacre.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_Games_scandals_and_controversies
Patriotism is an interesting thing and I’m not sure even a whole Social-30 course on nationalism enlightened me.
It doesn’t hold much of a role in my daily life, but every two years, over the course of a few weeks, it becomes everyone’s focus: after all, all the fun and pride and joy of the Olympics comes from being patriotic.
The newspaper’s headlines are dominated by Olympic successes and failures. Replays and live competitions air practically 24-7. News reports revolve around recaps.
I find it an incredibly fun time.
But even among the fanfare, I find it sometimes difficult to celebrate sincerely.
Feeling “pride” when a Canadian athlete or team wins a game doesn’t feel justified—nor does counting all the medals as those under “Canada.” Rather than celebrate individual successes, the focus is so often on the medal count, the gross number predicted, expected, despaired, and eagerly compared.
During this time of year I always hear “we” used in reference to the Canadian team. I understand rooting for those who came from your country, but I doubt all athletes are competing for their countries, and even if they are, it seems somewhat arbitrary to believe your victory is also shared by a large group of people with whom you only share your nationality. (Yes, Own the Podium has been investing exorbitant funds into helping athletes, but surely first comes their own effort, their families, friends and coaches, not a faceless taxpayer base.)
My hesitancy may be derived in parts from the uncohesive and perhaps obsolete nature of Canada’s nationalism: politeness, beer, and beavers (an over-exaggerated perception of the general populace, something I cannot legally consume, and a creature that I have yet to encounter except on a coin). Additionally, it seems that an inordinate number of Olympians come from Quebec (Bilodeau, Dufour-Lapointe, etc), and considering the perpetual undercurrent of separatism, I wonder whether (but certainly hope) they enjoy competing under a Canadian flag.
Needless to say, every athlete competing at the Olympics does so in their national colours–and I expect they realize what they are getting themselves into: potentially becoming the “face” of their nation. Thus, pride and all, as long as athletes feel patriotic themselves and are competing with the purpose of representing their country, I would think this is what they would like. In any case, who would turn down a whole nation feeling proud of you?
Of course, this is probably what sets the Olympics apart from other world competitions, whose results should be just as viable and prestigious, and yet never receive as much attention as the Olympic gold. In the Olympics, the lines are drawn along national borders and by doing so, attract a global audience and provide a basis for an international interaction.
For the athletes, it is about the experience itself, and for the viewers, it is about seeing the whole world come together in an international tradition.
And so, unabashedly and shamelessly I can continue to be a culprit as well, occasionally celebrating “Canada’s” victories as though they are everyone’s.
Recently, my fellow blogger Wentao Li and I have created a new series called, “What’s up with YVC?” Our first topic of business into the insights of the Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) was about the younger demographic (12-14) volunteering. To get further perspective into the issue, I wanted to get to the source. Thus, I found myself this past Thursday at a Starbucks interviewing Taylor Wong. Taylor is a volunteer in Grade 10 who knows just what it was like to be a part of the younger demographic at YVC.
YAA: How did you start your volunteering journey with YVC?
TW: Two years ago, a Youth Central representative came to talk to us at my junior high school. I was into the idea and decided to sign up. My parents always wanted me to get involved, but I was never good at sports and that kind of thing so I thought volunteering would be the perfect opportunity to get myself out of the house and involved in my community. At first I was first really scared to go out and volunteer. So I didn’t really get started until three months after signing up.
YAA: What caused you to overcome this intimidation?
TW: When you are younger, you feel intimidated by the older kids at the projects and it was hard for me because I was very shy. I was overwhelmed as a junior high student back then by all of the “high school” talk—like CAS hours, university applications, extra-curriculars, and etc. As I went to more projects, I realized that not only was I helping myself, but I was helping others. After a while, you start to make friends and realize that there is nothing and no one to be intimidated of. Volunteering takes dedication and that creates a collective feeling among all the volunteers. Once I started to open up more, I felt a part of the group to the point that I didn’t feel the differences between the older kids and myself.
YAA: What do you think could ease younger volunteers into feeling less apprehensive?
TW: It would help if younger and newer volunteers knew that they were going to have other volunteers like themselves at projects. This way, they would know that they were not going to be alone. Maybe, they can volunteer with their friends a few times. But I do not think that volunteers should always volunteer with their friends. This causes exclusion and it prevents interaction among all the volunteers. Volunteering is not only about helping the community, but it is about meeting new people. Volunteers need to get rid of the fact that you always need to go with a friend to a project. Be open with engaging with new people.
YAA: I understand that your favourite volunteering projects are with seniors. Why?
TW: Bowling at Spruce Lodge was my first project. Since then, I have always loved to do manicures (it is a good thing seniors have blurry vision) for the seniors and be a part of their birthday parties. I find that seniors are more appreciative of us because they are usually isolated all day. I love the exchange of stories. Some seniors have a tragic history that not most people know about. A lot of youth volunteers are afraid of seniors because of the typical stereotypes of grumpy seniors in media. But all they want is to meet youth and have someone hear their stories. I have met some great seniors like Betty at Brentwood Bingo. She really gets invested in the game and it is always fun making conversation with her because she is always open with me. When you are volunteering with seniors, the social aspect is really important. Be talkative and sociable. To get my friends interested in volunteering with YVC, I often tell them, “Seniors is where the party’s at.”
YAA: Any last words for the younger volunteers at YVC?
TW: Volunteering is a great experience full of great people. You are put in an environment where you can make friends, but you have to be open to it. Do not be intimidated because everyone has been where you are.
A sincere thanks to Taylor for providing us with an introspective look into the volunteering experience of younger volunteers at YVC. It was a great time getting such an enthusiastic perspective on YVC’s younger demographic.
Applying smartly is the key to getting scholarships.
Here are some tips to help you with your scholarship application. These are general guidelines and do not apply to a specific scholarship application.
1) Checking the school notice board daily is an excellent source of scholarship information. Shortlist all the scholarships you want to apply to. Do not waste time writing essays for scholarships that seem unrealistic to achieve.
2) Keep a track of the deadlines.
3) All scholarships are looking for specific qualities and credentials. Do not try to use the same essay for all the scholarships; unnecessary and irrelevant information is always a drawback.
4) Get at least three people to proofread your essay.
5) When filling out a scholarship application, fill in all the possible details – the optional ones too.
6) Give original and authentic information only.
7) Contact your references before giving in their contacts. You don’t want them to be caught off-guard when the scholarship giving organization contacts them.
8) Let your references be people from different areas and organizations.
9) Check all the information before you finally submit.
This is the third post in the common health problems among teens series, and it is about drinking. This will provide you with information in regards to this topic. The previous posts were about eating disorders and depression, so be sure to check those out as well.
DRINKING
Today the amount of teens drinking is extremely high. Drinking not only can lead to risks if you drive after consuming alcohol, it can lead to sexual behaviour, risky choices, death, and just about anything that you can imagine. A lot of teens drink or do other actions because of peer pressure. It’s like a domino effect; if one friend does it then so does the other, followed by the whole group of people. To add to the concerns related to drinking irresponsibly, you can actually die from alcohol toxicity. You have a higher chance of dying, especially if no one is around to care for you while you are in the moment of suffering. Be aware of the fact that drinking has more cons than pros, and that your parents are probably not going to be wanting their teen to be drinking anyway. Also if you have a friend who is drinking try to help them stop, and if you have witnessed them drinking recently don’t ignore it. Instead, help them realize the many side effects that come with it. Drinking is very risky, and is often overlooked by teens nowadays as normal youth behaviour.
1. Double cone and plane
It is a natural and obvious response that a cone will roll down if it is placed on an inclined plane. This is not the case in this experiment. In the video, a cone placed near the bottom of the inclined plane and cone starts sliding up. Why? This is explained in the video that because of the way the cone and plane are constructed, even though the cone itself is riding upwards, its centre of mass is still going downwards.
http://video.mit.edu/watch/double-cone-and-plane-24778/
2. Magnet in a copper rod
If you take a non magnetic object and drop it though a copper pipe, the object simply drops as it would outside the copper pipe. However, when a magnet is dropped thorough copper pipe, it falls really slowly. This is explained by the phenomenon of electrical induction by a moving magnet. As the magnet in the copper pipe starts to drop, it induces an electric field in the copper wire in such a way that the copper pipe produces a magnetic field that opposed that of the magnet. This behavior is summarized by Lenz’s Law. This causes the magnet to drop slowly… see it yourself!
http://video.mit.edu/watch/physics-demo-lenzs-law-with-copper-pipe-10268/
3. Exploding wire
This third one is more of excitement than scientific awe. In this video an iron wire explodes due to excessive current being passed through it.
http://video.mit.edu/watch/exploding-wire-24768/