YAA bloggers Wentao and Rebecca sit with Paula Ngo to discuss her volunteering journey with Youth Central.
Best Cartoon Network shows
I’m sure if you were born in the 90s, you have watched at least one Cartoon Network show. Looking back at these shows really bring back great childhood memories that I shared with my family, and friends. It’s never too late to catch up on those shows again in your free time.
1.. THE POWERPUFF GIRLS
The Powerpuff Girls are one of Cartoon Network’s most successful show ever. I can clearly remember everything about this show. One of my childhood birthdays were actually celebrated with a powerpuff girls theme, and let me tell you it was AWESOME! I can still remember Mojo Jojo, Bubbles, Buttercup, and Blossom clearly. If you didn’t watch this show growing up, I think you’ve really missed out.
2. DEXTER’S LABORATORY
Dexter’s Laboratory was mostly filled with, “OOOOO… What does this button do?” Dexter wasn’t the main focal point for me though. I thoroughly enjoyed Dee Dee. I felt that she gave that extra boost of awesomeness to that show, although I loved Dexter as a boy genius with his amazing Russian accent. He had his own secret laboratory, which I sure wish I had when I was a kid!
3. THE GRIM ADVENTURES OF BILLY AND MANDY
This show was like birthday cake: it was amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that Billy and Mandy contrasted each other so well. They never really showed how they became friends but it’s a cartoon, anything can happen. I did have pity for good old Grim at times though.
Youth in the Spotlight: Jessie Weisner
Jessie Weisner is a Grade 11 student at Lester B. Pearson High School, and she was nominated as an outstanding and proactive teenager and was recognized by Kids Up Front and Youth Central’s Pay it Forward project. Jessie has volunteered 125+ hours with the Kids Cancer Care‘s Teen Leadership Program, and puts KCC first, even with her busy work and school schedule. Jessie is super eager and has raised $2,500 (more than the requirement) to build houses in Tijuana and Ensenada, Mexico, and is an inspiring youth ambassador. I contacted Jessie online and asked her a few questions.
Me: How did you find out about the teen leadership program?
Jessie: I found out about the teen leadership program through the kids cancer care and through my older brother. My older brother was involved before me and I joined after him.
M: Are you involved in any other extracurriculars such as sports or other volunteering gigs?
J: I’ve been involved in basketball for a couple years, and I often volunteer in my community. I’m really involved in my community and whenever something goes on, I volunteer for it. I often volunteer with my friends as well.
M: What do you recommend to a first time volunteer?
J: It would be really nice to just begin volunteering at your school or at your local community center. Being surrounded by a familiar environment always helps and allows you to be really comfortable. You should just put all of your love and passion into what you’re doing, always smile, spread laughs and meet new people because you’re truly surrounded by remarkable people.
M: What characteristics and attitudes do you recommend in a volunteer?
J: I definitely recommend an attitude to spread joy. Always remember you’re where you are to help out and do what ever you can. Put all of your effort and love into what you’re doing. Have an open personality and welcome new people and new things no matter what.
M: How do you deal with balancing your job, school and volunteering?
J: It’s fairly difficult because I’m always busy, but my job is fairly flexible and my schedule often works around dates that I volunteer and all. I have two calendars for work, appointments, school events and volunteering and I make sure nothing overlaps. I check my schedules all the time, and I do end up having free time sometimes, which is nice.
M: What are some of your favourite parts of volunteering with KCC?
J: Oh this is a hard question. I definitely love the people, they’re like my second family. They radiate happiness and joy and truly make me a better person. I also love just helping out, it’s so rewarding in itself. Seeing what I’m doing (giving other people happiness) is incredible and makes me never want to stop. KCC is an amazing foundation, and I’m truly happy to be a part of it. I know what many of the families and kids involved in KCC are going through and I love being able to help with their struggle, from my experience. I’ll do anything to make these families’ lives easier.
M: What are some of the parts you could improve on, or you did improve on?
J: I’ve definitely improved on being able to handle so many things at once. I balance all of my events and I’m organized about it. I’ve also gotten a lot better at being 100% myself in all events with KCC, I don’t hold anything back.
M: How do you deal with stress?
J: I’ve had major stress issues in the past, but I’ve learned somewhat to deal with it. I make sure I don’t procrastinate and if I’m stressing about something, I really get rid of it and get it done. I also do yoga and I’m constantly listening to music so that relaxes me.
M: What are your future goals/dreams/career paths?
J: When I finish high school, I plan to continue with the KCC alumni group. I also would like to take philosophy and religion at university. I don’t have any major career paths, as I just want to travel and learn more about myself before choosing what I want to pursue for the rest of my life. Of course, I want to continue helping people and I will always do something that I love.
Thanks to Youth Central for highlighting the achievements of Jessie and her efforts with KCC, and she is wished well for the future!
Making use of your time: Holiday edition
The holidays are just around the corner. Christmas trees are being decorated, and the bells are ringing. Aside from Christmas, we have approximately 16 days to do whatever we want. So, how are we going to utilize this free time? Today, I’ll be looking through the things I believe should be done on your spare time.
1. Relax
Relaxing is very important, and plays a major roles in our busy lives. We are so preoccupied by school, and other extra curricular activities (which isn’t a bad thing). We never have time to sit down and make time for ourselves, unless we are they type of people who play video games 24/7. During the holidays, we are able to unwind and alleviate the stress that we receive from all the work we do.
2. Get active
Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean that you can watch TV all day long. Although it is crucial for us to relax, getting active is just as important. Getting active benefits your body in many ways. Its also a great way to have fun and enjoy your time. You could even consider playing sports a way to relax and set your mind free.
3. Get ahead in your studies
With the 16 days you have during your holidays, its a great way to get ahead in school. Again, I’m not telling you to kill yourself and study for five hours. Balance your time. Use some of your day for relaxing, or playing sports, and some for studying. Furthermore, you could read through your science/math textbook for 30-45 minutes a day. This way, you aren’t giving yourself additional stress, but your grades will improve.
Last minute holiday gift ideas
It’s that time of year again. With less than a week left until Christmas, people are rushing to buy their last minute gifts. If you’re like me, than you probably also find yourself rushing around, or just don’t have too much time to get gifts. So for those out there in need of some last minute gift ideas, here’s my list:
1. DIYs
When in doubt, make the gift yourself! Sure, this may seem time consuming, but you can quite easily make a lot of holiday gifts with stuff around your house. You can surf around the Internet or YouTube for holiday gift DIYs, but I particularly like Anneorshine’s video Holiday Gift DIY’s because I think she has the greatest gift ideas, such as this one right below:
DIYs are also customizable, so you can change it up and add your own touch if you want. Not only can you save money on making your own gifts, but with all the effort you put into the gift I’m sure the recipient would be very happy.
Other DIYs can be found here and here.
2. Bake something.
Who doesn’t love baked goods? (Or rather, sweet food?) Cookies, cake, basically anything baked is bound to be amazingly delicious. If you end up baking something, if you make enough it can be considered a present to many people, also saving you money. It doesn’t even have to be baked really, just something sweet and edible that you know people are sure to enjoy. Here’s a recipe for Christmas Macaroons you can make.
3. Gift cards
Yes, I know, Gift cards are possibly the plainest gifts you can give to someone, but if you are really in a crunch for time these can be your best option, especially if you don’t have time to bake or make something for someone. After all, if you have no idea what to get them, maybe a gift card is your best option so they have the freedom to choose.
4. Photo Album
If you have a couple of pictures that you think that someone would really appreciate developed, then you can make them a mini photo album. That way, they can always enjoy all the little moment’s you’ve had together.
So there you have it a few quick last minute holiday gift ideas you can try out if you’re in a time crunch or don’t know what to get. Always remember though, it’s the thought that counts, and giving is much better than receiving.
New Year’s Resolutions
You may be thinking, why are you posting this now? New Year’s is far away!
Believe it or not, January is going to come faster than you may think. I’ve never been one to make or stick to resolutions, but that is simply because I don’t necessarily support them. People like to make these goals for themselves at the beginning of the year to try to reach them by the end of the year, but a new year isn’t that big of a milestone, if you think about it. Jan. 1 is simply the day after Dec. 31, but instead of a 3 at the end of 201, it will be a 4.
I believe goals should be made simply because you feel like you are ready to make them, not because you are supposed to. I believe goals are great to set for yourself; they help us grow and stop procrastinating. However, if you are not ready to commit to a certain resolution and if someone asks you, “What are your New Year’s 
Resolutions?” and you reply with “I don’t have any,” you should not be criticized for your decision. It is perfectly okay if you are not quite ready to lose a few pounds and it is completely okay if you happen to lose 20 pounds by the end of the year. Goals should be made when you are ready, and when you feel it is right; not simply because it is what we have been taught to do.
Five most impactful natural disasters in 2013
2013, like every year, has seen its fair share of natural disasters. What makes them so impactful is that so many people die, and it is interesting to note that over 90% of natural disaster- related deaths occur in developing countries, according to World Vision.
When looking through those disasters, people often don’t remember them. This is either due to the fact that first world countries don’t hear a lot about it, or that the people are engaged for a week or two and then just continue their lives normally.
So here a look at the five deadliest disasters this year:
5. Mindinao floods in the Philippines in January, 2013, impacting 507,769
This disaster caused over 100,000 people to be moved, with some of them being taken care of in one of the 46 evacuation centers, numbers of those who fled are not certain. The country’s infrastructure suffered greatly, with costs growing exponentially.
Find out more on PhilStar’s Website.
4. Patuakhali cyclone in Bangladesh in May, 2013, impacting 1,285,508
The danger level of this disaster was 7 out of 10, with the cyclone covering more than 175km in nine hours. All schools, colleges and hotels have become emergency shelters.
Read more on the BBC News Website.
3. Guangdong Storm in China in March, 2013, impacting 1,398,324
Interesting about this disaster is that hardly anyone drowned, most people died from flying or falling objects.
BBC News covered the story.
2. Drought in Chad from June, 2012, to February, 2013, impacting 1,600,000
Interestingly enough, there is hardly any information about this disaster to find. Very likely this is due to the desensitization of humans due to constant exposure to it: Droughts go on over a relatively long period of time. The greatest impact is the increase of crop prices all over the world.
1. Sichuan earthquake in China in April, 2013, impacting 2,011,211
This earthquake took its name from a former natural disaster, the Sichuan Earthquake in 2008, in which over 90,000 people were killed, went missing, or are presumed dead. This earthquake was less damaging, yet the epicenter was quite close to the surface, emphasizing the 6.6 magnitude earth quake.
Read more on the Huffington Post.
Amazon Drones: What’s holding them back?
Most people know about the new Amazon Drones. The ones that whiz through the air and transport your cargo to your house in 30 minutes? Yes, those. Amazon wants to use them by 2015 in a project called Amazon PrimeAir. Many other companies are also using drones to deliver things like medicine and textbooks. However, it is still debated on, so what is really holding it back?
Firstly, one setback is from Federal Aviation Administration (USA). They have stated that the drones are not yet legal. For example, when Flying-Cam, an aerial filming company, wanted to use drones to film, the FAA published a set of regulations for Flying-Cam that were too restrictive for Flying-Cam to accomplish. This might be the same for Amazon, but we will have to wait and see.
Next, these drones will have high crash rates with other fast moving objects in the air and could potentially get stuck on things like trees.
Then there are the human problems. Amazon and Homeland Security are both looking into the possibility of these drones hacked and then flown to somewhere else. There is also the problem of theft of the packages and drones. These drones could also be potentially used to invade privacy, or government buildings like jails.
So this new concept is amazing and very innovative, however, there are still some more improvements to be made on this new technology. I hope they come out though!
To read more on Amazon Drones, click here.
To watch a video from Amazon, click here.
Christmas is about TODAY
Yes, I’m aware the title to this post is probably really confusing. What I’m trying to convey is that we must embrace the holiday season, not just the idea of the holiday season, or the stereotypes of the holiday season.
This winter and this Christmas, I challenge you to live in the moment. To live in your moments. To smell rich hot chocolate, feel snowflakes on your tongue, hear children laughing, and see the world come to life before your eyes. In our day and age, we often live behind society’s eyes rather than our own, and that prospect scares me.
You will never be younger than you are this very moment. You can never come back. Tomorrow, today will forever be yesterday. So make today count. Especially around the holidays, when opportunity is abounding and life is at its fullest.
I found this image on Pinterest, and I keep it on my laptop desktop as a reminder: seize the moment. I ask myself: what can I do now to make today my day? What will I think when I look back on this day?
Top 5 presents for the tech geek: gaming galore
This week’s edition will be for the avid gamers in your life. Whether they are the erratic gamers who cannot cease to stray their eyes from the screen, or just your occasional players, these games will surely elate any gamer in your life.
- PlayStation 4– It is finally here, in all of its glory. The sleek black box can play games at 1080hd at 60 frames a second. This powerful device will definitely be on any player’s wish list.
The new PS4 has a compact design, perfect for those who wish to conserve space. - Th Last of Us– Named as the “best game of the year” by Games Radar, the game is structured around a post-apocalyptic United States in the year 2033. Follow Joel as he escorts Ellie to a resistance group in this terrorizing age. The game combines stunning graphics with a fantastic storyline.
Any gamer will fall in love with the two protagonists, Joel and Ellie. - Authentic Lightsaber– Anyone (including myself) will revel at the sight of a Lucas Film authenticated light saber. Choose from a multitude of colors and designs that correspond to the character of your receiver’s choice.
These lightsabers are not only nostalgic, but they are marvelously cool. - A Titan’s gaming art book– This unique gift is composed of pages of wondrous concept art on how the world of the game has come to life. Allow the gamer in your life to drool over this year’s special on Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.
See behind the scenes on how Assassin’s Creed was brought onto screens. - Geeky Apparel– If you struggle to find a present for someone who seems like they have every gaming essential, opt for some cozy gamers’ apparel. Check out these “adorkable” sweaters.
The pixelated design gives this sweater a unique texture
Calgary’s feel good cafe: Bumpy’s
Going out for breakfast usually means spending copious amounts of time, even hours, waiting in line at an over-populated brunch place, before waiting for what seems like an eternity for the meal to arrive. Such experiences can make going out for breakfast seem daunting, a time-consuming chore which anyone who has a remotely hectic schedule will avoid like the plague on Sunday, let alone other days of the week.
Luckily, it turns out that going out for breakfast in Calgary does not have to be the big production one might think it would be; Calgary hosts a range of cafes that offers a variety of breakfast foods along with their other fare. One such café, and the winner of Krups Kup of Excellence for two years running, is Bumpy’s Café. Situated downtown on 8 St. SE, Bumpy’s is “a place to feel at home,” where customers can stop by for a quick breakfast, lunch, snack, or a simply delicious cuppa throughout the day. In short, Bumpy’s is a quaint little “grab-and-go” breakfast stop for those on the go downtown.
That being said, Bumpy’s is worth seeking out if one is in the area. Their coffee is exceptional; Bumpy’s offers both brewed coffee and a variety of specialty coffees. For those non-coffee drinkers, Bumpy’s offers an extensive selection of loose-leafed teas from Tea Affair, a locally-owned operation. If customers simply cannot get enough of Bumpy’s tea or coffee selection, they can take the taste of Bumpy’s home with them; all of Bumpy’s teas and coffees are offered for wholesale.
Bumpy’s café fare is also quite phenomenal; the baked goods are fresh-made daily, and are very tasty, yet not too sweet. The berry muffin, for example, has a very crunchy top, without the sugar-coating that many commercial bakeries rely on to add flavour. Bumpy’s muffin selection is to say the least, extensive, with a great variety baked fresh, including a
savory breakfast muffin for those who lack a sweet tooth. Bumpy’s even goes the extra mile with their muffins, offering seasonal varieties; for example, in light of the Christmas season Bumpy’s has been baking up such festive treats as the rum and eggnog muffin.
Everything at Bumpy’s is homemade, right down to the café’s granola, which is bran-based with almonds, pumpkin seeds, and cranberries. The granola comes with milk; however, the waitress suggested yogurt, as this adds additional flavour and punch. The granola was delicious, the cranberries and other toppings adding wonderful chewiness and crunch. The meal as a whole was not overtly sweet, just enough to compliment the other flavours of the granola. That being said, Bumpy’s is a tad bit expensive, the granola was $5, for more-or-less glorified cereal.
Other breakfast selections offered at Bumpy’s include oatmeal (which can come with a plethora of toppings to fit any taste), homemade quiches, bagels, and other baked goods, as well as the breakfast panini or sandwich topped with bacon, eggs, tomatoes, and lettuce. In the sandwich area Bumpy’s showed its only weakness; the sandwich was a little cold, and on the whole, disappointing; Bumpy’s true forte is café snacks and light meals.
One thing to note about Bumpy’s in particular is that it is quite small, and while the staff may ask patrons whether they will be eating in or taking their food out, oftentimes at peak hours it may be difficult to find good seating, as Bumpy’s can become easily crowded. Bumpy’s is known for a quick meal though, so if there are not any tables upon arrival, it is quite likely one will soon open up.
Overall Bumpy’s is a great little café boasting fast, tasty meals on the go, a homely and casual atmosphere, and a friendly staff. At Bumpy’s, it is easy to feel that they truly want their customers to feel at home.
Bumpy’s is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
3 ways to stay warm and fashionable this winter
1. Ponchos
Ponchos have been in my wardrobe as long as I can remember. My friends and I always love to buy winter clothes for because they are just so cozy and festive. Besides in Canada, most of the time it’s chilly. Ponchos are basically like a warm cozy blanket. Wearing them is also effortless yet trendy, I’ve seen many celebrities wearing them around these days. As a result, ponchos are a staple wardrobe piece and they are really easy to throw on in a hurry.
2. Holiday sweater
If you don’t own a good holiday sweater, I think it’s time for you to start looking for one. What are the holidays without your holiday sweaters, family, and hot chocolate? Plus it doesn’t have to have Santa, reindeers, and elves all over it, if it has snowflakes some sparkles or even if it’s a chunky knit, I think that’s great!
3. Wool skirts
This is one wardrobe piece that has emerged this 2013 winter to be very trendy. I have to admit it’s kinda an obsession now for me. I mean they are just so cute with a pair of tights or just on their own. Wool skirts make you look classy and fashion forward even in those chilly winter days. The perfect outfit with a wool skirt would be a pair of chunky boots and sheer top or sequined blazer and a pair of knitted tights. For your work, there are many skirts out there that will work great for any office.
Next time you go shopping, make sure you check these essentials out. Add on to your wardrobe and keep it trendy. I wish you the best next time you hit the mall.
10 alternative Christmas gifts
The best ways to donate to charity this Christmas
Christmas is approaching–and to be quite honest, most of us already have plenty of “stuff.” I certainly have nothing that I particularly need (though I’ll always have some things that I desire), but Christmas spending can still be put to good use. Rather than buying yet another gift card, why don’t you buy a $15 chicken in the name of a friend or relative, or perhaps a donation to one of your favourite charities? Below are my 10 top choices of Christmas gifts that make a difference.
In Calgary:
1. Sponsor a meal
Sponsoring a meal at Inn From the Cold or the Mustard Seed may may be a bit pricier than some other gifts (breakfast for $500 to dinner for $1000) but you are directly contributing to a local organization in the community. Sponsors also have the option of volunteering to help prepare and serve the meal, allowing you or the recipient to be directly involved with the impact of your gift.
2. Customized library card
Even Nenshi has a personalized Calgary Public Library Card. This gift for any bibliophile is available by donating $250.
3. Fulfill another family’s Christmas wish list
The Calgary Interfaith Food Bank‘s wish list can be used a guide for what to donate this holiday season in order to fulfill another family’s Christmas dinner dreams.
4. Send an e-card
This is not your everyday e-card. Some of the Alberta Children’s Hospital designs are created by the patients themselves, available with a donation.
In Canada:
5. Give nature
Help support and preserve Canada’s diverse environment with a gift from the Nature Conservancy of Canada. They were rated as Canada’s top charity of 2013 by Moneysense, so you can be sure of your contribution.
6. Adopt a puppy
“Adopt” a guide dog: $100 helps pays for a training puppy’s veterinary expenses for the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.
Around the world:
7. From school supplies to livestock
Charity gifts through UNICEF’s survival gifts, Oxfam Unwrapped, or World Vision, help your dollar stretch, whether 113 malaria pills or 375 pencils for $10. Best of all, the pencils are sent where they are actually required.
8. Give the gift of water
The Calgary-based organization CAWST specializes in water and sanitation technology. As a global issue, this is certainly an option to consider.
9. Microfinance Gift card
Microloans, named for their small scale, are available through organizations such as Kiva who conduct these through their partners around the globe. Your contribution to a loan can be as small as $25, keeping it low risk, and you may loan again or withdraw.
10. Free trade and artisanal goods
If you want to purchase an actual item, consider Nest’s Mission or Free the Children’s Me to We store, which connect you with artisans from across the globe.
Well, I know that I’ll probably be asking for a goat for Christmas.
Brian Griffin back from the dead
Warning: Massive spoilers ahead.
Could this really be true? Is Seth MacFarlane going to be spared from a slow and painful lashing after all?
Well, for all you Family Guy fans out there, you may be pleased to hear that … BRIAN GRIFFIN IS ALIVE!!!!!!
Last month, in the episode “Life of Brian,” Brian Griffin was involved in a gruesome hit and run, and died shortly after. This, of course, spawned reverberations of outrage among long-time viewers.
“Christmas Guy,” which just aired on Dec 15, proved that miracles, with the aid of some time travel, really do happen. Being the considerate friend that he is, Stewie travelled back in time to the exact moment before Brian’s fatal accident, and managed to push Brian out of the way before he could get hit by the car.
According to Seth MacFarlane himself, the purpose of Brian’s death and subsequent resurrection was to fans a lesson: “Never take those you love for granted, for they can be gone in a flash.” Wise words, Mr. MacFarlane.
Ugly Christmas sweaters: Join the fad!
The latest winter trend is ugly Christmas sweaters. I’ve been trying for years now to start the trend, but for some reason, this year is the year that it decided to work. Anyways, I was going to make a DIY vlog with fellow bloggers Jordan and Bryna. We bought our sweaters and we’re going to head to the craft store to find some decals and I tell you; it is very expensive to make sweaters and hard to find decals to go on them! So instead of spending all that time and money on a sweater, just buy one!
Holiday Rejects is a super cool company that sells gently used Christmas sweaters, all equally ugly and cheesy, for a really good price. They have a kiosk and Northland Village Mall, a store in Edmonton and a website: www.holidayrejects.ca. If you try to find a really nice holiday sweater at a department store or retail store in the mall, you’ll be spending $80-$100 for a good quality sweater. If you go to Holiday Rejects, their sweaters are half that price and just as good quality! They have kids and adult sizes and a huge selection of sweaters. I showcased just a few of them in a vlog on our YouTube channel, which you can check out here.
Ugly Christmas sweaters are the perfect article of clothing to have for Christmas parties or to wear around for fun, if you are a die hard Christmas fan like me.