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A stream of satisfaction

Wentao
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Before we start, feel free to have a listen to this music as we go along. I usually get infected with the relaxation music brings, and nostalgia from Pokemon music.

Satisfaction is a concept we use in food, but it certainly isn’t a word only used to described the pleasure of savoring the different flavors.  In a broader context, it’s a sense of confidence, fulfillment, and joy gained from cherishing perhaps the different flavours of life. Perhaps this source of contentment forms an ideal state of living, but an ideal world isn’t the only place you can realize satisfying elements of your everyday story.

Satisfaction is a diverse concept; there is no one way to gauge how satisfied you are with your life. Satisfaction is derived from appreciation, however, for something in your life; god knows what that might be for you. For me right now, it’s my new-found friendships with the most valuable people in my life. There’s no laws dictating that it has to be a broad stroke concept; maybe you’re satisfied with our website as you are surfing, learning about the youthful views of our bloggers. Satisfaction is dynamic; we all transition from being nurtured by a source of everyday happiness to one of new excitement, and vice versa.

Satisfaction is the foundation to contentment; living in Canada, we might be satisfied with the social security we might carry, just as an example. I know I’m fine with the route of maturity that I’m taking and I like to let the course of nature just take us on our trip. Satisfaction should not be a barrier in goal-setting, however; just because you might be content with life the way it is doesn’t mean you are not allowed to make goals or plans for the future. In fact, especially for youth, satisfaction for who we are right now allow us to actually look forward to the upcoming life events, especially if this feeling can remove any pounding stress. Satisfaction doesn’t have to come from an ideal path; you and I could be just as happy with the revisions we made along the way, even though perhaps we planned everything with the most satisfying outcome in mind. Satisfaction is dynamic in its nature to pop up at the most unexpected times; there is no way we can predict how fulfilling something is, so we can only cherish it as it arrives.

Cute, eh? (Image source)

Satisfaction allows us to have a voice; this might sound paradoxical to my previous paragraph, but contentment leads to confidence. In turn, this confidence leads us to voice our satisfaction and allow others to learn and to gain their own dose of satisfaction as well. If we are unsatisfied with something, we have the ability to have our opinions heard, such as with the very nature of blogging or a trustworthy friend. Keep in mind though that satisfaction can come at others’ expense; satisfaction, despite a positive feeling, can be derived from actions of a negative nature. We might be satisfied the way we voiced an opinion, yet we might not have considered the effects that others might have on our remarks.

Satisfaction can be achieved regardless of personality, status, and who you are in general. I remember to this day that when I wrote my Security or Poverty series, particularly when I described some of the accounts as found in this report, that many of the seniors in the report carried an underlying sense of determination due to their satisfaction for the improvements they’ve reached. Of course, they may not be satisified with poverty, but they might not label themselves with that term due to their own satisifaction. To this day, even though I was barely out of my writer’s block at the time, I still think seniors in poverty was one of the best topics I’ve tackled thus far.

Satisfaction is always there to be manifested. I look forward to be there to hear your stories about what marvelous things you might be satisfied with. I’m satisfied with my point, and the topics I’ve tackled as a blogger, and the new blog redesign, and being able to meet our wonderful bloggers, and having worked out some interviews for admirable people, and finding some ideas for collaboration, and so on… everyone can go on and on, but the longer the list the merrier. 🙂

Image source.

Olympus, Nikon, Leica: Choosing the right camera, Part 3

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“To photograph is to hold one’s breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality. It’s at that precise moment that mastering an image becomes a great physical and intellectual joy.” — Henri Cartier-Bresson

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A still from the movie Amélie (image source)

The power of photography is limitless. It is worth more than a thousand words; more than an anecdote. It can convince you of realities your mind does not comprehend, and prove rumours real and facts lies. Many would call photography a magician’s trick, an illusion made to trick the humble human eye; a delusion that not only deceives the viewer, but also the photographer. Perception is everything in our world. A quick filter over one’s Instagram photo can turn the most modest morning coffee into a rare luxury one would enjoy only in the grandeur of a metropolis. Beyond the superficial, however, lies a more important aspect of photography: it captures a moment with the emotion of the photographer. Described by French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson as the decisive moment, photography is an important tool to capture the fragile mementoes of human life.

As much as it sounds, choosing your own camera can be a very personal and difficult decision. There are lots of opportunities to try other cameras in the future, of course, but the first step is never the same. Perhaps it is your first time out of the country and you want to document every moment of your trip – or maybe it is a quiet visit to a close family gathering. Whatever it might be, the images just have to turn out perfect. Well, you’re in the right starting place! This post will briefly explore compact vs. DSLR cameras, camera specs, and a little fun you can add to the “ph” in “photography.”

Type of Camera: Compact Digital or DSLR

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As you might have seen, all professional photographers seem to carry around immense cameras that might as well be the Hubble Telescope itself. Not to mention the colossal lenses they fiddle with (that’s what gives it the “pro photographer” feel, boys and girls). It looks cool and all; but mind you, compact digital cameras are cool as well. I’m not trying to take away the merit of having a DSLR camera. All I’m saying is, do you want to carry around a massive object while trying to capture your “decisive moment”? The quality of a DSLR camera is amazing; some can differentiate a small particle of dust from its surroundings from a long distance. But sometimes it’s good to keep all your options open. I love DSLR cameras and their impressive power, and also I love digital cameras and their flexibility in terms of physical size.

For DSLR cameras, feel free to check out Alice’s post on her Canon. For pictures from a compact digital camera, be sure to check out my posts [London, Montreal, spring in Calgary]. There are so many fellow bloggers who are talented photographers, so be sure to check out their photographs as well!

Specs

This is just a brief reminder about camera specs – resources are out there if you’re into the technical side of things (full-frame sensor vs. crop sensor, large aperture vs. smaller aperture, etc. and all those goodies). Choose one that fits your purpose!

Other Cameras – Just for Fun

Ok, I might have gotten a little lazy with the last section but I’m too excited about this one to really dwell on the previous. A little over a year ago, I had gotten a Lomography movie camera as a gift and it was one of the most wondrous devices a late-Generation Y individual has seen! Lomography introduces back the good old film cameras in an enjoyable and affordable fashion. Here is the short film I made with my movie camera and some photographs that others have taken!

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Featured image: source.

Visit Parts 1 and 2 of Choosing the Right Camera:

Part 1: Brand

Part 2: Digital Camera vs. Film Camera

Looking to change up your lunches? Try quinoa!

Kristin
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Quinoa-Bocconcini-SaladQuinoa has become one of the fastest growing health food trends, and it’s for good reason! It is one of the healthiest grains out there and packs a lot of benefits into a small package. Some fun health facts about Quinoa are:

  • It is one of the most protein-rich foods out there.
  • It contains almost twice as much fiber as most other grains.
  • It contains iron, which helps to keep our red blood cells healthy and helps with energy metabolism.
  • It contains lysine, which is an essential amino acid for tissue repair in humans.
  • It is rich in magnesium, which helps to relax blood vessels and therefore can help with migraines. Magnesium also helps with transmitting nerve impulses within the body, regulation of body temperature, helps with the formation of healthy bones and teeth and much more.

These are just a few of the MANY benefits that eating quinoa can provide to us.

If you’ve never tried quinoa, I highly recommend it! Here is one of my favorite recipes that I often make for my school lunches:

Confetti Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 cup  (250 mL)  quinoa
  • 2 cups  (500 mL)  vegetable broth
  • 1 yellow pepper, diced
  • 1 cup  (250 mL)  diced English cucumber
  • 1/3 cup  (75 mL)  chopped red onion
  • 1 can  (19 oz / 540 mL) no-salt-added chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2/3 cup  (150 mL)  Kraft Crumbled Feta Cheese with Oregano, Sun Dried Tomatoes and Cracked Peppercorns
  • 2 small tomatoes, diced
  • Toasted pine nuts for garnish (optional)
  • Dressing:
  • 2 tbsp  (30 mL)  prepared pesto
  • 2 tbsp  (30 mL)  white balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp  (30 mL)  olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp  (1 mL)  pepper

Preparation

1. In saucepan, add quinoa and broth (if quinoa isn’t pre-rinsed, first rinse and drain well). Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes or until all liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with fork; transfer to large bowl. Let cool for 15 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, for the dressing, whisk together pesto, vinegar, oil and pepper. Add to quinoa with yellow pepper, cucumber, onion and chickpeas; toss gently to coat. Fold in feta and tomatoes. Sprinkle with pine nuts, if desired.

For little lunch boxes: Omit the onion and pine nuts; replace the feta with cubed mozzarella.

Enjoy!

Things I love: Human edition

Jordan Ilagan
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Here are a list of things I love about people.

  • Random acts of kindness. I love when people are nice for no reason. Because sometimes a smile or a hug can change somebody’s  day and even their life. Especially when you’re having a bad day, someone doing something nice for you can just make your entire day better.
  • Resilience. Humans are smart in a lot of ways. When something knocks us down, society somehow picks up again and we continue with life. It’s amazing really, how humans always find a way to always move on.
  • Intelligence. We humans have been stupid for that past while, but remember how smart we are. Look around you! Look at your TV, your phone, your fridge. Imagine the amount of intelligence required to come up with that. Imagine the person who invented electricity. It’s incredible. The things that humans have done with the world, the amount of progress we have made, is truly amazing.

The surprise element. People can really surprise you. Yeah, sometimes, people can be mean, but sometimes they are really nice. Give people some time, and they will eventually do something that will shock you.

All in all, people will surprise you. Sure, there is a lot of evil humans, but there is also a lot of good. 

What is Earth telling us; a look at past climatic events

Rebecca Yang
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The recent tragedy of Typhoon Haiyan does not stand as just a desolation in the global community, it is a reminder of the many climatic devastations suffered on Earth in the past years. Is Earth trying to tell us something?

Although climate change or global warming is regarded as a mere myth in our current society, it is painstakingly apparent that Earth has fallen victim to a multitude of severe storms and abnormal weather in the last few years. The past decade has brought forth a tidal wave of not just odd weather, but ominous changes to the surface of our planet.

Storms in the past decade:

2003-

Hurricane Juan in Atlantic Canada

The storm reeked havoc in central Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
The storm reeked havoc in central Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

An 11-month drought in Australia

This drought was referred to as the worst drought since European settlement.
This drought was referred to as the worst drought since European settlement.

European Flood ranging from Portugal to Germany

A settlement is surrounded by water from the Danube River in Deggendorf, Bavaria in Germany.
A settlement is surrounded by water from the Danube River in Deggendorf, Bavaria in Germany.

2004:

Snowstorm in Tennessee

Over 11 inches of snow fell in Tennessee.
Over 11 inches of snow fell in Tennessee.

Drought in Western United States

The drought affected the economies of many farmers.
The drought affected the economies of many farmers.

Flood in Brazil

Brazil was among many other regions that had record-breaking floods.
Brazil was among many other regions that had record-breaking floods.

2005:

Climate records broken in the United States

Warmer temperatures were among a year of abnormal weather behavior in the United States.
Warmer temperatures were among a year of abnormal weather behavior in the United States.

Three category 5 Atlantic hurricanes (Katrina, Rita and Wilma)

One of the deadliest Atlantic hurricanes. The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina can still be seen today.
One of the deadliest Atlantic hurricanes. The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina can still be seen today.

2006:

Heat wave in North America

Temperatures skyrocketed in the summer in Canada and the United States, killing at least 225 people.
Temperatures skyrocketed in the summer in Canada and the United States, killing at least 225 people.

Sand storm hits Beijing, China

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2007:

Monsoons in South Asia (India, Bangladesh and Nepal)

The series of monsoons killed hundreds and displaced millions.
The series of monsoons killed hundreds and displaced millions.

Record breaking wet season in England and Wales

People had to be rescued from their own homes in one of the wettest seasons.
People had to be rescued from their own homes in one of the wettest seasons.

Cyclone Gonu in the Arabian Sea

The first reported category 5 hurricane reported in the Arabian Sea hit the coast of Oman.
The first reported category 5 hurricane reported in the Arabian Sea hit the coast of Oman.

2008:

Tornado outbreak in the United States

Tornado wreckage in Tennessee.
Tornado wreckage in Tennessee.

Tropical Cyclone Ivan in Madagascar

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Typhoon Neoguri in China

A woman attempts to salvage what is left of her hut after the storm.
A woman attempts to salvage what is left of her hut after the storm.

2009:

Extreme weather in the Arctic

The Catlin Arctic Survey team reports that older ice in the Arctic has begun to severely melt.
The Catlin Arctic Survey team reports that older ice in the Arctic has begun to severely melt.

Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan

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2010:

Earthquake in Haiti

Devastation hits Haiti.
Devastation hits Haiti.

Heat wave in Russia

Evidence in Russia that temperatures are rising.
Evidence in Russia that temperatures are rising.

Flood in Pakistan

Severe flooding affected millions in Pakistan.
Severe flooding affected millions in Pakistan.

2011:

Monsoon season in Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar

Worst flooding in decades seen in Thailand.
Worst flooding in decades seen in Thailand.

Hurricane Irene in the Bahama Islands

Maryland deals with the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.
Maryland deals with the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.

2012:

Major wildfires in Chile

Firefighters try to extinguish the relentless fires.
Firefighters try to extinguish the relentless fires.

Worst drought ever in Latin America

Droughts devastated cattle and agriculture industries.
Droughts devastated cattle and agriculture industries.

Torrential rains in China

Streets flooded as heavy rain continued to pour.
Streets flooded as heavy rain continued to pour.

Superstorm Sandy hits East Coast of the United States

The storm swept away homes and communities in the East Coast of the United States.
The storm swept away homes and communities in the East Coast of the United States.

2013:

Severe wildfires in California

Wildfires destroyed forests, including National Yosemite Park.
Wildfires destroyed forests, including National Yosemite Park.

Flooding in Calgary, Alberta

 

Extreme flooding hits close to home this past summer.
Extreme flooding hits close to home this past summer.

Worst tornado ever seen in the United States in Moore, Oklahoma

The 200 miles per hour tornado killed at least 24 people and destroyed homes.
The 200 miles per hour tornado killed at least 24 people and destroyed homes.

Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines

A super typhoon crashed into the homes of millions in the Philippines this past Friday.
A super typhoon crashed into the homes of millions in the Philippines this past Friday.

This list is only comprised of a miniature segment of the abnormal climate behavior observed on planet Earth. It is obvious to most that these extreme weather events are not mere consequences repeating in our planet’s history. The irrevocable imprint of man is clearly having a major impact on Earth as observed by recent climatic events. Whether climate change is regarded as a myth or not, what is a fact is that our planet is changing. Humans may be the cause, but we must be the solution.

To contribute to the global efforts aiding the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines donate to the Philippine Red Cross and/or visit CNBC for a list of more organizations. Above all comfort those around you, who may have family or friends affected by the storm. We are one.

My mom is on Facebook?

Malika Daya
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For a lot of youth, Facebook is a website to interact with their fellow peers and a way people learn about you, and at times, make judgements whether they like you or not. It is also a place that many teens consider a “parent-free zone” so they believe they can post what ever the feel like and act however they want without parental guidance or supervision. Honestly, I believe in many cases it is used as a popularity scale. If you are cool your profile will tell me, if you aren’t goodbye – totally not worth my time. But is this right? And what affect does this have on teenagers, when we are at the age where we believe that our peers opinions matter the most? What does this make youth do on this specific social media website?

We have heard of thousands of cases where teens put up inappropriate and unsophisticated pictures, videos and posts on Facebook, but would they do this if perhaps a parent was on Facebook? Is this who they really are? Obviously not. Without having any adult figure supervising, Facebook is an easy place to bully, defame your own reputation and basically act stupid. But once there is adult “supervision” would any of this be happening? So why is it that when parents are around, youth seem to have amazing character but once they are gone it all disappears? There are many answers to this question, including peer pressure. But I personally do not believe that Facebook should be a popularity ranking scale. It isn’t a place where being fake and superficial should be allowed. Don’t let Facebook become Fakebook.

Don't let peer-pressure turn your profile to FAKEBOOK, be real.
Don’t let peer-pressure turn your profile to FAKEBOOK, be real and make intellectual decisions.

The phrase “My Mom IS ON Facebook?!” should not startle youth. It shouldn’t ever bother them because if we are implementing good character, what should we worry about? For many, that phrase is equivalent to having a heart attack, but should it be? Facebook is not your personal diary for one, and secondly if you think that, well you are in some massive trouble in the future when your employers do a Google search on you.

If you are startled like her ^ you are doing something wrong.
If you are startled like her ^ you are doing something wrong.

Bottom line is before you post anything think about this: If an important adult figure in my life saw what I am posting would they be disappointed, or would they approve?

Now I’m not saying to go and ask approval but use your good judgement skills because it is only going to benefit you in the future. You don’t need to post a sleazy picture to get 100 likes to get noticed, you have to a have a beautiful personality in reality and people will notice you naturally, if they don’t well it is their loss.

“….Those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” ~Dr. Suess

 

Should we get rid of academic awards?

Aaron
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Courtesy Radio Canada International
Courtesy Radio Canada International

Recently, St. Basil Elementary and Junior High School announced their decision to remove academic awards for students, and while some support the idea of a protecting the pride of students, many more are furious that academic achievements are not being properly recognized.

According to the Calgary Herald, the decision made by Administration and staff was made in the best interest of all students. School officials explained that “Awards eventually lose their lustre to students who get them, while often hurting the self-esteem and pride of those who do not receive a certificate.”

However, many students and their parents do not agree. “They’re telling us that the one per cent of students or so who have learning problems or the group of students who can’t get on the honour roll outweighs the kids who can,” said Andreas Winn, a Grade 9 Student at St. Basil.

Courtesy Huffington Post
Courtesy Huffington Post

The latest move by St. Basil is part of an education movement to remove disappointment and “ensure success.” Increasing awareness and attention of students with learning disabilities has made schools and education boards focus on improvement and equality, rather than recognition. And this is not the only school to start following this trend. Last year, a number of junior high schools such as Ecole Madeleine d’Houet junior high school have vowed to put honour roll certificates with report cards instead of having a formal ceremony. The Calgary Board of Education announced earlier this year for a pilot project to remove teacher comments and replace traditional marks with “learning outcome ratings” in kindergarten to Grade 9 report cards. But due to concerns from parents and educators, the project is now currently on hold.

Courtesy CBC News
Courtesy CBC News

I believe that removing academic awards is not the right idea. As an honour roll student, I may be biased, but success should be recognized. While it may hurt the feelings of some, we must expose kids to a competitive atmosphere at a young age. I believe that this is the only way for kids to strive to achieve better “learning outcome ratings” each and every report card.

What do you think of academic awards? Should they be removed to build and maintain every child’s self-esteem, or should achievements be recognized. Do we need to respect those students who may not be naturally good at achieving high marks? Or are parents just over-protecting their kids?

A season’s greetings too early

John Gabriel
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A pressing issue always returns to cause debate around the season of the Yuletide. I was reminded of this during a Friday stroll around the mall. I was in a store when this thought came into my head — to be more specific, my ears. It came out the speakers, arrogantly being played without a care. It started off as a slight ringing of bells, no louder than a whisper. Then slowly elevated to a massive uproar of festive greetings… Christmas music was being played.

Nothing irritates me more than when overexcited shopkeepers decide to play Christmas music directly following Halloween or Remembrance Day. Sure, that’s a great way to celebrate a day of sugar hangovers. Nothing like the bellows of the Merry Christmas to You to remind us about how much candy we ate last night. And who could forget about our fallen soldiers. What a better way to honour the courage of great men and women with nothing more than Jingle Bell Rock. Now, I don’t want to give off the impression that I’m a Christmas Scrooge. I am nothing of the sort. I find Christmas the most magical time of year when streets are lined with lights, and homes donned with overly decorated evergreens.

Shoppers rush into stores as Black Friday 2012 commences. ABC NEWS

I remember a time when Christmas was built on the idea of togetherness and giving. Where children didn’t care about presents and gifts, but instead cared about family and just the idea of every little thing being precious. Now as consumerism and commercialism continues to consume the spirit of Christmas, the holiday season has become one of the greediest times of the year. A month long panic over desire of the materialistic. Fueled by adverts showing massive sales with the likes of Boxing Day and Black Friday, we’ve been programmed by society to focus on the superficial rather than what is truly important.

Traditional Christmas music is one thing, but nothing scares me more than famous pop stars trying to revamp festive carols into catchy Top 50 pop songs. The Christmas album has become something of a rite of passage for America’s pop music scene. Every famous artist seems to have a Christmas album. Mariah Carey, Michael Buble, Justin Bieber, and recently, Mary J Blige, have all added their own artistic flair to create Christmas music to range from various genres. Now anyone can rock out to festive tunes from a pop, rock, hip hop, soul, or R&B perspective. The scary fact about all this is that these albums really sell. The festive gobble of society to consume these albums is just the clever marketing of the music industry playing to the fallacy of America’s holiday spirit.

Part of Coca Cola’s early adverts commercialising the image of the Christmas image of Santa Claus.

You see, Christmas music being played early doesn’t just merely show the over eagerness of festive practitioners. It’s a symbol to me for what went wrong with the holiday. It’s a constant reminder that sparks a society to prepare themselves for the commercialism that is about to unfold. Something about hearing Jingle Bells from a mall speaker riles up the public into a drive to buy buy buy!

Where even legendary Christmas figures, slowly become part of corporation ploy to monetize a holiday season. Santa Claus has become an iconic image of Coca Cola.  The clever adverts of the company containing Father Christmas drinking cola as a way to create the popular drink into something festive. Even one of the most beloved characters of Christmas media, Rudolph, was nothing but a consumer plot by former department store, Montgomery Ward. It was originally created to sell colouring books to the American public. Soon after, Rudolph became iconic throughout the world as a symbol of Christmas time.

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer was manufactured by the then department store, Montgomery Ward, to sell colouring books during the holiday season.

 

Yet what people don’t realise is that, like how Santa Claus’s image was taken by corporations to sell their products, the beloved Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer was nothing more than a by-product of holiday consumerism. From that manufactured character, the image of the fabled 9th reindeer of Santa Claus became great ploys by companies who abused it’s image to cash in on films, songs, and television.

It just seems the season that was meant to be a spirit of selflessness and giving, slowly became a season of buying and taking. The magical season was lost to the swift hand of consumerism and commercialism. A holiday whose message was altered and tarnished into something that could sell the products of corporations. The mysticism and magic of the season were all fabricated by the clever hands of corporations to induce images that would make the public lose their sense of selflessness. That old Christmas dogma, “it’s better to give than receive,” seems lost to the glamour of Christmas trees, whose bristles are nothing but artificial plastic. Seeming like a grim reminder to what this holiday slowly became.

Early Christmas music has greater value than celebrating a holiday whose meaning was completely lost. It shows our willingness to go along with the consumerism and commercialism that this season now upholds. So when I say, I hate when Christmas music is being played early, take it with a grain of sand and see the importance that surrounds those festive tunes.

 

 

How to make soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies

Lauren Morris
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Chocolate Chip Cookies. Such an easy and simple cookie that many people don’t really think much about the recipe that they’re using when making this timeless treat.

That’s a mistake.

Cookie
Cookies and milk, the perfect snack

Your cookies are important. They must be magnificent. Really. Whats the point in making your own cookies if they’re no better then Chips Ahoy? No one’s going to come to the dark side for a plate of mediocrity, and thats why I suggest you try Martha Stewart’s “Soft and Chewy” Chocolate Chip Cookies, because they really are just that- soft and chewy. I can honestly say, that of all the chocolate chip cookie recipes I’ve tried (and believe me I’ve tried a plethora) these are simply the best. The are sweet, but not too sweet, and deliciously soft in the centre while maintaining a crisper outer layer. Even days later these cookies manage to stay deliciously chewy, unlike many others, which harden into cement-like blobs as they cool. Such dry cookies belong only on the stale shelves of strip-mall bakeries, where they pose no threat of exploding into a mass of sawdust cookie crumbs on the first bite, and dissolve in your mouth in a much similar fashion.

No, the days of such horrifyingly dry cookies are over, and at last there is a super quick and easy recipe to replace them. These cookies took me no more then half an hour from beginning to end, and the cookies themselves only took ten minutes to bake in the oven.

This recipe is really true to what you find on Martha Stewart’s website, if you use the proportions and follow the directions you should find your cookies bake in 8-10 minutes like the recipe says, and surprisingly (because I find this hardly ever happens) the recipe makes three dozen cookies like it says it will.

Three dozen cookies might sound like a lot, but when I gave these cookies to my parents to take to a party they were going to they came back with an empty platter. Literally not a single cookie was left, they were that popular.

To add variety to the cookies, you can add different kinds of chips; you don’t have to stick to basic chocolate or dark chocolate. For my version, I used chocolate chunks, because I had a ton, and this added a little bit more of a chocolate-y punch to the cookies then regular chips would. White chocolate or butterscotch chips would also work well in this recipe, and their substitution is very easy, simply use the same measurements but a different variety of chip!

Simply put these cookies are soft, chewy, and delicious, what more can you ask for?

Spoiler alert: How soon is too soon to spoil?

A N
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One of the best things in life is watching your favorite television show with no commercials because you recorded it the night before. One of the worst things in life is checking any social media as you are about to turn on the episode – you are bombarded with status after status of spoilers. We all hate spoilers, yet all of us in one way or another has spoiled something for someone; whether it is a movie, a television show or a book ending, we’ve all been on both ends of the spoiling. I have come to a conclusion that, based on the different types of things there are to spoil, there are also different time limits you should respect before sharing any information.

The reason why I write this now is because on Monday, I went to go see the New Thor movie, (which Dani wrote a review about that you can read here.) As I was waiting for the movie to start I went on Facebook and someone posted the biggest spoiler ever! Which get’s me started onto the first subject: Movies.spoilers

Movies: Seeming Thor: The Dark World was released on Nov 8 and I saw the spoiler THREE DAYS LATER on Nov 11, I feel like that is a completely inappropriate time to spoil one of the biggest movies of this month. Two weeks is the rule for me to spoil the movie. I feel like if it is a really big movie that has lots of hype and you do not watch it within the first two weeks of it opening, you don’t really want to see the movie that badly.

Television Episodes: It depends a lot on the situation. Sometimes we are too busy to watch the night of the episode, so we wait until the weekend. However when it is on a Tuesday, for example, and you wait until Saturday to watch it, you need to expect a few spoilers coming your way. With that said, I have decided the proper time to wait to talk about a television episode is five days; it’s not too long and it’s not too short, so you can still watch the episode on the weekend without seeing anything you weren’t supposed to online.

Books: Everyone reads at different speeds, I get it, but that doesn’t mean you get to tell everyone the ending if you finish it before them. If it is a really big book with lots of hype, I am giving you one month before you can spoil the ending. Because again, like movies, if you don’t purchase the book after a month of it’s release, I don’t think you are that interested in reading it. One month still gives you a good amount of time to finish the book but isn’t to long for people to get anxious because they cannot tell anyone about it.

With all of this said, I am not saying you cannot discuss anything with someone who has already seen or read what you are wanting to talk about. Just make sure it is a one-on-one conversation and that both of you already know what happens and that no one else can hear your conversation. Don’t spoil it for everyone, just follow what I am going to call “spoiling etiquette” so everyone can enjoy the experience of finding out the ending themselves.

5 perfect websites for the procrastinator

Jessica Li
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Imagine yourself sitting in front of your computer, lamenting about the lab that’s about to be due tomorrow, or possibly about that 10 page essay you’ve been dreading to even look at for most of the week. As you feel your resolve slowly crumbling, you also find that your cursor is making its way to a new tab–and to a new world of infinite possibilities–until you see the clock, that is. Here are some more ways in which you can frolic about in a temporary, internet-fueled joy:

1. The Oatmeal

Source: http://misssingapura.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/the-oatmeal-logo-md.jpeg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Created in 2009 by Matthew Inman, this website is overflowing with hilariously inappropriate yet brilliant web comics that have garnered Inman an impressive and loyal following. Reader beware: this site contains inappropriate content. Proceed at your own risk (though I highly recommend that you proceed regardless of that fact).

 

 2. Cracked.com

Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cracked.com_logo.svg

 

 

 

 

 

I almost guarantee that you will get lost in the endless stream of lists and rankings that this site has to offer, but please, go right ahead. Some great examples of their creativity are: “6 Movie Soundtracks That Put the Actual Movie to Shame“, and “5 Creepy Creatures We Wish Science Hadn’t Just Discovered“.

 

3. I Waste So Much Time

Source: http://iwastesomuchtime.com/images/mast.png

You will probably waste a lot of time on I Waste So Much Time and then realize, all too late, that you wasted so much time.

 

4. Lifehacker

Source: http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18xtn9j49oczgjpg/k-medium.jpg

Chosen for its abilities to make its readers’ lives easier and more productive, this website becomes, instead, an excellent tool for wasting time. Ironic yet strangely fitting, isn’t it?

 

5. Rich Kids of Instagram

Source: http://littlepeach.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/xlarge.jpg

Scroll through this website while laughing, crying, and scoffing at the same time, but do remember this: you may never be as rich as those kids–and that might be a good thing.

 

Video of the day: A final word on Ford

Laurie
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Rex Murphy possesses the talent to gather up the threads of a news story and express his take on it in such an eloquent and conclusive manner that I find myself unable to add any further insight to the issue.

rob ford

This past week he did it once again, and this time regarding the scandal surrounding the mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford.  As amusing (although, a warning, also rather abrasive) as Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart’s focus on Ford’s reputation-damaging conduct is, Murphy simply handled the Ford scandal perhaps the way it should be: an unfortunate situation all around.

Typhoon Haiyan at a glance

John Gabriel
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Residents walk past the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan in Daanbantayan town, north Cebu, central Philippines. CTV NEWS

It just seemed to be another Thursday, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Just another cold Canadian winter day. This feeling slowly changed once I turned on the television and heard news of a category 5 super typhoon striking my homeland, the Philippines. Typhoon Hiyan known by the world, but to my country, goes by the name of Yolanda, made landfall with the Philippines at the Southern province Eastern Samar in the city of Guiuan.

Typhoon Hiyan raged through the Philippines. Even after making landfall it had sustained winds of 235km/h, with gusts of 275 km/h and waves as big as 15 metres. The Philippines is well acquainted with storms, typhoons, and hurricanes; it’s quite common for the Filipino people to experience disasters like this. Yet, amidst with government preparations and evacuations, they weren’t prepared for the disastrous storm that would unfold in the coming days ahead.

Residents cover their nose from the smell of dead bodies in Tacloban city, Leyte province central Philippines. CTV NEWS

One of the hardest hit provinces by Typhoon Hiyan is the Philippine province of Leyte. The Leyte city of Tacloban, is home to one of the most affected regions of by the super typhoon. Reports surface stating that the entire city is completely flattened, except for a couple of tall standing coconut trees. Corpses line the streets, leaving a stench of rotting flesh, a constant reminder of the causalities that have been caused in the past days. Make shift hospitals sprung up to ease the need of medicine for a people so devastated. Women are reported of giving birth as the storm cleared, without any anaesthetics or pain killers.

According to a United Nations report, 9.8 million people have been affected, more than 660,000 people displaced, adding to the 2.8 million that have been displaced by earlier natural disasters that have raged through the Philippines. The damage caused is hectic, the figures of course are merely simple estimates compared to the real numbers. The Governor of Leyte is completely at shock to the events that have unfolded. According to the Governor, 273 casualties have been confirmed, but world reports beg to differ to a grander number of 10,000 merely in Tacloban City alone.

Residents push a shutter to open a small grocery to get food in Tacloban city, Leyte province central Philippines CTV NEWS

The President of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino III, has declared Philippines under a state of calamity. The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said the United Nations would send humanitarian aide to show solidarity with the people of the Philippines. Nations such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States, have pledged to send their own humanitarian aide to the ravaged South East Asian nation.

Canada is even sending their own foreign aide to support the Filipino people. Foreign Affairs Minister, John Baird announced after a Remembrance Day ceremony that the Canadian government will employ the Disaster Assistance Response Team, or DART, to assist the 9.8 million people affected by the super typhoon. DART, was initially employed in Haiti when a disastrous earthquake raged the Caribbean island in 2010.

Soldiers load relief supplies for airlift to affected areas a day after powerful typhoon hit Tacloban city, in Leyte province in central Philippines. CTV NEWS

Though, regardless of all the support from the world, it is not enough. Humanitarian services are spread thin to a nation that has already experienced natural disasters in the wake of 2013. There isn’t enough food or water to support the displaced evacuees. Looting and desperate measures have been taken by evacuees just to get basic supplies they need to survive. Fear of violence continues to grow as Tacloban’s supplies quickly run scarce. According to military officials, in a week if supplies don’t come in soon, killings will take place to meet the demands of the starving and displaced peoples.

As the week continues to unfold, Typhoon Haiyan has weakened from a super typhoon to a high tropical storm. Haiyan has made landfall with Vietnam but at a much lesser state. Even though the typhoon has left the threshold of the Philippine islands, the devastation caused is still prevalent throughout the many islands that compose the Philippines. This super typhoon has been dubbed by many media outlets as one of the gravest storms of recorded human history.

This disaster cannot be comprehended by most, and even after the country gets back on it’s feet, the lasting effects of this typhoon will forever be carried by those who witnessed it. The psychological and physical toll it must take to overcome.

A Philippine flag stands amongst the damage caused after powerful Typhoon Haiyan slammed into Tacloban city, Leyte province, central Philippines CTV NEWS

For those who wish to help in relief efforts in the Philippines after the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan, you may contact:

 

REFRESHED talent in Calgary

Malika Daya
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refreshedAbout two weeks ago I had the fortunate opportunity to attend the REFRESHED Festival at Amsterdam Rhino in Downtown Calgary. Refreshed is a group of talented people who come together in the four forms of hip hop. You don’t have to only be a dancer; there are also many other forms that I had the opportunity to experience and see.

The first is the dancing side of hip hop. It was amazing to see them portray feelings through their bodies and move to each beat. You could really see the joy and satisfaction on their faces after battling against each other. One dance “battle” that stood out to me the most were two girls with amazing power and ability. They were moving like the breeze on a beautiful day; so suave, so perfect, so dominant.

The second form is legal graffiti art. It is beautiful and inspirational. It has a special story that you have to be ready to recognize in order to truly fall in love with the work. Graffiti is yet another beautiful way to express a story, and the artist at REFRESHED definitely gave me a new outlook on this specific art form and illustrated to me the real essence of visual hip hop art.

The third form is oral, like rapping. I got to witness my first freestyle rapping competition and the girl rapping, Rebecca, was flawless and hilarious. The audience got to pitch in ideas, like the rap about being Miley Cyrus, which was really entertaining. Rapping to is also a way of orally expressing your opinions and definitely has the ability to touch hearts.

The fourth and final form was DJing. The music these fantastic gentlemen played forced you to move – they made you get up and go into the “fire circle.” This dance off circle’s beat made you want to get up and let out all emotion within you. Although it may not be classical, it was definitely moving and honestly had the ability to take me to a different world for a bit.

The hip hop culture was created from hardship and allowed people to react in a legal way. Hip Hop was and is today an outlet for sorrow and anger – it is a way to make you happy. This concept started Refreshed. They wanted to help youth and minorities find an outlet. The environment at the festival was so warm and family-like. It was what true art is about, making others feel what you feel, truly expressing yourself.

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others feel.” ~E DEGAS

Let’s talk Mayor Rob Ford

John Gabriel
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CTV NEWS Toronto Mayor Rob Ford

Canadian politics is commonly considered too clean and polished for international tabloids. We’re just too nice of a people I guess. Yet, in the recent couple of days, one certain Canadian has made shocking headlines throughout the world. No, it’s not Justin Bieber and his altercations in Brazil–including a video with a prostitute. It is none other than the eccentric and outspoken Toronto mayor, Rob Ford.

Some background information: in the early summer of 2013, media outlets alleged to have seen a video containing Mayor Rob Ford smoking crack cocaine. At first, many believed this to be an asinine allegation against the beloved Mayor of Toronto. Following so, there came defensive counter-attacks by Rob Ford towards his instigators. Rob Ford had his supporters triumphed, and the story slowly faded away, outside the political conciousness of the Canadian public. That state of solace interrupted, as the Chief of Toronto Police, Bill Blair, announced that the Toronto Police have acquired the said video, and confirmed a man with the resemblance of Rob Ford.

Shocking world headlines and front pages of international media outlets, the confirmation to the alleged video’s existence spiraled into bedlam around the house of Mayor Rob Ford and Toronto City Hall. Ford later confirmed his use of the drug crack cocaine, saying he used  it in a “drunken stupor.”

Now recently, a new video surfaced pertaining to Rob Ford. Not another crack smoking video, but one that involves a drunken Rob Ford threatening to murder an unknown person.

With all of this said, let’s have a pep talk, just me and Ford. Rob Ford, I sincerely believe you need help. Please, whatever it takes, maybe a leave of absence, resignation, anything. As the week slowly unfolds, new ghosts have come out to haunt you of your past. Crack videos, empty threats, even so far as to bully the Toronto Chief of Police with vicious attacks for his resignation. Attacks stemming from Chief Bill Blair blankly telling reporters his opinion on an issue that has caused international stir. The Chief innocently said to reporters that he was disappointed, after you admitted to reporters you indeed, smoked crack cocaine. And if you have to admit to reporters you’ve used drugs in a “drunken stupor,” I will also begin to question your respect towards this issue by your word choice.

Your Worship, Rob Ford, your own personal reputation isn’t at stake here but also the city which you state that you “truly love.” These apologies have been nothing but feeble attempts to regain the trust of a city. A city that defended you when these allegations came up premature. A city that has been lied to, a city that lost all respect on an international scale.

Canada’s largest city has become a laughing stock throughout the world. Comedians have been milking this up. They say that if you smoke crack, you could be the Mayor of Toronto. Quite frankly, if you are the punch line on late night television with the likes of The Colbert Report or The Daily Show, you have utterly ruined the reputation yourself and one of Canada’s dearest cities. Toronto is no longer seen with the dignity the largest city of Canada should hold. Now throughout the world, Toronto is looked at as a punchline to a joke you’d say to others during cocktail parties.

Toronto Chief of Police answers in a press conference pertaining to allegations of a video containing Mayor Rob Ford smoking crack cocaine. HUFFINGTON POST

A leader is meant to be a role model for an entire people. The role of the mayor is more than the commander in chief of a city. A mayor is an ambassador, the face of an entire people, a voice for the people you were voted to represent. Your citizens shouldn’t have to look up to a man who lies and attacks others to maintain his lies. A leader must set an example for what is right and wrong. What message does anyone send to others, when he has the words scandal and allegation tattooed on his forehead? You lose credibility when you lie, no longer can anyone see you with the respect and reverence a leader deserves.

You also hurt the people around you in the process. Majority of your citizens have voiced their cries for your resignation. Your own fellow city council-members, including your own Deputy-Mayor, have called for your resignation or at least a leave of absence.

A leader must obey the rules he enforces. You can’t simply make anyone adhere to dogma that you’ve made everyone believe when you said that you’d rid Toronto of crime, when you in fact participate with those you lock up. When the chief of police stated how disappointed he was, imagine how hurt he must feel. The chief, which vowed in 2005 to halt Toronto’s growing illegal drug trade, a chief whose policies were to rid crime from the city he dearly loves, now has to take orders from the very people he worked so hard to protect from.

Toronto citizens have chalked their outcry for Mayor Rob Ford to resign. CTV NEWS

Rob Ford, for the sake of your city, your people, and yourself, please take a break. It doesn’t matter how long; a week, a month, even forever, anything that could give the people of Toronto the redemption and healing they deserve. Under Toronto law, it is impossible to oust a Mayor unless he or she committed a crime. Though no charges have been laid, it’s better to make amends to everyone hurt in this scandal. First, with your fellow city council members and your family, the very people who stood by you the most during the entire allegation. Second, with the chief of police whom you have personally attacked for doing nothing but doing his job. Finally, the citizens of Toronto, the people you’ve been elected to work for. They’ve been hurt and lied to the most, and now, all that’s left is for you to seek atonement from them.

You’ve been a personal favourite of mine. I really mean that. You were charismatic and frank to your opponents. You were an eccentric and outspoken Canadian leader, and surely would be remembered as one of the greats. No one can deny the great deeds you’ve done for the great City of Toronto, but now all those wondrous actions wiped away with lies and regretful decisions.

Now whenever people hear your name, the words coined along side you are scandal and liar. Your own city is carrying these labels along side your political scramble. The honour and respect of a grand Canadian city was lost in the past week. Tarnished by the misguided actions that you’ve said was left in the past. The least you could do, is show your people a true, sincere, and heartfelt apology. Something that could give your people solace in a time of bedlam. This I say, and I do hope for the best.

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