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.
You know what’s better than surfing the online web (and it’s hard to believe that something out there is)? For a shutterbug like me, it’s catching a picture of a real, live, spider web. They’re rather elusive phenomenons and aren’t keen on being caught on film.
Most of us are guilty of playing this supposedly harmless game with our friends; I like to call the game “Rate.” It’s simply when you go through the people you know and rate their looks on a scale from 1-10.
I don’t know why people find this entertaining, but we do. It’s interesting to see what others find attractive and unattractive, but why? Can’t people see that this game, even if the victims of your ratings never ever know what you said about them, is morally wrong? It ingrains a mindset that attraction can be measured with numbers, it disregards the whole concept of inner beauty, and most of all, it leaves us wondering where we would place on that constricted scale of one to 10.I believe that the main issue here is a crumbling self-esteem. If one were truly happy with himself, he wouldn’t have to comment on the looks of other people. If somebody felt and knew that they are wonderful and attractive, they wouldn’t care about other people. They simply wouldn’t care. I’ve often been asked by my friends, male and female, where they would place on the scale. Of course, my opinion is neither popular nor does it matter. I often tell them, “I’m not going to rate you. You look absolutely fine.” I truly mean it when I say that. It’s hard to rate the people you’re close to, because you’re so influenced by their inner awesomeness that you no longer even see them as just a body. After further pushing, I settle with a 7 or 8 (not so high that they do not believe me, but not so low that they’re crushed). They’re satisfied, and then go along their day.Honestly, physical attraction is so much more complicated than what meets the eye; I’ve found myself falling for 5s and not batting an eye for the 9s. I realize this now that I’m a bit older, and I try to restrict myself from rating other people. I make exceptions if I’m rating people highly, or rating celebrities, but it really is destructive to everybody, especially to those struggling with their own self-image and acceptance. Personally, as long as somebody is healthy, they will look perfect just the way they are.
Who is a perfect 10 anyway? Is he tall? Is he blonde, dark, muscular, lean? Is she bodacious or is she slim? The fact of the matter is, there is NO SUCH THING as the perfect 10, just as there is no such thing as a 1, 3, 5, or 7. People are different, and when us teens come to terms with the fact that everybody is different and wonderful and beautiful in their own ways. It sounds preachy and cheesy, but I tell you it’s true.
You’re all dimes, my friends, you and I alike. Thank you for reading!
Hello summoners! New to the game? Have no fear!
Understanding LoL is a series of posts that I will create in the next few weeks talking about small aspects of the game rather than mechanics. This includes champions or items to buy. Today, we’re talking about which champions to play FOR BEGINNERS.
These champions require limited understanding of mechanics to play well, which makes them great for beginners. Plus, they all have great potential to carry the game, except for Garen.
Notice how all of these champions rely mostly on their skills to do damage. Champions that rely on auto attacks (such as Master Yi or Caitlyn) are harder to play well since they require a moderate understanding of the game mechanics. Champions that rely on skills simply just have to click on an enemy to blow them up for a free kill.
Terminology:
Root – A status effect that prevents you from moving.
Stun – A status effect that prevents you from doing anything.
Silence – A status effect that prevents you from casting any spells.
Tanky – How much health, armor, magic resist you have: basically how unkillable you are.
Caster – A champion that mostly relies on their abilities.
Farm – To focus on killing creeps and monsters to gain gold.
Area of Effect – AOE for short. Means that spell/ability or whatever will take place in an area that can affect multiple targets.
Nuke – A spell that does a lot of damage. Usually single target and magic damage.
Blink – An instant teleport.
Early Game – The first 15 to 20 minutes approximately. You can guess what Mid and Late Game are.
Passive – Basically an automatic trait that every champion has. Usually gives some kind of stat boost.
Hook – An ability that grabs someone and pulls them to your location.
Champions to Pick:
Ryze (450 IP)
Why? Spells are extremely easy to use and understand. Literally gets rewarded with free tankiness by building damage. Tons of magic damage, great on demand root for game changing plays.
Annie (450 IP)
Why? Spells are also extremely easy to use and understand. One of the tankier casters and also has a huge amount of magic damage. Amazing game changing Area of Effect ultimate. Also very easy to farm with because her Q gives her mana back every time she kills a minion.
Garen (450 IP)
Why? Spells are again, extremely easy to use and understand. Very tanky bruiser that can shred almost anyone early game. Extremely hard to push out of lane because passive gives him infinite health, and it’s near impossible to win an early duel against him.
Kassadin (3150 IP)
Why? Not nearly as easy to use, but definitely easy to understand. Fairly tanky caster that has a pretty good amount of magic damage. Ultimate is a free blink every 5 seconds, making him one of, if not the most mobile champion in the game. Near impossible to catch or see coming.
Blitzcrank (3150 IP)
Why? Also not as easy to use, but skills are easy to understand and are naturally looped into a combo (QER). Fairly tanky support with great burst. Passive is fantastic for living through basically everything. His Q, which is a skillshot hook, will literally win you the fight and or game once landed upon an enemy.
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Pick one of these five champions to play often and I guarantee that your League experience will go much smoother – there is a reason they are generally regarded by the public as strong champions.
History:
Just a decent League player that’s been playing for three to four years. Gold in Season 2, Gold in Season 3 due to laziness. Add Melonscoop if you wish.
“Volunteer and you get to record these for CAS hours!” or “Volunteer and you get to put it on your resume.” or even worse, “Volunteer because you get free food!”
All these offers make ‘volunteering’ sound like a deal of some kind! But volunteering is a simple act of going an extra mile and thinking about others. Its about extending a helping hand to the helpless, bringing a smile to the face of a person who never expected it! Volunteering is about helping people reach their potential. It is proof that humanity exists and we as a world community will stand by each other in times of strife.
Every time I walk home after volunteer activities, I feel truly blessed not because I am getting a benefit of some kind, but because it gives me a sense of self-worth and a unique feeling of having done something for others which is truly priceless.
So my dear friends, when you volunteer, do it with a selfless attitude, with an intent to solely help others. People born in Canada may not know the price people in developing countries pay to meet their BASIC NEEDS. With every kind act you do, an elderly person gets a wheelchair for moving around, a child gets books to study, a pregnant woman gets medicines, a newborn baby is treated from a life threatening disorder. Link the ‘act of volunteering’ with people (not with academics or jobs) because it is indeed a work of heart in its true sense!
Being a teenager is hard, even being a human is hard! You get pushed by media so much to be perfect and skinny, but there is never enough push to be happy. No one will ever be 100% confident with themselves and no one will ever love themselves 100% and that’s a fact. Sometimes it’s not enough to fake it till you make it, so here are some tips to help you get rid of those negative comments to yourself.
– When you have multiple sizes to try on at the store, try on the biggest size first. That way you aren’t hoping you can fit into those tiny size 2 pants that you try on first, you can focus on what works and celebrate every time the piece of clothing is too big for you. So instead of being bummed that the first three pairs are to small, you can be happy that the first 3 pairs were too big.
– Feeling unmotivated and bummed during the school day, well you can’t hide in the bathroom stall all day. At the beginning of the school year write motivational words onto pieces of paper and tape them to the inside of your locker with the text facing down. Every time you feel like you need an extra push to make it through the day, flip a piece over and read the comment.
– Don’t surround yourself with all of the negativity. Don’t read magazines, there are a ton of adverts that show “skinny” and “flawless” models in them that can give you unreal expectations that will stick with you throughout your life.
– If you are really self conscious about your face or anything on it, and you feel like everyone is staring at it (which they most likely aren’t), you can draw the attention away from it. Try wearing shirts with sayings on them or something sparkly, whatever you like, that way people will be drawn to see what’s on it.
Also just remember, no body is perfect. You’re not perfect, Kim Kardashian is not perfect, David Beckham is not perfect, the most popular girl in school is not perfect! Looks are not everything, they will not get you into university or get you a job. I know it all sounds cheesy but it is true, you are all beautiful. Whether you believe it or not, that’s your own choice.
As a follow-up to my blog post on Calgary’s Public Art, here is an infographic uploaded recently by the City outlining the details of how the artwork find its way onto the new projects –
On the summit of the Whistler mountain lies an inukshuk, a stone figure so representative of the Inuit. A timelapse from Sherpas Cinema captured its prominence in an ever-changing environment –
Watch all the other timelapses that I’ve shared with you guys here. Do enjoy as usual. 🙂
To keep myself busy throughout the summer, I often turn to a familiar and reliable companion: music. These are 3 artists/bands whose songs I’ve constantly re-played this month, as I can’t seem to get enough of their beautiful music:
1. The Neighbourhood
This California-based band caught its big break this year, and it was well-deserved. The band is characterized by vocalist Jesse Rutherford’s sultry voice and the incorporation of black and white motifs into all of their music videos and artwork (i.e. logos). They are known for their hit songs “Sweater Weather” and “Female Robbery.”
2. Mikky Ekko
Born John Sudduth, this singer-songwriter has a touching voice that entices the listener into finding more and more of his songs and listening to them on repeat, until half the day is divested to this pursuit. He’s well-known for his hit song with Rihanna called “Stay” but he has made many other great songs before and after his big break and consequent foray into the top of the Billboard charts. I’ve seen him in many interviews since his debut with Rihanna, where he still is the shy and humble musician. On his Facebook page, he often recommends other artists (undiscovered, growing and established) like BANKS, HAERTS, Ryan Hemsworth, Bookfiend and Sigur Rós.
3. Phillip Phillips
Contrary to popular belief, not all American Idol participants are country. Instead, this wonderful vocalist has an alternating deep/sweet voice that is often compared by his fans to rival Dave Matthews and Marcus Mumford. He won the eleventh season of American Idol, beating Jessica Sanchez. His soulful renditions of “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder and “Thriller” by Michael Jackson during his audition were appreciated by the judges, onlookers and the TV audience alike. He is well-known for his hits “Home” and “Gone, Gone, Gone.”
All of these artists are absolutely amazing and it was really tough to pick and choose only 5 of their songs. If you’re interested in learning more about these artists, you can always check their Facebook pages or find them on YouTube and iTunes! Next month, I’ll post 5 songs that I’ve constantly been re-playing!
I was out getting groceries with my mother at Co-op the other day; this is where we had a “produce revelation.” For years we have been purchasing this seemingly unknown squash. It is not attractive in nature, with its uneven and cumbersome skin and off-putting forest green color. Let’s just say that we seem to be a part of the rare few who actually do buy this produce item. Even so, we were alarmed to find out that even our cashier did not know the name of this particular squash; but then again my mother and I were also baffled by this unknown fruit.
Many are not aware of the wondrous kabocha squash, yet this fruit offers a plethora of nutritional benefits. The kabocha squash, otherwise known as the Japanese pumpkin has beta carotene, which is able to convert into vitamin A in the body. By offering around 70% of the recommended amount of beta carotene, this neglected squash can lead to luscious hair and radiating skin! Other nutritional facts include, the squash’s low-carb count of just 7 grams per cup. Opposing its cousin, the much more contemporary butternut squash, the kabocha only has 40 calories per cup compared to the 60 calories and 14 grams of carbs of the butternut squash. High fiber is also among the many health benefits of the kabocha squash.
Now, you are probably beginning to ponder upon the possibilities of the kabocha squash (right?). What is it used for, you may ask. Well the kabocha squash is used in a variety of curries to bring a much richer and sweeter pallet to such dishes. It can also be a healthy substitute for corn starch in many soup recipes as well. Among the global minority, the kabocha squash is raved over for its scrumptious earthy flavor that submits a natural nectar of rich sweetness to any dish. Personally, I just like to enjoy the bare taste of the kabocha by roasting it in the oven. Wouldn’t everyone benefit from opening a steaming oven door to the ambrosial scent and exquisite taste of the unknown?
Sources: http://benefitof.net/benefits-of-kabocha/
Now that summer is almost over, all the fall/winter clothes are stacking up in the stores, and you look everywhere but you just can’t find that perfect knot headband that makes you look so much cuter in the -30 degrees weather and keep your ears from falling off. Well it’s okay, because it turns out making one is just so much cheaper, cuter, and more special.
Materials:
All the materials
Size 8 (5 mm) Crochet Hook & Yarn Needle
1 Ball of Yarn (May very depending on the amount of yarn)
Now you don’t have to use a size 8 crochet hook, just check the label on the ball of yarn to double-check the size of hook that is recommended.
As much as I wish I have skills of film a tutorial, Here’s the tutorial that I followed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eNKBeGOuws
I was watching Friends while I was crocheting, but it took me around 2-3 hours. It’s definitely super easy and super fast to make, and once you make your first one, you’ll get the idea to switch it up a little and make different styles!
Here’s the one that I made for the first time!
Since break hasn’t ended yet, if you have those slug days at home and happen to be catching up with those re-runs or movie marathons, take out a crochet hook and start crocheting!
Best of Luck and Have Fun!
I have asked myself this question multiple times unable to really find the answer….does forgiving mean forgetting everything? Does forgiving someone make their behaviours okay? If I forgive someone does it mean that I am not standing by what I believe in? Will I have to go back to stage one? Whether it is with a friend, family member or complete stranger forgiveness is not easily handed out, in fact more people would rather hold on to a grudge than to confront conflict and solve the issue.
In my case something quite similar happened- I was stuck between forgiveness and the rage of my emotions. I couldn’t find a way to let go. I threw away all the memories and lost connection with this person- yet I still felt the pain and torment of those horrible memories. But why? I had repeatedly told myself to get over it, to move on, that my life was better off this way…but what was holding me back? I gave the “conflict” high importance in my life and constantly thought of the issue, but what I didn’t realize was I hadn’t let go- I was still holding on to those horrid memories, in hope of one day receiving the opportunity to express my feelings. Was that important? Would the other party understand, at the age of fourteen who can understand? All it would do is create a bigger issue, start gossip, and take a mental toll on my health. I was tired of being thrown around from corner to corner by my feelings and had to put a stop to it, so I decided to FORGIVE who had hurt me.
Forgiveness is not forgetting, it is just letting go and not letting the issue have any control of your emotions and choices. But that doesn’t make what others did acceptable, it just means that you aren’t going to let the past get in the way of your bright and shining future. It means setting boundaries, so you do not get hurt again.
Once I forgave “her/him” I felt a great sense of relief blow over me, I began to take the wheel and control my life- not allowing others to have such an affect over me. I was able to refocus that lost energy on my own dreams, desires, and goals. For an example, I have started training for Ringette, joined a Salsa class, and I am learning new songs on my piano everyday. It is amazing how much time we spend holding onto the past, when instead we could use that energy to fulfill our dreams and live life to the fullest. We don’t even know if we have a tomorrow, so why waste it thinking about yesterday. Smile, laugh a little more, and do things you love doing. You are valuable and so is time, don’t waste it- enjoy it! Forgive those who have hurt you, because you will be the one benefiting from it. Don’t allow anyone have the power to decrease your self-esteem. You are in control.
“The best way to escape from the past is not to avoid it or forget it, but to accept and forgive it.” ~Moonlight Path Tumblr
(Thanks to Alison Springer for her inspiring advice! <3)
XX,
-Malika
It seems Russian law has not been too supportive of homosexuality in the past. In fact, until 1999, homosexuality was considered a mental disorder in Russia’s list of mental illnesses. With the recent ban on ‘homosexual propaganda’, the Russian government has, in a sense, upped their game on the bashing of gay rights.
Russian gay activist being detained on June 29, 2013
Banning gay rights in Russia doesn’t just stem from one law, but have in the past been implemented in several laws from local legislatures. Back even to 2006, the law that banned the distribution of gay “propaganda” was implemented into the region of Ryazan Oblast.”Propaganda” being the talk about gay rights, or media. In 2013 with overwhelming support from the Russian federal government, a federal law has been passed banning the distribution of gay “propaganda” to minors, to the public, or through the media/ internet. This federal law in conjunction with other local laws, have banned all open gay relationships in Russia.
Therefore if you are gay, suspected of being gay, talk about gay rights, are gay and have children, become an activist for gay rights, a tourist who is gay, or talk about gay rights over any form of media, you can be detained, heavily fined, or have your children taken away. To say the least, this is an unfortunate law in Russia.
However this bash on human rights will not be ignored. Especially with Russia’s Sochi Olympic Winter Games coming up in 2014. With the mix of violence and Olympic games, this issue has grabbed international attention. Even President Obama, and Prime Minister Harper weighing in on the issue, expressing their sentiment of human rights, and hoping that President Putin will fix this controversy soon before the Olympics in 2014.
“Should we boycott the Sochi Olympic Games?”. Many seem to think so, as with the recent breach in gay rights, many are outraged and have expressed their boycott commitments, and stress others to join. Recently in many cities of the United States, a “Vodka Boycott” where gay rights activists take ‘Stolichnaya Vodka’ and pour it out onto the streets, apparently representing their “hate in a bottle”. Other commitments lie in Canada, where some have even asked their government to hold the 2014 Olympic Games in Vancouver, like they did in 2010.
Personally, these methods of boycott lead to my facepalm, and an afterthought of incompetent advocacy. “Incompetent Advocacy” being a topic I might discuss more in another post. Taking vodka and pouring it on the sidewalk does not, in my opinion, do much to help gay rights. Ironically the brand of vodka that they are pouring “Stolichnaya Vodka”, has been a long time supporter of gay rights, written in a statement;
“Stolichnaya Vodka has always been, and continues to be a fervent supporter and friend to the LGBT community.”
The LGBT Community meaning, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.
I personally won’t boycott Olympic Games. To me it is simply a dread to deny giving attention to hard-working athletes who have prepared for these games for years. Plus, the way that the international community has responded does not seem to be affecting the Russian government. I feel that only with people with power in Russia have the power to change things, and the population that encourages them. Cynical and disappointed, I don’t feel that there are effective ways to change such a controversy within the state of the current international community. We can place international pressure through our representatives, but at the moment they seem to scared of disputing with Russia.
Athletes in the upcoming Olympic Games will not be affected by this law according to the International Olympic Committee. At least athletes are unlikely to be disturbed in their “private lives”, according to a Russian official. Families are understandably fleeing Russia as we speak, and some are seeking refuge in Vancouver, Canada. The Canadian government has not yet replied to these calls.
Russia is probably in one of their worst social situations in years, with the environment of human rights being a dim picture. Homophobia is likely to rise with punishment and law being the source.
I sincerely offer my best wishes to victims of this terrible controversy.
Thank you for reading!
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_Russia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Russia#Bans_on_.22homosexual_propaganda.22
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/22/opinion/russias-anti-gay-crackdown.html?_r=0
References of Pictures in Order:
http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/topstories/2013/07/25/hi-gay-russia-rtx115wc.jpg
https://platform-production.s3.amazonaws.com/allout_image_5653_full.jpg
http://www.russiablog.org/putin-obama-syria-G-20.jpg
http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/01/world/europe/russia-gay-rights-controversy
http://www.themalaymailonline.com/uploads/articlesgay_vodka_boycott_02082013_484_323_100.jpeg
http://media2.policymic.com/2c9f2a27ae2f999c46a554b7847df09f.jpg
Music festivals are a great way to spend a summer weekend, offering a chance to sit back, relax, and enjoy an array of artists and musical sounds. August 9 and 10 locals and visitors alike flocked to Fernie B.C.’s third annual “all indie, all Canadian” music festival: Wapiti. The word “wapiti,” the festival namesake, is another word for elk, and originates from the Aboriginal Shawnee or Cree word “waapiti” meaning white rump.While no elk were spotted at the festival, there were a plethora of festival goers, with estimates in the 1600s. This year the festival hosted indie artist such as Plants and Animals, Loon Choir, No Sinner, Current Swell, and Portage and Main, as well as regional favourites, including the local band Shred
Kelly and Cranbrook’s The Good Ol’ Goats.
Personally, of all the bands I saw over this two day festival, my favourite by far was the Vancouver band Delhi 2 Dublin. Their music, a Bhangra Celtic fusion caught my ears completely off guard, frankly I find it near impossible to describe their musical sound, only the word unbelievable comes to mind. Like nothing I had ever heard before Delhi 2 Dublin captivated my music-loving heart, and it seemed, the heart of Fernie too. The crowd became one during the performance; jumping to the beat of the song, and swaying in unison. It was an amazing moment, and everyone crowding the stage seemed to be completely enthralled in the music- I know that I certainly was.
Music isn’t the only gift Wapiti graced this past summer weekend with, a variety of booths and food trucks gathered in Fernie’s annex park, Wapiti’s festival site, to offer their wares to festival-goers. Such local food favourites as Happy Cow ice-cream, a homemade ice-cream shop, Grassroots Bistro, a vegetarian restaurant, and Yamagoya to Go, the “solar-roaming sushi” food-truck for a sushi house, were just a few of the choices available to hungry patrons. Vendors selling items such a jewelry, clothing, and band merchandise were
also selling their wares, and provided a useful form of entertainment during set changes.
For those thinking of attending next year’s festival, I would recommend watching Wapiti’s site (for the link to which click here) for ticket sales, as discounted pricing is available for those organized festival-goers who purchase tickets ahead of time. This year, the gate price for a weekend pass was $75, and for one day it was $50. Buying in advance not only guarantees a ticket, but also saves money, and sometimes offers additional special perks; this year the day before the festival was to begin there was an unadvertised bonus show available for advanced ticket holders.
So if your interested in supporting Canada’s blooming indie talent and enjoying a weekend of live entertainment in B.C.’s scenic rockies stay tuned for Wapiti 2014!
Never has three letters ever caused so much pain and hatred towards fellow internet fanatics. One of the most debated wars in Internet history. The Great GIF Debate is something that continually causes controversy within the Geek community. This debate is a modern day war. Many good MacBook Pros, hipster glasses, and Casio Watches have been bruised and broken in this great schism. Just like how Star Wars fans debated who truly shot first, Greedo or Han Solo, this full out battle holds the same hatred for either side.
Now for those who do not know what’s going on because you’ve been living under a rock or happen to not own a 9Gag or Tumblr account, here’s some background information on the subject. GIF or Graphics Interchange Format, created in 1987 by Steve Wilhite for the software company CompuServe. This revolutionary animated 8 bits per pixel composed of 256 colours paved the way for sarcastic hipsters and awkward depressed teens who have pent up issues to have a platform where they can create the memes and hilarity that we know today.
Modern Examples on the Usage of .GIFS
As the importance of GIFs grew along with the popularity of simple animation photographs, a boom of language debate was created. Just like the pronunciations of the words schedule and potato, .GIF had its own problem. Is the word GIF pronounced with a hard G as in graphics or with a soft G as in jiffy?
The G vs J question created a schism within the Geek community. At the G camp, many have advocated that if it truly is pronounced “JIF” then would that create the pronunciation of graphic as jraphic? This created a tension questioning the phonics of the English Language. At the J camp, many countered with; if GIF were pronounced with a G then how would you pronounce giraffe?
Oxford English Dictionary issued their neutrality in the issue. Stating that they would recognise both pronunciations to be correct, yet this was not enough for the die hard zealots who wished fora victor. In 2012, Oxford Dictionary made GIF the Oxford Dictionaries USA Word of the Year 2012.
Rarely would The President create such a political scandal, but during the launch of The Whitehouse Tumblr account, the government has stated the support of the pronunciation of GIF with a hard G. Hopefully this wouldn’t hurt the President’s political career.
The bitter war between three letters has seen a rise of those who advocated for the Hard G…until the 2013 Webby Awards.
This revelation from the Father of the GIF has sparked controversy; a massive vindication for those who felt self conscious pronouncing it JIF, a massive loss for GIF zealots. A popular peanut butter brand in America, Jif, is ecstatic over the victory as it gave the company a great marketing opportunity to the Geek community.
Whatever the pronunciation maybe, both sides still fiercely defend their pronunciations of GIF. (Unless you’re one of those who state the letters as in LOL to avoid any conflict.) Personally, it’s GIF with a hard G, and if you tell me otherwise, you can pry my hard G from my cold dead fingers.
