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.
Where to Buy – Fhat Dawgs in the Midway, close to the Agriculture building
Cost – $6
What makes it worthwhile – Much like the Godzilla Mac & Cheese, the sweet fusion of teriyaki and mayo sauce with the saltiness of a standard snack makes for a powerful taste in your mouth! The dried seaweed on top is also yummy! This hot dog makes for a huge mess, but it filled me up when I was craving food! They use Angus beef, so you’re not stuck with little meat and lots of toppings like some other gourmet hot dog places. It’s one of the more affordable food that makes your tummy smile. I definitely recommend it if you like hot dogs!
Where to Buy – Deep Fried Pies stand across the Fresh Salt Water Taffy beside the Big Four building
Cost – $6, an additional $2 for a scoop of ice cream
What makes it worthwhile: I personally like the taste of butter, especially when it’s melted. My friend who hate butter thought this dish was disgusting, and another friend told me it tasted like buttered corn on the cob. Me? Well, I thought this dish was worth the experience! The stand makes pies, so they used the same dough to wrap pieces of butter. Deep frying these balls, the butter is melted inside and topped with cinnamon sugar. Eating it alone reminded me of the crust from pie, but combining it with ice cream makes the dish quite yummy! The price may be steep, but I was pleasantly surprised by this deep fried dish. I think you’d be better off trying one of their pies, though…
Hi everyone! I found this poster/ tip sheet on Calgary Humane Society’s Facebook page and wanted to share them with you! It’s all about keeping pets cool and safe in the summer heat.
1. Always have cool, fresh water available!
2. Supervise the pool at all times – It’s fun but safety is more important!
3. Ensure pets have adequate shade when hanging around outside
4.Walk your dog in the early morning or evening hours to protect their paws!
5. Get your dog a hair cut!
6. Find cool treats for them!
These amazing tips are from the Calgary Humane Society! For more, you can visit them at calgaryhumane.ca in their “blog” section.
I haven’t been watching the news lately but apparently the newest controversial topic in national news has come from this commercial….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYofm5d5Xdw
You may have seen this adorable commercial on T.V, where a mother confirms to her daughter that Cheerios is good for heart health. Later on it is shown that the father wakes up with a pile of Cheerios on his chest, hilariously showing how the child misunderstood the mechanism of Cheerios’s heart-healthy benefits (She probably thought it was through Osmosis!). Now my initial reaction to this commercial was almost completely passive besides a quick laugh, however later on it was indicated to me that this commercial was extremely “controversial”.
Why? Not because Cheerios doesn’t lower bad cholesterol, but because the family in the commercial is interracial…Yep, that’s right. We have a racism story.
Now the exact story goes that when the Youtube video of the commercial was posted, many YouTubers on the internet littered the video with racist comments against the mixed race family. At present I cannot tell you what those comments are, because they were disabled by General Mills (Company that owns Cheerios) stating that they must disable the comments in reply to the ‘incredibly racist nature’ of the comments.
Now I am not going to overemphasize this “controversy”, since lately there have been a lot of debates over this topic, specifically on points of racism. But in the end, those debates are only spouts of ideals against ideals, which all leads to a cycle of conflict and rage, over something not that significant. Hence, it is the same reason why this commercial is such a big deal, because a bunch of people spouted ideals against ideals on a video which lead to a cycle of rage over something not that significant (See the similarity?). So in order to stop this chain reaction, I am going to step in here, and say that this commercial is not that big of a deal because the message of the commercial was not going against the ideal of ethnic supremacy, but it was to sell a healthy cereal… Many people forget that beyond the racism, this video was only portraying a bi-racial family enjoying cereal, there’s no reason to see it otherwise even with the existence of racial comments. Racism is nothing new, and trying to fix the problem by debating with racists on a cereal commercial will not solve the issue itself, but instead put oil in the aforementioned racist fire if you will.
Though to step back a bit, I don’t think that this controversy is all that bad, in fact, I can say that this Cheerios controversy may have brought more benefits than detriments including the incredibly hilarious parody on the issue, by CotillionGirlsComedy.
There was also a Kids React video on the “controversy”. Asking the kids why this commercial was so controversial. The kids didn’t get it and were subsequently shocked by the reason. Showing some hope for humanity in the next generation.
There was also a reply back to the Cheerios backlash by the family starred in the commercial where they started the “We are the 15 Percent” movement. The family collected photos of bi-racial families sent to them on the internet to show to the world in purpose of representing the 15 percent of families that are bi-racial.
Finally the sales and stock of General Mills will most likely increase with the controversy because of the non-offensive nature of the issue and the wide media attention on the company.
Now as I have said before I barely consider this controversy to be controversial since there really isn’t that much significance in the ethnic racist side of the debate. It is mostly recognized that racism has become an immoral value in western society, and has become a widespread social stigma. For now let’s just move on to other more pressing issues in the world that need much more consideration than cereal that leads to racism.
Where to buy- A stand amongst the food vendors found across from the Nashville North building. To make sure you don’t miss it, the stand is virtually covered with advertising for the corndog.
Cost- $6
What makes it worthwhile- The Calgary Stampede’s website describes the double bacon corndog as virtually a bacon-lovers dream- “a hotdog wrapped in bacon, deep fried, dipped in real bacon bit infused batter, deep fried again [then] served with maple syrup and more bacon bits.” The corndog certainly does come with everything it promises, I could see the layers of bacon wrapped around the hotdog and the sweet maple syrup perfectly complimented the salty flavour of the bacon corndog. However, the bacon bits in the batter seemed sparse- either that or the slightly over-crisp batter overwhelmed their flavour and texture. Nonetheless, these were few to be found.
Overall despite my excitement for trying the double bacon corndog I was disappointed with the food binge; the
A corndog being prepared
batter itself was too crisp, and did not even compare in flavour to that of your average stampede corndog. In short, I think this corndog could be amazing, if the basics had not been left by the wayside in the pursuit of the most bacon-y corndog ever. Still, perhaps I was just unlucky and got one that had been left in the deep-frier for a minute too long. The bacon idea is a great way to liven up a plain old corndog, I think that this food binge has great potential to be even more delicious and bacon-filled at next stampede.
Check out more reviews of tasty Stampede 2013 Treats HERE.
What makes it worthwhile – First things first. They offer bacon bits as one of the toppings. :O The self-serve frozen yogurt served at the Stampede varies in a key way from the up-and-coming chains like Tutti Frutti and Menchie’s. That is, at Fro-Yo-Licious, you can chose either one cup for $7 of two cups for $12, and then pile on all the yogurt and toppings you wish, whereas with the trending brands, you pay based on weight.
Seeing as it’s a Stampede booth, the selection obviously wasn’t as great as the stores around town. Six different flavors were offered, with a mix option between sets of two. Chocolate, vanilla, banana, and bubble-gum were some of the options. Toppings included BACON BITS, crushed Oreo cookies, crushed chocolate chip cookies, granola, pineapple, and various candies and gummies. Not the wide array you’d see as Tutti Frutti, but still some good options.
In terms of the product quality itself, I couldn’t see much difference from fro-yo I had in the past, but when it’s hot and busy outside, it was definitely a well-appreciated cup. That being said, since you are paying by cup not weight, you may want to consider sharing with a friend or two, as they are pretty large containers, and you may as well fill that thing as high as you can if it costs the same! I’ll leave you with the same message I started with… when it’s hot at the Stampede… there’s fro-yo with BACON BITS at Fro-Yo-Licious.
Overall, I enjoyed the treat, but it’s nothing spectacular in comparison to what you can normally get around Calgary.
Follow along with the other Midway food reviews for THE Stampe Food Binge 2013 – HERE.
Name of food – Idaho Taco (Baked potato with taco toppings)
Where to get it – the stand is right where the Coca Cola Stage/Weadickville area hits the midway
Cost – $8 I think… definitely somewhere around there (maybe 7?)
What makes it worthwhile – First of all, I should make one thing clear: I am head-over-heels in love with baked potatoes, so this review will be biased based on an immense adoration for just the fact that it is a baked potato. But it’s not just me that wasn’t let down. The Idaho Taco was named the best new food on the Midway!!! If those couple sentences still aren’t up your ally, here’s what this (large) snack is all about… After baking a potato, the busy people at the booth slit it and make it overflow with ground beef, cheese, etc., the same options you’d generally have for tacos. Included is sour cream and salsa to add to the taco-ness of it all.
My response: whoever had the notion to combine taco with baked potato, should stay in the business of midway snack designing, as it was a hit.
Unlike many fair foods, there were prominent, unique, complex flavours, and unlike many of the wacky foods, the flavours actually fit together like a jigsaw puzzle and worked.
In the end, I’d say the Idaho Taco should be on your list. It’s not too wacky, but it’s actually enjoyable.
Name of food – Run Fatboy Run (Deep-fried Mac and Cheese)
Where to get it – Reel Mac & Cheese
Cost – Either 6 or 8 dollars… I think… I can’t quite remember
What makes it worthwhile – There’s something about deep-fried and comfort food that just goes together so well, comparable even to the legendary PB & J or milk & cookies. So when Reel Mac & Cheese takes a cluster of cheesy macaroni and gives it a deep-fryer bath, the result is obviously something good. Large enough to where you want to use a fork, these balls (an order comes with three) have a subtle crunch and chewiness on the exterior, followed by that classic smooth, squishy feeling of traditional mac and cheese. Especially for cheese/mac and cheese lovers, this is a wacky fair food worth trying. My only complaint is that the flavours weren’t quite intense enough for my liking, but throw on some of the ketchup they have on hand at their truck, and problem somewhat solved.
They may not be the absolute best new food in the gourmet industry, but when you’re at Stampede, why not? Give it a shot. They aren’t bad, so let your taste buds have some fun at the fair too.
Click here for more on THE Stampede Food Binge 2013!
I sure wish I had went to the Stampede Parade this year instead of having been bogged down by quadratic functions and all that Math jazz at summer school. Thankfully, I was able to contribute to THE Stampede Food Binge series and embrace some of that stampede spirit. For your viewing pleasure, here are two timelapses of the event that kicked off it all –
Thanks to BizBOXTV for the first video and Kelly Hofer for the second one! Remember to check out our Stampede blogs here and the other timelapse videos I’ve shared with you guys here. Who can forget “come hell or high water”? 🙂
Note: The following post may contain disturbing photos.
When I was checking my mail the other day, I came across this email my mom sent me. Rather than the typical letter or newspaper article that she sends me, this time, she only sent me a link. Little did I know, I was in for a shock.
It’s pretty obvious that in order for us to have that pepperoni pizza, hamburger, chicken nugget, or even marshmallow , we kill, whether it’s chickens, cows, pigs, or fishes. First of all, I need to put out a disclaimer, I am not a vegetarian or vegan, and I’m not condemning eating meat whatsoever, more like I’m left in shock and disbelief that I’m doing more damage than I had intended to. I get it, we see so many videos of slaughter houses, we get moved for maybe a day or two, but at the end of the day, when that juicy steak is served right before our eyes, we tend to forget about all the cruelty we had just witnessed. It’s hard to associate something so yummy with something that’s so brutal and cruel.
The short documentary that I watched was made by a non-profit organization called Mercy for Animals, and basically they advocate for vegan diets. Yes, that means no milk and no eggs. Personally, becoming a vegetarian is hard enough, let alone a vegan; however, it’s not impossible. We tend to restrict to what we’ve for that past couple thousands of years, that we need the nutrients from milk, eggs, and meat, but that’s not entirely true! In fact, many vegans are healthier than non-vegans simply through soy protein and supplements. There’s really nothing stopping us from having a vegan diet except for our cravings. Take a look at some of the top celebrities in the world, Ellen DeGeneres, Brad Pitt, Russel Brand, Lea Michele, and even Bill Clinton, have all been reported to have a vegan diet.
In no way am I trying to convince everyone to give up meat, I mean it’s extremely hard. Being a vegetarian means no more gum, gummy bears, most french fries and chips, cheese, and jello, all because of either they contain gelatin or are fried in animal oil. There are lots to look out for to become a total vegan, and the issue I am trying to raise in this post isn’t that eating meat is bad, but that the mistreatment and disrespect to these animals is inhumane and unacceptable.
Next time if you’re buying any animal products, think about these animals at the slaughter houses, think twice before you enjoy your juicy sirloin, honey garlic chicken wings, or even before you bite that head off of the gummy bear.
Please, check out the video down below, I know it may be the most extremes of things, but to know that it even exists sickens me. Imagine yourself as these animals, not only were you raised to be killed, but you were raised in your own excrete and intensely abused. Even if you don’t feel mercy for these poor animals, would you really want to eat meat from an unhealthy animal?
Note: The following videos may contain disturbing content.
For more information on Mercy for Animals, check out their website!
For a list of food with unexpected meat, check out the sites below!!
Unfortunately I didn’t get to meet the band, This Hisses, in person however I did via email! I can already tell that this band is amazing and their style just naturally makes them different making the cool vibe the audience feeds off of them effortless. I’m sure their performance at Sled Island was beyond incredible!
Let’s go right to the interview to learn more about the band itself shall we?
1. How did the band form?
I started This Hisses as a recording project to document four songs I had left over from my old band The Gorgon. I basically cherry-picked my favourite drummer, JP Perron, and favourite guitar player, Patrick Short. After the first rehearsal, we realized we didn’t want to just be a recording project. We wanted to be a full gigging, touring band.
2. How did their name come about?
We don’t entirely remember; however, we liked the sibilant sound of This Hisses, and liked the various meanings the name can have.
3. Any common inspirations they look up too for their music? We are big fans of Iggy Pop and The Stooges and The Gun Club.
4. What’s the best part about being in a band? Making records! There is nothing quite like locking oneself in the studio and making the best possible record you can imagine.
5. What’s one difficulty that has occurred working with a band? I have found that you have to get pretty good at problem solving and thinking on your feet when you are in a band– especially so when you are on the road. Our van once broke down in the middle of a 180km wilderness reserve, at night, 2 hours away from the nearest town.
6. Do they enjoy the life on the road, what’s it like? Life on the road can be marvellous and tons of fun, or it can be challenging. We try to have a few days off on tour to camp and check out interesting places. JP has a knack for finding great deals on cabins by lakes, and cool restaurants. Some of our biggest fights on the road come from who gets to choose the music in the van. We might need to resort to personal ipods with headphones for the next one, haha.
7. If they had to give advice to aspiring artists what would they say? Just do it– get out there and do it. As well, don’t be too precious about your music. Don’t be afraid of taking risks and of change.
8. If they could describe their band in one word, what would it be?
Dramatic!
Lastly I would like to thank, YouthAreAwesome, This Hisses, Carrie Mah and Amanda McCauly for giving me this marvelous opportunity to blog about a truly amazing band!
Got stressed out coz you worked day or just got too tired and want a break ? Here are two foods that could help you with it!
1. Bananas
We all know mum always tells us to eat fruit – “EAT FRUIT!!!!! IT’S GOOD FOR YOU” (That’s mum) 🙂
So, why bananas? Sweet bananas can release stress in stomach, and because of sweetness can alleviate impatience. Western medicine confirms that stress causes the body to secrete stress hormones, putting people into a state of tension. Bananas contain vitamin B6, anti-depressants can cause the body to secrete hormones – dopamine, relaxing the human body. That’s why, eating bananas can reduce cortisol, to decompression, making you relax. – For more detail go on to FOOD MATTERS(Click Here!)
2. Green Tea
Green tea is a traditional Japanese drink and there are a lot of benefits here too!
Green tea is unfermented tea! Researchers, confirmed that green tea contains anti-cancer substance, lowering cholesterol and other effects. The caffeine in green tea can also eliminate the body of excess lactic acid that helps the body quickly eliminate fatigue. Therefore, drinking green tea daily can reduce anxiety, sedate the mind, and exhilarate. – For details and other benefits? Click Here(Reasons for Green Tea)
Since summer is already here, I would like to show off the cool day as well as week-long camps that are available to youth this summer. There are many organizations in Calgary that offer camps that are definitely worth going. Not only do they allow you to stay active throughout the summer break, but some programs may also quality for the Child Fitness Tax Benefit.
Whether day camp or a week-long camp, it is important to be prepared for the sun. Most of the summer camps would take place outside, so it is imperative that everyone bring plenty of water, bug spray and some sunscreen; also, as Calgary weather can be very weird, dressing in layers may be a good idea. Being prepared will allow you to have the most fun, make more friends and fully enjoy the best of the Calgary summer.
Here are some popular places offering free as well as paid camps:
Where to Buy – A stand under the bridge near Saddledome
Cost – $5
What makes it worthwhile – If you like marshmallow, then go for this sticky delight. I, for one, was grossed out by this deep fried treat. I think the lady working there was confused when I asked if I could chew on the food–it seemed like you had to swallow the bubble gum, as it was very difficult to manage the gigantic piece of gum. My video review consists mostly of me chewing the darn thing, mostly because I was unsure whether or not to continue chewing and hoping it would become a chewable portion size, or to swallow and have a piece of gum in my tummy. Needless to say, the overdose of sugar was far too much for me. Even my fellow blogger, Wentao, thought it was disgusting! Save your $5 for another deep fried treat–the stand sells deep fried oreos and pop tarts, after all!
Where to Buy – The Reel Mac and Cheese food truck near the Agriculture building
Cost – $8
What makes it worthwhile – This food truck really knows how to make their mac & cheese! Apparently they were sold out early afternoon, but by the time I got there in the evening they were making fresh mac & cheese. If you are in a rush, I may steer away from this food truck as they get busy and crowded. However, the meal I tried was quite yummy. The sweet sauce and seaweed mixed with the cheese and macaroni complimented each other nicely. It may be a bit pricey on your end, but I found it filling and worth the price! Check them out @REELMacCheese or on Facebook!
2. Green Tea
