Page 328 – Youth Are Awesome

Last Push for the Hunger Dinner 2013!

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Wentao

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March 6, 2013

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“17,500 Calgarians are living below the current ‘living wage’..”

“1 in 3 Children are under poverty in Alberta’s First Nations’ communities….”

“Poverty affects 1 in 5 children under the age of 15 in Calgary..”

Statistics on a report matter; yet so does your hands-on experience of eating what can be often deemed “third-world food” by us when we feast at the dinner table every day.

Hunger Dinner in it self is an oxymoron; how can someone be hungry but still have dinner?

Yet this name in itself reflects the true state of poverty in Calgary. Many often have something to eat, but not enough. Many are “homeless and hungry”, after all.

Think about youth who need nutrients to grow but can’t even get their daily ration of warmth in the Winter.

I’ve seem many sympathetic posts on Facebook such as just in our recent snowstorm about how the bitter freeze kills the kindle in the hearts of those suffering from homelessness. I’ve written a blog series on Seniors and Poverty and what that demographic is specifically suffering from. We’ve pledged to end homelessness here in Calgary, no matter how many times that type of recurring slogan appears but no action spawns from it.

Many of us who have never experienced poverty in our lives are ignorant about this issue, whether it’s the dictionary definition of lacking awareness of this topic or even perhaps our own definition of choosing not to believe that it even existed. I’ve stepped right past poverty, forgetting to take a look it.

It’s all forgiveable, however. Awareness can’t come quicker for anything you don’t know.

Join the Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) Steering Committee of Youth Central (a big kudos to the Hunger Dinner sub-committee!) and SVP Calgary this Sunday for the Hunger Dinner, an event where three classes of dinner are served to participants randomly and you’ll hear inspirational speeches on real experiences. There will be raffle tickets sold, and if you are a lucky winner, you get to which organization to donate a basket of food to.

This is our last push for you to attend! From sharing my blog post on facebook, clicking away to svphunge r.org to get your tickets for this year, or even just informing a friend who may be interested, anything helps. The rest of the YVC steering committee and I really appreciate anything you can do to help!

A simple remark is all you need.

Watch this video from Shaw TV for more! (You also get to meet Hodon, the Program Manager of YVC) 🙂

From Saturday's promotion with the Diefenbaker YVC group. Thanks to all the YVC groups who participated in gathering donations! — From Saturday’s promotion with the Diefenbaker YVC group. Thanks to all the YVC in school groups who participated in gathering donations!

Those Awareness Events in 2013 – Youth Science Month

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Wentao

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March 5, 2013

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Since 2002, March has been designated the “Youth Science Month“. Here’s my first exception to the name of this series! (But how can you manage to be totally Science-y just in a short day?)

Supported by many community leaders, such as our MPs, MLAs, councillors, and other figures, March was chosen for this purpose as usually the number of Science fairs held reach the peak during this time. It’s worth celebrating for those students who take time to achieve something in Science. I for one am SURE that I won’t get anything done in Physics.

I’m sure we’ve all done a volcano model for a Science fair (and if you haven’t, here’s a cool instruction from emchelle on Youtube)

Now is the time to take it further!

This year, two BC students won fourth place respectively their category in the Taiwan International Science Fair. That’s pretty amazing if you ask me.

This month is an exciting one as we prepare locally for the big Calgary Youth Science Fair in April and nationally the Canada-Wide Science Fair in May, held in Lethbridge this year. This is the time that we value events to display talent like the ones in this article on YAA.

Here’s a interview with the Chief Judge of that event for this year on Alberta Primetime:

If you’re not a Science student, that’s okay. I’ve never been a creative person when doing Science fair projects either (I’m more of a Social issues person as you can see), yet I envy those who do achieve something with experiments and determination.

It’s no rocket science to figure out science!

10 Things You Didn’t Know About St. Patrick’s Day

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Alice :)

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March 5, 2013

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Hey guys, as you all know, Annual Pinch-Anyone-Who-Isn’t-Wearing-Green Day is just around the corner!

Believe it or not, there’s more to St. Patrick’s Day than just pinches!

I came across this article on Time.com about 10 things You didn’t know about St. Patrick’s Day, check it out:

Or, here’s a recap! 🙂

1. Did you know the three leaves on a shamrock represents the Holy Trinity: God, Son, and the Holy Spirit.

2. St. Patrick died more than 1,500 years ago on March 17.

3. Saint Patrick’s color was blue, not ~~green~~.

4. St. Patrick — who converted pagans to Christianity — was the man who supposedly drove “evil” non-Christians from the land, thus it was later referenced the St. Patrick drove snakes out of Ireland in the 5th century.

5. Irish bars were once forced to close on March 17 by law, due to the fear of excess drinking. However, this law was repealed in 1961.

6. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade wasn’t held in Ireland but in the U.S.

7. Although St. Patrick’s day was declared a public holiday in 1903, the first official celebration in Dublin did not occur until 1931.

8. St. Patrick cards exist, and they are apparently very popular.

9. St. Patrick is not St. Patrick nor Irish. He’s was actually born Maewyn Succat according to a legend and born in Britain.

10. The Blarney Stone is suppose to give you the ‘gift of gab’, along with a stiff neck and numerous germs.

The Costco Way: More than the minimum wage

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nad

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March 5, 2013

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As we come out of a recession, increased attention has been put upon decreasing the unemployment rate and making companies more profitable – but what about people who already have jobs, but are underpaid? With talk in the United States of raising the minimum wage, salaries have become a prevalent topic in today’s political and economic discussions. Though raising the minimum wage is debateable, there are real benefits for companies which pay more, with numerous companies, including Costco, being shining examples of what an increase can do.

Walmart is one of Costco’s competitors and is notorious for it’s low wages.

In the United States, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. If you’re a clerk at a supermarket, one would expect your wage to be around $10 an hour, around the average wage for the industry. In Costco, however, the wage for clerks is now set at $22.87 an hour. This wage is much more gracious than other businesses, with competing stores offering around that $10.00 mark. Costco manages to make that wage work, and has actually increased profit in line with wage increases. Though the wages will have numerous benefits for the employees, as they are able to live better lives and worry less about every paycheck, how does it help the company, and should all companies apply this?

Two of the most obvious benefits of improving employees’ wages are an overall increase in morale and a reduced occurrence of theft. Employees feel significantly more valued when working for more money, and as one study by the National Bureau of Economic Research shows, are also more productive, which often leads to more profit for the company. This increase in productivity and morale also leads to a company to need less workers, saving the company money. When employees are paid more, their lives are more comfortable, and their ability to afford products drastically increases, especially when working for wages such as Costco’s. With this increased wage, employees are significantly less likely to steal, decreasing the replacement rate of stolen products. For many companies which hire unskilled employees, theft is a common problem, with the benefit of Costco being clear when the theft rate of Costco, at 0.2 percent, significantly lower than the industry average of 1.42 percent.

If all companies do increase their wages, will there be benefits across the board? For employees, every one of them will go through a clear increase in their quality of life, as they have more available disposable income. This will most likely translate into benefits for the economy, but will companies be able to survive through this practice? Raising wages in other fields, where wages aren’t near the minimum, probably will not be a smart idea, with many of these jobs already paying well. The positives of being the first to raise wages, something that Costco clearly shows, are great for the growth and morale of a company. If one is the second or the third company to raise wages, however, the benefits will be lower, as it will become more expected to match other companies’ wages, with turnover rising as employees follow the money. Inflation can also occur, with more money in consumers’ hands leading to a decrease in the overall value that each dollar holds.

In today’s economy, everyone wants to stretch each of their dollars as far as they can go. Increased wages may be just the solution that companies are looking for, with the Costco Way being something that leads to benefits in every aspect of a company and an economy.

7 Films to Watch Before You Die

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lily

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March 5, 2013

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There are some movies that thrive on the hype of the moment. And once that moment passes, the film slips as a passing fad. But there are movies out there that still attract our interest even decades after their release. So what makes a classic? Whether it’s fast paced action, original plotlines, chilling after-effects, or innovative atmospheres, some films manage to stay afloat many years of motion pictures pileups. Here is a list of some of my favorite films, let me know if they make your list as well.

1) Shawshank Redemption: a beautifully nostalgic tale following the imprisonment of an intelligent banker. The plot in this film is nearly flawless and the story is very touching. The fact that this movie ranked first on IMDB’s list of the top rated films in cinematic history should tell you its worth.

2) Full Metal Jacket: this is a movie focusing on the life of a young marine during the Vietnam wars. It’s a very well rounded story in my opinion, consisting of equal parts action, comedy, and tragedy, not to mention taking a look back at an important historical event.

3) American Psycho: Christian Bale plays an incredibly charming and intelligent businessman who lives a secret life as a serial killer. As his psychological struggles worsen, he begins to question the concept of an identity, all the while slowing losing his sanity to greed and disgust for his shallow acquaintances.

4) One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest: I’m a huge fan of Jack Nicholson and this film, in my opinion, is one of his best. The bittersweet humor and latent nature of the story is what makes it so enchanting. I adore the characters in this movie and their quirkiness. This is the perfect movie for a Friday night.

5) The Lord of the Rings Trilogy: I can’t even begin to describe how amazing these movies are. This series is definitely a classic. If you haven’t watched these movies yet, you’re missing out big time.

6) Silence of the Lambs: Horror movie fans, this is your flick. A brilliant story completed with a courageous heroine, a charming sociopath, and a disturbingly interesting villain. This movie is both psychologically thrilling, and pensive in nature. The scare factor is pretty good, but doesn’t rely on jump scares or ominous music.

7) The Pianist: A very powerful film centering the holocaust. The story of a Jewish pianist’s survival in the unlikeliest environments. Clearly (since the movie is called the pianist), the music is absolutely stunning. The ending was beautiful and leaves the viewer thinking.

Olympus, Nikon, Leica – choosing the right camera, Part 1

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E

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March 4, 2013

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Upon reading Alice’s post on her new Canon Rebel T4i, I thought I’d pitch in my own experience with cameras. I’m very fortunate – or spoiled – to have a camera-fanatic-dad (yes, this is the first step to getting the right camera: having a family member who will buy one for you so that you don’t have to give up your precious lollygagging time for a job). Over the years, I’ve been able to try different brands of cameras. Though I’m anything but techno-savvy about camera specs, hopefully the upcoming series of posts will shine a light upon the dark and confusing process of choosing the “right” camera for amateur photography (so nothing National Geographic-worthy, unfortunately).

Brand

The great camera debate: Coke and Pepsi style.

As with anything in the consumer world, it’s all about brand. Choosing a Nikon or Canon is like the “Coke or Pepsi?” debate. Mind you, there are lots of camera brands out there; until recently, I’ve never heard of a Leica camera before, but apparently the company is extremely famous for their film cameras back then? Camera prices range from extremely low for an electronic product to mansion-priced high. I do recommend choosing one of the more popular and well-known brands (Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Leica, etc.) to start off even if the companies rip you off just to have their logo imprinted on their camera. But hey, these cameras are well-known for a reason, and it’s definitely worth the money to buy a $500 camera with warranty than buy a $50 one ten times because it keeps breaking and you can’t find the darn company because it went underground and whatnot.

Price and quality is one thing. The picture is another. One of the most important aspects of choosing a camera is making sure you like the feel of the pictures. Each brand has its own special touch to the pictures – going online to sites like Flickr is extremely helpful because they have their pictures grouped into the brands of cameras when you search.

Based solely on my experience with Olympus E-PL1, Nikon D7000, and Leica D-LUX 6, I prefer the Olympus for its lightweight but still good quality images, the Nikon for its ability to capture details and its HD quality images, and the Leica for its large aperture – meaning amazing close-ups and clear images in low-light conditions. As you can see, cameras are very personal items and very dependent upon your intent, so choose wisely!

Stay tuned for Part 2!

“The camera makes everyone a tourist in other people’s reality, and eventually in one’s own.” – Susan Sontag

Thai Nonkhai brings a taste of Thai to Macleod

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Lauren Morris

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March 4, 2013

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Thai Nongkhai, an authentic Thai restaurant located on Macleod Trail, next to Desperados, provides a much needed relief from the dull Thai found in a mall cafeteria. A quick fifteen-minute walk from Chinook Mall, the restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner.

A perfect selection for authentic Thai food, whether one is looking for more spice or more flavour in their curry. A vast selection of choice is available, ranging from mild to extra hot, and if the extra hot curry does not satiate one’s taste-buds, the curry can be made even hotter on request. A medley of vegetables marinate in the curry, along with chicken, beef, or seafood (unless the dish is vegetarian). The range of choices available are so vast that Thai lovers will never get bored, although I personally have a favourite, which I order again and again. Certainly this restaurant will have the ethnic food lover hooked on Thai, once one has dined here it is virtually impossible to choke down the mediocre mall “Thai” food.

The restaurant offers a lunch special, which gives customers a choice of chicken, beef, pork, shrimp or squid in a range of curries. A great choice for a spicy dish is the Kang Phed a “red curry dish with mixed vegetables,” or for those who prefer a milder meal, the Ka Ree a “yellow curry dish with potatoes and vegetables” is an excellent choice. For a delicious and spice-filled tea try the ginger tea, a wonderful, aromatic treat sure to tantalize one’s taste-buds.

Recently the restaurant underwent renovations, it now features a raised, separated seating area, along with getting some new decor. The separated area creates a better atmosphere for the restaurant; diners can feel a greater sense of privacy with the division of the room. However, the lighting is quite dim, to the point where some people may find it

a hindrance, rather then adding ambiance. Also, the music is fairly distracting when dining with others, as it is quite loud and unusual (being of Thai origin).

Nonetheless, this restaurant boasts some of the best Thai food around and a polite and prompt staff. Although the prices could be considered expensive (over $10 an entrée) the ingredients are of good quality, and the spicing generous. Thai Nongkhai is the perfect Thai treat.

The restaurant is open for lunch Tuesday to Friday 11:30-2:00 and dinner Tuesday through Thursday 5:00-9:30, Friday and Saturday 5:00-10:30, and Sunday 5:00-9:00.

Japanese Anime 101

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suzie

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March 1, 2013

1

I am sure that you have that bunch of Asian kids in your school that talk about Anime all the time. It seems like that they are having so much fun but unfortunately, even though they are speaking English (sometimes they would not be), you may still feel like you don’t understand a word they say–if you don’t watch Anime. Well, here comes the rescue–a list of the most popular Japanese Animes you need to know before you can understand the fun conversations between these Anime fans.

1. Naruto

Naruto (NARUTO—ナルト— NARUTO) is an ongoing Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto. The plot tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, an adolescent ninja who constantly searches for recognition and dreams to become the Hokage, the ninja in his village who is acknowledged as the leader and the strongest of all. The series is based on a one-shot comic by Kishimoto that was published in the August 1997 issue of Akamaru Jump.

2. Bleach

Bleach (ブリーチ Burīchi) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Tite Kubo. Bleach follows the adventures of Ichigo Kurosaki after he obtains the powers of a Soul Reaper (死神 Shinigami, literally, “Death God”) —a death personification similar to the Grim Reaper—from another Soul Reaper, Rukia Kuchiki. His newfound powers force him to take on the duties of defending humans from evil spirits and guiding departed souls to the afterlife.

3. One Piece

One Piece (ワンピース Wan Piisu) is a Japanese shōnen manga series written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. It has been serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump since August 4, 1997; the individual chapters are being published in tankōbon volumes byShueisha, with the first released on December 24, 1997, and the 68th volume released as of November 2012. One Piecefollows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a young man whose body gains the properties of rubber after unintentionally eating a Devil’s Fruit, and his diverse crew of pirates, named the Straw Hat Pirates. Luffy explores the ocean in search of the world’s ultimate treasure known as One Piece in order to become the next Pirate King.

Naruto, Bleach and One piece are three of the biggest and most popular Japanese Animes. Conan is big as well, but kind of in a different way.

4. Detective Conan

Case Closed, known as Meitantei Conan (名探偵コナン^?, lit. Great Detective Conan, officially translated as Detective Conan) in Japan, is a Japanese detective manga series written and illustrated by Gosho Aoyama. The series is serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shōnen Sunday since January 19, 1994, and has been collected in 78 tankōbon volumes as of December 2012. The story follows the adventures of Jimmy Kudo, a prodigious young detective who was inadvertently transformed into a child after being poisoned.

5. Natsume’s Book of Friends

It is one of the shorter and lesser known series and with completely different themes than the ones mentioned above. This is my favorite Anime of all times.

Natsume’s Book of Friends (夏目友人帳 Natsume Yūjin-chō) is a Japanese fantasy manga series by Yuki Midorikawa. It began serialization by Hakusensha in the shōjo manga magazine LaLa DX in 2005, before switching to LaLa in 2008. Chapters have been collected in fourteen bound volumes as of July 2012. The series is about Natsume, an orphaned teenage boy who can see spirits, who inherits from his grandmother the notebook she used to bind spirits under her control. Natsume’s Book of Friends was a finalist for the first Manga Taishō award in 2008.

6. The Basketball Which Kuroko Plays (KnB)

The TV version of KnB just got released last year, so it is pretty new, but very popular in Asia. It is often criticized for being too similar to Slam Dunk, but in my opinion they are two quite different things. KnB is quite interesting and funny, but with the exciting spirit of sports, as well as friendship.

Kuroko no Basuke (黒子のバスケ), also known as The Basketball which Kuroko Plays, is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Tadatoshi Fujimaki. It began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump in December 2008. Kuroko no Basuke tells the story of a high school basketball team trying to make it to the national tournament. An anime adaptation by Production I.G began airing on April 7, 2012, and ceased airing on September 22, 2012.

Of course, these names mentioned above do not cover all the Animes out there. The Prince of Tennis, Ouran High School Host Club, K…Even the good old Pokemon belongs to the broad category of Japanese Anime. The wonderful thing about Anime is that it is different than cartoons (like Max and Ruby, the ones for kids); it talks about dreams, friendship, love, hope…all the things that not only need to be learnt by kids, but also adults. And plus they are beautifully drawn and produced, which makes them more pleasant to watch.

Hope this article has helped you a bit if you did not know anything about Anime at all. Have fun!

(Pictures from google, and info from wiki as hyperlinked)

Become a Gene Researcher for a Week Program

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richie

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March 1, 2013

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Gene Researcher for a Week is a program created by the Canadian Gene Cure Foundation for grade 11 and 12 students who have an innate curiosity for science, human genetics, and human genetics research. If selected, these students will work beside influential genetic research scientists for one week over spring break.

This program is great for budding scientists and researchers as students receive real, hands-on experience with equipment and science experiments.

Through Gene Researcher for a Week, students are enriched with knowledge about human genetics research and are able to connect with the scientific community.

For more information on the program and how to apply for next year, check out their website here.

GIF of the Day

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Ivonne

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March 1, 2013

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Awwwww….
*I promised myself I wouldn’t give into the world of tumblr, but this GIF is just too cute to ignore.

The invention of love

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lily

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February 28, 2013

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Alright guys, I know Valentine’s Day had long since passed. But, it’s never too late for a little romance. As you can probably tell (from my past posts), I’m a big fan of short films. I find them to be simple but efficient for conveying ideas. I recently came across this film from my YouTube recommendations list and it just blew my mind. So, enough said, spare a few minutes time and enjoy. 🙂

DIY: Ribbon hair flower

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Julia

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February 28, 2013

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I’m sure most of you have seen those cute hair flowers, and many of you have probably seem them at Ardene or other accessory stores. The truth is, you can make one yourself quite easily!

All you need is:

some wide ribbon
scissors
a needle and thread
and a clip.

Also! The opportunities are endless. Attach wire or a pipe cleaner and make fake flowers to give as gifts or with notes! Let your creativity take flight and enjoy the ride 🙂

DIY Ribbon Hair Flower

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJYOqTMtOCU

All Girls Rock Camp

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Malika Daya

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February 28, 2013

4

Do you have the rhythm echoing through your body? Are you musically orientated? Looking for an opportunity to build self-esteem and make new friends? Well then worry no more, The New Black Center’s All Girls Rock Camp is made for you!

This is a call for all girls, ages 10-17, out there needing self-empowerment and want to express themselves in a creative way! It is an all female atmosphere, with lovely ladies from all backgrounds connecting with each other through the form of music!

This magnificent camp begins on March 25th and ends on March 30th, it is a full day from nine am to five pm. A regular day at this fabulous All Girls Rock Camp starts with a morning assembly and follows through with multiple activities and workshops that train the girls and cultivates their talent.

The workshop lessons are based on: song writing, how to be a band, women in rock, stage presence and playing live, promoting yourself, images of women in popular culture, making merch, music history and genres, recording, and last but not least navigating your local music scene.

Throughout this five day camp, bands will be formed and they will present their talent at showcase on the last day of camp! Not only will they receive a DVD or CD of their performance but also get to go for a photo shoot with their newly friend-ed band members! How incredible is that?!?!?

And the best part is no musical experience is needed!!

For more information or to register go to: http://www.thenewblackcentre.com/index.php/program-profile?postid=2

Teen: Film & TV opportunity

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admin

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February 27, 2013

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Do you know a young person/Teen that is interested in getting into Film/TV acting? Company of Rogues has just the class!
|TEEN: FILM & TV (13-18 YRS)| A perfect opportunity for teens to get involved in the Film & Television industry, gaining valuable knowledge of the audition experience and on-camera technique. Students will work with the instructor on a selection of scenes from contemporary scripts, while learning to work creatively from the text. Emphasis is on making specific, informed and engaging choices to strengthen their on-camera performance. 5 weeks $261.25+GST($275) 6:00pm -8:30pm Class starts Thursday, Feb 28^th!

Call The Studio to register! 403.228.5526 or info@corogues.com www.corogues.com

Leonid Tishkov and his focal theme of “the Moon”

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Wentao

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February 27, 2013

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I just learned about Surrealism in Art class not too long ago, but I’ve never seen surreal photography like this:

Credits to Leonid Tishkov. — Credits to Leonid Tishkov for his work.

Hmm, even the New York Times is interested in knowing this guy.

Leonid Tishkov is a Russian artist who has taken many artistic photographs of himself and the moon in seemingly impossible positions, such as in his “Private Moon” series. As the often only source of illumination at night without electricity, what can it symbolize?

It’s everywhere; in Paris:

In Kaoshiung, Taiwan:

In the Arctic:

In New Zealand:

In Moscow:

In Frankfurt:

This is the story of a man who met the moon, using this symbolism to write poetic verses. These imaginative works display the moon as a “private utopia“. Check out even more of his works at his personal blog. I wish his work could be displayed somewhere in Calgary.

Those Awareness Events in 2013 – Youth Science Month

10 Things You Didn’t Know About St. Patrick’s Day

The Costco Way: More than the minimum wage

7 Films to Watch Before You Die

Olympus, Nikon, Leica – choosing the right camera, Part 1

Thai Nonkhai brings a taste of Thai to Macleod

Japanese Anime 101

Become a Gene Researcher for a Week Program

GIF of the Day

The invention of love

DIY: Ribbon hair flower

All Girls Rock Camp

Teen: Film & TV opportunity

Leonid Tishkov and his focal theme of “the Moon”

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