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.
Any hockey fan, or anyone living in Canada, for that matter, can relate to that memorable Tuesday night where they watched in despair for 40 minutes, lived through 15 minutes of hope and five minutes of (to describe the scenario melodramatically) impending doom.
Alas, the Men’s Junior Canadian Hockey team met more than their match on Tuesday night against the Russian team in the semi-final game in Calgary. My personal take on the game was that Team Canada played wonderfully but had a couple of bad bounces that didn’t go their way, mental lapses that resulted in Russian goals and disciplinary issues. Although bad luck is something outside of the player’s control, the latter certainly aren’t. Part of their loss was due to their inability to cope up with adversity, as this was the first time in the entire tournament that Canada was ever losing at any point in the game. So when faced with adversity, Canada panicked and made bad mistakes and vented their frustrations, which lead to penalty trouble.
That aside, man was that a heck of a third period! Team Canada battled fiercely and really showed that they were the better team in scoring four goals and cutting the deficit to only one. Canada had five minutes to score the equalizer, but regardless their perseverance, they just weren’t able to capitalize on their chances. Team Canada fought until the very last second, and really made many fans proud to say they were Canadian.
Though we lost, many players in their post-game interview felt that this was a period that they will take with them in their later careers as players, because it taught them many things. Of those takeaway lessons, one of them I can bet is to never give up! After that, Canada went away with the bronze medal.
Recently, I have developed an addiction to horoscopes. I truly love everything about a horoscope. It’s relatable, catchy and so accurate. I love to wake up and know how my day will go.
Many times, your horoscope will give you advice on how to handle a situation. Because of my passion for horoscopes, I thought I should post every zodiac sign’s horoscope for today, Friday. These horoscopes are used on the iPhone app, Horoscopes. It’s free and you know it’s accurate because it’s specific.
By this, I mean that there is a different horoscope everyday depending on which country you live in!
Amazing?
I think so. Check your horoscope for today and if you feel the connection, then download an app on your phone or check out dailyhoroscopes.net!
Aquarius (Jan 20- Feb 18)
The regular flow of small but innovative solutions can keep things moving without having to come up with earth-shaking changes. If you trust your instincts, they will not fail you. Don’t bet it all, but small risks taken with confidence pay off.One success will likely lead to another.
Pisces (Feb 19- March 20)
You have a very realistic and no-nonsense attitude at this time, and are rather critical, skeptical, or at the very least, cautious about new ideas. Deep, quite study and solitary reflection is favored. Frivolity may hold no appeal for you now.
Aries (March 21- April 20)
You easily become fired up emotionally at this time, especially about people, places, or causes you have a strong attachment to from the past. Also, you are energized and invigorated now and eager to be involved in projects that benefit your children, family, or home.
Taurus (April 21 – May 20)
Getting uptight about revamping something and going over old ground is not the correct attitude. By going over and correcting your work, only improvements can be expected and this is good. If it’s not right, delivery will be rejected. This will end up costing you more than you anticipated. Try to see this as a cycle of self improvement and perfection.
Gemini (May 21 – June 21)
Today is the day when you finally sit down with colleagues and discuss what it is that concerns you. You’ll be really surprised when you find your needs do not fall on deaf ears, and that a pay-rise or monetary arrangement is a priority. You’ve worked hard for this one.
Cancer (June 22- July 22)
You are in a positive state of mind today, filled with optimism and a hopeful outlook. Your inspirational attitude is likely to draw admiration from others and increase your chances for social contacts, business advancement, or a new romance. Take advantage of all opportunities and channel them into constructive possibilities.
Leo (July 23 – August 23)
This is a very important work cycle peak, representing new jobs, new positions, new projects, and new goals developing in the surrounding month that will last for the next two years. What you accept, you’re stuck with for that time, so choose well. Weigh your options, and then make your power moves with renewed vigor.
Virgo (Aug 24- Sept 22)
Feelings and desires may tug and roil around you, and trying to cut an even balance may be a challenge. Today’s beginnings may mature into tomorrow’s turmoils, so don’t fly off the handle and don’t jump into something you’re not sure of. Let the waters settle until tomorrow, then decide on it.
Libra (Sept 23 – Oct 22)
This is not a period when you feel like pushing your own interests forward, or in which you are especially energetic or full of stamina. Other people’s concerns and needs receive more attention from you now, and you are more inclined to do something which serves others, perhaps a group you are associated with. Cooperating with others for some idealistic purpose is very satisfying for you at this time.
Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
There is optimism, there is faith, and there is a tendency to take chances at the deepest emotional levels. This is a time of exploring your feelings, a kind of restlessness for new emotional experience. A feeling that anything is possible if you set your sights high enough characterizes mood today.
Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
It can be a rather difficult task opening up your inner self to others just now, especially if you’re not completely trusting. Ordinarily your frank and outgoing ways don’t care too much for what others think, but during this cycle this may indeed change. Stay true to yourself and all will be well.
Capricorn (Dec 21 – Jan 19)
Be prepared for a very busy day that will include a surprise or two or maybe even more. This should be a very interesting time for you. People will be coming and going quickly. Work may be a bit demanding, but nothing you can’t handle is going to happen. In fact, lying in all of the hustle and bustle of your are little gems of opportunity, so keep your eye open for them, and you may turn this day into a gateway to your future.
They investigated the downloads associated to the House of Common’s IP addresses, an internet ID number, and found that there were a number of illegal downloads from these addresses.
Surprisingly, this included TWO versions of the Maroon 5’s popular song “Moves Like Jagger” (apparently even our politicians can’t resist that song) and a copy of the Need for Speed video game.
The blog also linked to the Pirate Party of Canada, a political movement that advocates for copyright reform which found the same information from the IP addresses.
However, the founder of TorrentFreak says that Canada isn’t unique. They have found illegal downloads linked to IP addresses to the U.S House of Representatives and the French President’s residence.
This comes at an ironic time for the Canadian government as they’re just in the middle of proposing a highly controversial copyright bill that would put a lot heavier penalties for downloading things illegally including huge fines and up to five years of jail time. Critics of the new bill argue that the “digital lock” hurts the rights of the consumer.
I think that the government should take a more relaxed stance on this bill since apparently everyone, including our country’s politicians, are internet pirates. I don’t disagree with the fact that this is an issue in the 21st century, especially for the people who are producing the content but I think that the government may be too harsh. That being said, if this bill does end up passing I would like to see the Canadian government prosecuting their own employees for doing this illegal activity just as they would any other citizen. This is an issue that clearly affects everyone, so no one should be safe from the reprecussions.
If you have been checking Youth Are Awesome out lately, I’m sure you’ve noticed the plethora of posts relating to Junior Achievement companies. In any case, I’m thinking that you have probably figured out that this post is going to be a shameless plug for yet another JA company – Clean Geek!
I’ll spare you the usual spiel on what Junior Achievement does, as that has been made pretty clear by my fellow bloggers. What I will say, however, is that I think it’s awesome that JA is giving this opportunity to high school students. Even if you aren’t interested in business, the Company Program is a great way to work on relevant lifeskills like communication and teamwork. JA gives students a great medium to do this through and opens up quite a few doors in terms of learning opportunities.
What I’m here to talk to you about, however, is the uWipe by Clean Geek. uWipes are an innovative method to cleaning the screens of personal electronic devices, such as Smartphones, iPods, iPads, Playbooks, Android Tablets, and eReaders. Each individual uWipe has a microfiber front to clean the screens of electronic devices, and an adhesive backing that can be used to stick the uWipe to the backs of said electronic devices for convenient storage.
You know you want one. Or several. =D
The uWipes are being sold at $3 each, or if you’re feeling thrifty, get a deal and buy two units for $5. That’s right, we’re actually helping you SAVE money in the long run. Why? Because at Clean Geek, we care about our customers. If you are interested in supporting Clean Geek, the- OH! Did I mention? Half of the money we raise goes back to the community, with 25% going to Junior Achievement, and the other 25% being donated to Renewed Computer Technology, this awesome non-profit organization that fixes up old electronics and ships them off to wherever the need is greatest, usually to improve education.
Sorry about that tangent. As I was saying, if you are interested in finding out more, or if you want to support Clean Geek, then please feel free to contact us either through our Facebook page (feel free to “Like” it, too!), our website, by email at cleangeek.uwipe@gmail.com, or by commenting on this post. Remember, by doing so, you’re helping us help the world eradicate itself of dirty screens, one screen at a time!
There’s been a lot of buzz about Junior Achievement Companies lately. For those of you who haven’t heard, Junior Achievement is an organization which provides high school entrepreneurs with a chance to create their own company, and learn everything about a fully functioning business in a hands-on way.
About the product:
Tired of disposable heat-packs for gloves that must be bought time and time again as the heating effects last only a minimal amount of time? Tired of wet, soggy hands after skiing or simply walking to school in a blizzard? Then Arietta’s Warm-Ü is the product for you!
Our product, Warm-Ü, is a portable device that can be used to warm up gloves or boots before they are worn. If water or snow dampens the insides of such winter apparel, our product will have the properties to dry them within a short amount of time. The product can also be placed in jewellery boxes to prevent the tarnishing of silver or gold jewelry.
This product is perfect for skiers/snowboarders, campers and other outdoor enthusiasts as well as anyone who wants to combat the effects of winter
We are offering this amazing product for ONLY $10 (includes carrying case and 2 Warm-Ü heat packs).
You will be supporting a Junior Achievement company, a group of young high-school entrepreneurs in forming their own company.
25% of total proceeds will go to Calgary’s Inn from the Cold, which is an organization in Calgary that provides shelter from the cold for those who have nowhere else to go
Be sure to support our company by liking our Facebook page (Arietta- A Junior Achievement Company) and following AriettaCompany on twitter. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at ariettacompany@gmail.com or visit our website for more details on how to purchase our product: http://arietta.jasacompanies.org/
We will be selling our product at Junior Achievement’s annual trade-show taking place at Southcentre Mall on Feb. 18- come check us out!
In 2011, Youth Central had plenty of amazing volunteers contribute their time and talents to the community. Whether you helped out at Between Friends Camp for Children with Disabilities or Inn From the Cold, joined the Mayor’s Youth Council or blogged with Youth Are Awesome, whether you completed one volunteer hour or 628 – no contribution went unnoticed or unappreciated. We had an incredible year that saw 1,621 youth volunteers completing 602 projects.
Without further ado, here are the top 10 volunteers with the highest number of volunteer hours in 2011:
From working at a retail store and observing the various types of shoppers from these past one or two intense shopping months, I have conjured up five types of shoppers that can be found in grocery stores and the mall.
1. Bargain Shoppers
These shoppers can be found in the ‘Clearance’ sections of stores, mainly on the weekends (huge sales), and in abundance on Boxing Day Week. These shoppers are excited by the “Additional Sale” signs, and demand for additional discounts for loose threads or the ever popular excuse, “it’s the last one and it looks worn.”
2. Impulse Shoppers
These are the shoppers who basically bring the entire store to the till. When every single item has been ringed in, and the relieved cashier – who has their fingers crossed, hoping that all the items are going to be purchased – announces the total, these shoppers start deciding whether or not they want an item… absolutely dreadful for the cashier.
3. Forgetful Shoppers
These are the shoppers known as the empty line disturbers. They are the ones who create a line by stalling the till as they run to aisle 10232 to pick up something they have forgotten. Not only does this result in a line full of already impatient shoppers, but an innocent cashier who really does not need to be ranted at or blamed for being slow by their manager.
4. Nitpicky Shoppers
These are the shoppers you find holding identical pieces – at least to the other types of shoppers – who find an outstanding difference between the same colours or sizes. These shoppers turn into bargain shoppers at the cash register when they insist for a discount since they have decided to go for the “damaged” piece.
5. Organised Shoppers
Finally! These are the best kind of shoppers out there (other shoppers, please take note). They know which store they want to go to, what they want to get, and try their size on and check for damages – BEFORE they proceed to the cashier. When they have reached this final destination, they simply purchase and go – happy customer, happy cashier, happy shopper next in line!
I am definitely a combination of an impulse yet forgetful and nitpicky shopper. Almost every single piece of item attracts me at a store, but for some reason, I always forget to find that one item I was initially in the store for. And I have inherited the nitpicky side of me from my mom who always checks for broken zippers, holes, missing buttons, stains, loose threads… you name it!
So it’s been a week since Winter Break started and I can feel the day of school resuming creeping up on me, and the pile of homework I’ve left untouched. And seriously, it’s 1:30 a.m. right now and I’m writing my blog… I even procrastinated for this. Someone should hit me over the head. I get how this is a cliché topic to blog about, but oh boy, this has been on my mind all week (is that sad?…Meh).
^I think my days have been a bit like this.
I spend more effort finding things other than homework to do. I have discovered Korean Dramas now. Now there’s no chance escaping the highly addicting melodramatic plots about sappy love. And don’t even get me started on Tetris… so fun *-*. I have also introduced myself to anime. That, kids, is a recipe for academic failure.
^This is me in the future. I can sense it.
Oh! But for the sake of helping myself, I have looked up tips on how to stop procrastination. There are 7 steps according to the internet.
Stop thinking. Start doing.
Don’t blow a task out of proportion.
Just take the first step.
Start with the hardest task of the day.
Just make a decision. Any decision.
Face your fear.
Finish it.
I guess I’ll start following these steps. Tomorrow. Like actually.
Just about the coolest video you will ever watch, it celebrates love in a creative way! A flashmob proposal to the Bruno Mar’s song “I Think I Want to Marry You.”
It all goes down in a Disneyland Park, a couple just enjoying the speculation of a random flashmob until…
For more than 50 years, Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta (JASA) has been engaging local business and community leaders in its mission to help students develop an entrepreneurial attitude, a solid and practical understanding of business and finance and a commitment to community. JASA reaches nearly 18,000 students annually with 1,000 dedicated business volunteers. Junior Achievement is the link between education and the world of work by giving youth the confidence and knowledge they need to define personal success, enhance their workforce readiness and pursue their dreams.
This year our Company is Audio Twist. We sell untanglable headphones which recoil themseleves after every use so that you don’t have to tangle them every single time.
Note: This is a satire and I have been far too influenced by the Cracked staff (you find that you have a lot of time on your hands when you don’t have any student-related activities to do for weeks).
So, how have songs scarred children? I’m pretty sure as a child, you’ve never really questioned those mandatory assemblies where you have to sing carols and whatnot. But now that we’re older, a little more cynical, critical and sarcastic, I thought this post would bring the holidays to a very nice closing! And if you don’t think children songs could scar them, just read the translation for “Farajaka”! Anyway, these are the Christmas-y songs that (to me) would either scar children, or teach them terrible, terrible lessons for the season.
10. Frosty the Snowman
I know, you’re probably wondering what could possibly be wrong with a magical snowman who comes to life and make children happy. Well, everything really. Imagine you are a kid who finished building a snowman and then it comes to life. And after somehow accepting that creepy thought, you build a friendship with your creation, only to see it melt in front of your very own eyes!
Imagine this scary monstrosity in real life!
I’m sure it was all good and fun when Frosty ran around the town, but if you were the townspeople, what would your reaction be? Freakin’ scared and terrified, I bet! This song is sugar coating that a snowman has come to life, and everyone’s okay with it. It’s like how everyone’s okay with a talking, walking dog in Family Guy–what kind of a world do we live in?! Seeing something moving that should actually be inanimate is almost as scary as Toy Story coming to life. Sure it’s all cute in a cartoon form, but really? REALLY?! Plus, this song encourages children to disobey the authorities when there’s a “good” reason for it. Like the fact that you’ll be dying in a short while, so you try to be as reckless as possible to live what life you have left! Yes the song encourages to live out your life as best as you can, but that doesn’t mean you’re invincible and suddenly above the law. Just sayin’.
Oh, and Frosty’s last words were “Don’t you cry, I’ll be back again someday”–wouldn’t the exact same thing happen? Frosty would melt again, so he would have to “live out his life” and terrorize… or frolick around town before he melts away and scars the children for their entire lives (imagine them at their grandparents’ funeral, thinking that they’re still alive because their body is in tact and not a puddle of water). Magic, ladies and gentlemen, teaches kids very mixed messages.
9. Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
Let’s go through this line by line. First, Grandma was walking home alone from her family’s house. I’m not sure how old your grandma is, but since it’s snowy and dangerous outside I would at least have the courtesy to drive my grandmother home! Secondly, this family apparently spikes their eggnog because Grandma is somewhat of an alcoholic and drank too much. She also forgot her medication (what kind of a family lets their grandparents walk home and leave their medication behind?) and was left alone until Christmas morning. When the family found her “at the scene of the attack,” they simply blamed Santa Clause. I think it was the family’s fault for leaving Grandma alone in the first place…
He's only hugging her because it's a "kid's movie"...he secretly hates her and wants her to get run over by reindeer
But that’s not it! They kind of write off Grandpa’s attitude as him “taking it so well” as he just drinks root beer and plays cards; that type of grieving might be just a charade behind true pain. But since this is a children’s song, they try to add as much rainbows and ponies to the story as possible. Or in this case, reindeer. Oh, and the song mentions that the family ponders over whether or not to open Grandma’s gifts. Really?! Is that what’s on their mind? And they also warned their neighbors about Clause, because apparently he is a dangerous man who cannot drive a sleigh “and plays with elves.” Scary. Just try to interpret those words and understand how terrible this song is!
Not only did Grandma’s family neglect her health and welfare, but they simply blamed Clause (and I guess Grandma’s state) and brushed off their own carelessness. That’s right kids, treat your grandmother like crap and blame solely one other person on a death that could have been easily prevented if not for carelessness!
8. Santa Clause is Coming to Town
This song basically describes what Santa does, so as a kid no one would really question the motives or intentions of the big guy. But I’m not a kid anymore, and what Santa does is pretty darn creepy to me, so you all need to know the truth! The biggest problem I have with Santa Clause is that it encourages children to be good… and mostly during Christmas time. The incentive? Gifts. The punishment? Coal. That’s just teaching kids to be materialistic, even if it’s all for good reason. If you really were a super good kid, what could Santa give you? Time with your family? I don’t think he could wrap that up and tie it with a bow…
So not only does he have questionable methods of finding out what you do when you’re sleeping, but how would kids be able to “watch out”? As the song starts out, if you’ve been bad for 364 days of the year and are suddenly good for just one of them, do you really deserve a gift? In reality, people would still think you’re a jerk face (such as Cartman from South Park) and would not give you a gift. Perhaps a pity gift so that they don’t seem like jerks…but nonetheless it’s not that easy to write off your wrongs. Especially since Clause is “checking [his list] twice”.
The truth is, they're not his friends... he's just stalking them
So kids, if you want material possessions, go be good! There’s no other reason to it, (like being a decent human being to get friends and whatnot) as no one wants coal and gifts are the best incentive in the world for children. I thought proper discipline would shape children into behaving like proper, civilized children, but it requires someone like Santa Clause to step in and tell parents to leave it to him to fix the kids’ behaviors.
7. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
The song we all love and adore…oh, I mean the reindeer we all love and adore (Although Olive is awesome in my opinion). Not only does this song teach us a lesson that no one should make fun of someone that is different, it tells us that Santa can brighten up anyone’s day by making them expendable! The song lists out eight other reindeer, assuming we know all of these reindeer… but I don’t see a song written for them. This just enforces the averageness of us all; is there a song about you or I? Maybe not directly about us, but the likelihood of you being that specific Jenny or Roxanne are unlikely. What a mean song to us all average citizens (which is probably 95% of us). Whoever the song writer is, you just made me feel less significant about myself.
"You mean, like a magical Christmas tumor?"
And I know this is fiction and all, but most satires have gotten this already: having a red nose is not a normal thing. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, it’s just something to be freakin’ scared about! If I ever had a red nose, that would probably be due to a stuffy nose or allergies. However if it started to glow–well, I’m pretty sure a trip to the hospital would be my first trip, instead of flying in the air being a flashlight. Seriously, wouldn’t Santa plan ahead of time and foresee weather conditions? What if it was hailing or raining cats and dogs (remember, fantasy)? That would be painful for Santa, his reindeer and his presents.
Plus, have you ever really thought about how Santa got these reindeer? Did he just abduct them from our world (er, not magical North Pole land) and train them to be magical? If Santa’s like the one from Elf, I don’t even want to know his evil, evil ways.
6. I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas
This catchy song has probably got you wondering why I put this one here. Well if you haven’t figured out why, it’s because the song writer is really dumb. I’m serious! Have you ever seen a freakin’ hippo in real life? They’re gigantic beasts, and the little girl singing it is pretty darn selfish. Sure, she sounds cute and innocent and all… but don’t all children? It takes a lot of effort and resources to take care of a hippo too, so you animal rights activists, please join me on this: a lot of pets die because owners fail at understanding how to properly take care of them.
I don’t think a child can take care of a hippo. If a doll won’t do (the first step to taking care of… something. Don’t pull off Barbie’s head if you want to prove yourself to be responsible and not psychotic), then a hippo won’t do either. After like 60 seconds of getting it. You know kids; short attention span and constantly switching interests. And yes, she does sing “I’d feed him there and wash him there / And give him his massage”, but in a two-car garage. Please, I wouldn’t want to be caged up, especially in a stinky garage!
It's only cute because it's not real, and puny compared to a REAL hippo!
And the girl thinks that “it’s the easy thing to do” by bringing “him through the front door”. Like I said, hippos are gigantic. Chimneys are a pain to get down, but imagine pushing a vehicle through the door. “Hi honey, I got you a car so I drove it through a wall so it looks like I put presents under the tree…” No, just no.
So enjoy part 1 of the after-the-holidays sarcasm, and look out for part 2 tomorrow!
Recently, I have noticed that a bit of pessimism has been festering around me. I’m a fairly idealistic person, and as such, I want to see a utopian society of sorts. That being said, it sometimes disheartens me to see people act in a manner that is less than commendable.
I’ve been thinking recently, however, and I’ve realized that the real world isn’t the best place for idealism – people aren’t perfect, and consequently, our actions will not be perfect. It is simply too great an expectation to hold the world accountable to.
On the flip side, there is a lot of good in the world; a lot of love; and a lot of kindness. I’ve realized that it’s better to focus on the bright side of things. Furthermore, as the next video – and hopefully reality – shows, doing the right thing can go a long way, especially when we do it naturally. Hope you enjoy! =)
Simon and Martina, Canadian English-teachers-turned-power-vloggers in South Korea, bring you the best of Kpop 2011:
(oh, and don’t forget their Dragon-Dog, the Spudgy)
To be quite honest, I was a little disappointed with this year’s video. For one thing, it had much less dancing than last year’s.
But eatyourkimchi is forever ridiculous and bring a unique perspective to life in Korea – especially k-pop (which may be, for better or worse, taking over the world of music, one fangirl at a time :O).
Well, the actual term is “Banana Gassing”. Why does a banana stay bright and firm in the supermarkets, but quickly becomes covered in brown spots in your living room? They’re gassed. By a professional!
Bananas are shipped from foreign countries unripe and green to prevent bruising. During the shipping process, bananas must be refrigerated at specifically chilled containers. Then, the gasser kicks in. The banana gasser sprays the fruit in hermetically sealed chambers (also known as airtight containers) with ethylene gas. The purpose of this is to speed the process of ripening, or catalyze it. This gas, C2H4, is what remains of alcohol in liquor if you remove the water. By manipulating gas vents, the gasser can manipulate when the fruit ripens with this catalytic gas.
However, it’s not just as simple as turning on and off a gas vent. The gasser must evaluate how long they’ve been traveling and where the bananas originated. New shipments must go immediately into the chamber, so it’s a split second decision of how much gas to give them, what temperature to sustain them at, and for how long the bananas are in the chamber. One batch of fast-ripeners can cause an explosion of early-ripening fruit, which the gassers must try to prevent. Everything the gasser does is a meticulous calculation.
Getting the banana from trees in hot climates to the consumers around the world is a lot more complicated than it seems. Not bad, for the most popular fruit in the world!
Any hockey fan, or anyone living in Canada, for that matter, can relate to that memorable Tuesday night where they watched in despair for 40 minutes, lived through 15 minutes of hope and five minutes of (to describe the scenario melodramatically) impending doom.
