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Love song in different languages

missCarrie
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After reading Richie’s blog post about Saying “Hello” In 10 different languages, I’ve decided to look up those three tender words that should be nearly universal: I love you.

And with the holidays coming up, I thought, why not spread the love? Yes I know, it’s not December yet. I don’t care! I love Christmas and giving and love and everything 🙂

Anyway, that’s beside the point. I found a German artist named Bodo Wartke who created a song named Liebeslied (meaning love song) which consists of the pronunciation of “I love you” in 60 different languages. Although it’s a bit rough, he attempted to sing in the popular languages around the world! Specifically in the English translation, he sings “I want to sing in every language for you, baby. And play on every instrument to say these words to you; Believe me it is true, I love you.”

[youtube ZOb0bErcDyg]

He also has a website (in German unfortunately) and this part of the website translates the words in different languages. So you can send your friends an “I love you” in a language you’ve always yearned to learn, or a language that they’ve wanted to learn.

And since I can’t read German, TheAntiChrysler made a compilation of Wartke’s love generator as well!

[youtube V-kuYECp8XM]

[youtube r7fVmOSSgmQ]

Generating truly random numbers via quantum mechanics?

Gary
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A physicist from Ottawa has recently used lasers to generate large sets of random numbers. According to the Montreal Gazette, Ben Sussman is a physicist who works on quantum technologies at the National Research Council. Before this, all random numbers were generated through computer algorithms that only gave the appearance of being random.  In reality, no computing processor can generate a completely random number; it must be given a set of instructions in order to produce one.

You Are The Chosen One...

The main difference between “appearing” random and being truly random is that there is no way for hackers to decode the truly random numbers. Computer algorithms can be easily used to decode a set of encrypted numbers, but with this new innovation, it won’t be possible to decrypt a set of numbers if there is no way of knowing how it is produced. The way that Ben Sussman produces these numbers is through lasers. Using a pulse of laser no longer than trillionths of a second, the light shines through a diamond, and on its way out it changes in a “special way.” The light interacts with quantum vacuum fluctuations, which change the energy of the light in unpredictable ways. Since quantum mechanics is based around the notion that nothing within the realm of the “extremely small” can be calculated with absolute certainty, it creates something that has no cause and effect relationship.  With this new technology, Ben Sussman suggests that it can be used to make encrypted data nearly impossible to bypass, and can make the lottery truly random and completely fair.

Review: The New Telus Spark Science Centre

cathy
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1

Since the very first day I noticed the construction of the new science centre, Telus Spark, I have been on the tips of toes wanting to go. When I finally saw the finished purple and blue structure resembling an ice castle driving down Deerfoot Trail, I was extremely, EXTREMELY excited.

There are a few differences between the new science centre and the old one. Firstly, the ticket cost around $16 for youth (age 13-17) plus an additional charge of $5 for parking – unless you want to take the less costly method of transportation of taking the c-train to the zoo station where you would then have to walk over (weigh the costs of laziness vs. saving money).

Spark is divided into 3 sections: Energy & Innovation, Earth & Sky, and Being Human. Being Human was my favourite section because it had some fun areas such as the stress detector, flirting experiment (awkward when you see mother-son or brother-sister partners), jumping competition that provided some pretty amusing and hilarious videos that could be watched after, and Andy Warhol’s smell museum.

"Andy Warhol switched colognes every few months and saved the bottles in a "smell museum." Years later, a whiff of a particular cologne could bring back memories tied to that scent." - Spark

Spark is quite spacious; however, it did not seem as interactive and “sciencey.” Maybe it could have been that the science center is still new, but a lot of activities were mind-puzzling and we did not exactly know what was being demonstrated in regards to science. Some demonstrations seemed like they were not complete because there were instructions to find certain things that were not present. I was most disappointed to find out that the dome theatre was not open until Spring 2012, since that is one of the main reasons why people love the science centre.

All in all, I think the new science centre is off to a good start and I look forward to revisiting it once the dome theatre is open! Have you checked out the new science centre yet?

A Poem: 4 Walls of the World

Sarah
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4 Walls of the World

I want to look outside my window, and see the stars shining in the sky.

I want to look up to the sky as though it is a life beyond, and better, to let me know that there is something else out there.

I want to wish upon a shooting star.

I want to see a meteor shower and feel alive.

I want to sit under the blanket and shelter of the night with those I love.

Now I look out to the night sky, and instead of hope I see blackness, and sorrows, regrets.

I look out of my window looking for the better life, and I see a reflection, a copy of my room.

I see myself standing there, but the person I see is someone who is fading, away into the distance.

I look out wanting, to see hope and freedom, but see jail bars, not allowing dreams or hope to reach me.

When I sit here crying I look out searching for happiness.

I want to see beyond these four walls.

I want to hide away, in a place that no one can find me, but those who know me the best.

I want to sit inside my closet, dark and alone because that is how I feel, every second that I live in this room.

I can’t find the exit, and everytime I try to I am brought back to the window, looking into the same room out there.

I’m trapped.

I can’t find the hope.

I want to leave but can’t.

I want to strive for better.

The Hero’s Walk: A Book Recommendation

Bill
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The Hero’s Walk by Anita Rau Badami happened to be a book my English 30 teacher decided to use as a novel study. At first glance the book appears less-than-stellar, being a no-name book accredited with a few Canadian awards. I mean, don’t we all look for New York Times Bestsellers when we look for good reads?  Nonetheless, as the timeless saying goes, “don’t judge a book by its cover” proves valid with this book.

Sripathi Rao is an ordinary man, born and raised in the town of Toturpuram. Sripathi lives with his family, consisting of his mother, wife, sister, and son under their home, deemed as the Big House. Sounds ordinary enough, except for the fact that his daughter isn’t in the picture.  Several years back, she left to pursue her studies and never returned, not because she was lost in the foreign world, but because Sripathi exiled her from his family name. This was her punishment for marrying a white man and breaking her prearranged engagement with a man back home. A tragic family conflict becomes more tragic when his daughter and her husband are killed in a car crash – leaving behind their seven-year-old daughter. Sripathi is the designated legal guardian in case of such an accident.  Amidst the chaos the ensues in the household, Sripathi must come to terms with his loss as well as redeem himself with regards to restoring his family.

In a powerful composition of ordinary characters turned extraordinary, the book explores in depth what it’s like to suffer through life’s tragedies through the perspectives of everyone affected. Capturing everything normal, Badami ties together life’s joys and sorrows with a bittersweet harmony. Perfectly reflecting the human experience, this book showcases what it means to simply live through life.

The novel really caught me off-guard. What I thought would have been a bland book turned out to be a captivating exploration of the adversities life throws at essentially everyone. If you’re interested in reading a book that isn’t fantasy or mystery/thriller but simply a portrayal of life, then you might have found your book.

Cohaero, A Junior Achievement Company

Nico
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3

Hey guys, so… it’s been a while! But I’m back, and it’s true, I have something amazing to share with you all. As I blogged about once before, there’s an amazing youth entrepreneurial opportunity called Junior Achievement that runs many company programs right here in Calgary. Well, these company programs have began to develop, and yes, it’s true, I’m here to give a shameless, but tasteful advertising plug for one of the most amazing and eloquent JASA products you could ever possibly purchase.

Made from samples found from small businesses around Calgary

Its called “The Luxuria Box” by Cohaero, and inside you’ll find samples from some of the most exquisite, refined products from small businesses found all around Calgary. Just a few of these small businesses include Naked Leaf Tea located in Kensington, Epiphanies Chocolates and RnR Wellness. Its truly amazing what you might find inside these boxes and you can purchase them for just $20. Keep an eye out for these exquisite products being sold in and around the Calgary area. And make sure to keep following up with the blog for more details, as the company is still in its infancy.

Video of the Day: Motown cover of Nickelback!

ali
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I really, really don’t like Nickelback. I really, really dig Motown. Give it a listen!

Unique and Rewarding Christmas Gifts

Erica
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I recently heard of some organizations that allow you to give unique and rewarding gifts to those in need this Christmas.

Me to We

This organization provides the opportunity for youth to volunteer overseas in a safe and rewarding environment. A Me to We trip to locations such as Kenya, India, or China would be an amazing gift for a youth philanthropist who is interested in volunteering.

World Vision

World Vision has an incredibly comprehensive gift catalogue that allows you to give many different types of gifts to those in need. Some examples of gifts that you can donate to people in various countries include goats, fruit trees and basic immunizations.

World Wildlife Fund

This fund allows you to symbolically adopt an endangered animal. You can help to protect polar bears, sea turtles, panda bears, and more.

Conservation International

This amazing organization is committed to protecting our environment. You can make a donation towards protecting an acre of forest or a mile of ocean in the name of someone special.

 

The Maze Runner: Book Review

william
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I’ll admit it, the only reason I read this book was because I heard that it’s similar to The Hunger Games. But as it turns out, the similarities are quite small.

Basically Thomas, the protagonist, wakes up with his memories wiped and finds himself in a place called the Glade – a village of sorts, filled with kids just like Thomas and surrounded by giant stone walls. Despite no one knowing how or why it quickly becomes apparent that Thomas is an important player in this mystery.

There were rarely any deep themes or character analysis. This novel seems to rely heavily on plot. But despite that the plot line really offers nothing new, it’s one of those stories where a group of individuals have accepted their misfortune, then comes the ambitious new guy who shows up and tries to save them.

As far as the book’s similarity with the Hunger Games goes, it’s a bunch of kids trapped in some place and manipulated by an organization of some sort. But that’s where the similarities end.

Bottom Line: there aren’t any huge flaws in this novel, but it seems to lack in many places and suffers from an unoriginal plot line. I give The Maze Runner 7/10.

Photo(s) of the Day: Water element

MJ
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1

I don’t know about you guys, but looking at photos of oceans, lakes, rivers, even pools (without the half-naked people running about) and aquariums, make me feel serene. There’s something about the way calm bodies of water sharply and clearly reflect the sky, the mountains, the trees, the moon. I have a huge collection of photos related to water and I thought I’d share some. Click on the photos for the image credit. Enjoy!

Seminyak, Indonesia (upside down photo)

Maldives, the island nation

Venice, the water city

Dubai aquarium

 

The YMCA Peace Medal ceremony

lisa aka "Mangomaru"
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“Recognition, Awareness, Inspiration, Action! ” opens the YMCA Peace Medal Award Ceremony to celebrate World Peace Week. Awe-inspiring, local and humanitarian individuals and groups gathered together at this unique and fun awards ceremony, where compassionate hearts were recognized for their passion for peace.

I must give my warm hearfelt thanks to my Red Cross coordinator to nominate my brainchild of a fundraiser and group, Picture the Future Movement, for a Peace Medal in the International Youth category! I’ve certainly love the YMCA and highly commend them for creating this event that recognizes the humanitarianism acts of today will lead to world peace tomorrow. Alas, no longer a youth, the amazing team of volunteers that were able to raise and execute what simply was only a dream in my head are some of the most dedicated to promoting peace as well. To all the students at Lester B. Pearson high school who were dedicated to this project, thank you.

I was quite honoured to have been asked to read the Mayor’s Proclamation in front of all the extraordinary individuals at the Peace Medal Award Ceremony on behalf of Mayor Naheed Nenshi and City Council. We sometimes take peace for granted, being so fortunate that we live in Canada, but around the world, these amazing nominees have stepped up to reconginze their need!

What you can do to promote peace: Speak less, listen more. Have the mindset that you can ALWAYS do more.

Congratulations to all the nominee and recipients of the 2011 YMCA Peace Medal!

To learn more: read and be inspired by all the recipients of the 2011 YMCA Peace Medal or find out how you can promote peace!

My terrific three things – for Calgary!

sarena
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Did you know that making a difference in our city doesn’t take a massive act of kindness but can be the smallest or simplest of things? I didn’t fully realize this either until I heard about Mayor Nenshi’s Three Things for Calgary initiative. Basically, you pick three things that you would like to do for your street, neighbourhood or city. Let your heart and your creativity lead the way!

Here are my 3 things for Calgary:

1. Bake cookies for a homeless shelter (like Inn from the Cold)!  If cookies can warm up the hearts of family and friends, I’m sure some of the less fortunate people in Calgary would love this special treat – especially since it’s the beginning of the festive season. I plan to turn the cookie baking process into a fun session with some friends – more fun (and cookies) for everyone.

2.  Set up a mini little creative talent show type event for the people in my community.  Anyone and everyone can come and share their talents (ex. playing an instrument, dancing, singing, poetry, storytelling – you name it). This is a great way for neighbours and community members to get to know each other in a comfortable and relaxed environment.

3.  Finally, as a personal initiative, I plan to make a special effort to help seniors when they seem to need it, whether this is by giving up a seat on the c-train/bus for them, helping them carry heavy items if they appear to be having trouble or even just engaging in a conversation with them. I think this very small act of kindness would mean a ton to the older folks in Calgary!

So now that you’ve heard my three things, perhaps you’ve been inspired to think of your own.

Saying “Hello!” in 10 different languages

richie
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Are you a multi-linguistic kind of person? Do you like to travel a lot?  Well then I have the perfect guide to learning how to say a few basic greetings in 10 of the worlds most spoken languages. Enjoy!

Many of the words here require the knowledge of accents to properly pronounce them. If you have a friend who speaks one of these languages, ask them to give you a hand!

1. Mandarin (Chinese):

Hello – Ni Hao

How are you? – Ni Hao Ma?

Bye – Zai Jian

# of speakers: >1 billion

 

2. English:

Hello – What’s up man!

How are you? – How’s it going?!

Bye – See ya later!

# of speakers: 508 million

 

3. Hindi (Hindustani):

Hello – Namaste

How are you? – Ap kaise hain?

Bye – Pirmelange

# of speakers: 497 million

 

4. Spanish:

Hello – Hola

How are you? – Como Estas?

Bye – Adios

# of speakers: 392 million

 

5. Russian:

Hello – Zdravstvuite

How are you? – Kak dyela?

Bye – Do svidanja

# of speakers: 277 million

 

6. Arabic:

Hello – Al salaam a’alaykum

How are you? – Kif Halaak?

Bye – salam

# of speakers: 246 million

 

7. Bengali:

Hello – Ei Je

How are you? – Kamon aachen

Bye – Bidaai

# of speakers: 211 million

 

8. Portuguese:

Hello – Bom dia

How are you? – Como esta?

Bye – Tchau

# of speakers: 191 million

 

9. Indonesian (Malay):

Hello – Selamat pagi

How are you? – Kenalkan?

Bye – Selamat tinggal

# of speakers: 159 million

10. French:

Hello – Bonjour

How are you? – Comment ça va?

Bye – Au revoir

# of speakers: 129 million

Christmas present for dad

Bona
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The long awaited time of the year is approaching! Christmas is coming and it’s exactly one month away. It doesn’t seem too far off, but time will fly and before you know it, it’s CHRISTMAS. You’ll be stressing about diplomas one month away, university applications, scholarships, and completely unrelated Christmas thoughts.

Have you thought of a gift for your dad yet? Think about an item that they will actually use this year; one that they will keep for a lifetime. An ideal present you can buy is this Braithwaite Wallet. It’s a bit pricey, but totally worth it. This cypress wallet is 100% strong leather, it’s a limited edition, slim, convenient, and classy. If your father is a business man or you want to buy this for a family friend, they will definitely appreciate and love this.

http://www.braithwaitewallets.com/

It’s very thin and handy so it will not bulge out of your pocket. It’s a one of a kind, custom-made wallet. All surfaces are 100% leather because nothing is as strong as real leather. It’s durable; it will last a life time. It’s simple and slick. It is definitely worth the price. It is for men with style and class. Check it out and you won’t regret it. Don’t be cheap with your father’s Christmas present this year, spend a little more on the ones you love.

The Evolution of the Cell Phone: A Visual Chronology

victoria
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Today, cell phones are an ubiquitous part of our lives. There are an estimated 5 billion cellphones in circulation around the world, with an estimated 20 million in usage right here in Canada. Therefore, it can seem hard to believe that the first commercial cell phone only became available less than 30 years ago. Back then, the cell phone seemed in a completely different universe from the models we know and love today. Introduced in 1983, the Motorola DynaTAC weighed almost 800 grams and cost $4000 to boot. The truth is, the cell phone may be one of the fastest evolving technologies to date. To see the rapid advancements in both aesthetics and technology is a pretty amazing. Therefore, today I can proudly present a brief visual history of one of our favorite innovations of the last half-century.

1983 – Motorola DynaTAC

The beginning of the cell phone revolution

1989 – Motoroka MicroTAC

The first flip phone, the first cell phone to actually fit in a pocket

1993 – IBM Simon

First “smartphone”

1998 – Nokia 8810

First phone without an external antenna

2001 – Ericsson T39

First phone to have bluetooth capabilities

2004 – Motorola RAZR

First “fashion” phone

2007 – Apple iPhone

2010  – HTC Evo 4G

If you’re interested in this topic, you can find a lot more information (and pretty pictures) here and here.

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