Photo af an adorable sea turtle I took at the Maui Ocean Centre two years ago.
Website of the Day: 8tracks
Are you sick of the songs on your iPod? Do you want to expand your musical horizons but don’t know where to start? Or, are you a stressed out high school kid like me who can’t focus on the social essay for more than 10 minutes at a time when you know that it’s due tomorrow morning?
Then I very strongly suggest that you check out 8tracks. 8tracks is a “handcrafted internet radio” website, which is really just a fancy way of saying that the website is composed of a bunch of different playlists put together by everyday music lovers. The playlists are organized into various moods and descriptors, including calm, folk, de-stresser, indie, happy, random, oldies, optimistic, rap and lovely.
And like I said earlier, if you need help focusing on the tasks at hand, I especially recommend taking a listen through the playlists under the “study” tab. And don’t scoff when I say this, but pay special attention to the ones that feature classical music. Seriously. I’m speaking from personal experience – I used to listen to mellow music while I studied in order to avoid background noise and disturbances, but in the end I always had to turn my music off because I kept on getting distracted by presence of the words. However, since I switched to listening to classical tunes a few weeks ago, my focus has improved noticeably and I can stay focused for longer periods of time. To further support this contention, scientific studies have actually proven that classical music helps improve productivity by stimulating the brain (the more complicated the melody lines, the better). So, go give it a try! Really, it’s wonderful. Oh, and there’s also a free iPod app that you can use provided you have internet access.
Life is like a…
Two things: Mr. Simple and life. Recently, my friend sent me a link to a music video of the song Mr. Simple by Super Junior (I’m shameful because I’m Korean and my non-Korean friend had to tell me about it). For those of you who just hum along and dance to it but don’t actually understand the lyrics, the song basically talks about hardships. We all go through hardships and far too many times do people give up on their dreams and settle for something less. The song tells us that good things take time and people should not abandon their dreams because they’re stressed. Quite deep for a kpop song, hey?And the second thing I noticed is that even though the song contains meaningful advice, it may not be all that truthful.
Does that make me a hypocrite? After all, I did write a blog about the benefits of optimism. But before you make any judgements, let me explain.
When we’re little we always tell ourselves that we can be whatever we want. Prime minister, princess, doctor, neurosurgeon (quite ambitious for a little kid), astronaut, etc. But we grow up and we learn about our talents, our limitations, and of course, our society. I may be coming from a completely biased point of view, but the society is one of dog-eat-dog. We aren’t inherently bad people. But society makes us competitive and selfish. There will always be a number of people who are the best, who are the worst, and many others in between. It’s natural to think about what’s best for ourselves, not others.
Take med school, for one. There are so many students who want to become a doctor but the brutal truth is only about five per cent of those students get accepted. All those students want to get accepted just as badly as the next. Each one of them is going to think “As long as I work really hard, I’ll get in.” But the amount of effort you put into your work does not matter if you don’t have the grades and credentials! I don’t want to discourage any of you med school prospective students; what I’m getting across is that if you want something, you have to want it pretty bad (note that this is merely a secondhand opinion; I’m not a med school student nor am I a prospective one.)
But I mean, it’s good to be optimistic. We tell ourselves to stay positive so that we can carry on with our lives. But being 100% optimistic may not be a good thing either. We need to consider everyone around us, not just our own hopes and dreams. So can you be a doctor? Of course! But you’ll need to commit to it like no one else will. Optimism is especially critical when it comes to failures. It may be hard to continue working towards our goals, but if we give up, that’s the end. So please please remember that nothing worthwhile in life is going to come easily.
Before I go into a complete rant, let me summarize what I hope to get across. Life is tough; the people in it are going to be even more tough. But just keep in mind that in our society, our success is determined relatively. And even if you should make some mistakes now and then, don’t abandon what you’ve wanted for a long time.
Video of the Day: Le Internet Medley
For those who haven’t already seen this, this is a video that uploaded to YouTube around a week ago. Since then, it has already accumulated over 5 million views. It’s a pretty entertaining tribute to some of the famous memes recently spawned by the internet. It’s not only hilarious, but is a worthwhile listen as well. How many memes can you recognize?
[youtube mghhLqu31cQ]ConocoPhillips Youth of Distinction Awards 2012 updates
Planning for the 2012 ConocoPhillips Youth of Distinction Awards (YODA) is well underway, with 15 awesome youth steering committee members working together to create the most successful year yet!
YODA recognizes deserving youth 13-18 years of age for their extraordinary achievements, passion and dedication to the community. The awards are unique in that they are not academic. This year, there are two new award categories: Sportmanship and Arts and Culture.
The nomination deadline is March 5, 2012. ANYONE (yes, you!) can nominate a youth for any of the categories. Please start considering the amazing youth you know! The ceremony will be held on May 5, 2012.
For more information about the nomination criteria and how to nominate a youth, watch the video below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTfLatWuaq0
Downloads:
2012 Nomination Form
2012 Nominator’s Questionnaire
Ultimate Guide to Style: How to Find your Perfect Look
“I used to wear a lot of plaid and I had no idea how to accessorize. My mom was embarrassed to be seen with me in public and my friends would call my plaid shirts, hobo shirts. It was sad… until Seventeen Ultimate Guide to Style came around and changed my life.”
-(Real testimonial) Me
^I wasn’t exaggerating. My friends actually said I dressed like a homeless person. But good thing for me, that’s changed now. I dress like a classy homeless person (I still wear a lot of plaid, I just accessorize better… ish).
Okay so anyways, I’m just going to give an overview of what this book talks about and then I’ll be writing separate blogs for each of the six distinct looks: girly, edgy, boho, classic, glam, and indie (so stay tuned). It’s helpful because each chapter contains the “must-have items” of that particular style, names of stores where you can get certain articles of clothing, examples of how to mix and match it worn by real girls (on the runway, real-life street style, or red carpet) and an example celebrity with that style. For example, the boho style analyzes Vanessa Hudgens’ way of dressing it up.
If you’re fashion impaired, this book will help -serious face-. My upcoming blogs on these six different styles might do the trick :P. You don’t have to specifically follow a certain style. In fact, by trying stuff from each style and adding in your own flare, you broaden your creativity and originality; let your style be a direct representation of who YOU are. And to top it off, as long as you look confident in what you wear, then you’re pretty much set. Walk with good posture, head up, look ahead, and you’ll rock your outfit.
Remember — there are still more blogs to come ;D
Toodles~
10 famous musical works you know, but can’t name
Have you ever had one of those moments where you’re watching a movie and the soundtrack comes on and you think: “where have I heard that before?” Or maybe you’re watching an old cartoon like Charlie Brown and Schroeder starts playing a familiar classical piece, and you think to yourself: “I know that piece, but I don’t the name!” If you’ve had one these moments, don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. (Especially me!)
I’ve compiled a short list of ten famous works (from classical to romantic to 21st century) that you’ve probably listened to, but can’t name. Enjoy!
(So in no particular order…)
Habanera (From Carmen Suite No. 2) By Bizet
[youtube 6fZRssq7UlM]
Habanera is an aria from the famous opera Carmen by Georges Bizet. (1838-1875) This little love song is used a lot in movies and commercials. It was even played during one scene in Up when Carl is going down stairs!
Symphony No. 5 in C minor By Beethoven
Dun-Dun-Dun-Duuuuuh! Ludwig van Beethoven‘s Symphony No. 5 is arguably the most well-known classical music piece ever. Its distinctive four note motive is recognized worldwide is often used in popular culture, television, and in movies.
Eine Kliene Nachtmusik (1st Movement: Allegro) By Mozart
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GT7_Y1pIBb4
This piece, which is actually called Serenade No. 13 for Strings in G Major is in my opinion, Mozart’s most famous work. The name this piece is commonly referred to, Eine Kliene Nachtmusik, means “A Little Night Music” in German. (I think the German title sounds cooler) This piece is often used as the soundtrack to fancy parties and balls in movies.
Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture By Tchaikovsky
This is the music that is played during those scenes where the two lovers are running towards each other in slow motion. The excerpt above is perfect for those “love at first sight” moments in movies.
Toccata & Fugue in d minor by JS Bach
This piece is the one that you hear the vampires playing in those scary Halloween movies. Spooky!
William Tell Overture (Finale) by Rossini
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz_9FrhCBnI
There are actually four parts to the William Tell Overture, all of which are very popular. This portion in particular, the finale, is a favorite of mine. I really like the feeling of a charging cavalry you get in this piece, very exciting!
Also Sprach Zarathustra by Strauss
This is the that really neat sounding piece in the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Orpheus in the Underworld by Offenbach
Can-can, can you do the can-can?
Gayane: Sabre Dance by Khachaturian
A movement from the ballet Gayane, the Sabre Dance really makes me want to jump around! This is the piece that you often hear during circus performances in movies.
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 by Liszt
I remember watching Tom & Jerry as a kid and watching this performance over and over again. Well, now I know what its called!
Poem of the Day: E.E. Cummings
This poem by E.E. Cummings is one of my favorite pieces of literary art. Cummings’ free, unbridled disregard for what is deemed “proper” grammar and syntax is what makes him so special. The deeply personal rhythm that he captures in his writing could only be conveyed through his artfully deconstructed verses. This unique ability to create a stunningly abstract image from words, whilst maintaining their meaningful connotations, is something that I will always admire.
what time is it ? it is by every star
a different time,and each most falsely true;
or so subhuman superminds declare
-nor all their times encompass me and you:
when are we never,but forever now
(hosts of eternity;not guests of seem )
believe me,dear,clocks have enough to do
without confusing timelessness and time.
Time cannot children,poets,lovers tell-
measure imagine,mystery,a kiss
-not though mankind would rather know than feel;
mistrusting utterly that timelessness
whose absence would make your whole life and my
(and infinite our ) merely to undie
-e.e. cummings
Video of the Day: The Hunger Games Trailer
It’s an amazing book, so it has to be an amazing movie, right?
How excited are you?
The Art of Democracy National Youth Challenge
Do you love to express your opinion? How about winning prizes? On Nov 30, 2011, express your opinion about democracy. Whether you can vote or you’ve been influenced by the election process, this is your time to share your thoughts. Democracy is known as the “voice of the people.” You are a person, and your voice deserves to be heard. To honour Canada’s Democracy Week, participate in this contest. Draw a picture, make a video, write a blog, tweet your thoughts on what democracy means to you.
Submit your work and enter to win prizes! We all love the ability to have our voices heard. Even if we are under the age of 18, we still have the opportunity to participate in Student Vote which influences adult’s decision-making. If you are passionate about democracy and feel it’s important to recognize our rights in Canada, then participate in this National Youth Challenge!
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The Book of Negroes: A Book Review
As much as I enjoy fluffy chick lit (and believe me, I do), books with tangible depth are just as wonderful. In fact, most times they are much more extraordinary than your usual Shopaholic installment.
I finished The Book of Negroes, an award-winning novel by Canadian author Lawrence Hill, only a few days ago and I’m still breathless from it. The Book of Negroes tells the story of Aminata, a young girl who gets abducted from her village in West Africa in the 1700s and is forced into the slave trade. The book winds through her extraordinary life from working on an indigo plantation in South Carolina to being a settler on the coast of Sierra Leone. A story that is heartbreaking and brilliant at its core, The Book of Negroes is a magnificent tale of a piece of history that, for many, is long forgotten. Hill brings the colonial slave trade alive to such an extent that I could not imagine it being written any other way. Reminiscent of Holocaust stories in its honest brutality, the novel accomplishes so much in the way of both defining history and telling an unforgettable story.
The novel is a breathtaking journey for the reader and is rather absorbing in its realness. By the end it is so tragically triumphant that it leaves the reader with immense inspiration and enlightenment, which definitely beats out a fluffy read any day.
In all truth, The Book of Negroes simply cannot be done justice through any review. Therefore, I encourage all of you to give this incredible novel a try; I guarantee that you will be just as speechless as I am.
Blowing on your thumb can do what?
So the other day I was googling “human body wonders” (don’t ask why) and came upon an article entitled “18 Tricks to Teach Your Body.” After reading it, I decided that it was one of the coolest things that I had ever read and that it needed to be shared with everyone. So, in this post I’ve included five of my personal favourites and a link to the actual article at the end. Read them – seriously, you may never be the same again.
1. Quell those stomach butterflies
Are you freaking out over a first date? A massive test worth 50% of your overall grade? Blow on your thumb like you would a straw. Research has shown that this action will stimulate the vagus nerve, which plays a role in controlling heart rate – it’ll slow your heart rate and make you calmer. Just don’t let your date see you do this.
2. Flex away your near-sightedness
Let’s face it, having myopia sucks. I’ve always envied those with 20/20 vision and have never had the good fortune of nearly poking their eyes out while trying to put in contacts or experienced the pain of glasses bouncing up and down on their noses while playing sports. Research has shown one of the main causes of near-sightedness to be the result of prolonged near-point stress (as in, staring something close to your face for way too long). So, while you’re making your way through that labyrinth of a social project with your eyes glued to the computer screen, take a couple seconds each hour to tense up your entire body. Take a deep breath, scrunch up your face and imagine every fibre of your being contracting. Hold for a few seconds and release. Trust me, it feels good.
3. Roll your head at sleeping arms
Next time your arm starts feeling like it’s sitting in a bed of pins and needles, rock your head back and forth. The tingly sensation is often the result of compression located in the bundle of nerves in your neck – rolling your head back and forth will loosen up these muscles and release the pressure.
4. Breathe your running cramp away
Most people exhale as their right foot hits the ground. This puts pressure on your liver (which is usually on the right side of your body unless you have condition known as situs inversus) which pulls at the diaphragm and may result in one of those annoying side stitches. To solve this problem, exhale every time your left foot hits the ground.
5. Right ear for speech, left ear for music
Can’t tell what the mumbler is saying above the din of the party? Lean in with your right ear – it’s better than your left ear at following speech rhythms. Contrarily, turn your left ear towards that softly playing song to better identify the musical tones.
If you want to learn more about how to clear a stuffy nose, temporarily overcome the need to go pee, or thaw a brain freeze, check out the full eighteen tips here.
Poem of the Day: If You Can…
If you can start the day without caffeine;
If you can get going without pep pills;
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains;
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles;
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it;
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time;
If you can forgive a friend’s lack of consideration;
If you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you when, through no fault of your own, something goes wrong;
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment;
If you can ignore a friend’s limited education and never correct him;
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend;
If you can face the world without lies and deceit;
If you can conquer tension without medical help;
If you can relax without liquor;
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs;
If you can honestly say that deep in your heart you have no prejudice against creed or color, religion or politics;
then, my friend, you are almost as good as your dog.
–Anonymous
Video of the Day – “Robots” by Canada’s own Dan Mangan
Another fantastic song from Dan Mangan, I love the sound of his voice. I reminds me of Dylan, but with more force and youth behind it. Give it a listen!
Beating the odds
In the past few months, two of my close friends have been diagnosed with different types of cancer at the age of 17. I had always thought that it was something that would never affect people that I knew because up until a few years ago I hadn’t known anyone who had life-changing news or health changes. It has shocked me that in a few weeks so much can change in your life. A study conducted from 1992-2005 showed that about 2,075 young adults between 15 and 29 years are diagnosed with cancer each year.
This weekend I had lots of emotions about the impact of cancer brough up as I realized that the most shocking thing about this issue is that it can happen to anyone when you least expect it. I watched the movie 50/50 in theatres this weekend and thought it was amazing. The movie was about cancer, which is usually associated with sadness, but Director Jonathan Levine balanced the comedy and drama amazingly. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Adam, a young man who is diagnosed with a rare type of cancer where only about 50 per cent of people survive. He has to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to get rid of the cancerous tumor which has grown along his spine. This movie not only acknowledges and incorporates the sadness of cancer, but at the same time adds comedy and happiness to this young mans life. It shows the importance of friendships and support from loved ones during hard times. Seth Rogen incorporates bits of comedy and joy into the movie.
I thought that the movie was extremely well done, with a great balance between the drama of cancer and the comedy of Seth Rogen. He demonstrates the importance of friendship and believing in yourself and others. It goes to show that good friends bring out the best in people, and even in the worst of times, they know how to make people happy. I thought that the directors, producers, and actors in 50/50 did an outstanding job throughout the movie. I recommend this movie to anyone, whether cancer is something that affects you or not. It is a great movie that allowed me to walk out with hope and joy surrounding the touchy subject.