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75 Tastes of Calgary: Food to try in the city

Syed
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Calgary is a city that isn’t really famous for much – we have the Stampede as the primary attraction to the city. But as is the case with any urban setting, Calgary has tons of hidden gems, if you will, all over the city. For its 75th anniversary, Where Calgary Magazine has compiled a list of 75 Tastes of Calgary. If you’re like me, you love food, and would jump at the opportunity to try some of these. A couple of things on the list are fairly mainstream (Peter’s Milkshakes, anyone?), but some of the items on the list never even occurred to me! I’ll give you a taste of what the list looks like (yes, pun totally intended), but be sure to check out the rest of the list in Where Magazine’s 75 Tastes of Calgary article!

What about…?:
As is the case with any list of “Bests,” I feel there is at least one major omission, so my question to Where Magazine is, “Where is Spiros Pizza?” I honestly believe that Spiros is the best pizzeria in the city. Located on 17th Ave and 33th St, it’s definitely something worth checking out in this blogger’s opinion. =)

Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Served at Janice Beaton):
Described as a “freshly baked ciabatta bun” in which creamy Oka Classique cheese “mingles with sharp cheddar and tomato chili jam,” this sandwich actually looks extremely appetizing to me, especially since I love grilled cheese sandwiches. It is definitely on my list of things to try, now!

Janice Beaton’s Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Falafel Pita (Served at Chick Pea):
Shrouded in the mystery of a secret recipe with a purported 17 spices, this pita is filled with veggies, in house hummus, tahini, and garlic sauce, Where Magazine strongly recommends trying this falafel pita out. Personally, though, falafel is not really my thing, so I think I’ll pass on this one.

Chick Pea’s Falafel Pita

Lemon Cream Cake (Served at Brûlée Patisserie):
Described as “Lemon syrup-brushed layers filled with lemon curd and whipped cream” with “decadent frosted lemon buttercream icing,” all  I have to say is, “How can I get there from my house?”

Brûlée’s Lemon Cream Cake

Waffles (Served at A Ladybug Bakery & Cafe):
Belgian waffles served with maple syrup, raspberry coulis sauce, whipped cream, strawberries, and sugar, I have to say that this probably sounds delicious to most. Me, on the other hand? I like my waffles nice and simple; maybe a sprinkle of cinnamon or have some chocolate chips hidden in there. The set up you see below is just a little too extravagant for me, and coupled with the fact that I can’t stand any berries, I think I’ll pass.


Ladybug’s Waffles

Vietnamese Crepes (Served at Kol 3):
Take some rice flour, coconut milk, tumeric, and water, and make a crepe. Then fill ‘er up with shrimp, onions, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and one of pork, beef, or chicken. What do you have? A traditional Vietnamese crepe served at Kol 3. However, as was the case with the waffles up above, I don’t think I could stomach that much extra stuff in something as simple as a crepe. I’m sure many people enjoy it, but it’s just not for me.

Kol 3’s Traditional Vietnamese Crepes

Credit for images goes to Jason Dziver and Blair Hill and descriptions goes to Laura Pellerine, Dan Leahul and Allison Onyett at Where Calgary Magazine. Once again, I highly recommend that you check out the rest of the list as well at Where Magazine’s 75 Tastes of Calgary.

Five amazing interpretations of famous songs

victoria
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Personally, I love listening to song covers, both professional and amateur. Since each and every developed artist is bound to have different styles of performance and and sound, it’s always interesting to see my favorite songs interpreted by different musicians. However, even better than a straightup cover is a song interpretation. It’s really amazing how something as simple as changing the instrumentation to a song can dramatically affect the song’s mood and meaning. Today, I’ll be sharing five of my favorite intrepretations of a few quite famous songs.

 

5. Smells Like Teen Spirit covered by Paul Anka (originally Nirvana)

[youtube TsS811o21-k]

Paul Anka has actaully covered a lot of famous rock songs in a swing style, including Wonderwall and Eye of the Tiger, but this one is definitely one of my favorite. The reason why I love this cover so much is less because Anka’s skill in interpreting the song (Smells like Teen Spirit’s subject matter doesn’t exactly seem to fit a jazz style) but because this cover is such a solid song in it’s own right. The instrumentation here is immensly rich and colorful and the song’s familiar melody sounds surprisingly catchy played in this style.  This cover also gets points for convincingly altering one of the most notable symbols of teen angst into an essentially cheerfully sounding work.

 

4. Heigh Ho covered by Tom Waits (originally from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs)

[youtube C4_zaZ3utUY]

Now this is a cover that takes the atmosphere of the original song and does a complete 180 turn on it. This is definitely a interesting song to listen to. The instrumentation is pretty desolate and nightmarish, but also really stylish. I especially adore the percussion line, which is both very diverse in sound and perfectly reminiscent of the horrors of working in a coal mine. What’s especially impressive is that the lyrics are completely unchanged from the original, and yet work perfectly with the new instrumentation. This is really a great example of just how much a song can altered while still retaining that inherent familiarity.

 

3. Creep covered by Amanda Palmer (originally Radiohead)

[youtube 1ogNJkXGd0w]

To be honest, I have a soft spot for the sound of ukeleles and this is a song cover that perfectly portrays exactly why I love the instrument so much. This song is probably more similar to its original, especially when compared with the two examples above. Thom Yorke and Amanda Palmer definitely both have very distinctive voices that work in their favour for both versions of the song. Largely because of Yorke’s vocal work, the original gives off a  very depressing and suble feel whereas this cover is a lot more emotional and dramatic. However, the bright and warm tone of the ukelele adds a completely new layer of meaning to this song. Does it add a layer of irony to an otherwise saddening song? Does it add shades of “life goes on” to the song’s meaning? Does it do something else entirely? Who really knows? (Also, make sure to check out Palmer’s other covers from her ukelele album. I never knew Radiohead sounded so good against a ukelele backdrop)

 

2. Imagine covered by a Perfect Circle (originally John Lennon)

[youtube dunKAwRN3P8]

If you’re wondering about this cover, it’s actually Imagine interpreted in a minor key. As a song, it’s not incredibly noteworthy. The instrumentation used here is pretty standard and there’s nothing here that’s an incredible departure from the original. What is awesome is the way in which changing a few notes changes the entire mood of the song. Suddenly, the song transfers to a peaceful, idealistic song into something much more menancing and cautionary. I like thinking that this song is a far more cynical response, if you will, to the ideas posed in Lennon’s original song. The accompanying video is also very well-made and suits the song perfectly.

1. My Humps covered by Alanis Morisette (originally Black Eyed Peas)

[youtube pRmYfVCH2UA]

(warning: the above video contains provocative dancing and inappriopriate language)

There is a reason why this cover takes up the top spot and that is because I absolutely love it. Not only is Alanis’ piano cover gorgeous in itself (that moment when she starts moving into the higher vocal range is simply breathtaking), but by covering this song in a soulful ballad style, she actually manages to succesfully poke fun at the vapid and meaningless lyrics contained in a surprisingly large proportion of modern music. Thus, this cover is actually pretty funny in hindsight as well. “Ironic” covers of pop songs are always fun and this is definitely one of my favorite covers in such a style.

So do you guys have any great song covers to share?

Poetry: leaders in our history

sheliza
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Would the poor,

Be in a better condition,

Without Mother Theresa,

Willing to open the less fortunate’s door?

 

Would we have an airplane,

If Orville and Wilbur Wright,

Would rather stand in the rain,

And believe in no term called flight.

 

Would we have a kinder way,

To readdress wrongs without Ghandi?

Would people today,

Still be able to have a say?

 

Would we be able to fight our fears,

Without Terry Fox?

Or would people just keep their tears,

All squished up in a box?

 

Would we be able to see far away,

Without Galileo?

Would you be able to look past our sun rays,

Or just be able to see the objects coming our way?

 

Would we be able to free the children,

Without Craig Kielburger fulfilling his vision?

He created schools for the homeless,

And allowed them to come out of their miniature nest.

 

Would we be able to all be equal,

Without Lady Baden Powell?

Or would we all be judged for who we are,

And the girls of today’s society could never become shining stars.

 

Would we be able to see through the light,

Without Thomas Edison?

Or would we have to wait until the sun—

Started shining and gave us the gift of sight.

 

Imagine Life….

Without these wonderful people!

The people who changed who we are today,

And made the person we’ll become tomorrow…

 

– Sheliza Kassam

Video of the Day: Justin Bieber… Raps?

Syed
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Justin Bieber is one of the most polarizing celebrities in the entertainment industry today. On one hand, you have the screaming fan girls for whom the Biebz can do no wrong. On the other hand, however, are the majority of teenagers that ostracize him, or the adults who don’t have a clue on who he is or why he’s famous. Me? I think he’s a fairly talented person who just happens to be capitalizing on music that a lot of people in my age group don’t enjoy. He should definitely be commended for surrounding himself with people that know how to market the kid and how to make money off of his mass appeal. This video goes off on a bit of a different tangent, as the Biebs showcases his freestyle talent.

[youtube XBVXPYTzczU]

 

3 things you can do for Calgary

cathy
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Every day, Youth Are Awesome bloggers are posting on the three things they can do for Calgary as part of the City’s 3 Things project. My Three Things are:

1. Donate food and clothing

This winter, I plan to donate  food and clothing. There are many organizations and charities that take non-perishable food and clothing donations. The Drop-In Centre and the Salvation Army are two examples. For clothing donations, make sure they are clean and in relatively good condition. Since it’s getting cold outside, clients at the Drop-In Centre and the Salvation Army would appreciate some winter clothing donations. In addition to clothing, the Salvation Army takes food donations, but make sure your donations are non-perishable and are not expired. Check out the Drop-In Centre’s needs list to see what else YOU can donate!

2. Volunteer to pick up garbage at a park near you

I sign up for many Youth Central volunteer projects and my school clubs do cleaning at parks. It is important to keep our community clean for the sake of everyone. Show your stewardship and pick up garbage at the park even if you didn’t leave it there.

3. Offer your help to people around your neighbourhood

It is beneficial to make friendly relationships with the people in your neighbourhood to get to know them and create greater communications between each other. Rather than waiting for them to ask you for help, offer them your help! You can provide your assistance with raking the leaves, shoveling the snow (since winter is on its way), and even offer free babysitting.

There are so many ways to make our city a better place, but it is up to us to make a difference.

The next 10 years of inventions

Syed
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Over the past 150 years, humans have advanced technologically at an increasingly rapid pace – we’ve gone from horses to cars; cars to planes; and planes to spacecraft. Nowadays, people (at least in the developed world) drive cars more often than not; there are flights across the globe on a daily basis; there are even flights to outer space for the public! The crazy part? This is just the beginning. The Matador Network highlights some of the amazing things that will be accessible to us in the next 10 years:

Image courtesy of Walk Again Project

The Walk Again Project (2012): The Walk Again Project is a breakthrough in the field of neuroscience; scientists have constructed mechanical limbs that actually respond to human thoughts and the corresponding firing of neural synapses. The long and short of this project is that people who may have been paralyzed can walk again!

Image courtesy of Solar Impulse Project

Solar Powered Flight (2014): Over the past few years, there has been a lot of hubbub over hybrid cars, electric powered cars, and fuel economy in general. However, the Solar Impulse plane will take that to an entirely different level. The Solar Impulse is an entirely solar powered plane – one that currently has the goal of making a flight around the world. The Solar Impulse has already had a flight lasting over 26 hours, and hopes to make the round trip in 2014.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c8/Masdar_City.jpgImage courtesy of Wikipedia

Carbon Emission Free City (2015): Sticking with the theme of environmental sustainability, did you know that we’re a few short years away from having cities that produce zero carbon emissions? The city of Masdar, slated to be built just outside the emirate of Abu Dhabi, will be run solely on solar power and other renewable resources, and will house 50,000 people to begin with.

Personal Surgical Laser Pens (2017): Ever gone hiking and cut yourself on something sticking out? Usually not a big deal, right? It generally isn’t; sometimes, however, people do suffer severe injuries with no one around to help them. That is where surgical laser pens come in – the heat generated from laser light (I’ll spare you the science) has been proven to be able to meld skin back together, meaning you could fix yourself up on the fly, no stitchwork required!

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/fusion-reactor-3.jpgImage courtesy of How Stuff Works

Fusion Reactors (2019): For years, nuclear fusion has been hailed as the pinnacle of energy production – the smashing and fusion of atoms produces enormous amounts of energy, with absolutely no other emissions. However, there have always been setbacks that have prevented the realization of the potential of fusion reactors; at one point we couldn’t reach the temperatures needed for atoms to undergo fusion reactions, at other times the issue was the containment of plasma during the reaction. The French, however are working out these issues, and hope to have a functioning fusion reactor by 2019.

Image courtesy of Paultan Automotive

Crash Proof Cars (2020): Vehicular accidents have caused innumerable deaths over the years, so when Volvo says that they are developing systems to prevent collisions through radar, sonar, and driver alert systems, I find myself excited. This is obviously still a while away, but it is definitely somthing to look forward to.

There are many other things to look forward to, too. If you want to see the full list, head over to the article on the Matador Network and check the rest of the things out!

Battlefield 3 Online Multiplayer

william
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Warning: Battlefield 3 is an “M” rated game (17+)

There are basically four game types in the online multiplayer – team deathmatch (team vs. team, first to get a certain number of kills win), squad deathmatch (multiple squads, first to get a certain amount of kills win), rush (team vs. team, attackers must plant and detonates explosive on objectives, defenders must stop them) and conquest (team vs. team, hold certain points on the map to assert dominance and win).

The multiplayer is awesome, huge maps, vehicles, and various classes allow those of any play style to have fun. This is where the graphics and destructibility of the frostbite 2.0 engine truly shine.

Its non-linear style allows for multiple approaches to any given obstacle, but teamwork is the key to success. Unlike Call of Duty, where one beast of a player (like me) can carry his team and win the game, in Battlefield 3 if you have a bad team with one good player, you still lose (unless that player happens to be me).

My only complaint is that the gamers that play it often ruin it. It is way too frequent to go into a game where the majority of the opposing team is camping at some window or in some corner. I play video games because they’re fun, but it is definitely not fun to go five minutes without seeing a single enemy player just so I can get shot in the back as I run through a door. Now this won’t be a problem if I’m playing in a good team where I can tell my teammates where the camper is located so they can help me take him out. But more often than not the majority of my team is also composed of campers that refuse to leave there camping spot (too busy roasting marshmallows?) or snipers that don’t play the objective and think they’re beast for getting a 2.0 k/d (4-2? Definitely MLG).

Maintaining a k/d as high as mine while playing the objective is hard enough on its own but with all the campers on Battlefield 3, sometimes I even have to use my primary weapons.

I give the online multiplayer 91%.

[youtube dx8KUFv95s4]

 

Vicky’s 3 Things for Calgary

vicky
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Three. A small number, really. But Mayor Nenshi’s “3 Things For Calgary” campaign shows the impact that three little things can do.

When considering how I would Calgary a better place, I tried to include a variety of “things”:

  1. Become more involved in the artistic and cultural events taking place in the city. Attending film festivals, exhibitions, and anything else going on is a great way to become a part of the community and support local talents and programs.
  2. Get out and volunteer more. Even a few hours at the Salvation Army come with the reward of knowing that you helped someone.
  3. Work on reducing my carbon footprint, from using less water to recycling more. You may not believe it, but every little bit does make a difference, and it’s really not that hard to cut back on shower time or save more bottles

No one effort is more significant than another, and that’s the great thing about this campaign: no matter what you do, you’ll be making a difference.

Nyan Cat tee and the tediousness of creating a t-shirt

Qiwifruit
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I’m sure all of us know what the popular web meme Nyan Cat is, but in case you don’t:

Anyway, my friend showed me a t-shirt design based on Nyan Cat which I thought was awesome so I just thought I’d share it:

Nyan Cat T-Shirt

 

Also, I never knew there was so many steps in printing a t-shirt until I saw the process:

There goes my brilliant idea of making one myself.

Government withdraws funding for the Canadian Environmental Network

Erica
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This month, it was announced that the Canadian government would withdraw funding from the Canadian Environmental Network. This network helps to connect the federal government with Canadian citizens and environmental groups. It is also vital in networking, communication and co-ordination services. Melissa Lantsman, Director of Communications for the Minister of the Environment, said, “Environment Canada has decided not to enter into a contribution agreement with the Canadian Environmental Network this fiscal year… Responsible spending and sound management of tax dollars are important at all times. During difficult economic times, Canadians expect the government to be even more vigilant.”

By becoming more “vigilant” in spending, is the government referring to the $28 million in funding it will provide to commemorate the war of 1812 over the next four years? Or are they talking about the 500,000 hand-held Diamond Jubilee flags that they ordered in honor of the Queen, estimated to cost over $300,000?

This led me to think that the network must have cost a lot to run, considering that money is still flowing into other endeavors. So what IS the cost of running this organization?

Only $547,000

Personally, I would forgo my handheld flag in the name of the environment and its health…

Canada is now faced with criticism from people all over the world regarding the oilsands and the Keystone pipeline- and the international community is taking notice. At a time when citizens need more communication with the government and more information regarding the environment, I think that a network so essential in these duties should remain in operation.

Environmental organizations such as the Canadian Environmental Network are important because they help to form a more accurate and well rounded  picture regarding the “true cost” of some of our decisions as a society. Often, people view natural resources and land as cheap means for profit. What we fail to take into account, however, are the externalities of such production. When we go to a store to buy something, the price tag is often not a true reflection of the value of that item, or the price paid by others in order to make that item. Who factors in the cost of a loss of biodiversity, increased pollution, environmental damage, or the exploitation of workers? If this cost is not considered by corporations, it must be considered by someone. Although we do not pay the price of many of these factors, our environment does- and it needs organizations that will speak on its behalf.

 

It’s in you to give: donate blood now!

vicky
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Do you enjoy saving lives and feeling good doing it? Then blood donation is for you! Well, as long as you’re over the age of 17 and are in good health.

Each year my school sets up a blood donation campaign, and I am thrilled to finally be able to participate. Giving blood has always seemed like such a noble and helpful cause, and I hope that this year will include the first of many donations.

Over half of Canadians say that they or a family member have needed blood for surgical or medical treatments. Considering that one donation can save up to three lives, I think donating is well worth it. All it takes is a little initiative!

At my high school, the information and donation sessions are organized by the school so it’s easy for students to get involved. Canadian Blood Services is responsible for Young Blood for Life, a program focused on encouraging young Canadians to donate and recruit donors. Many schools are already part of this program, so ask around and see if your school is involved!

For more information on how you can become a blood donor, visit the Canadian Blood Services website or their Facebook page.

How to cure your insomnia

cathy
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Are you one of those people who can never fall asleep?

Do you envy people who can fall asleep the minute they close their eyes and you wonder why you can’t do that too?

Well, tonight is your lucky night ‘cause here are a few easy ways to catching some ZZZ’s:

1. Counting Sheep

2. Read a book

Rather than staying up on Facebook or texting your friends, take out a book because the bright light coming from your miniature cell phone screen prevents your brain from producing melatonin, which regulates sleep cycles. Once your eyes start drooping, put down the book, and sleep!

 

3. Eat earlier

Having a full stomach makes getting to sleep difficult. Try to avoid eating anything heavy two hours before sleeping, or you will be tossing and turning while your body tries to digest. Eat sleep-inducing snacks like almonds or cherries if you are feeling a bit hungry before bed.

4. Avoid caffeine

Try to avoid drinking too much coffee, energy drinks and pop in the daytime. Even if you are drinking it during the day, it will interfere with your sleep at night. Try strawberries, tomatoes, and other healthy alternatives to give you an energy boost that will not affect your sleep.

5.  Relax

Sometimes we cannot fall asleep because our mind is racing whether we’re nervous for a big game or a unit test the next day. Unfortunately, lying in bed wondering how you will
do tomorrow will not do you any justice. So, the best way to prep yourself is to get some sleep! Focus on your breathing and clearing out your head.

6. Light Exercise

Going for a light jog or walking your dog prior to sleeping can help. That being said, don’t go overboard on the cardio because too hard of a work out can actually make you more energetic. Taking a stroll lowers both energy and stress levels which will allow you to fall asleep quicker.

I, for one, can stare up at my ceiling until the sun rises, but these tidbits help me sleep like a baby… most of the time.

Lucy’s 3 Things for Calgary

lucy
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Recently, Mayor Nenshi has launched a new initiative called “3 Things for Calgary.” Basically, it is a civic engagement initiative to think of 3 things you can do to make your community or city a better place to be, and share it with 3 friends. Simple right? Here are my 3 things for Calgary!

  1. Donate to a charity organization, may it be clothing, food, money, or even your time. After all, doing the little things to help others can really make an impact on their day. Personally, I consider the act of volunteering a more valuable contribution to our community, because you would be brightening someone’s day with a kind act and a smile. Donating money is great, but volunteering really shows that you care.
  2. Make a new friend. Approach someone who seems like they want company, and talk to them, or just tell them something nice. 🙂 After all, some people may be plagued by shyness, or just might be having a bad day. It’s something really simple that can make our community more close knit, and friendly.
  3. Involve you and your friends in different clubs and groups. Diversity is a key element to a well-rounded and happy community. Don’t be afraid to approach clubs, because there is no limit to the capacity of individuality and skills a club can have!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8w6shatSMs&feature=player_embedded

Although my 3 things can be considered small and trivial, helping the community starts small. The herculean acts of citizenship can wait!

Bring on the ‘staches, it’s Movember!

arielle
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Image courtesy CBC.ca

After Thanksgiving and Halloween comes the wonderful month of Movember, formerly known as November, according to Movember Canada. During this transitional month between fall and winter, men all over the world will be spotted more facial hair than usual as they band together for a worthy cause.

Originally started in Australia, Movember (the combination of “mo” from moustaches and “vember” from November) has grown significantly across the globe with the goal of spreading awareness and raising funds for men’s health, especially prostate cancer. On the first of November, men sign up online on movember.com (with a clean-shaven face) to collect pledges and donations from their friends and family as they embark on a 30 day no-shave journey.

Last year, Movember participants in Canada raised 22.3 million Canadian dollars for the cause, whose proceeds go to Prostate Cancer Canada. The facts do not lie: According to Prostate Cancer Canada, “1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. 1 in 2 men will diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Occurrences of prostate cancer in men is comparable to the rates of breast cancer in women.”

Through the power of moustaches, we are gradually making progress in the world’s attitude towards men’s health.

Quantum Locking

Bill
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Sounds fancy right? Well, to simplify: Hoverboards might be coming soon in the near future. When a magnet is cooled by liquid nitrogen, it becomes a super conductor that has the ability to “lock” it’s position when exposed to a nearby permanent magnet. Unless you’re a physics nerd, that probably wouldn’t make too much sense so I won’t bother you with the broken-down science behind it. Instead, I found a visual representation courtesy of the people at the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) that I would imagine be much more intriguing that a wall of text. Check it out!

 

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