Do you ever feel like you have nothing to wear? Or that you are trying to find different ways to make new outfits out of old items? Well here is a quick fashion tip that will surely make a great outfit.
What I’ve been loving lately to to wear my cardigans like I would a regular top. Rather than going for that open loose feeling that I normally go for, or the buttoned-up and proper look, I’ve created a mixture of the two. What I’ve noticed is that when you tuck in a cardigan, you get a slightly looser/baggier look (unless the cardigan is originally form-fitting) while still looking sophisticated by having it tucked in. Think of it as a dress-shirt without a collar! If you ever find that the bottom button is awkwardly sticking out to give you a “bump”, then simply tuck it in further/wear high-waist pants/skirt, or pull it out to make it look more baggy rather than out-of-place. Try it out!
Quick Fashion Tip : Tucked in Cardigans
Classical Masters: Beethoven and Ehnes, an enthralling concert with virtuoso fireworks
“When James Ehnes played an A in rehearsal on his Stradivarius, he was louder than the whole orchestra while tuning…”
James Ehnes, the guest artist for this concert, plays a very special instrument: the “ex-Marsick” Stradivarius of 1715.
The Stradivarius is a household name among violinist, and these violins are renowned for their unsurpassed sound and craftsmanship. At a time where we are more technologically advanced than we were 300 hundreds years ago, we have to reproduce the beautiful music uniquely produced by the Stradivari family. What makes these violins incomparable? Laura Reid, a member of the first violinists in the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO), tried to tackle the question. “It could have in wood at the time, and we can’t reproduce that. Or it may be the varnish… or the glue. I think it’s also due to the craftsmanship… you definitely notice when a craftsmen pours their heart and soul into something they make.”
The CPO excitedly announced that this evening’s evening performance of Beethoven’s 7th Symphony was to be recorded, to be a part of the CPO’s long term goal of producing live recordings of all Beethoven’s nine symphonies. Recording in an empty concert hall was no replacement for the joyous feelings of playing in front of a live audience would bring to the CPO musicians.
Music: Justice
Being one of my favorite electronic duos, Justice first arrive onto the music scene in 2003. Doing small-time remixes of songs they eventually found themselves rising to fame and mainstream success with their first studio album † in 2007. They have been recently featured in the new Adidas commercial “Adidas is All In” with their newly released single “Civilization,” featuring stars such as Katy Perry, Dwight Howard, and Lionel Messi. Needless to say, they have achieved celebrity status and will only continue to climb the musical ladder.
[youtube xWv1Wa9gybo]Founded in Paris, Gaspard de Rossi and Xavier de Wienckoski produced tracks for a small compilation CD between various indie artists. Soon discovered by local patrons of electronic music, Justice soon began to play in clubs doing remixes of songs by Britney Spears, Fatboy Slim, and Daft Punk. In 2005 their first single was released, titled “Waters of Nazareth.”
[youtube OWkFPvqryus]Unique in sound, Justice brings influence from other genres into their music. A very heavy rock style can be heard in Waters of Nazareth. However the sound is not produced from a guitar, but rather from a synthesizer, allowing more control to aspects of sound that transcends the capabilities of classical instruments. Justice’s sound is very abrasive and energetic. The duo is not, however, a one-trick pony. In early 2007 another single was released that instantly drew more attention to Justice, even nominated at the MTV Video Music Award and the sound was much different from their previous work. This single was titled “D.A.N.C.E.”
Choosing the right headphones!
Headphones are becoming increasingly important in today’s world. They offer much better sound quality than in-ear headphones, while allowing for portability. However, for those new to the headphones market, there are much better alternatives than going to your nearest Future Shop or Best Buy and buying a pair of standard Sony or Panasonic headphones. I’m not advocating going for the Ultrasone Limited Edition 8 or the Sennheiser HD800s.
I will be focusing on a good low-end headphone (Grado SR80i) and an exceptional midrange headphone (Sennheiser HD555).
Grado SR80i (MSRP 95 USD):
Grado Labs have been one of the best recognized brand for headphones, they are an American company based in New York. All headphones are produced and assembled in Brooklyn. They make headphones that have a very retro look to them, but their sound is amazing. The Grado SR80i is the entry level headphone for Grado Labs, however, they contain many of the elements from their mid and high end series (SR 325i). Grado also produces the SR60, however, it comes with extremely cheap cabling and much more uncomfortable ear cushions.
Name that Giraffe!
The Calgary Zoo needs your help! Their new male giraffe calf, born February
16, 2011 needs a name! At over six feet tall and 185 pounds, this longnecked
wonder needs a name that reflects his personality – intelligent,
curious and independent. He is the largest giraffe calf born to date at the
Calgary Zoo.
How to enter:
The contest starts April 5 and runs until April 15. You can enter on the
Calgary Zoo website at www.calgaryzoo.com/giraffe or by accessing the contest page using the QR code on posters located on zoo grounds. A bonus
coupon, redeemable for a discount on zoo admission in April, will be returned
by email for every original name entered.
Grand Prize – a behind-the-scenes tour with the giraffe family including their
adorable youngster, his mom Carrie, and Auntie Mardi. The calf’s name will
be chosen on April 20 by giraffe keepers who know him best and his new
name will be posted on the Calgary Zoo Facebook page and website.
Psst… special tip: The name should reflect his African origin and also be
easy for keepers to use in his training!
Video of the day: Fiesta Beat
2011 finalists of the ConocoPhillips Youth of Distinction Awards
The ConocoPhillips Youth of Distinction Awards recognize awesome youth ages 13-18 for the remarkable ways in which they have chosen to live. This year, there were 118 finalists spread across 7 categories, so the selection period was tough with 13 hours of deliberation. We’ve managed to narrow it down to three finalists in each category. The recipients of each award will be announced at the ceremony on May 7 at the Calgary Zoo. Here are more details about some of the most incredible youth Calgary has to offer:
The Advocacy Award is given to a youth who has committed time and energy lending their voice to a cause and bringing about change.
14-year-old Connor Johnson advocates for the inclusion and acceptance of people with disabilities. He has grown up with a sibling with a disability, and with his brother, Connor has had to work through struggles and barriers that a person with a disability often experiences. He has volunteered with the Between Friends Club for two years and has used his voice to educate his classmates and has recruited other youth to also volunteer and get involved.
Youth advocacy for Lisa Bui has permeated into every aspect of her life. She never waivers from the idea that youth can be a positive agent for change in the community. Currently, the 18-year-old is planning the Global Youth Summit, a local youth-led initiative to educate others in social responsibility. Lisa has also created her own youth-engagement movement to mobilize local youth around the issue of children affected by war. Working with her peers, Lisa has rallied the support of local high schools and other organizations in supporting the initiative.
Grade 11 student Tori Stosky is a cofounder and current president of a youth-in-action group called Tumaini, branched from the charity Free the Children at St. Francis High School. Tori’s group aims to relieve those in poverty through access to education, clean water and alternative incomes, as well as revealing and resolving the equality and social justice issues over the globe. She organizes numerous fundraisers in order for her group to reach their goal of ten thousand, four hundred dollars to build a school in Kenya.
The Environmentalism Group Award is given to a group of youth who are committed to improving the environment and reducing environmental degradation.
The Crescent Heights Eco Club is dedicated to creating a whole-school awareness around environmental issues. They organized a water initiative by bringing in speakers and displaying information accessible to the school, resulting in a major fundraising initiative for the school’s Africa project. They have also established a recycling system and run a film festival about important environmental issues.
Approximately 50 students at Western Canada High School make up the school’s Environment Club, which is run by students, for students. The club aims to help the Earth in any way possible, be it through conservation fundraisers, local clean-ups, sustainable action, or raising awareness about environmental issues today. One of their largest projects was when they held one of the largest mayoral forums in Calgary during the municipal election campaign. 11 candidates participated in a debate about environmental issues.
The Youth Earth Ambassadors was created with the intention of bringing together individual high school environment clubs. There are five member schools that select two to three youth to sit on the steering committee. Before, these schools felt like they were on their own. Now, they come together, share information, and work together at change. Their approach to environmental conservation is collaboration and knowledge, and this group is doing both of those on a large scale.
The Environmentalist Individual Award is given to a youth who is committed to improving the environment and reducing environmental degradation.
As the head of the Youth Earth Ambassadors and the Western Canada High School Environment Club, Grade 12 student Alec Forest inspires others by practicing what he preaches. Alec has been instrumental in organizing many environmental projects such as establishing the Carbon Zero Schools Foundation Paper for Trees recycling program in Calgary schools, which will plan an estimated 500 trees by June. He is always thinking about how people can reduce their carbon footprints as an individual and a community.
Brenda Luo’s beauty regimen is uniquely environmentally friendly. This Grade 12 student uses hot chocolate as a bronzer, eggs to give herself a facial, and a mix of lemon, coffee, tea and honey for skincare. Brenda advocates for these eco-friendly alternative beauty treatments as a way to reduce chemical landfill products. Brenda also volunteers at the Banff National Park and Weaselhead Preservation Park.
16-year-old Nicole Evans’ innovative spirit has changed the environmental culture at Westmount Charter School. She has been a pivotal force in establishing and maintaining Westmount’s Eco Committee, leading the group on initiatives like Earth Day celebrations, eco-friendly packaging in the cafeteria, contests and theme weeks. It is through Nicole’s dedication and focus that Westmount continues to make great strides in its green initiatives.
The Leadership Award is given to a youth who has chosen to take a leadership role in bringing positive change to their school or community. This youth will have demonstrated responsibility and drive, as well as initiative in starting new projects and programs.
Erika Vanderwiel is a Grade 12 student at Discovering Choices School, where she has been an instrumental part of the Youth Council. She offers a quiet confidence and assertiveness that is embraced by fellow students and she has been a significant force in the growth of the council since she joined in February 2010. She is also the school representative for a Calgary Board of Education city-wide steering committee for youth.
Jesica Boran’s leadership ability and passion for the causes she is involved with is evident in the undivided time and effort into every detail of her volunteer work. During her three years at Crescent Heights High School, Jesica has created projects like making sandwiches weekly for the Alex Centre, rounding up 20 students to participate in a 30 hour famine through World Vision, and a Stuff-a-Boot fundraiser that involves collecting socks and toiletries for the homeless. Jesica’s dream is to help educate thousands of children in poverty-stricken areas so that they have a fair opportunity at success.
Someone in need of help will always find Reema Bakshi willing to lend a hand. Reema spearheaded her own branch of the Free the Children movement at her school, Juno Beach Academy, motivated many people to join the club and has been instrumental in maintaining enthusiasm for the cause. Reema can also be found volunteering to read with children at the library, writing letters to politicians about social justice and orchestrating other school fundraisers.
The Peer Support Award is given to a youth who has demonstrated selflessness in regards to bringing about positive change for their peers. This youth will have demonstrated compassion and kindness, as well as the qualities anyone could ask for in a best friend at the moment you need them the most.
16-year-old Adam Rea enjoys bringing out the best in people as a counselor and mentor. He used this skill when his sister was suddenly struck with a very rare auto-immune disorder last year that required complex open-heart surgery. Adam was a strong force to help his sister survive against impossible odds, even wheeling her into the cardiac surgical room at the Children’s Hospital in Edmonton because she asked that it be him rather than their parents because they couldn’t take it emotionally. He told her to never give up; a motto that they both live by.
As a Grade 11 student at Forest Lawn High school and a teen mentor at Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mallory Kroeker has gently guided her peers into making better choices. She has been a support to her family in helping with her brother’s autism and obsessive behaviours. Mallory is always looking to include others, often including left-out children in her plan for the day at Big Brothers Big Sisters, plus recruiting her friends for the program. Mallory feels that nobody should have to go through something alone, or feel like they are the outsider in a group.
Melissa Cai has been serving as a teen mentor for two years at Big Brothers Big Sisters, and matched with the same mentee for that length of time. She has turned her mentee from a little guy struggling with sadness and insecurities to someone who is always smiling and enjoying life. He calls Melissa his sister and is very attached to her. Melissa is one of the most consistent mentors in the program, never bailing on her mentee and is patient and committed to his future.
The Perseverance Award is given to a youth who has proven that personal initiative and determination can overcome any form of adversity. This youth will have demonstrated courage, and tenacity when dealing with the enormous obstacles that an average person would normally retreat from.
Grade 11 student Hope Sommerville became a ward of the province at one year of age and was soon adopted, but life in her adopted family was not easy. Her adoptive father abandoned the family at a young age. As a young teen, Hope faced problems with bullying at school and turned to drugs and alcohol. By 15 years old she developed a significant addiction problem, dropping out of school for three years. One day, Hope decided she had enough and became sober, returned to school, and is now a positive force in the classroom.
At the age of 15, it looked like Meghan Mismas would be unable to complete high school. She suffered a sexual assault, which led to a diagnosis of social phobia, severe anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress. She began harming herself and as a final call for help, she attempted suicide. Meghan then attended therapy and learned to accept herself and those around her – she refused to give up. Meghan has taken her many challenges and turned them into positive growth experiences, and she is now in Grade 12 and on track to graduate with her peers.
Shawna Imeson has overcome many obstacles in her 18 years, starting with the death of her father on her 11th birthday. Her older sister tried to commit suicide and Shawna helped her sister fight her depression. Shawna’s mother turned to drugs and alcohol and was diagnosed with cancer, and to help ease the financial burden, Shawna started to work full time at the age of 14. At the age of 17, Shawna began living on her own but remained in school and volunteers her time with the Youth Council at Discovering Choices School. Currently pregnant, Shawna remains dedicated to her studies and is determined to graduate in June 2012.
The Volunteerism Award is given to a youth who is truly selfless and dedicated to helping others. Though not necessarily in a leadership role, this youth has shown commitment to bettering their community by volunteering their time to a cause they are passionate about.
Through volunteering, Ali Poonja has developed a passion for working with children. For the past three years, this Grade 11 student at Strathcona Tweedsmuir High School has devoted his time to the Reading Buddies program at the Calgary Public Library. He also works with children with disabilities by mentoring students at Emily Follensbee School, tutoring them in math and helping out with athletic activities. He is a Junior Volunteer Leader in the Ismaili community and many children and youth see Ali as their role model.
Grade 10 student Mariam Awara has contributed time, energy and money in order to give back to the community and to create a better environment at John G. Diefenbaker High School. She has volunteered almost 500 hours in a period of six months with involvement in the Youth Volunteer Corps, Amnesty International, Student Council, Leadership, the school’s environmental club, Debate club, the school newspaper and Junior Achievement. She dedicates all of her lunch hours and most of her mornings and afternoons at school to volunteering.
Shirley Qiu dedicates three hours a week to the Foothills Country Hospice, where it’s not always easy to be a volunteer. She works with patients who are near the end of their lives, but seeing youth like Shirley helping out means a great deal to them. She also volunteers with the Town of Okotoks, the Heaven Can Wait Animal Shelter in High River and does peer tutoring at her school, Holy Trinity Academy.
Youth Week Shout Out: Paintball and Laser Tag
Youth Week runs this year from April 23 and May 1, and paintball and laser tag places are getting in on the action! Find discounted games at Capture the Flag and Laser Trek during Youth Week.
Who: Anyone ages 10+
What: From 9 a.m to dark, Capture the Flag West of Cochrane will be running paintball games for free with only a $20 paintball charge!
When: April 23rd – May 1st
Where: West of Cochrane
For more info visit them at www.capturetheflag.com or call 403-247-8887.
Laser Tag
Who: Anyone ages 6+
What: From 12 p.m. – 10p.m. except on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays after 6p.m. Laser Trek will be charging only $5 per person to play laser tag!
When: April 23rd – May 1st
Where: Laser Trek, 7905 Flint Road S.E.
For more information contact Laser Trek at 403-252-9444.
For All You Little Chefs!
And I don’t mean little as in young, small or tiny… I mean little as in miniature-sized food! Okay, so the title may be a little misleading but I have cool videos to show you!
The Japanese have done it yet again (as in impressing the Western civilization). MINIATURE FOOD! Konapun, a food making toy, is non-edible powder that mixes with water to create meals. Konapun kits also include the corresponding utensils and tools needed to create food, as well as large equipment like a stove!
RRcherrypie, a YouTuber who films the process of creating these scrumptious-looking mini meals, does a wonderful job being a large person working in a tiny kitchen. For example, they use two toothpicks as a replacement for chopsticks, and actually use a mini kitchen to emulate the actions of baking and cooking (who would put a plate of fake food in the oven if there wasn’t an audience watching on YouTube?). And the best part about their videos is that they decorate like a pro!
Here’s an example of Konapun, a NON-EDIBLE toy that creates meals:
[youtube ZSo80p2eVNs]A video of a Glico Giant Capilco product, which is an edible chocolate snack:
[youtube HkKqsTkoGBk]And a video of a Kracie product, an edible jelly candy that you mix and create:
[youtube Gr-qewC-4gY]Also, I think this is why RRcherrypie is such a pro at miniature food. Their first video was a demonstration of creating pretzels and other goodies with clay.
I personally wouldn’t have the patience to decorate… I’d probably end up eating all of the ingredients! So that’s why watching RRcherrypie fills my “Feeling like a Giant” quota of the day (who can guess the reference to that?). Plus I can’t find those products anywhere in Calgary… if anyone does, I dare you to film the process of making these!
P.S. This is what I was referring to
Disney Mashup
Growing up, Disney movies were the source of my childhood. I remember watching movies like Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast 24/7, every day of every week until I found a new interest. Not only me, but every member in my family. Disney was and still is a large part of my family. If you were to walk into our house, you would constantly be hearing us singing Disney songs. I think Nick Petri’s mashup was absolutely amazing and memorizing, something definitely worth sharing.
How about you? Any memories come back when you think of Disney movies?
Video of the Day: Cardboard Nintendo 3DS
Cool Videos: Soccer on a Floating Village
This video is a great example of why soccer is loved by so many. It’s this kind of spirit that makes soccer what I consider to be the greatest sport.
[youtube jU4oA3kkAWU]Calgary Spoken Word Festival
The Calgary Spoken Word Festival is taking place from March 29 – April 3 as part of Youth Week Calgary 2011. Come down to the Auburn Saloon at 8 p.m. to enjoy some of Calgary’s most talented artists! Tickets can range from no cost to $10. If you’re interested in this spectacular event, visit the Spoken Word website.