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Weekend Preview

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Wondering what to do this Halloween weekend? Check out our picks here:

Saturday Aaaah Zombies

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Satisfy your craving for brains at the Aaaah Zombies movie screening and concert at Cardel Place this Saturday night! The movie is a zombie comedy from the perspective of zombies, going from old black-and-white style to colour when the heroes are zombified. This will be the only theatrical screening of Aaah Zombies in Calgary. Tickets $10 or free with a box of cereal or baby care product for the Food Bank. Register if you’re attending at http://www.cardeltheatre.com/event.bpsx?EventID=450.

Friday – Sunday Rocky Horror Picture Show

Grab your water guns, toast and some rice for a midnight screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Plaza Theatre. This 70s classic has a huge cult following that makes viewer participation an event in itself. Buy advance tickets at www.holeinthewallstudios.ca. Pre-show begins at 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Friday and Saturday The Toxic Avenger

This over-the-top production boasts originality as the only radioactive musical in existence. It’s about a scientist who has fallen into a barrel of radioactive goo and then, in love with a blind librarian. The music was co-written by David Bryan of Bon Jovi. Advance tickets $35, available at http://calgarytoxicavenger.com

WordFest: The Writer’s Life with Yann Martel

lisa aka "Mangomaru"
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It’s a blissful life for a writer… or is it really?

Yann Martel with his novel 'Life of Pi'
Yann Martel with his novel “Life of Pi”, image credit: Jonathan Evan

WordFest

WordFest, in its 15thyear, is an international writer’s festival that brought many great and interactive events between writers and readers! Over 65 events occurred, such as reading, poetry and spoken word presentations, with over 70 local and worldwide authors. WeiJia (a fellow blogger) and I luckily attended event 45, the Writing Life, at the Vertigo Theatre Studio where Eleanor Catton, Rebecca James, Peter Robinson and YANN MARTEL met together to talk about the highs and lows of what dedicating your life to being a writer was all about.

Yann Martel

File:Life of Pi cover.png

Yann Martel is the winner of the Man Booker Prize for The Life of Pi, a lyrical and vivid rendition of a young boy surviving together on a boat with a tiger, chimpanzee and zebra. He has also recently written Beatrice and Virgil. The Life of Pi had been my class study in Grade 11 English class, and usually the authors of such books, as I expected, are not of this century. My English class had furious and often challenged discussions of the very topics that the Life of Pi touched, from morality to the human condition. My whole English class could not make up their minds as to whether the book was truly the fictional narrative the book claimed to be, or if Pi was actually Richard Parker. This book was an astounding piece of literature in high school for me, and the moment I realized Yann Martel was not dead and was coming to Calgary, I was extremely ecstatic to go see him! I had guessed that the event would be inspirational, and would boost my confidence to write as an inevitable journalist, and it delightfully turned out, I was right.

The Writer’s Life at WordFest

Simplistically set, a circle of Victorian high back chairs, seating the esteemed writers, surrounded a low table, with neatly placed drinking glasses and a water pitcher. (Writers can speak the same amount of words they pack inside a book!) Encircling these writers was the audience, encouraged to actively participate and ask questions. For an hour, the interviewer sitting inside the circle of writers would set the motion with a couple of generic, open ended questions, and the writers would take turns answering the questions, and opened up the floor for questions from the audience as well. The answers of Yann Martel were at times quite humorous and delightfully sensible, and it was great to finally hear the “Life of Yann Martel”.

Yann’s Career as a Writer

Image Credit: Geoff Howe

Yann Martel started his career off in a literary magazine, having received 125 dollars for a quaint story.  Early in his writing career, becoming a serious writer had not occurred to him, having sent 19 short stories, receiving 19 subsequent rejection letters, and was barely affected. However, Yann learned at his discontentment in his studies at university, even though he wasn’t an exceptional writer at the time, he just love to write, and preserved to write many critically acclaimed novels. There aren’t any set rules for writers, and Yann Martel has his own schedule. The process of a book can be very slow for him, says Yann, as he does a tremendous amount of research when writing a book, and plans his entire novel from start to finish, as “the first sentence determines the last sentence,” for him.

Teaching the Prime Minster to Read

Every 2 weeks, Yann Martel sends a book to the Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, including a letter explaining his selection, and Yann receives a politely answered letter of doubted thanks back. Why does Yann Martel go to such lengths? If the Prime Minister is always focused on economics and does not read meaningful literature on human condition, Yann Martel questions how our Prime Minister can tolerate and understand differences?  So Yann Martel has this “lonely book club” with the Prime Minister, because “if the common people do not read, that’s okay… but if our elites do not read, how do we expect them to relate and govern us?” It was extremely interesting to hear Yann’s take on the state of politics.

Image Credit: Eddie Safarik

The funniest thing Yann said

WeiJia and I were smiling at the response as the question arose, what emotions do you feel when you write about the victims in your book? Where do you find the courage? Yann had said something similar to “The Life of Pi was a joyful tragedy to write from start to finish, because you know life endure…” Joyful tragedy, interesting. All in all, it was a fabulous opportunity to see Yann Martel, the author of the book that I had spent a good chunk of my life analyzing.

Thanks goes to the University of Calgary’s radio station, CJSW, for providing me tickets to this event, and the similarly spectacular opportunity to interview my childhood hero, Kenneth Oppel, the author of the Silverwing Saga!

Video of the Day: Violin vs. Bass

tina
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The best violinist in the world Maxim Vengerov and Bassiona Amorosa, a born bassist, play Czardas.

It’s amazing!!!

[youtube 5n0qXSO7Z-Q]

6 Fashion Trends for Fall and Winter of 2010-2011

Carol
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Quoting Heidi Klum from her famous line on Project Runway: “One day you’re in, the next you’re out.” Fashion changes so quickly, people don’t even realize it, and you might be wearing last season’s hot finds which have died down this season :O Here are some trends I’ve noticed for you fashion-savvy readers!

Military

From combat boots to leather jackets, the trend seems to be fire hot! Giving a girl a rough and tumble look, this trend is far from dying down since it’s been here for a while! I find this trend flexible, fitting to so many girls’ wardrobes,  an nice military jacket can go a long way, from a light layer for a girls night out or a casual day to school this trend will definitely make you stand out! (In a good way =)!)

What to get? Cargo Pants! Affordable and seemingly in every mall, the pants are cute AND stylish that is not only versatile and warm, I recommend it, to warm up from the harsh Calgary winters and to still look good in the cold!

What to avoid? the camouflage print! Although this screams military, camouflage can make you stick out like Willy Wonka in the chocolate factory! Avoid, Avoid, Avoid!

Camel and Beige

Yes it’s back! The simple colour seems to be dominating the runways this season! Absolutely versatile in so many ways from a simple jacket to shoes, the colour seems to add a classic elegance to whatever you wear. Easily paired with anything, this trend is a must have this season.
What to get? A good investment when your going with the Camel trend is to buy a nice coat. The Camel coat and give you warmth and give the cold winter a kick in the butt with chic!

What to avoid? Avoid Long Camel coats that are bulky and too long! This can hide your figure and make you look shorter! Avoid it like the plague!

Black Fitted Blazer or Jacket

This trend has been here for a while and is one of my person favourites! A nice black fitted Blazer is so sleek and professional, but can also lay back an overly girly look. It is so great with jeans as well, making casual more put together, even with a pair of jeans and t shirt.

What to get? My best bet for you is a nice boyfriend black blazer, fitted of course, this can go with girly glam to casual cool! Get one that’s tailored around the wait to give a slim look, while showing off you waist. The blazer might soon be your best friend!

What to avoid? Try before you buy! A jacket or blazer that’s ill fitting can make you look bulky and wide =O

Florals and Lace

Time to girl it up! This trend for all us girly-girls, florals and lace pop out the feminine with beautiful details that pops! It is so nice to go with casual items to glam things up and make you look spectacular! Not only does it look great, but there are so many ways to wear it! From shoes to accessories, and tights/leggings to tops!

What to get? I would recommend top, lace or floral, tops are a great way to finish you look, not only can they look flattering to your figure, but they can also bring attention to your bust and waist!

What to avoid? BEWARE OF TOO MUCH FLORAL AND LACE, don’t wear too much! 1 piece is probably enough for anyone, going overboard and going all in can only lead to disaster. Too much will make you pop out like a sore thumb, and give an overall wider look!

Cross Body Bags

I LOVE THIS TREND! This is so great to use and goes great for anything, like school, work, going out, honestly, it can do it all. The cross body bag gives a nice simple look, and is so useful too! A bag can literally have a girl’s life in it, so why not invest on it? A great bag can go a long way and last a lifetime! Look at the Chanel Flap Bag! It is timeless and elegant!

What to get? Like me, most of you won’t be able to afford the brand name luxury bags =( (this is where hard work and saving comes to play) Even though we can’t get it now, doesn’t mean we don’t follow the trend! Instead go for a versatile well-made affordable bag, don’t be afraid to splurge a little more, because you could be using it forever! For me, simpler is better, it can create a clean look, and goes great with just about everything!

What to avoid? Make sure the bag isn’t too big! Huge bags can overpower a girl, and makes our eyes focus on the bag, not you great clothes! Huge bags, can make you seem shorter and are hard to find things =(

The leopard print

Oh, what a shame, this trend is so great if girls would wear it right! Not only can it give you a pop of colour, but it can liven a dead outfit. Wear it wrong and your doomed a fashion no no! Key point in this trend to to be subtle with it, don’t over use it! A pair of leopard heels or even a cardigan can do wonders! to wear leopard prints, remember to to wear very bright colours, that distract from it, light tones or neutral colours usually bring out the best of the leopard print.

What to get? Leopard cardigan, I personally own one myself and love it! It is so great for school, and looks great with the most simple things. Even if your late and don;t have time to pick things out, throw on some jeans, a light coloured shirt and leopard cardigan and your good to go!

What to avoid? DO NO OVER USE IT! This is so key! Nobody looks great as cat women! A full leopard print outfit can turn quickly from fab to drag queen =/

That’s it! That is all you need to look amazing this winter!

25th Celebration for the Epcor Centre

lisa aka "Mangomaru"
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Various astounding art pieces were displayed for Epcor Centre’s Celebration For the Arts – 25 years in the community – in the Jack Singer Hall on Sept. 18 and 25. Many speeches were made by prominent patrons of the arts, including Peter Lougheed and Jeanne Lougheed, a message from the former Governor General Michaelle Jean and several more. The arts in Calgary, and especially the Epcor Centre, was a “cultural beacon” and “the heartbeat” of Calgary. The vibrant and unrelenting growth of the arts partially owned its start with the construction of the Epcor Centre 25 years ago, and this was also visually presented with a heartfelt video presentation of their journey throughout those years.
This amazing event showcased featured artists- the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra with Melanie Leonard as conductor, a world premiere of a piece composed by Jeffery Ryans, organist Neil Cockburn on the outstanding Carthy Organ, Alberta Ballet, and solo pianist Georgy Tchaizde (whom WeiJia and I had the incredible chance to interview after the show!)
Excitedly anticipating the event, WeiJia (a  fellow blogger) and I entered the concert hall breathlessly stunned by the awe-inspiring vastness of the stage, occupied by a neat mass of brilliant musicians seated in pairs and possessing beautiful instruments – ranging from the prevalently polished violins and cellos, to the brightly reflected brass instruments. The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra are revered as world-class musicians that choose Calgary to be their home, and it was an absolute honour and privilege  to hear these fantastic musicians.
The world premiere of “Beautiful Forms,” a piano concerto composed by Canadian Jeffery Ryans featuring Georgy Tchaizde and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, was certainly a memorable experience for me. The three different movements left a mark upon my senses, longing for more. The solo pianist Georgy Tchaizde and the orchestra masterfully commanded their individual instruments, creating a harmonious, unified and emotionally moving sound. Taking a seat on the far left, very close to the violin ensemble, it was quite easy to focus on their sound. However, their sound contributed to the flowing music resonating the Jack Singer Concert Hall. All the pieces played by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra were lively and vibrantly colourful, skillfully sending the audience into a frenzy of delight and awe.
Neil Cockburn, an acclaimed organist with many achievements, thoroughly impressed me as his eerie rendition on the magnificent $750, 000 Carthy Organ was incredibly performed. Unknown to me before the concert, a musician must play the organ with the difficult and precise coordination of their hands and feet, with huge bass keys underneath the organ that bellow the fearful and powerful sound typically associated with organs. Uncovering many emotions and striking me speechless, the loud and overcoming sounds performed with the organ entrancing, half expecting the inevitable Count Dracula to suddenly grant the audience an appearance.
The Canadian premiere of Sleeping Beauty pas de deux, choreographed by Kirk Peterson and performed by the Alberta Ballet and Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, was a brilliant act of ballet. Donning beautiful, flowing white and sequined costumes, a pair gracefully performed an excerpt of a fairy tale of a beautiful princess awakened by the kiss of her true love. Fluid movements along with skillful balance of techniques joyously rivets the attention of the spectators, as their eyes take in and fill with emotion created by the expressive dance.
Finally, the unbelievable soprano, Armenian-Canadian Isabel Bayrakdarian performed Soaring arias with impressive precision and unfaltering perfection. Her ability to hold notes with unwavering intensity and volume was quite amazing and aspiring. My high school choir would have welcomed such a talented performer to passionately sing, her powerful voice vibrating throughout the Jack Singer concert hall, accompanied by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. WeiJia and I thoroughly enjoyed our experience at the concert, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Epcor Centre, a memory we thoroughly loved, and even though I am musically inclined, the majesty of the performances penetrated through and disregarded these barriers, leaving me with a greater appreciation for the arts.
Thanks goes to Kids Up Front, an organization committed to providing youth the chance to enjoy outstanding performances.

Video of the Day: Halloween is coming soon

tina
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I’m so excited and looking forward to this HALLOWEEN!

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What costumes are you guys doing for Halloween?

Shopping for a Canadian university

katty
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It’s October, and most of the Grade 12 students need to start to think about going to university. Oct. 25 was an orientation night where some of the top universities in Canada went to William Aberhart for students to ask questions. I spoke to many schools, and here is some of information I received.

The University of Toronto is a really big school and it’s famous around the world. It had three campus locations: St. George, Mississauga and Scarborough. For the popular faculties, you have to have an average at least 85%. The cost of U of T is not cheap. The highest cost of tuition for one year is about $12,000 and lowest is about $5,200.
http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/~w3able/images/u_of_t.jpg

The University of Western Ontario is located in London (not the country). Its Ivey Business School is very famous and everyone who wants to study business wants in. However, you need an average of 90% in order to be considered and since Ivey is such a popular choice, you’ll also need many extracurricular activities. There is also one interesting thing about Western and that’s you can get both engineering and business degrees in five years. This is the only school I know so far which allow this.
http://xian.ycie.org/pic/Canada/Western%20Ontario4.jpg

McGill is located in Montreal and it’s famous for its Faculty of Medicine. The average required for this school is around 90%, some are higher and some are lower, it all depends on the faculty. Personally I don’t really want to go McGill because in Montreal I need to speak French, but for someone is really good at French this is definetely a great school to go to.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/McGill_University_Arts_Building2.JPG

York is another Ontario university and it’s located in Glendon. York has one of the top 10 international business schools in the world and the entrance average is 92%. You have to have ELA and pure math 30 and 31, and they all have to be above 70%. Even though the requirement for York is really high, lots of people still try to get in. Hey, what can you say? It’s an awesome school!
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/23/Vari_Hall.jpg

One more I’m going to talk about is Queens. Queens is small school located in Kingston. It’s right beside by Lake Ontario, so the scenery there is beautiful. The tuition fee for Queens ranges from $5,500 to $13,000, and the living expenses are about $12,500 -$14,500. The entrance average for Queens is around 87% and higher. This is a really competitive school because it’s small so it can only accept certain number of students and since this is a good school, everyone will want to get in. If you want to apply for Queens, I recommend an average of at least 90%.
http://www.arithmometre.org/Musees/PhotosMusee/QueensUniversityBelfast.jpg

The early admissions have already started. Hope everyone knows what they want to do and where they want to go. By the way, don’t apply for too many schools because most of the school applying fees are about $125.00 and they are not refundable.

Flight of the Right Wings – An Update on Germany

tonny
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German Neo-Nazi
A t-shirt reading "Who does not love Germany, leave Germany!" From thelocal.de, a German news website.

It almost seems like I am doing a series on this.

We’ve seen right-winged shifts in France, Britain, Sweden, Denmark and other European countries long touted as being some of the most righteous supporters of human rights and freedom, equality, and fraternity for all. We would’ve all thought years ago that these nations would be the last to take a right turn down the political spectrum. But what about the nation that seemed to be the most undemocratic and fascist in Europe coming out of the Second World War?

Well it seems a recent poll by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (a center-left organization) shows that Germany too is experiencing a shift, described by Peter Goodspeed of the National Post to be “The German right moves to the centre,” noting that ideologies that were considered to be rightist have now been considered to be moderate and common.

Taking just a few results from this poll:

– 14.9% of Germans believe the Jews use sinister tricks to achieve what they want more often than other people, with 24% agreeing partially.

– 58.4% agree that the practice of Islam should be considerably limited.

– 13.2% agree that Germany should have a new “fuhrer.”

The poll shows more and more the rise of rightist sentiments in Germany, some almost reverting back to Nazi Germany during the Second World War. If you read my previous articles you would’ve noticed that in Europe there is a shift of sociopolitical ideologies of the public to the right and that absurd notions such as restrictions on immigration and the restrictions on religious practices, particularly Islamic practices, are moving towards the mainstream. But to see it in France, one of the pioneers of modern democracy, and now in the former-fascist Germany, it sends a chill down one’s spine that something big may happen soon and it will not be pretty.

Of course the poll is not representative of all of the Germans in Germany, nor is there an absence of bias. Yet one has to ponder as the riots in France continue if Europe is going to change significantly in the next decade or so in terms of its social and political beliefs. And if that change happens, what will happen to European relationships with Canada, the United States, and the rest of the world? Who knows. Maybe these bubbling resentments will one day rupture into full-on warfare in this world.

Source: The National Post

The lion is on the prowl – Apple’s new tech

TheGentlemanScholar
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Image courtesy Apple Canada

Emperor Jobs is revitalizing his kingdom’s army! Actually, Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Inc., just announced the revitalization of many of Apple’s products during a press conference on Oct. 20, 2010. The releases include an update to the Apple operating system, Mac OSX, the MacBook Air line of laptops, and some of the Macintosh software, including the iLife suite.

Mac OSX 10.7, dubbed “Lion,” is not a huge evolution from “Leopard,” but it has taken quite a few steps in the right direction in terms of the user interface. One example is the push for fullscreen functionality in all programs, meaning the programs fill the entire window without borders, making use of all available space. Apple also introduced an App Store for the Mac line up, hoping to build on the success of the wildly popular App Store for iOS devices. Another change for the operating system is a feature Apple calls Mission Control, a new way to keep track of the goings on in the user’s computer. When Mission Control is activated it spreads all windows and applications out so they can all be easily seen and managed.

The Macbook Air update was the biggest at the Apple event, revitalizing a laptop that has not seen an update for two years, which, judged against Apple’s other products, is a long time. The changes include a big 13.3 inch brother to the 11.6 inch notebook, a new, thinner design, extended battery life and a revolutionary storage system. Some pundits have called the thin front edge of the computer “sharp enough to cut yourself on,” but Apple is marketing the world’s thinnest laptop as being super portable. Along with the new battery, which is capable of powering the Macbook Air for up to seven hours on a single charge, Apple has also brought innovation to the realm of data storage. Instead of making space for a solid state drive and it’s enclosure within the laptop’s case, they attached only the flash chips to the motherboard, thereby taking up only half the length and a fifth of the height.

The last of the releases at the conference was an update to Apple’s iLife software package, which includes iMovie, iPhoto and Garageband. A relatively minor update, these applications got UI updates, usability improvements, and a few more features.

As with all of Apple’s product releases to date, the October event was open only to a select few reporters and industry experts, by invite only. As in the past, many of the reporters were “live blogging” during the event, getting audio, pictures and quotes out to the curious public via overloaded WiFi and cell signals. However, Apple decided to stream live video to the internet making it substantially easier for the common “Apple fanboy” and tech enthusiast to keep abreast of the proceedings.

Ways to Wear it: Over-the-knee Boots

stephanie
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Runway

The season of fall is the time where we all put away summer clothes and new fashion trends arise. An increasingly popular trend this year includes over-the-knee boots. It doesn’t matter if they are flats, kitten heeled or pumps, over-the-knee boots are a staple piece for this fall and winter. To this you may wonder, why don’t you see them around all over the city? Over-the-knee boots are a daring piece to take on and pull off, considering how everyone is still stuck on the “Ugg” style boots. Aside from that, there is a lack of knowledge of what to wear with them. So, here are 3 ideas on how to get started:

1) Skinny-cut Denim
A way to stay comfortable and fashionable at the same time is to wear skinnies tucked into the boot. Why skinnies? They’re easier to tuck in and glide with the boot. They don’t have the loose baggy structure of flared jeans where, if they were tucked in, the crease shown on your thigh of the folded hem will become obvious to others. Whether you wear dark-washed, light-washed, faded, black or grey denim with over-the-knee boots, it will be a great way to express this trend in comfort. For a more casual look you can always wear over-the- knee boots with a normal hoodie and t-shirt, and just treat the boots as if they’re like any other. For a more sophisticated look, you can try wearing darker-washed or black denim paired with a plain v-neck, or tank top, and an over-piece such as a blazer or cardigan.

2) Tights or Leggings
Leggings were introduced to the fashion industry a couple of years ago, and are currently one of the most popular bottoms worn by females all over the country. Although leggings are still very popular, tights or pantyhose (the type that covers your foot) are starting to make a come back with the sophisticated quality it brings to any outfit. Tights were usually worn by older business woman, same with pencil skirts, but clearing they have made its way into the life of everyone. Wearing a longer shirt of any sort, whether it be a t-shirt, dress shirt, cardigan or tank top, sweater dress, or tunic paired with tights or leggings and over-the-knee boots is a great option!

3) Skirts and Shorts
Wearing over-the-knee boots with a skirt or shorts with tights or leggings underneath will help bring your summer wardrobe into use for the fall/winter. The boots will help keep your legs warm while keeping you remain fashionable and girly. I would suggest minimizing wearing printed skirts or shorts unless it is subtle and dark. E.g. Bright blue plaid shorts with black tights and black over-the-knee boots will clash as it is too summery, and child-like when aiming for a high-fashioned sophisticated look. As show in one of the picture above, a model is wearing longer shorts with extremely high over-the-knee boots which is also an option for those who are daring enough!

Doubts?
With cold weather nearing Calgary, over-the-knee boots are not only a trend but a great way to stay warm! And if you are afraid of purchasing these boots because they will “go out of style” next year then consider the following: Barely anyone wear them now which is an indicator that they are still starting to grow and make its way through into our daily wardrobe. When Ugg-styled boots first came to the fashion world people believed that they were ugly and that no one should ever wear them, but after a few years they have made its way up to be the most popular style of boots worn on a daily basis to date. And last but not least, if you enjoy this trend then tell yourself: So what if they go out of style! If their cute, functional and comfortable then that’s what matters most!

Carter’s Big Break by Brent Crawford

william
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“Warning: This book is intended for immature audiences. If you find teen guys annoying and/or disgusting, this may not be the book for you. There’s gotta be something about a cute wizard or moody vampire around here… Go find it!”

So, a long time ago I reviewed “Carter finally gets it” part one of the Will Carter series. Now I shall review part two of the series.

Somehow Carter survives freshmen year. But his troubles are not behind him. Carter is looking forward to enjoying summer but he soon finds himself dumped by his girlfriend Abby, meeting his favourite author, staring in a Hollywood movie, having relationship issues with his friend and family, and receives a glimpse of the adult life.

This is a typical male YA novel where we enter the life of an ordinary teenage boy. Through extraordinary events, the boy discovers various life lessons but more importantly, he discovers himself. Also there is a girl that the story ultimately revolves around. But unlike most YA guy books, “Carter’s big break” is more realistic but still finds a way to be hilarious. When compared to the first book of the series, Carter’s big break is more mature, and offers a deeper look at the process of a teenager finding what it means to be a man. It offers more life lessons and less stupidity. It is an all around deeper book, but just as funny as the first.

Bottom Line – this book is deep, and intelligent, but still very funny and outrageous. It feels fairly light compared to the depressing books I’ve been reading lately. That being said, this book needs some more work on a more intricate and original plot. I recommend this book to guys who are 14 or above. I give it a 4/5.

Blood Types and Your Love 1

irene
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Did you know that your blood type shows what your marital harmony will be? This is one of the famous superstitions in Korea.

If your blood type is A,

If your lover or love’s blood type is A, your index of love is 70%

You investigate each other’s frame of mind. However, once you fall in love, no one can dissuade the romance.

If your lover or love’s blood type is B, your index of love is 20~25%

Since A blood type people are typically wicked, if you are a woman, B  guys would be hard to handle. So guys! Careful not to wound their sensitive mind! If you are a man, you should lead your lover.

If your lover or love’s blood type is AB, an index of love is 65%

If you are a woman, they show the platonic love than any other couples with wholesome ideas! If you are a man, AB girls are ice princesses! However they have beautiful mind as well. Guys who have A blood type, don’t give up!

If your lover or love’s blood type is O, an index of love is 95%

You could fall in love at their first meeting! Him to her or her to him, they are the ideal person they always expected to meet! They love with best effort each other so they seen as the best couple to others! Hot types O and calm A is the best balance!

* This is only the superstition to which there is no scientific evidence*

Picture from http://mygony.com

Nenshi Wins!

tim
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Naheed Nenshi is the new mayor of Calgary. Here, he is posed in front of a backdrop of the Calgary Downtown. Photo Courtesy of 660 News

I was wrong. I predicted Nenshi to end up in last place, with McIver in first and Higgins in second. As you all know, Nenshi emerged victorious with 40 per cent of the vote – 8 per cent more than McIver.

How did he win?

Don’t get me wrong. As surprised as I was, it was a pleasant surprise. As a member of the liberal young population, I was also a supporter of Nenshi but really did underestimate the potential of liberal minds in Calgary. Nevertheless, we have to look at how did he win? Some people suggest that Higgins and McIver split the conservative vote. While that may be true, in a conservative city like Calgary, even a split conservative vote is usually enough to win. The true success of Nenshi lies within his success with new voter demographic groups, especially youth from 18 to 34. His tactics involved the use of social media like Facebook and Twitter.

So what does it mean for Calgary?

Nenshi’s win is truly a big step for Calgary. In the past, Calgary has always been run as a business town where people come here to work hard and then retire elsewhere for the idealist relaxing life. Nenshi represents a divergent political approach to running Calgary. He supports a restructuring of the city to make it a city for living.

So what does he plan to do?

Nenshi promised Calgary several things in his campaign. First and most urgent would be fixing a $60 million deficit in the city budget. Nenshi might have to explore deficit financing to pursue the project he has promised. Nevertheless, the 60 million dollars must be accounted for and dealt with. The second would be building much needed city infrastructure including the airport tunnel and the southeast LRT. Funding and planning will be lengthy, so they may not finish within Nenshi’s three year term. Third would be overhauling the financial auditing system at City Hall to improve efficiency and how well money is spent. This problem is very much related to the budget deficit but really more related to excessive and wasteful spending in Calgary.

What challenges does Nenshi face?

In two simple words, money and support. Nenshi must first find support from City Council to pursue some of his policies that are not necessarily popular within the council. Nenshi must consolidate his ideas and pursue them with more supporters within the chambers. Money is probably the overwhelming issue. In a year of economic hardship, government spending will be a controversial issue. While more spending will stimulate the economy, that phenomenon is really observed at the national level. Finding the money and funds to make the necessary changes will prove to be a major hurdle for Nenshi and his administration.

What does the future look like?

With a confident new mayor at its head, Calgary is ready to tackle the many challenges that currently trouble it. Calgary must deal with deteriorating city infrastructure,  developing urban sprawl, exacerbating transportation flow and changing economic directions. The city is at a turning point and important decisions must be made. We can only trust in the new council we have elected in and work together to promote a better Calgary.

Barry Munday: Review

dhruv
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On Oct. 3, I saw a movie called Barry Munday. This movie was playing at the Eau Claire Market specially for the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF). It was a comedy and starred Patrick Wilson and Judy Greer. Since I was a little late finding a movie at CIFF, most of the good movies were gone. Unfortunately, I was looking for a comedy and even though the movie had some funny moments, the movie wasn’t really my taste. There was some nudity that I thought could be avoided, since there was no particular reason for it to be there. Overall, the movie had some laughs but I don’t think I would watch it again.

My favourite bands

sara
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It’s clear to see that most people in our society are consumed by music. And why wouldn’t they be? Music takes the edge off of a hard day; it helps you fall asleep and brings up your adrenalin when you need it most on those last few meters of running.

Music takes a huge role in my life as well. It inspires me in every aspect of my life.

I thought I’d share with you two of my favourite bands.

INCUBUS

Incubus is a rock genre band consisting of five fantastic members. The band itself has been around since 1991, producing over 20 albums, EPs and singles. Their music is sure to leave you with your eyes closed, head bobbing and foot tapping.

Southern Girl

[youtube HlBtp7QO1Cg]

Matthew Good Band

Matthew Good is an independent artist. You can find out more about his music here.

MGB is an alternative rock band formed in BC (1993-2002). I strongly recommend listening to this band’s music, they won’t disappoint.

Apparitions

[youtube oEgxy3sBFmE]

Symbolistic White Walls

[youtube k5f4Na2xTgU]

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