This past weekend, Calgary’s Santa Shuffle went on, regardless of the blizzard from the night before!

About 400 Calgarians participated in the event, despite the strong winds that day.  Not only was the weather just windy=, but it was also cold, icy, and generally miserable (can you sense my dislike of the cold?!).  Props to those of you who went anyways!

Check out these articles on CTV and 660News about the event in Calgary or visit the one on Salvation Army’s website about the event in general.

So, there’s a bit of a discrepancy between the amount that Calgary raised for the Salvation Army, but whether it’s $40k or $50k, it’s still pretty phenomenal.

Yay Calgarians!!

I love seeing the evolution of things and learning about history (yup, I’m kind of a geek that way!), so imagine my delight today when I came across This Day in Tech, one of the blogs on Wired.com, which follows different events that have happened in the world of what else…tech!

Some of the posts are about things I was already aware of, and it’s cool to look back on those significant technological moments and remember the response to that story at the time (ohhh, Napster!).  Others are things I had no idea about, but that have affected the way we do things today.

So all you geek-chic, techno-loving readers out there, click through and enjoy!

I’ve been covering the novels of John Green for a few weeks now, and this week I’ll be talking about his novel, An Abundance of Katherines.

This novel follows a “teen prodigy” named Colin Singleton; he is an 18 year old with a rather strange taste in women.  He does not care about looks or personality, all he cares about is whether the girl’s name is spelled K-a-t-h-e-r-i-n-e.  But he is not very lucky; he has been dumped by 19 different Katherines.  The story starts just after he’s been dumped for the 19^th time.  It was graduation day, and he comes home feeling like a piece of him is missing.

His overweight Lebanese friend, Hassan, convinces him to go on a road trip and relax, and so they do.

Colin has been wanting to make the jump from prodigy to genius for quite some time, but in order to do so, he must have a “eureka” moment.  He believes that prodigies learn quickly, but geniuses make discoveries.  He didn’t know that his road trip would lead to the rural town of Gut Shot, and he would never have thought that the road trip would lead to the “eureka” moment he’s been longing for.      

This is quite an interesting story, and I would recomend this to anyone above the age of 13 and looking for a fun story with some deep meaning to it.

Uncyclopedia is an encyclopedia full of misinformation and utter lies.  You might say it puts the “psych!” in “encyclopedia”.  It’s sort of like Congress or Parliament, but unlike Congress or Parliament, we do have a sense of humor.

I ran into this encyclopedia kinda by mistake.  Fortunately enough, the subject I was reading off from Uncyclopedia is an area of interest for me, so, I knew enough to realize that this site is actually about everything that is the opposite of a good encyclopedia. One thing I have to admit more than anything is that, this encyclopedia is the most funny one I have ever read.

WARNING: Do not visit content of Uncyclopedia unless you have first understood the content Wikipedia provides on the topic, otherwise, you will be utterly confused about everything you read!

Let us take The Five Universal forces as an example, (btw, there’re only four classified forces: gravity, electromagnetic, weak and strong – as I have warned, read WIKIPEDIA before Uncyclopedia!):

Gravity exclusively affects apples, particularly when revolutionary scientists rest under apple trees.  In such a case, the apples are accelerated downward at near lethal force towards the head of the scientist.  Upon impact, the apple imparts a brilliant idea into the revolutionarie’s head.

As you may already realize, Uncyclopedia is not completely bogus.  It’s quite original in fact, and the information it contains maybe partly false if you’re a pessimist, or partly true if you’re an optimist.

The bottom line is: Uncyclopedia is a encyclopedia with the purpose of entertainment: do not use it for your assignments nor homework.  However, despite its vastly misinformed content, it would be a humorous read for the weekends and the holidays.

The funniest article I have read so far is Physics, especially the section where they talk about the dangers of physics.  Share with us your pick for funniest article on uncyclopedia, or a similar site that will give people a laugh.

Industrial development has brought us many benefits such as cheaper products and new products, and has created a market that is filled with various types of products.  To prevent consumers from being hurt by products with harmful substances, food products are inspected by the Food and Drug Administration in the US, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in Canada.  It seems that governments are more concerned with the safety of substances that we input to our body such as food and drugs; however, most governments fail to address safety concerns with those products that we consume through our skin.  Yes, I am talking about soaps and shampoo, cosmetics, and sunscreen – products most people use one or the other of everyday.

Since governments are not keen about enforcing law and policies to regulate the use of harmful chemicals in everyday toiletry products, it is important for us to know what are in these products and choose to buy products free from SLS and other harmful chemicals.

The followings are some harmful chemicals that you may be exposed to: (Please click on the chemical name listed to learn more about those chemicals, and how they are harmful)

Soaps, Shampoo and soaps:

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Propylene Glycol (Antifreeze)
1, 4 Dioxane
Dioxin

Cosmetics:

Bentonite
Propylene glycol
Diethanolamine (DEA)
Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
Benzylphanone
Sodium benzoate
Glycerin
Collagen
Talc

Sunscreens:

PABA / Oxybenzone / benzophenone

What to Do?

There is a line of SLS-Free toiletry products that has joined the market.  Look for SLS-Free products when buying toiletry products.  You can learn how to look for SLS-free products here.

Now you know why and how to watch out for harmful chemicals in your everyday toiletry products.  Do you think government should enforce policies and legislations that address the issue of harmful chemicals in toiletry products, or do you think people are capable of living with, and ultimately need to deal with those chemicals and develop a tolerance or defense against them.  Leave a comment!

…You know the ones with tails and fur?  I’m talking about monkeys of course!  If you’ve lived in Calgary long enough, chances are you’ve heard about Calgary Zoolights.  If you have not gone yet, let me convince you (which is not going to be that hard).  Over 1.5 million lights cover the Zoo in a spectacular display of holiday spirit and animals from all over the world.

This year there are 9 brand new, unique animated animal figures, and Santa is back – via SantaVision – by popular demand. You can live chat with Santa Clause and right afterwards you can send a Video Postcard!  The postcards let you send a message or song to loved ones wishing them “Happy Holidays!”  There are hot chocolate stands and fire pits set up all over the Zoo to keep you warm in the snow that just dusted Calgary.

Now, if you’re going with the family, don’t forget to stop by the Winter-FUN-derland kids play area and play in the Reindeer Stables, or sing along to the Festival of Choirs (7pm until 8:30pm)!  However, may I suggest closing your eyes as your parents walk through the Tunnel of Love, trust me on that one, or use that time to walk down Candy Cane Lane!

Now for all the important information:

Zoolights is on now until January 3rd, 2010. (CLOSED on Christmas Day and excluding Zoo Years Eve)

The night begins at 6:00pm until 9:00pm, but gates close at 8:30pm

Adults are $8 and Children are $5

You can get your tickets at the gate or purchase them online.  And get this!  Parking is INCLUDED after 4:30pm!!!

Check out the website for more information and for other special holiday events happening like, Brunch with Santa.  Don’t forget a toque and a warm pair of mittens!  “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!”

We recently posted about the U of C’s Fairly Traded Market Day and a few of us were able to attend last weekend. We were able to find awesome holiday gifts for friends and family, and for surprisingly reasonable prices, too.

Just because the Market is over doesn’t mean you can’t still buy fair-trade goods for the holidays.  10 Thousand Villages is open for business and has two locations in Calgary.  Joel is a fan of their Holiday Blend coffee, and Sheena and I picked up some really cute bags of tea.  They also have awesome bags, scarves, and incense sets available, among other things.

My favourite Kensington store, Mañana, was also at the market, and is another awesome fair-trade store for the holiday season.  Their jewelery and incense selection is unmatched.

But if you do want to make it out to another fair-trade market, the Social Justice Club at Centennial High School will be hosting its third-annual Celebrate with a Conscience event, open to the public for the first time this year. On December 10^th from 3-7pm you are welcome to browse fair-trade goods from around the world at this student-run event.

So try an ethical gift this season, or even just treat yourself to a bar of fair trade chocolate or a cup of fair-trade tea/coffee. It can’t hurt, and there are really no downsides to knowing you’re supporting the livelihood of independent craftspeople and farmers worldwide.

That’s right, the Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk is here!

This Saturday (or tomorrow!), December the 5th, 10:00am, at Eau Claire Market, you can run 5km or walk 1km around Prince’s Island Park to benefit those in need of the Salvation Army’s Services.  This annual event is held across North America, so be sure to join in on the fun that brings families and friends together!

If you would like more information, you can check out the race information page for Calgary, follow the Santa Shuffle event on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook!  Technology is so handy these days. : )

Now, if the idea of *actually* participating doesn’t appeal to you, there’s a chance to volunteer instead. Head on over to CYFC‘s YVC page to sign up! You will be helping to make the race a success by assisting in race marshalling and you will get to participate in the closing ceremonies afterwards.

Yes, I know there’s a blizzard warning in effect… but we’re Calgarians! The cold and the snow have got nothing on us!

Youth Are Awesome had the chance this weekend to meet up with Inner City Elegance at Tubby Dog to ask them a few questions about music, their upcoming show and everything in between.  The Calgary-based trio Inner City Elegance is one tight ‘bromance’ with a high-energy sound that is uniquely theirs.  Brazilian front man, Bruno Rodrigues and two high school friends, bassist Justin Parsons and drummer Spencer Kathrens burst through Calgary’s music scene in late 2008 and have recently recorded their first EP, “Hot & Dangerous”.  Inner City Elegance will be playing a FREE show on Saturday, December 5th at Tubby Dog.  Doors open at 7:30 and this is going to be a show you won’t want to miss!

Youth Are Awesome: Where and when was the first time you played together as Inner City Elegance?

Justin: Our first show as ICE was at the Distillery last January or February.

YAA: Is it difficult to find venues in Calgary?

Bruno: All ages venues yes, but bar shows are a lot different then all ages shows because people go to bars to get drunk not to listen to you sing.

YAA: How did you guys come up with the name Inner City Elegance?

Spencer: That one was tongue and cheek for sure, its kinda named after the house where we jam, its this old house just on the outskirts of downtown.

YAA: If you could use one word to describe ICE what wouldn’t it be?

Bruno: Love. Haha.

Justin: Let’s say flakey, we like to put it all out there.

YAA: Who plays what role in the band? 

CBC Radio 2 just wrapped up the first leg of the Great Canadian Song Quest, and CBC Radio 3 is just about to announce the winners of the Bucky Awards.

Listeners were asked in October to nominate CBC Radio 3 artists, and then in November to vote for the best in categories including Reason to Learn French, New Band Name, and Sexy Musician, among other conventional categories such as Song and Lyric.

Winners will be announced live on Wednesday, December 9th on the Grant Lawrence show.  But if you miss the announcement, you can always catch up with the CBC podcasts on their website or through their awesome iPod application.

Have you ever wanted to travel across Canada, learn about its history and culture, and help contribute to sustainable development in Canada?  Have you ever wanted to learn Canada’s other official language?  If you are between the ages of 17 and 21, Katimavik is a great way to do that.  Katimavik is one of Canada’s leading youth volunteer programs.  

Youth from all over Canada live in different regions in Canada for either 6 or 9 months and participate in volunteer programs in each of the regions.  It is a great way to meet new people and make a difference, while gaining valuable skills. 

In addition, you can get university credits for Katimavik, depending on which program you are doing.  And you don’t have to worry about how much it costs.  It is Free!  Katimavik is paid for by the federal government.  Cool, huh?

The WFW saga is back!  It has been almost a week since Operation Beautiful was introduced and hopefully it got you through November to December!  To start this new month off I would like to present The Book Inscriptions Project— the final installment to our saga.

Have you ever turned to a page in a book or a textbook and there is a random little message left in the corner?  Well book inscriptions are more personal, as they are messages written to the original reader of the book but those books find their way into the hands of others.

The project all began with this book in 2002 when Shaun, the founder of this website opened this book up and saw the message that was written in the cover:

Something about that note, handwritten by an unknown to an unknown of whose whereabouts, gender and relationship I was unaware, struck me as both tragic and powerful.

It seems like everyone today wants to get on the eco-friendly, save-the-world, stop-killing-our-planet bandwagon.  As someone who loves nature and believes that we should respect it, I have no problem with this.  Some artists have decided to support the cause (intentionally or not) through the use of recycled materials to create their masterpieces.
 Now, the first thing that comes to mind when you think of laundry is likely not art, and I think that it makes more sense to have leftover clothing fibres remind you of destruction, not construction.  But, lint scultures are just that. Construction from deconstruction.  Check it out.