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National Youth Art Contest

Sarah K
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If you didn’t already know, Canada is well on its way to having its very own human rights museum. Construction of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) started in 2008 and will open for business in 2012. The museum has stressed the importance of educating young people especially, so it’s only suiting that they’re holding an art contest for youth in partnership with Taking IT Global (TIG).

The contest, called Evoke, aims to give youth a medium through which to reflect on the past, present, and future potential of human rights movements and events. Open to youth aged 13-25, the contest will be open for submissions until the 25th of May. 13 winners will be chosen (one from each province/territory) and will be given the opportunity to travel to Winnipeg this summer to have their art exhibited during a ceremony for the CMHR.

For more info on submitting to the art contest, head here. If you’re interested in learning more about the museum, head to their website and check out the live construction feed. If there’s no construction going on in the evening, you can always watch the skaters in the skater park!

The Final Stretch: 2 – Fight Back!

eva
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Lovely weather we’re having, eh? But the bright side to this horrid snow in late April is that it stops me (and everyone else really) from taking advantage of the nice weather we just had. Last week, I told you all about senioritis. This week, I’m going to tell you how I’ve been coping with my case of senioritis!

Since the weather is just dreadful, I’ve no longer been out much in the sun (we haven’t seen much sun regardless though). Instead, I’ve been able to accomplish more homework and be more focused. So, without further ado, here are some ways (that I’ve been using this past week) to cope with senioritis!

Study Library

1) Work With Others: Whether it be with classmates or friends, you’re more likely to keep each other on track since we usually feel bad about distracting others from their work. So, in a roundabout way, it gets everyone to focus on their own work more.

2) Plan A Work Schedule: Set out certain times for yourself where you will focus completely on your work (as in, zero distractions…keep that phone away!). Don’t forget to give yourself breaks too! Focused work sessions are usually much more productive than doing your work while multitasking.

3) Work At The Library: When you’re at the library, you’re hopefully not being distracted by any new tweets from Twitter or new Facebook status updates because you won’t be at the computer…or that’s how I spend my time at the library anyways. I don’t get any work done with MSN, Facebook, Twitter, and etc open on my computer at home, so when I’m at the library, I stop multitasking! I also don’t text as much since I can hear my phone keys being obnoxiously loud in the quiet library.

Don’t let these last few months get to you! Try your best and we’ll all pull through just fine. =]

A Single Shot

jessica
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Earlier today my friend sent me a message to check out this really cool video, and when she sends something your way, its generally REALLY cool. Today was a video  directed by Dennis Liu for Diane Birch’s song “Valentino”. Diane and the crew practiced for weeks to get one perfect single shot.

[youtube AMl0T8oNqfE]

Pretty cool hey? Now I’m sure you’ve already figured out how its done, but what’s even cooler than the music video itself is watching the “Behind the Screen” video, that even has the final cut of the music video playing off to the side.

[youtube rN-_DUsgBKs]

YW2010: What’s Up for Thursday

kaitlin
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We’re halfway done Youth Week, and we let you in on what’s happening today, but there’s still tons of events to hit up during the rest of the week (don’t event get me started on the weekend…awesome!).  Here’s what’s going on on April 29th:

The youth at National Philanthropy Day are spending the day getting inspired on how they can make change and practice philanthropy in our awesome city!

Feeling artsy? Come paint Pottery @ the Chill Zone – let your creativity run free, and have snacks and meet new people while you’re at it!

Did you know by donating one pint of blood, you can save three lives?  Thursday marks the start of Young Bloods Week…so if you’re 17, head over to Canadian Blood Services and donate!  You’ll get cool snacks and a chance to win some prizes while you’re there!

[youtube c0pW1asT-tY]

Want to celebrate the cultural diversity in our city?  Head over to the Multicultural Fair at Sir John A. MacDonald Jr. High!

The Calgary Public Library is also getting in on the Youth Week action – If you head over to the Shawnessy branch, you can join in Game On! and enjoy a full night of video games…If you head over to the Village Square branch, you can share your talents, or chill and watch other youth perform at the Teen Open Mic Night!

Finally, if you’re into deep discussions about how we can make the world a better and more peaceful place, check out the Global Peace Cafe at the Crowfoot YMCA

Want more details on an event listed above?  Check out the Youth Week Events page.

A Lil’ Something Something

alice
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Do you like surprises, random objects or presents? If a flying alarm clock or a portable ping pong set is something you would like then the somethingstore might be just for you!

Got a calvin klein tie, pretty cool gold color, to give to my muse at christmas..also a sort of funky purse.. not my style but unlike any ive seen so kudos for originality–Gwen

How this work is you order something and a random something will be sent to you. Each something is $10 USD (approximately $14.75 CDN) and a week or two after your package will arrive. The object sent out is guaranteed to be valued over $10. I personally think this a fun way to do gift exchanges without the stress or spoil the surprise.

My experience was great! The process is easy, and the anticipation is thrilling. The gift I recieved was very cool, and the value of the item was not a concern at all. –Ashely

Some of the neat quirky things people have received is: a USB Rocket Launcher, roll up piano, ipod shuffle, RC Ford Mustang and Fossil Watches.

As of right now, the website does not take in consideration to gender or age. This has its pros and cons, but that makes it more mysterious plus you could always pass it along and give it to someone else. I recently just ordered something and I am really excited! I will give an update as soon as I have received it! 😀

One Nation Poem

kaiz
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Hey, here’s another poem from my sweet rapper friend Alex Dias. I hope you guys enjoy it. To find out more about the different religions around the world, click here.

One Nation
By: Alex Dias

We fight Muslims, call ’em terrorists,
For no reason, like the Communists,
Today continues on the senseless fight,
Much like the apartheid, black and white.

They went in looking for WMDs,
All they had was cheap IEDs,
In response to an invasion,
Against conquerors, a revolution.

We label them extremists,
While we are supposed “pacifists”
Curse their view of heaven,
Blame on them, nine-eleven.

Yet, our religions are the same,
We share the idea of Abraham,
Adam, Eve, as well as Jesus,
We all wait for God to save us.

We share Judgement Day,
Fight regardless, come what may,
We all love our family,
Lay down our lives thoughtlessly.

Millions die each day, in a war,
Suicide bombings, bombings of cars,
All done to love and protect,
So why do we create sects?

If someone invaded your country,
Would you fight back? Mutiny?
So, why do we still battle?
Let us live in peace and settle.

Youth Week April 28th

YouthWeek
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Hey All!

Youth week is in full swing! The agenda for April 28th starts of with the exciting Media release of the Youth Vital Signs survey! For those of you who’ve been following cyfc for a while, you’d know that a few months back we, in partnership with the Calgary Foundation, hosted a Youth Vital signs survey which allows youth like you to grade the city of Calgary in 12 areas. This gave youth the opportunity to voice their concerns about waiting for hours in the cold blizzarding snow for the bus to come during those dark winter months, the recreation and art facilities that the city offered and it even allowed youth comment on the cultural identities and communities in Calgary. And now that we have all the stats in, its time to release the results to the public! So come join us at 10:00 am today at Crescent Heights High School (1019 1st S.W.) for some fun and chill out with the media!

But if a survey is not enough for you to voice your ideas and express your creative mind, then come on down to the Youth Slam open mic! It’s happening as part of the Calgary International Spoken Word Competition and youth are welcomed to compete for a spot on the main stage on at LiveStyle . The event starts at 7:00 pm at EPCOR center and tickets are $5.00 each. So come on down and unleash those words!

Youth Week Events for Wednesday

admin
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Black Violin

admin
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CALGARY INTERNATIONAL CHILDRENʼS FESTIVAL PRESENTS – BLACK VIOLIN

Every so often Calgary is visited by amazing musical acts.  I’d like to take the time to tell you about Black Violin.  Check out the press release from the organizers of the Calgary International Children’s Festival:

Young men who mix the brashness and beats of urban hip-hop with the soaring lines and fleet finger work of orchestral virtuosos. — New York Times

Calgary, AB – P. Diddy, Alicia Keys, Aerosmith, Tom Petty, Aretha Franklin and the Eagles  are just a few of the artists that Black Violin (USA) have shared the bill with and now the duo is  coming to Calgary. On May 28 & 29 the ingenious duo of Black Violin will present their inspired fusion of classical and hip-hop as part of the line-up of the 2010 Calgary International Childrenʼs Festival, presented by Qualico Communities.

With their neo-classical and urban style of violin mixtures, vocals and funk, Black Violin presents music that crosses age, cultural and musical boundaries – and with it an incredible opportunity to inspire young people. Kev Marcus, and Wil B, both classically trained musicians and graduates of Dillard Performing Arts High School, used their musical talents to earn full scholarships to college.  Now, they want to make sure that young people get the same exposure to the arts, and therefore the same opportunity that they did. They have been given an Award by the Brooklyn Center for Performing Arts for their Outstanding Contributions to Middle & High School Performing Arts Students.

Black Violin began gaining notoriety when they were awarded “Showtime at the Apollo Legends” in 2004. They have performed at the 2004 Billboards Awards with Alicia Keys, toured internationally with Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda, performed at the NFL Kick off party with Sean “Diddy” Combs, and has shared stages with hit artists who include: Stevie Nicks, The Eagles, Nas, Kayne West, Fat Joe, Lil Wayne, Linkin Park, Aerosmith, 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Fabolous, Ciara, Tony Touch, Iconz, Wreckonize and Ludacris. Also they have performed on various albums for artist such as Brooke Hogan, Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton, Lil Kim, Bone Crusher, Bad New Brown, and Jean a Latin musician on the Sony International Label.

Black Violin will perform at the Calgary International Childrenʼs Festival, presented by Qualico Communities, Friday, May 28 @ 10am and Saturday, May 29 @ 7:30pm in the Jack Singer Concert Hall of the EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $12.50 for the Friday performance and $15 for the Saturday performance. For tickets and information visit calgarychildfest.org or call 403-294-9494.

Another Poetry Moment: The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost

zeeyaan
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Here is another great Robert Frost poem for you to enjoy. Read the poem below:

The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

What do you think of this poem? Do you like it?

YW2010: Events to Watch for on Tuesday

kaitlin
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By now, hopefully you’ve heard about Youth Week – this awesome week (happening right now!) made just for young people in Calgary!

We’ll be keeping you posted about what to look forward to each day of Youth Week here on YAA…

On Tuesday, April 27th…here’s what’s coming up:

Finding it hard to keep up with school, work and your social life??  Well then,  stop by Up in the Air!, Starting at 5pm, this awesome workshop will help you learn to juggle (literally and figuratively), so that you can balance all the areas of your life. 

Are you a basketball pro?  Got skills that could rival the Harlem Globetrotters?  Hit up the Basketball Skills Competition happening at Westside Rec and show off your b-ball talents!  It’s starting at 6:30pm…

Ready for more?  Check out the full list of EVENTS on our Youth Week page!

So You Think You Can Dance… For a Really Long Time

admin
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A Message from the Organizers of So You Think You Can Dance…For a Long Time:

Challenge your friends and raise money for charity in the ultimate dance competition…

We invite all Calgary and area youth or the young at heart to register to become a competitor for So You Think You Can Dance For A Really Long Time, a dance-a-thon fundraiser in support of The Mustard Seed.

Collect pledges from your family and friends (minimum total of $20 in pledges to participate), and then join us at Eau Claire Market Centre Court on Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 11:00am until 6:00pm.

Come prepared to dance the day away with your friends to great music from our Vibe Dance Party DJ while you enjoy cool entertainment. Dress to impress, show off your moves and a positive attitude, or raise the most pledges for a chance to win fantastic prizes! All contestants will receive a free lunch courtesy of Subway and Coke and snacks courtesy of Old Dutch, Hershey and Lassonde!

For more information and to register visit http://www.theseed.ca/dance. If you have any questions send an email to dance@theseed.ca or find So You Think You Can Dance For A Really Long Time on Facebook! There are a limited number of spots available, so register soon!

Presented by Mac’s Convenience Stores (downtown Calgary locations).  Thanks to our other event sponsors and promotional supporters: Vibe 98.5 and Co-operators Insurance.

Something to Consider: Cell Phones

admin
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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

william
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Last week I reviewed a novel called “I am the messenger” by Markus Zusak. I decided that since that book was so awesome, I would read and review another one of his novels. So this week I’m reviewing “the book thief” by Markus Zusak.

This novel is narrated by “death”, I found that quite interesting. Death is represented as a conscious being, with emotions and morals. In this novel death is not evil but wise and fair. It is very strange to have a narrator that is all knowing and constantly jumps through time, a narrator who knows the ending before the story begins, but I found it quite enjoyable.

Despite the narrator being death the protagonist of this story is a 9 year old girl named Liesel. She is a poor girl growing up with her foster parents in Nazi Germany, this is a story of her growing up and discovery the different aspects of life and books-something she can not resist.

This novel reminded me of “to kill a mockingbird” with the way society is explored though the perspective of maturing children. This story is moving and beautifully written.

One of my favorite things about this novel was how death believed that humans are evil but at the same time capable of great beauty. I would recommend this to anyone 14+ and enjoys reading; I give this novel a 5/5.

YW2010: Hoops Extreme

YouthWeek
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Hey all you basketball lovers! I just came back from Hoops Extreme! (a Youth Week event we told you about yesterday) and I have to say….it was AWESOME. Even though the weather was freezing outside, the competition in the building was steaming hot.

Surprisingly, lots of youth showed up to compete in this 3 on 3 competition and show off their skills. There were people from all different age groups. I was even surprised to see grade 6 kids who entered their team in this competition. It just goes to show that skills knows no age.

Along with the competition, there were also contests. There were 3 pointer shots contests, half court shots contests, and I even saw a couple of guys dunking!!!! The YMCA did a great job in providing many volunteers!  I had a chance to mingle with some of the players and hand out a bunch of Youth Week stickers. A lot of them said that they were gonna’ check out the website. Many of them hadn’t heard of Youth Week so they were pretty excited to hear all the events coming up.  Meng, my fellow Youth Week planning committee member, did a great job of telling people of all the upcoming events and we handed out two VIP passes to another Youth Week event – “One Night Only at the Creative Kids Museum” coming up at the Telus World of Science (I recommend checking it out, I hear it’s really cool).

To end off this awesome day, YMCA handed out a bunch of gift bags to the kids. Inside the bags there were basketballs (which you had to pump), huge bags of candies, and water bottles. Some people even got really cool sports bags.  Everyone who attended (including us) got a free YMCA Hoops Extreme t-shirt.  I also went to the kick off on Friday April 23rd and there was a motivational speaker and the kids got pizza!! There was registration, some competition and practice. If you missed out this event, I’m sorry to say..but you missed out on a great day. Check the blog in a couple of day for some pictures, and for updates on more Youth Week events. PCEEEEEEEE EZY.

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