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Sports Legends Edition 5: Baseball

kaiz
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Barry Bonds. Left Fielder. The greatest baseball player the game has seen. Why?

Barry Bonds has a record-setting 7 MVPs, 4 of them consecutive.  He also holds the All-Time Major League home-run record at 762, and other various titles, including holding the record for single season home runs.  He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and played with the San Francisco Giants from 1993 to 2007.   He makes pitchers tremble when he comes up to bat, and his electrifying stunts make him the number one player of all time.

However, Bonds is unlikely to ever play again.  He was involved in a steroid scandal and much controversy in a case that started in 2007 and is still ongoing.  He may never play again, but this home run giant is one player that will never be forgotten.

Check out more of my Sports Legends series here on Youth Are Awesome!

From 54 Squares To 9

alice
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Earlier we brought your attention to the sleek Rubik’s TouchCube, well after just a few months a new twist on the classic toy is being released in the market–the Rubik’s Slide!

The Rubik’s Slide has only one face, and with 9 squares, one would think it would be easier than 54 squares but that is not the case!  The top of the slab can be slid up, down, left, or right to nudge the coloured blocks in that direction or it can be twisted to rotate the blocks into a new direction.

The Rubik’s Slide is amped up with LED lights, sound, and a high score memory.  The objective is to slide the lights into the correct pattern by twisting and shifting the top panel of the cube.  With 3 levels and over 10,000 puzzles built in, this cube will surely keep you busy for quite awhile.

I am one of those people who has had many failed attempts to solve the original Rubik’s Cube and till this day still has yet to solve one.  Maybe I will give this new version a shot, and hopefully have more luck in solving it.

The Rubik’s Slide will be available soon so keep your eyes open!

Where It’s Art: Please Do Not Taste The Artwork (9/10)

emily
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eastwest2The Japanese may have bento boxes, but make no mistake, the mainstay of North American lunches, the oft-overlooked sandwich, can look pretty neat too – it may even

<—————– mimic asian cuisine.

Check these out!

Some interesting characters, including a “beet”-nik with bloodshot eyes (or pureed beets, whichever):

beetnik2

mustache

Some toys, such as a “Monterey Jack-in-the-box”:

jackinbox

racecar21

cubewich

Some slightly more grown-up games: 

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Opening Ceremony, Gold medals, and skating – oh my!

sheena
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Hello Canada!

Our dry spell is over!  Hello!  Canada has won it’s first Olympic GOLD MEDAL on Canadian soil. Congrats to Alexandre Bilodeau, his family and the entire Canadian Men’s Moguls team!!!  I know I was watching as Bilodeau came down the hill – my heart in my throat… then the French competitor messed up and it was over!  Amazing!!  What a brilliant run and a brilliant story.  Read more about Alexandre Bilodeau, the first Canadian gold-medal winner of Vancouver 2010 here.

Next, as a 2010 Torch Bearer, I feel the need to comment on the, in my opinion, absolutely stunning Opening Ceremonies.  Ok, ok, let’s get the technical difficulties out of the way and say: YES the 4th arm did not raise.  But, c’mon guys, it was an otherwise flawless show and the technology was amazing!  The field?  The flying people?  The light-up polar bear?  Nelly Furtado?  Amazing.

And, you know, on top of the breath taking technical/theatrical aspects of Vancouver’s Opening Ceremonies, I personally felt that the way the aboriginal groups of Canada were treated was a highlight.  First, the cultural integrity and, more importantly, the cultural differences presented in the ceremonies were both beautiful and tasteful.  It’s a common misconception that “Canadian First Nations Peoples'” are all the same – they’re not and the Vancouver Opening Ceremonies, in my opinion, really show cased that. Moreover, the way the torch was finally lit (though I have a semi-issue with ex-Canadian Wayne Gretzky being the final torchbearer), despite the difficulties, I was emotional. For many of us, this is our first Canadian games and I think we need to savour the moment. We are all apart of it… controversy or not.

I’ll keep this last bit quick: my personal favorite winter sport is Figure Skating. Last night was the Pairs Free Skate, after the Short Program on Sunday, and it was brilliant. Two lovely Canadian couples made it into the top 10, including Cody Hay & Annabelle Langlois (who skated to “Requiem for a Dream” in their short program).  Their throw-triple-flip on Sunday night was perfection (search YouTube, it’ll be there soon I’m sure!)

Watch the Men’s Short Program tonight @ 5:15PM MST

Wanna find something to watch? check the online Olympics schedule @ CTV

Missed something? Check here for video clips and links to pretty much everything aired.

Also, greatest condolences and respects to the citizens of Georgia and the family and friends of Nodar.

GO CANADA!!!

[Photos taken by myself on Olympic Torch Relay Day 82]

Leviathan By: Scott Westerfeld

william
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I mentioned a few weeks back that I’d be trying out some new authors that I haven’t read anything by yet.  This week: Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld.

In this novel, the world is on the verge of war between the Darwinists and the Clankers.  In this alternate reality, world war one is fought between the Darwinists (those who use genetic engineering to create weapons of war) and the Clankers (those who rely on machines).  There is no good and evil in this story, just two sides with different ideologies fighting for dominance.

The story follows two characters: Prince Alek (Clanker), the son of the archduke, who is on the run in a war machine accompanied by a crew of loyal men after his father is assassinated and his people turned on him; and Deryn (Darwinist), a girl disguised as a boy to serve in the British Air Force.

I found this to be quite an interesting story that focuses just as much in the politics of war as much as it does on the physical part. I found myself liking the character Alek more due to his higher level of importance and intelligence.  Also, I found Deryn to be overly energetic and quite rash.

All in all, this is a great novel that is intelligent and action-packed (though I’m not a fan of the ending).  I believe that it requires a reader of 14 years old and above to fully understand it. I would give this book a 4/5.

February: It isn’t only known for Valentine’s Day

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We’re already mid-way through the month of February, but there are still many cool holidays and happenings that some of us may not even know about. February is Children’s Dental Health Month, International Friendship Month, and Responsible Pet Owner’s Month.  It is also National Cherry, Embroidery, Grapefruit, Snack Food, and Wild Bird Feeding Month.

Take a look below to see some of the other cool days happening during the rest of the month.

February 16th – Mardi Gras
February 17th – Random Acts of Kindness Day
February 18th – Pluto was discovered today!
February 21st – Love Your Pet Day
February 22nd – Be Humble Day, World Thinking Day
February 23rd – International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
February 26th – Carnival Day
February 27th – No-Brainer Day, Polar Bear Day
February 28th – Public Sleeping Day

Did you see something cool that you might want to participate in? I didn’t even know some of these days existed. Have fun with rest of February!

Sam’s Weekly Serving of NeRd: 10^9 downloads!!!

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How would you like to get your hands on a $10,000 iTunes Gift Card? I know I would–imagine all the songs and movies and TV shows…. 😉

7 years since its beginning, iTunes is coming up to a HUGE milestone: 1,000,000,000 (one billion) song downloads!

iTunes Canada is giving away a $10,000 iTunes Gift Card to the person who downloads the 1 billionth song!

So, are you the winner? Check out the count down here, and get downloading! Good Luck ♥

The New Adventures of Your Old Jeans

kaitlin
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If you’re like me, you probably have several (at least) old pairs of jeans that are still in good condition, but you just don’t really wear them anymore.

In fact, they’re probably just sitting in your drawer, taking up space.

Why don’t you put them to good use? A few weeks ago, Aéropostale started up the third annual Teens for Jeans drive. So, since you have that old pair just lying there, this is the perfect opportunity to find them a new home. The Teens for Jeans drive is meant to inspire YOU to collect jeans for homeless young people all over the city.

All you have to do is grab that old pair of gently-worn jeans sitting in your closet and drop them off at any Aéropostale store in Calgary and Aéropostale will donate all the jeans they collect to a United Way funded local homeless shelter.

*Note: The first 100,000 pairs given to Teens for Jeans will be donated to Haiti, as Aéropostale’s response to the devastating earthquake.

As a big THANK YOU to you when you donate your old jeans, Aéropostale is will give you an additional 25% off your next pair of jeans.

The Teens for Jeans drive ends this weekend on Valentine’s Day, so share the love and go grab some denim!

[youtube sr7wX1ZHr0E]

Perspective Pt. 1: Lights!… Camera!… Hold It!

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“Perspective:” A new YAA column from the Gentleman Scholar – Check back every week for new entries!

Photography, cinematography, and all things related are the specialty here!  I’ve seen that many of the people I know are into photography, and you might have, too.  If your interest is piqued, and you think this might be for you, or you just want to know more, read on!

This week: your tool of the (photography) trade and more importantly, how to choose the right on for you.

When choosing a camera, there are many, many criteria to choose from, and it all depends on what you’re shooting. As a quick evaluator of what you might need, feel free to take this quiz:

Help me choose a camera!  Answer with what YOU would do, not necessarily what you think a pro would do.

Question 1: When you take picture do you…?

a) Hold the camera in the general direction you’re shooting, close your eyes and pray for the best.

b) Put the camera down on a hard surface so it doesn’t shake, and try and frame your shot nicely.

c) Wait around all day for the shot to appear, making sure you have your ISO and exposure dialed well in advance.

Question 2: When you hear the phrase “white balance” do you think…?

a) Balance? Like on a teeter-totter?

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Echoing the Youth Experience

william
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I found this advertisement by CCIS to be quite interesting and think that you should all check this out.  The target audience of this contest is youth between the ages of 12-30 and it ends on March 22nd (so you still have lots of time to submit!).  Check out what CCIS has to say about their new contest, Echoing the Youth Experience, below:

CCIS is always looking to initiate new and exciting projects to involve not only our significant client base, but also our Partners. With over hundreds of Youth in CCIS’ database alone, we are excited to see what these Youth are able to share.  Moreover, we see this as an opportunity for CCIS to collaborate and connect with other service providers and community stakeholders – knowing this initiative is about more than one organization.

Echoing the Youth Experience is a unique and collaborative book project that will allow Youth across Calgary to artistically share what it means for them to be in Canada.  The experiences can be told through various artistic forms – from photographs to short stories.  The entries for the book will be selected through a competition process, with some prizes for submissions, and top prizes for outstanding effort.

The contest will be posted throughout the city by engaging service providers and community partners.  It is the hope that with some incentives, the contest will draw quite a number of submissions.  We are aiming to showcase the final product at the 2010 Multicultural Youth Health and Well Being Conference put on by Alberta Health Services and Southern Alberta Child and Youth in May.   The contest will culminate with a ceremony where the art is displayed, the supporters are recognized, and the winners of the contest are announced and awarded.

The contest will culminate in a printed collaborative book entitled: “Echoing the Youth Experience: A Cross Cultural Exchange of Young Ideas”. 

For more information on the program, or to enter a submission please email Yiorgos Boudouris at: echo@ccis-calgary.ab.ca or visit www.youthexperience.tumblr.com  for continuously updated information.

So check it out! And if you’re feeling artistic, enter the contest!

Are you pumped for the Olympics?!

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Well you better be pumped, because Calgary’s CTV Olympic Celebration will be happening on Saturday, February 13th!

Come on down to the Olympic Plaza that day from 2:30pm to 7:00pm for a festival-style event all about the 2010 Winter Olympics.  There will be various entertainment activities, cultural pavilions, and large video screens showing live coverage of the Olympics!  In addition to the theme of Winter Games, there will also be Paralympic-themed activities.

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Olympic Plaza

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If that’s not enough to get you to come out and celebrate the Olympics with the rest of the city, then maybe the musical acts for this celebration should be mentioned…  Do you remember when YAA told you everything you need to know about The Dudes?  Well, they will be performing, along with Lindsay Ell, when they open for Simple Plan!

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The Dudes Lindsay Ell Simple Plane

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This event is also free, so be sure to drop by!  I’d like to say that the weather will be great that day (so you really have no excuse to not come to this event), but we all know that Calgary’s weather is more than ridiculously unpredictable. However, let’s put our faith in Balzac Billy, kay? 🙂

For more information about the event, click here to check it out on CTV Olympics!

~~~CTV Vancouver 2010~~~

21 Things You Should Know or Already Might Know About High School!

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High school.  It’s a part of life that you just have to go through.  For some people it can be the most fulfilling and amazing three years of their life. On the other hand, it can also be full of ups and downs and things that you just don’t want to remember.  I want to focus mainly on your mental health and the types of relationships you gain and lose during your high school experience.  I know I went through a lot, and I feel that I should share some of my knowledge and insight with those of you who are entering high school.  I’m even trying to see if these are the types of things people leaving high school can relate to.  

As a result of much thought I have learned in the last three years of my high school experience that:

1.)    I want high school to be over.

2.)    Facebook was made for the popular people, and that it is not good for your emotional health.  You are constantly worried about what everyone else is doing and who’s dating who, and spending so much time on Facebook that you’re not focusing on school!

3.)    Some people are just better off with you.

4.)    You are better off with some other people too.

5.)    Everything, and I mean, EVERYTHING happens for a reason.

6.)    Volunteer as much as you can because it’s more rewarding to know you’ve helped someone then sat around and done nothing.  It also helps you know that you are contributing to society in more ways than other typical high school students.  PLUS it looks great on University and scholarship applications.

7.)    Girls are harder to get along with.  Trust me the drama doesn’t end in high school.

8.)    No matter what happens you are strong enough to get through any situation, and I mean anything!

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Megatunes Turns Up the Volume

jessica
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Now you may remember a post from a few weeks ago interviewing The Wooden Sky, and hopefully you took a moment to listen and if you loved what you heard, I have some awesome news for you.  Megatunes has been hosting concerts for some time now and tomorrow (aka Friday, February 12th, 2010), The Wooden Sky will be playing a free show at 4pm!  And while you’re there why not look through the cd’s?  Megatunes is one of my favourite places to get cd’s in Calgary because its one of the few places you’ll be able to find an album by your favourite band that is not played on the Top 20, or if you’re looking for something new there are always people there to help you discover something you probably never would have otherwise.  You might even find some band t-shirts and album cover art for your wall.  But above those things, as soon as you walk in the door off of 17th Avenue take a second to look at the shelf and all the little pieces of paper advertising shows and new cd’s and music, I always find something interesting to listen to by reading those.  Right now is even their Vinter Sale, which promises $6 off regular white tag and $4 off sale priced items excluding consignment and vinyl.  So what are you waiting for??  Call up your friends and get a move on it!

Megatunes

Saving For College: The Earlier the Better.

Bo
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Save Money ButtonSince High School graduation is just around the corner for a lot of us, saving money to go away to universities and colleges maybe important for you.  As students, we have limited financial bases and sometimes, limited support.  How can you save for college when you are in college, or even before you start college?  Here are some tips you might find helpful.

1. Buy used books.

Unlike high school, you can no longer sign out textbooks and return them at basically no charge, you have to buy your textbooks.  It may comes to a surprise to you that buying textbooks at the start of the semester may cost you somewhere around 300 dollars, depending on what you are studying and your course load.  To save money, you can buy used books, treat your books nicely and sell them after you are done with them.  Three hundred may not sound like a big sum amount of money, but you might find an extra 50 dollars a month useful.

2. Take Public Transit

Straightforward enough.  Most university students can access public transit cheaply with their student status.  Or, if you can’t access public transit, you can always carpool or bike to be environmentally friendly and economically wise.

3. Meal Plan and Food

Choose the meal plan that fits your need.  A lot of people just order the most comprehensive meal plan so they have access to meals often.  Would it kill you to drop by the cafeteria on time using a cheaper plan???  Definitely not.  Get the meal plan that fits your eating pattern or eating habits, and that may save you money from some unnecessary excessive meal plan.

The ultimate way to save lots of money on food is to cook for yourself.  Learning a skill while experience life with cooking may not be that bad of an idea. You can potentially save up to 75% of the money you spend on meal plan if you choose to cook your own meal.

4. Student Bank Account

Some bank accounts charge fees for low balance.  That 20ish dollars might feed you for a few days, and by setting up no fee student account, you are avoiding these account charges.  Of course, this is useful if you have no spare money in the bank (like a couple thousand  just lying around).

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Where It’s Art: Please Do Not Taste The Artwork (8/10)

emily
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Japan has an overabundance of cute things. Their cartoons are cute, their clothing is cute, even their tissues are cute. And this excess of cute-ness has gone so far as to spill over into their bento box lunches. I had an extremely difficult time choosing which bento boxes to feature in this post because all of the ones that I found were simply amazing examples of bento art – my lunch never looks this cool. So, take a look:

From techy and cool…

To classic cartoons…

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