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Redefine Your Success: Unleash your Potential for the 2024 New Year!

Ms. Holmes
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0
Redefine Your Success: Unleash your Potential for the 2024 New Year!

 

“I already failed anyway! so I’ll just try again Monday…”

-Bill, 2023

Monday evening:

“Tch. Well, I failed yet again. I’ll try again tomorrow. But I’ll probably fail again, argh!” -Bill, 2024

Does ‘Bill’ sound like a certain someone to you? The feeling of being stuck in the cycle of trying again and again, and getting nowhere. Telling yourself you’ll take a break and try again a couple of days later only to fail to reach your goal again. It’s okay, you’re not alone. Like you, many others, including myself, have been or are still in this annoyingly receptive cycle. But do you know why you keep trying to start over and do it again? Because, there is a voice in the back of your head (or heart), that goes ‘Man, I could’ve done that better’, which means you are very much capable of doing it, but maybe you just don’t know how to do it, or simply lack the discipline and consistency to do so. Well, here are 3 tips that I hope can help you become your ‘future self’, but for real now.

Tip #1: Consistency and Setting ONE Goal

The key to reaching any goal is consistency, but we all know that. The real question is how? Well, there are many different ways, but here is one;

Pick only ONE long-term goal to focus on achieving, and one or multiple short-term goals to reach that one goal. This prevents you from getting overwhelmed by all the different goals you need to achieve, so you are less likely to procrastinate and stay motivated to keep going. For example, if my long-term goal is to eventually eat 3 healthy meals a day by the end of 6 months (since that is one of my biggest challenges- may be different for you) then, one of my short-term goals is to drink milk for breakfast, then slowly make more progress each week, until I have the appetite and motivation for making and eating fried eggs with some other nutrients for breakfast. Here is a more detailed guide on how to set up SMART Goals and realistically achieve them.

Tip #2: Reward System and Scoreboard System

It’s not easy to stay consistent, so make sure to reward yourself only if you stay consistent (for a minimum period which you think is best for your specific goal. Eg. After every successful week and or after every short-term goal). This way, you will not only be rewarded when you achieve each short-term goal but you will also be motivated to stay consistent due to that reward. That said, rewards can be anything, from buying a delicious snack to doing/playing your favorite pastime or hobby. However, remember to set strict deadlines for when a short-term goal is to be met, to prevent abusing the reward system and end up getting rewarded for procrastinating (which is the opposite of what you want to do).

One way to do that is through making a graph, where you set your goals and log in your daily progress. By doing so, not only can you get instant gratification by seeing your graph line or bar getting nearer to your goal, but it can also keep you even more motivated to keep achieving your short-term goals to reach your long-term goal. Think of it as a sport, for example, basketball. When you shoot and score a point, you get instant gratification by seeing your team’s score go up on the board, and by seeing how much better or worse your score is compared to the opposing team. Thus getting instant positive and negative feedback, fueling your motivation and determination to try harder. If you’d like, you can go ahead and create a group that also shares the desire to become their dream version of themselves and make it either a healthy competition and or support group, where all of you create your score graphs and compete and or hold each other accountable when you find one of you slacking for no good reason. 

Here is a YouTube video I came across, by YouTuber Tina Huang, which I found as a helpful guide for making your scoreboard. 

Tip #3: Cut-off from a Toxic Environment

Although this may not be completely possible for everyone, (eg. Living in a home, going to school, or working in a toxic environment), it is important to cut off as many toxic people or leave as many toxic environments, as much as you can. Toxic people (Eg. ‘Friends-‘), will not only make your life terrible and make you insecure about yourself, to the point of damaging your mental and emotional health, they will but will also demotivate you from reaching your goal as a result. It is important to surround yourself with a good support system, one that is in-person and or online (eg. Follow Instagram influences that have goals or have achieved a goal that you also have, or an online study group, etc.). This is vital for reaching your goals since encouraging words and unwavering support will not only motivate you to keep going but also go a long way in improving your mental and emotional health. That’s said, who knows? Maybe you just might make some good friends from this support system (if not already), who will genuinely celebrate your success with you and not put you down with discouraging and manipulative words.

Note: A few ideas for Goals

Here are some healthy goal ideas, to help you get started!

  • Journaling: Having trouble figuring out your thoughts and feelings? By letting those out on a piece of paper, it will help you dissect and realize the root of those thoughts and feelings, and allow you to have an outlet for those bottled-up feelings. Thus, allowing you to have a clear mind and heart to approach the problem you are facing, and leave you in an overall less frustrated mood.
  • Fitness: Whether it be a 10-minute walk a day, or 10 push-ups and jumping jacks per day, exercise will increase your dopamine levels which helps your mental, emotional, AND physical health. A lot of us get the feeling that we are just wasting time, and become too impatient when trying to reach our goals, however by working out, even just a little, you may not be able to see the result, but you will feel the result of your hard work immediately. For example, when you start sweating. Thus by feeling like that your mind and body will feel an increase in dopamine, which makes you feel more instantly satisfied with the effort you put in. Here are more details as to how dopamine and exercise go hand in hand. 
  • Napping instead of Scrolling: I’m sure we’ve all aimlessly scrolled on our social media when we felt like procrastinating, so another way to combat this is to nap instead (of course, napping excessively isn’t good). By resting your body and brain by napping, you will not only be well rested after waving up, but feeling less down on yourself afterward due to doing something useful, instead of the disgustingly repetitive feeling of wasting your time.

I hope these tips were helpful to you! I wish you the best, I believe in you, and you CAN and WILL do it!

 

Bioinformatics: The Combination of Biology and Information Technology

Ferhia Ibro
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Bioinformatics: The Combination of Biology and Information Technology

Bioinformatics, the combination of biology and information technology, has emerged as a transformative force in understanding genes and harnessing this knowledge for therapeutic purposes. One of the most promising applications lies in the realm of gene editing, where bioinformatics tools are instrumental in identifying target genes, designing precise edits, and optimizing delivery mechanisms. Through this piece, we will explore the intricate relationship between bioinformatics, gene editing technologies, and disease treatment, focusing on the example of insulin production through gene editing with plasmid vectors.

Understanding the genetic code

Bioinformatics serves as a toolkit for scientists navigating the world of genetics. Its primary function is to interpret the genetic code within our DNA. Through tools, bioinformatics enables researchers to gain valuable insights into the function and instructions governing the formation and operation of living organisms.

Target genes

Within the genome, bioinformatics acts as a sort of compass, assisting scientists in the precise identification of specific genes linked to diseases or critical biological functions. Through advanced methods, bioinformatics aids researchers in pinpointing genetic information crucial for medical research and the development of targeted treatments.

Precision editing with molecular tools

The correction of genetic anomalies requires the use of molecular tools, with restriction enzymes being a prime example. These tools act as molecular scissors, enabling scientists to cut the DNA at specific locations. The role of bioinformatics in this editing process ensures not only accuracy in correcting genetic errors but also minimizes the risk of unintended changes.

Plasmid Vectors

Following the precise editing of genes, the next challenge is reintegrating the corrected genetic material into the body’s cells. Plasmids–a type of vector–acts as a carrier or delivery vehicle for the edited genetic information. Bioinformatic studies plays a pivotal role in the design of these carriers, ensuring their efficacy in delivering the corrected genes to their designated locations within the body.

Gene editing example: improving insulin production

An individual who has diabetes may have inadequate insulin production. Bioinformatics plays a big role in aiding scientists to edit the gene responsible for insulin production. Plasmids, acting as precision carriers, transport the corrected gene back into the cells. This groundbreaking approach holds immense potential to enhance insulin production, thereby revolutionizing the management of diabetes.

Bioinformatics unfolds as a captivating field that empowers scientists to navigate the complex intricacies within the genetic code. Whether through precise gene editing to treat diseases or unraveling the profound mysteries of our genetic composition, bioinformatics stands as an indispensable ally in the ongoing quest for a healthier, more personalized future.

Bibliography:

Bioinformatics. (n.d.). Genome.gov. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Bioinformatics#:~:text=Bioinformatics%2C%20as%20related%20to%20genetics,or%20annotations%20about%20those%20sequences.

Restriction enzyme. (n.d.). Genome.gov. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Restriction-Enzyme#:~:text=A%20restriction%20enzyme%20is%20a,DNA%20technology%20and%20genetic%20engineering.

Patricia Bath and Ophthamology

Natalie
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Patricia Bath and Ophthamology

Patricia Bath, born in Harlem, New York on November 4, 1942, was a brilliant scientist and ophthalmologist. She aided in the furtherment of treatment and cure for forms of blindness, becoming the first woman and African American among those in her area of medicine.

Among her many accomplishments were those such as becoming the first female ophthalmologist appointed to the Jules Stein Eye Institute of the University of California in 1974 and the first African-American woman to receive a medical patent for her work (though by the time of her death in 2019, she had 5 patents to her name).

Perhaps the most outstanding achievement of them all is her invention of the laserphaco, a method and machine used to eliminate cataracts in someone’s eye. Nearly 65 million people are said to have cataracts today, which obstruct vision by creating cloudy spots on the lens of the eye. Thus Bath’s invention, which innovated a way to safely remove cataracts and restore vision to people who were deemed incurable in the past. Today, the laserphaco is used all across the world.

Close up image of a hazel-green eye.
Photo by Colin Lloyd on Unsplash

Sources: 1, 2, 3

Book Review: Keeper of The Lost Cities (Books 1-4)

Aiza
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2
Book Review: Keeper of The Lost Cities (Books 1-4) 
*Warning: May contain spoilers*

Overview

The courageous heroine of this series, Sophie Foster, is a 12 year-old senior in high school who has a secret. She is a telepath and can hear the thoughts of everyone around her. But Sophie’s life changes when she meets a mysterious boy named Fitz, who is also a telepath, and reveals to her that she is an elf and does not belong in the human world. Sophie is forced to leave everything behind and begin a new life in world that is far different from anything she has ever known. 

My Thoughts

This riveting series is one that always keeps you on the edge of your seat. Its one of the few novel series that you just can’t put down once you’ve started reading. I read this series when I was in the 5th grade and I think its a great series for ages 10 years and up. I just finished reading the fourth book, Neverseen, for the second time. There are many reasons why I love this series and I’m going to share a few of them here with you. 

Firstly, the novel has great worldbuilding. The elves’ world is really complex, and it seems to grow with every new book in the series. This makes the series more realistic and relatable. They have their own culture and systems which are woven into current issues and conflicts making the whole thing seem like the real world. Since there are so many different things going on, it helps to demonstrate that the whole world does not revolve around Sophie, the main character. I also like the way the story is written, the stakes get higher and the obstacles get harder. The author glosses over the less interesting parts and explains the main scenes using a lot of detail, which makes the book even more compelling. Though, this time I feel like even though the climax of the book was completely enthralling, the rising action seems to drag a little bit, but this is probably because it’s my second time reading the books. 

I also like the fact that this series has so many characters, each with their own problems and flaws. Every book introduces more characters. The various twists and turns also make the series more emotionally riveting. The end of Neverseen made me really sad as one of my favorite characters had to die in order to cure the plague. However, the various emotions make the story more realistic, since real life is never always happy.  It does sometimes feel like no matter what the Black Swan does, the rebel group, Neverseen, are always a few steps ahead of them, but I’m hoping this improves in the future. 

All in all, Keeper of the Lost Cities is a great series! Definitely recommended! 

How Arianna Huffington Shaped Modern News

Areej C
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How Arianna Huffington Shaped Modern News

The Huffington Post was founded by Arianna Huffington in the early years of the 21st century, a time focused on the development of technology as well as the problems associated with information overload from these developments. During this period, people began to become more aware of social inequality and other concerns of fellow citizens, due to the spread of fast internet and technology. While society gained from technology overall, many came across struggles and difficulty catching up with this rapidly changing world. Arianna Huffington and her team were able to capitalize from this, and fill an area in the journalism market by offering a space for information both opinionated and not. Arianna was able to tap into a market of informing Americans and allowing them to navigate and develop their own opinions. 

The main reason the Huffington Post was able to gain traction was the distinct and unique style of information presented to its audience. As mentioned before, during this time information was constantly evolving and coming, the Huffington Post provided an easy, accessible and informative way to view information to help individuals curate opinions. It addressed current events in the form of writers’ perspectives and allows people to view different types of information all in one place. Readers were highly satisfied with the Huffington Post and its ability to categorize and organize information. Additionally, many authors were also given the opportunity to share their opinions to educate the American people, just like Arianna Huffington was able to do with some of her prior books and other outlets. The overall struggles with technology aligned with the Huffington Post’s missions allowing it to easily flourish. 

Overall the Huffington Post affected and benefited both readers and writers looking for a platform to share or learn different views. This new approach to businesses and journalism from Arianna Huffington filled a consumer need and contributed to the Post’s success. By creating this, Arianna Huffington aided the 21st century by allowing and shaping a new age of digital news and information.

 

New Year – New Me: New Year’s Resolution Guide

Crystal Lattice
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New Year – New Me: New Year’s Resolution Guide

New Years Resolution
Image by LUM3N from Pixabay

With the end of the year approaching, there is always a time to reflect on what’s happened. For most people, this year, like all other years, came by very quickly. It is very easy to underestimate how long a year really is, and because of that, your reflection on what’s happened may be minimal. For that reason, a New Year’s resolution may be made to act as a soft plan for next year. New Year’s resolutions may seem weird, but in my opinion, they can help next year become more fun and eventful!

 

Why do we do New Year’s resolutions?

As mentioned before, this year may have gone by quick for a lot of people. 11 months ago, we began 2023, and now, 2023 is almost over (by the time this post is up). You might not have felt this year was your most exciting one, but next year is another chance! If you feel like the year has went past you too quickly, then next year you can be prepared with a resolution to accomplish!

 

What should be on my New Year’s resolution?

Everyone is unique! We all want to spend next year in our own different ways. For next year, you can always do whatever you wish to do (as long as you can do it). However, here are the five most common goals for New Year’s Resolutions:

  • Spend more time with family and friends
  • Gain/lose an achievable amount of weight
  • Achieve a certain amount of money
  • Go to a specific place for vacation
  • Try new foods/skills/hobbies

 

The significance of New Year’s Resolutions

Every year brings new opportunities. Without general goals, most of these new opportunities might not be used for your advantage. With a New Year’s Resolution, you’ll have an idea of how you want the next year to go. You will have an idea of what you generally want to achieve throughout the course of the year!

 

What if I fail my New Year’s Resolution?

You might forget, or even fail, your New Year’s Resolution, and that’s alright! New Year’s Resolutions are meant to challenge and engage you with the new year. It is hilarious if you fail your New Year’s Resolutions, but keep in mind, it is only a recreational tool anyway! New Year’s Resolutions are meant to engage you with the year and encourage you to achieve some goals. They are meant to help you enjoy the year and hopefully become better than last year!

I hope this post encouraged you to create a New Year’s Resolution! Enjoy the New Year!

Featured Image: 1

Book Reflection – The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Sukrutha
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Book Reflection – The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Now that schools are closed for winter break, it is a great time to relax, sit back, and binge read a nice novel. Last summer, I finished all three of the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins in a month. Needless to say, I loved it, and I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a nice action-packed, yet meaningful novel.

*Warning: This blog may contain spoilers for the book*

Intro to the main plot of the Hunger Games:

The Hunger Games is not just a novel about a brutal game where adolescents are forced to murder each other until there is one person left, but it also has a deeper theme of a corrupt government and the unfair distribution of wealth and power in society. This book takes place in a dystopian society known as the country of Panem. It is divided into twelve districts, District 1 being the richest, and District 12 being the poorest. Its ruler, President Snow is a cruel and ruthless person who does not care about the well being of the people of Panem. The Hunger Games are annual competitions between the districts where adolescents from the ages of 12-18 (known as tributes) are forced to kill each other until there is one winner. The Hunger Games are held to punish the twelve districts for a rebellion that was held against the capitol several years ago. Katniss Everdeen is the main character and is selected as a tribute for the 74th Hunger Games. The Hunger Games are always under the control of the gamemakers. If the games get too “boring” for the audience, there will be challenges added to spice things up and add more deaths for the audience to enjoy.

Main theme of the novel:

The main theme that I took from the Hunger Games is that even when it seems that your life is controlled by those in power, there will always be a way to escape and rebel against the oppressors. In the book, there was only meant to be one winning tribute (a victor), but Katniss and the boy tribute from district 12, Peeta Mellark grow very close in the Hunger Games, with Peeta even having feelings for her. The Capitol and the gamemakers wanted Peeta and Katniss to fight to death so that there could only be one winner, but the two instead challenge the Capitol by deciding that if both of them could not win together, then they would die together, so that there would be no winning tribute for the Capitol to celebrate. This communicates the message that when we really put our heart into something and we really want to change the way that something is, it is never impossible to do so.

What made it so appealing for me:

The reason why I loved this book was because of the character development of the protagonist Katniss Everdeen. At the start of the novel, Katniss’ only goal in life was to hunt in the woods and put food on the table so that her sister and her mother would not starve to death like others in District 12. While she hated the Capitol and despised President Snow’s sadistic ways of ruling Panem, she was afraid to be vocal about it, as any action against the government resulted in execution or other punishments that were far worse than death. This side of Katniss is already likable to the readers as she is presented as a character who most people can relate to. She is not shown as a superhero who single-handedly lifts her whole district from poverty, nor does she do anything that is unprincipled or selfish to help herself. Rather, she is just an ordinary person who, instead of spending the whole day filled with feelings of self pity, does whatever she can to help the person she loves most in her life: her sister. However, we can see how the Hunger Games changes her. Seeing all the tributes dying around her just to entertain the privileged audience in the Capitol adds fuel to the hatred against the corrupt ruler of Panem. Her subtle acts of rebellion is shown by how she buries one of the tributes in flowers, signifying that the Hunger Games does not force anyone to die feeling alone. The book ends with President Snow being alarmed about Katniss’ actions in the Hunger Games, and suggests that the tension between the Capitol and Katniss would grow in the next sequel.

If my reflection on my favorite book series piqued your interest, then I would definitely recommend these novels for you!

Female Role Models in STEAM

Bhavani Potdar
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Female Role Models in STEAM

The gender gap in STEAM is still very prevalent in our world today. However, in this blog, I want to take this opportunity and show appreciation to some of those women who achieved incredible accomplishments in the STEAM fields.

Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna

  • These two women invented DNA manipulation with the CRISPR system. Using these gene technology tools, it can contribute to helping change aspects of DNA, which has contributions in cancer therapies and work on curing inherited diseases. There is enormous power in this genetic tool, and research about this will lead to groundbreaking medical innovations. They were also the first women to receive a Nobel Prize that was given solely just to two women. 

You can read a more in-depth commentary of their research here.

Nimmi Ramanujam, Ph.D

  • Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Duke University and Director of Center for Global Women’s Health Technologies. Works on developing imaging and therapeutic tools for cancer, with a specific focus on women technologies. She also has several global initiatives that makes an impact in the fields of health and education, including WISH (Women-Inspired Strategies for Health) and The Invisible Organ. 

You can read more about her truly inspiring works on this page.

Nancy Allbritton (M.D/Ph.D)

  • Dean of the College of Engineering at University of Washington. Co-founded four start-up companies, and 43 pending patents. She received multiple excellence in teaching awards and advised or trained more than 75 students in total.
  • Works on the study and analysis of single-cells aimed at improving disease treatments, macular degeneration, and HIV.  Her work in the fields of bioengineering with focusing on creating specialized treatments combining biology and engineering is truly revoluntionary to read.

You can read more about her research and works to biology and medicine here.

Carla Pugh (M.D, Ph.D)

  • Carla Pugh is a professor of surgery at Stanford University. She has received multiple awards including the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers.
  • Her research mainly focuses on the uses of motion and sensors for “measuring medical training performance,” in order words to educate medical students with hands-on performance training. Over two hundred nursing and medical schools are using her sensor enabled tools in their education. In 2021, she also became a part of the National Academy of Medicine for her pioneering work in these fields.

To learn more about her, you can visit her profile.

Sources: 1  – You can find and learn more about women in science and engineering on this website.

Battling Against Cancer–An International Movement

Hanrong
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Battling Against Cancer–An International Movement

Cover Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

What is Cancer?

According to the American National Cancer Institute, the definition of cancer is a disease with regards to certain body cells growing uncontrollably and inevitably spreading to other regions of the body. Cancer is often thought of as caused by a disruption to mitosis, the process in which cells divide for the growth of individuals or maintain a stable homeostasis. If mitosis is disrupted, many abnormal and damaged cells would grow, taking away resources from the normal cells at an astonishing rate and out-competing them.

As these damaged cells group into tumors, a process called metastasis can occur, where some of the cells travel to many different places within the body through blood vessels. If metastasis occurs, the tumor can certainly be called cancerous and is defined as a cancer.

Cancer as a Malignant Illness

Cancer accounts for a very large cause of death worldwide, with about 10 million people worldwide dying from it in 2020. It is estimated that every one in six deaths is caused by cancer. According to the WHO, breast cancer is the cancer that led to the most cases worldwide in 2020, followed by lung and colon cancers. The deadliest type of cancer, however, is lung cancer, accounting for over 1.80 million deaths, also in 2020.

Cancer can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to UV lights or other forms of radiation, or from chemical agents, through smoking, consuming alcohol, or even drinking contaminated water. It is said that with increasing age, there is a larger risk for cancer in general since the bodies of older individuals tend to be less effective in fixing defective cellular mechanisms.

What Can We Do To Battle Against Cancer?

Individually taking action to reduce the chances of getting cancer is the ideal way to battle against it. About 40% of cancer cases can be prevented by using evidence-based strategies, including doing physical activity, various vaccines (against cancers like hepatitis B), eating a healthy diet, and not smoking or drinking alcohol. Another good way of preventing cancer is reducing exposure to various forms of outdoor pollution, like wildfire smoke or dust.

If every individual can follow these guidelines, we will most certainly see cancer cases decrease dramatically. Sadly, there are still a lot of cancer cases that happen because they weren’t detected early enough. One approach to solving this is by being more aware of the symptoms of various forms of cancer or doing genetic testing/family background checks to ensure the best information is available to the individual about their health concerns.

Scientists use various forms of treatment, including palliative care, to attempt to treat cancer. These include surgery, radiotherapy, or biological therapies. Because every type of cancer is different, and there are so many kinds, we will often see personalized treatment methods being used for each patient. However, according to the Cancer Society, there could be lots of negative consequences from surgery. For example, removing a crucial gland that is used to secrete a hormone causing the body to be off-balance will also stop other hormones from being released as well. A type of bone cancer surgery removes a limb or parts of a limb, causing phantom limb pain to occur, which is often devastating to the surviving patient. Pain is still often felt, even though the limb is no longer there.

Chemotherapy is a common approach to cancer, but it can cause heart problems such as congestive heart failure, or arrhythmia (having irregular heartbeats). Other negative effects from cancer treatments include hypertension (high blood pressure), disruptions to mood and hormonal balances, or even difficulties regarding learning and memory.

The good news is that technology, powered by new scientific innovations, is growing rapidly in its power to treat cancer. For example, genetic testing is now cheaper than it has ever been. With a growing health science field in many developing countries, there is also an increasing amount of medical specialists that are available to help out patients in need. Donating to many organizations, such as the Canadian Cancer Society, is a great way to contribute to the fight against cancer, and can potentially save countless lives.

Conclusion

All individuals currently undergoing the tough journey of confronting cancer, as well as cancer survivors, understand how unforgiving cancer is, and how much distress and suffering it causes. It is because of this that everyone should do their part in preventing cancer, to lower the cases and avoid the tough experiences associated with it. The later cancer is diagnosed, the harder it becomes to treat it, so it is also important to treat cancer in its early stages, as soon as it is discovered. Let us truly act together to combat cancer!

Outside Our Window – A Poem

Claire Li
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Outside Our Window – A Poem

After the sun sets,

there is art behind every window:

A canvas of flickering street lights;

A medley of moving cars.

 

With every warmly lit house,

There are families eating dinner;

Children laughing and singing;

People gathered together

 

But the windows stay the same;

Their artwork never changes. 

 

The same flickering lights,

Blink through the heavy sky;

Keeping workers in buildings

And families apart

 

When the city falls to sleep,

The painters keep painting;

A canvas with thick heavy layers

of the same chemical smell

 

A boy from a yellow lit house 

Gazes through his window,

And dreams of driving

A shiny bright car

 

But the windows stay the same;

Their artwork never changes

 

A girl from across the street

Stares at the peeling artwork,

And wonders if her distant family

Will ever come home.

My Thoughts on Finishing The Maze Runner

Bowen Zheng
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My Thoughts on Finishing The Maze Runner

*No spoilers ahead*

 

First of all, what is The Maze Runner?

The first book in The Maze Runner trilogy is about how a group of boys living in a dystopian world have to learn to escape the maze that lies outside of the walls around courtyard they live in. The boys memories are all gone except for general knowledge and their names. The author of this series is James Dashner.

 

Initial thoughts

 

I was first introduced to The Maze Runner to one of my oldest friends, who said that he watched the entire series on a sleepover. I thought that the series had to be really good if somebody had watched the entire series in one night. So, next day when I was with friends in Chinook Mall, I picked it up. Just from the cover I could tell that the book was set in a dystopian environment, much like The Hunger Games. The cover itself had a very ominous and chilling theme about it.

Key characters

After diving in a little bit, I began to take note of some of the main and supporting characters:

Thomas: He is the main character of the book, in his first few scenes he is extremely scared about where he is and where his memories have gone. Thomas is seemed to be around 16-17 years old.

Chuck: He is a major supporting character in this book and aids Thomas throughout most of his journeys in this book. He is one of the youngest boys there and is around 12-13 years old.c Chuck acts as a little brother figure to Thomas that he never knew he needed.

Alby: He is also around 16-17 and is basically the leader out of all of the boys. He supports Thomas in learning his surroundings a bit.

Gally: He is a major antagonist who is the age of 15 and is shown as a bully to Thomas and Chuck.

Emotional appeal

This book appealed much to me emotionally with all of it’s heartfelt moments between Chuck and Thomas. It also appealed to me with some of its scary/suspensive elements like the plot of the maze and how to get out.

Writing style

The story often maintains a fast-paced style, with a twist or turn at the end of each chapter, which is often around 5 pages. James uses a great job of creating images in the readers mind with all of his vivid descriptions. The author also often uses dialogue to convey information to the reader and it drives the plot. Additionally, dialogue helps the reader to be familiarized with these characters and understand their personalities, which I know has helped me. Overall, the books writing style is very suspenseful and maintains an unnerving aura about it.

Wrap-up

Overall, The Maze Runner was a very enjoyable read from the start to end. It’s fast pace is what kept me entertained and it never slowed down. Many aspects of this book can be comparable to that of The Hunger Games. The protagonists are likeable and the antagonists are dislikeable. The amount of info the book doesn’t show the reader at the start just makes them yearn to read more, which I enjoy a lot. I recommend this book to anybody who enjoys the genre of dystopian, mystery, thriller, and action.

 

 

 

My K-Drama Recommendations of the Year!

Helen
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My K-Drama Recommendations of the Year!

It’s almost the end of the year! Good luck to everyone writing finals, and Merry Christmas! I’m coming to you with my top five k-dramas that I watched this year on Netflix. I’ve provided some details on the show, a rating, as well as a bit of reasoning on my rating.

K-Drama Title: Summer Strike

Description: Romantic, Intimate

Synopsis: A drama about voluntary unemployed Lee Yeo-reum and librarian Ahn Dae-beom, who declared a life strike, leaving a complex city and looking for themselves in a strange place.

Rating: 8/10

Reasoning: Summer Strike was a really mellow and quiet show. What I found so striking about this show was the relationships– the friendships and this quiet intimacy between the characters. The setting of the show added to its charm – the peacefulness of the empty library and the quaint countryside town. All around, the plot towards the end was really interesting and I liked the calm vibe of the show.

K-Drama Title: King the Land

Description: Swoonworthy, Romantic

Synopsis: King the Land tells the story of Goo Won (Lee Jun-ho) who is the heir of The King Group, a luxury hotel conglomerate, who was thrown into an inheritance war, and Cheon Sa-rang (Im Yoon-ah), a hotelier who always has a smile on her face till she meets Goo Won.

Rating: 8/10

Reasoning: King the Land is just a sweet, classic rom com. It is so lighthearted and wholesome, it’s funny, honestly– just a great escape from anything you don’t want to do. If you are looking for something short and sweet, a light-hearted romantic comedy– I would recommend this!

K-Drama Title: Daily Dose of Sunshine

Description: Heartfelt, Emotional

Synopsis: Determined to provide a ray of light for those under her care, a young nurse navigates the world of mental health and the diverse stories surrounding it.

Rating: 10/10

Reasoning: I binge-watched Daily Dose of Sunshine in one night. What I really liked about this show was how it showed mental health. It was an eye-opening show – the stories of people who struggled with mental health disorders made you sympathize with them and realize just how much stigma there is. Frankly, I was crying so much throughout the show– the stories of the patients could be so heartbreaking and what makes it crazy was that it was based on real stories. For me, the best part of this story was the main character, I related to her, I rooted for her, and I loved her story with mental health. Overall, an incredible show that I would recommend to anyone.

K-Drama Title: Celebrity

Description: Ominous, Drama

Synopsis: A young woman finds herself an overnight success and soon she’s a part of the exclusive world of celebrity influencers. But all is not what it seems, and she has a plan to reveal the deep, dark secrets around her fame… if she survives.

Rating: 9/10

Reasoning: The show was very ominous— I was second-guessing myself the whole time. The main character is amazing; she’s cunning and well-spoken- honestly really cool overall. What kept me watching this show was the plot twists- the layers of this influencer illusion being revealed was really cool- the betrayals, the back-stabbing, really tied this into a mystery/thriller.  

K-Drama Title: Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

Description: Charming, Intimate, Feel-Good

Synopsis: A big-city dentist opens up a practice in a close-knit seaside village, home to a charming jack-of-all-trades who is her polar opposite in every way. Yoon Hye-Jin (Shin Min-A) works as a dentist. She is mostly a realist, but due to her rightfulness, which is only a tiny part of her mind, her life changes.

Rating: 9/10

Reasoning: Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is similar to King the Land – a classic sweet romantic comedy, except with the big city to small town romance. That wasn’t what really kept me watching though, it was the stories- the stories of the townspeople and the story of the male lead – I cried so much and it just made the show absolutely exceptional. 

Currently, I’m watching Welcome to Samdal-ri – let me know your thoughts on it and any of the other k-dramas on this list. Thank you for reading, and enjoy your winter break! Merry Christmas!

Sources: 

The Ultimate Vacation: Parrotfish Poop Beaches

Jeanne Y
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The Ultimate Vacation: Parrotfish Poop Beaches

2.5hrs

With winter break coming up, I’m sure many of us have vacations planned to go somewhere nice, like Hawaii or the Caribbean, to avoid the harsh winter weather. We’ve all heard the typical luxury tropical vacation – wooden cabins, warm and humid climate, tropical fruit, clear skies, and most importantly, spending the days on a white sand beach.

Ahh, feel the salty ocean breeze graze your face as your toes curl around the warm grains of white sand. The purest form of luxury there is!

But did you know that white sand is made partially from fish poop?

Yes, those fine grains of white luxury under your feet, swept up by wind around your ankles. It’s the poop of a fish. A parrotfish, to be specific.

An Analysis of Natural White Sand

Many components, including as quartz mineral and calcium carbonate, make up the sediments we know as white sand. It is a mechanical heterogeneous mixture, or in simpler terms, a mixture of visibly different things. One of the main components, calcium carbonate, makes up to 70% of white sand, while the rest of it consists mostly of sediments of quartz and silica.

The 70% of calcium carbonate is the sand that comes from the rear-end of the parrotfish. The rest of the sediments are the result of crashing waves eroding away at nearby rock.

So… How Does it Happen?

Parrotfish spend the majority of their time feeding off algae growing on rocks and inside corals. This is a mutualistic symbiotic relationship because the parrotfish gains a consistent food source, and corals stay healthy and thriving.

The parrotfish is special in that its teeth are attached to each other, which allows it to scrape off algae tissue off of rocks and coral. In this process, it often also scrapes off pieces of rock and corallite (coral skeleton) and ingests it. To adapt, the parrotfish has a set of special tooth plates, called the pharyngeal mill, in its throat that helps it grind up the harder pieces.

These pieces of coral and rock are passed through the digestive tract, and since the parrotfish cannot absorb solid rock into its body, it excretes the ground up sediment into the water. This sediment makes up the calcium carbonate that we find in white sand.

Since parrotfish feed constantly, they produce a lot of sand. It’s estimated that a full-grown parrotfish poops out one ton of sand annually.

How Does This Affect Humans?

Parrotfish contribute to the well-being of the corals, which host up to 25% of the entire ocean’s diversity. Because we still don’t understand the vast majority of marine life, it is essential for us to preserve the diversity of the oceans to study the connections between different food webs. One in every four people depend on fish as a source of protein, so understanding marine biology on a deeper level is crucial in order to help sustain both human and marine populations.

As gross as it might sound, the parrotfish poop sand is also incredibly important to sustain land forms. Rising ocean levels force people living on tropical islands and in coastal regions to move progressively further and further inland. The sand that parrotfish produce help absorb the impact of coastal erosion and replenish foreshores that have been washed away.

The Effects of Ocean Acidification

Ocean acidification is a deadly side effect of climate change. Humans release massive amounts of carbon dioxide from our transportation, energy, and manufacturing industries. The carbon dioxide is eventually deposited into the ocean, changing its chemical structure and forming carbonic acid with the carbonate ions in the ocean.

Apart from the fact that this chemical reaction causes the acidity levels in the oceans to rise, killing millions of organisms, it also reduces the amount of carbonate ions available for different marine organisms to build their shells and skeletons with. Among these organisms are coral reefs. They build their skeletons from a chemical called aragonite, which is a crystallized form of calcium carbonate. They pull the calcium carbonate from the ocean’s natural contents of carbonate, but because the formation of carbonic acid has reduced the amount of carbonate available, there is less carbonate available to the corals. Their skeletons become weaker, which eventually causes them to release the algae inside of them in distress. The corals eventually die.

This has a disastrous effect on the parrotfish, which depends on the algae found in the corals as a food source. Not only will the parrotfish starve, but they will also not be able to produce as much calcium carbonate sand from ingesting the corallite since the coral skeleton is so much weaker.

What We Can Do

To mitigate the effects of ocean acidification on our marine ecosystems, food sources, and our beautiful white sand beaches, we must decrease the amount of carbon dioxide that we release into the atmosphere. Some ways we can do to reduce our emissions include:

  • reducing transportation by car
    • using public transit, biking, and walking are more eco-friendly!
  • saving electricity use!
    • turn off your lights when they’re not being used
    • unplug your devices from their charging ports when they don’t need to be charged
  • reduce use of single-use plastics
    • I know… nobody likes floppy paper straws. But they are much better for the environment than plastic ones. If they bother you that much though, why not just ditch the straws altogether and drink with your mouth?
    • do your best to avoid plastic cutlery. It tastes bad, it’s sharp enough to cut your mouth, it’s not financially intelligent, and it’s bad for the environment. Try to avoid it!
  • reduce idling cars
    • it’s so wasteful to have your car on idle when you’re only taking a ten minute trip to the grocery store. Why not just keep an extra blanket in there instead of using more gas to heat up your car than you do while driving it?

TL;DR

Parrotfish produce sand by scraping off pieces of rock and coral skeleton and grinding them up in their throats. The sediments then move through their digestive track and are eventually excreted. The sand that they produce is wildly beneficial to humans in the fight against coastal flooding and erosion, but thanks to ocean acidification, both the parrotfish population and their sand-production rate are dropping rapidly. Help protect our ocean life and our white sand beaches by reducing your carbon-dioxide emissions!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

3 Must-Visit Spots in Calgary for Holiday Fun with Your Family

Ishan Arvikar
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3 Must-Visit Spots in Calgary for Holiday Fun with Your Family

 

The holiday season in Calgary is a magical time filled with festive lights, joyful celebrations, and a plethora of activities for families to enjoy together. If you’re looking for memorable experiences in the city, here are three must-visit spots that promise to make your holidays merry and bright:

1. Zoolights at the Calgary Zoo

Winter wonderland at the Calgary Zoo’s annual Zoolights extravaganza. Every year, this amazing event turns the zoo into a twinkling paradise covered with over a million lights. Stroll through the enchanting displays, look at illuminated animal sculptures, and sip on hot chocolate as you explore the vibrant pathways. Keep an eye out for Santa, who often makes appearances to spread cheer among visitors. Zoolights is a perfect family-friendly outing that captures the spirit of the season and guarantees smiles.christmas lgihts

2. Heritage Park Historical Village

Experience the holidays in a nostalgic setting at Heritage Park Historical Village. This living history museum takes you back in time to the old-fashioned charm of an authentic western town. During the festive season, the park showers itself with festive decorations, offering visitors a chance to celebrate Christmas as it was  in the past. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride through snow-dusted streets, visit Santa’s workshop, and delight in seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts and warm apple cider. The Heritage Park’s holiday festivities are a delightful blend of history and holiday magic.3. The Calgary Winter Wonderland

Gather your family and head to the Calgary Winter Wonderland, a seasonal attraction that brings together the best of winter activities and family! From ice skating to snow tubing and even a charming holiday market, this event offers various activities suitable for all ages. Glide across the ice hand in hand, race down snow-covered slopes, and browse through stalls brimming with unique gifts and delectable treats. The Winter Wonderland is a hub of festive entertainment that promises a day filled with laughter, joy, and cherished memories.

The holiday season in Calgary is a time of togetherness and merriment, and these three spots display the spirit of the season perfectly. Whether you’re admiring the dazzling lights at Zoolights, stepping back in time at Heritage Park, or enjoying the winter festivities at Calgary Winter Wonderland, each location offers an unforgettable experience for you and your family.

Credits

Pixabay

 

Check Out These Exciting Movies Coming to Theatres in December!

Pareen Cheema
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Check Out These Exciting Movies Coming to Theatres in December!

As we come in the month of festivals and lights, it is also important to take care of yourself and relax after a long year of hard work. With that being said, going out to the cinema with your friends and family is the perfect time to unwind and enjoy some of the most exciting movies coming to theaters this December. You may all remember the craze surrounding the recently released The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The public’s reaction to movies such as that helps us realize the power that visual art has in terms of creating connections with others, reflecting on important world ideals, and representing some of the greatest works of fiction on the big screen. Thus, here is a list of movies in December that you should definitely check out!

The Boy and the Heron 

Fans of Studio Ghibli will be thrilled to know that director Hayao Miyazaki has created another masterpiece filled with creative world-building and intriguing metaphors. The movie centers around the experiences of 12-year-old Mahito Maki, who is coping with the emotions associated with his mother’s death and the changes in his life when his father re-marries his mother’s younger sister. Set in Japan during the Pacific War, Mahito encounters a grey heron, Iago, who eventually descends him into an eccentric fantastical world. Filled with planes, a reference many other Studio Ghibli movies also have, thought-provoking narratives, and mystical characters such as a wizard and Parakeet King, this is a well-crafted coming-of-age movie riddled with the impacts of loss on an individual’s perception.

Wonka 

One of my favorite childhood activities was re-watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory during winter break with my sister. From Willy Wonka’s mysterious origins to the Oompa Loompas’ catchy songs, being immersed in this storyline was always a magical experience. Regardless of which movie version of this story you enjoy, the recently released Wonka stars Timothée Chalamet, Hugh Grant, and others to tell you the backstory behind Willy Wonka’s career. Wonka presents a different side to Willy Wonka by depicting him as a young, sweet, and imaginative individual ready to conquer the chocolate empire, rather than the “mad-hatter” style person other versions show. Therefore, consider checking out this creative film if you would like to see the events leading up to Willy Wonka’s memorable personality and business endeavors!

The Colour Purple (2023)

Coming to theatres on December 25th, The Colour Purple is a profound musical about love and the hardships endured by African-American women in the South in the 1900s. It also comments on the importance of sisterhood and individuals’ journeys to independence. Based on the novel, The Colour Purple by Alice Walker is a powerful story that reveals harmful constructs in society and overcoming oppression.

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