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The secrets ingredients that make up baking

Iman Alvi
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Now let me preface this by saying that I have never been good at baking. In fact, I was only marginally better at mixing the ingredients than my brothers, who both preferred to simply be there for the finished product. Whether it was spilling yet another bowl of flour, or managing to crack not just 1, but 3 separate eggs in the span of one hour, I always found myself fumbling a recipe some way or another. Nonetheless, after many spoiled attempts at everything from brownies to cakes, my interest in the art of baking has only grown (even if my skill has not). After so many years, I believe have solved at least a partial reason as to why baking is so dear in the hearts of many people

It promotes creativity

Despite the sometimes rigid structure of recipes, baking allows you to be more creative than you can ever imagine. You constantly think of new designs and shapes for the new cake you are going to bake, using the tools at your disposal to create various patterns that will allow you to express yourself in whichever you like. Previous studies have shown that there is a relation between creative expression and well being, which is yet another great thing about baking.

It allows for stress reduction and relaxation

When people are stressed, they will often look for distractions that will be able to ease the mind, and baking can be just that. Clinical psychologist Dr. Mary McNaughton-Cassill suggests that some of it’s just allowing yourself to be creative—adding flavor, changing color, forming shapes. Then you’ve got the sensory triggers. “The smell of spices and vanilla are comforting, and [they] often remind us of happy times. Olfactory scents are particularly linked to areas of the brain that involve emotions and memory,” she says. There’s also the magic of it all: “Mixing inert substances together, and watching them rise can bring out the mystic, or the chemist, in all of us.”

This type of exercise can even trigger a state of mindfulness, which is to say the quality of being engaged, that many psychologists believe is one of the best ways to combat anxiety and depression. When you’re baking, you can’t help but be engaged in the task; a lack of attention in such an activity could ruin the whole process if you let go of that scientific precision.

So instead, you don’t. So by the end, hopefully, you are both less stressed and you may have a set of decently made cookies to cheer you up a bit more.

(I have the urge to point out that the word ‘stressed’ spelled backwards is ‘desserts’… but that would be tacky… of course). 

You are in control of things

There is no one that would argue against it being a chaotic past few years, and even now, as many of us return to yet another new semester, there will always be things out of our control. The art of baking allows us to be in charge of at least this one aspect of our lives. Of course, there are directions on how to bake certain items, but you’re free to customize it how you like. Some of the best recipes that get handed down through generations take their own spin on a traditional way to bake something. Plus, having this small sense of control is known to have numerous benefits for your daily life, including helping you feel more centered and perhaps a bit more calm.

In the end, it is inevitably up to you whether you take this piece of advice or not. However, through my own failed and fumbled attempts, I have learned that baking is something you never truly regret. 

You don’t have to love cooking to cook, but you have to do more than love baking to bake. You have to bake out of love.

– Tom Junod

 

 

Featured Image

Sources: [1] [2] [3]

A Recipe: Thai Red Curry

Shraavni Patankar
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Nearing the end of the week, many of us begin to run out of groceries and more importantly, our patience. When this happens in my house, the dish I make is Thai red curry.  It’s a simple curry dish that is comforting, effortless and most importantly, a great way to get rid of leftovers. Today, I want to share my recipe for Thai red curry with all of you!

Note: this recipe is in no way authentic, simply one that my family and I have been using for several years

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 medium-sized onion, thinly sliced
  • pinch of salt for taste
  • 1 tablespoon of grated ginger (about 1 in. of ginger)
  • 3 cloves of finely minced garlic
  • 1 stick of lemongrass, cut into 1 inch pieces and pounded to release flavor
  • 1 bell pepper, julienned*
  • 2 carrots, julienned*
  • 4 – 5 medium sized mushrooms*
  • 1/2 head of broccoli*
  • 1 block of tofu or other protein of your choosing
  • 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste*
  • 1 can of full fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup water or stock (for more flavor)
  • 1 1/2 cup of roughly chopped baby spinach
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons lime juice

Optional:

1 1/4 cup jasmine rice

*Vegetables: all vegetables provided in this recipe can be replaced or switched out according to preferences

*Thai red curry: this can be found in local grocery stores or your Asian grocery stores. If unavailable, there are recipes for how to make this at home.

Preparation:

  1. Rinse your rice and then pour in enough water to cook the rice (I use the line closest to my nail on my middle finger as a gauge for this). Place the pot of rice on high heat until the water reaches a boil. Cover the pot, then reduce the gas to low for about 12 minutes, periodically checking on the rice. Once cooked, remove from stove and set aside.
  2. Begin by placing a pot on medium-high heat.
  3. Once hot, pour the oil inside. Once heated, add the thinly sliced onion with a pinch of salt. Saute this together for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
  4. Add the ginger, garlic and lemongrass into the pot, cooking until fragrant (this should take about 30 seconds).
  5. Now, add the bell pepper, mushrooms, broccoli, carrots and any other vegetables of your choosing. Stirring occasionally, cook until the carrots and bell pepper have softened, becoming fork tender. Once cooked, create a well in the center of the vegetables and add the Thai red curry paste inside the well. Allow it to cook and get fragrant before adding a few teaspoons of water to the paste, allowing it to thin out. Now, mix with vegetables and allow it to cook for about 2 minutes, making sure to stir once in a while.
  6. Add coconut milk and water, stirring to incorporate everything. Once this mixture has reached a soft boil, add in the spinach and tofu, making sure to keep the stove on medium heat which will allow it to simmer.
  7. Keeping it at a simmer, wait until the spinach, carrots, bell pepper and protein have been cooked through. Once done, remove the pot from the stove and add in the soy sauce and lime juice. Add in salt for taste, according to your preferences. If needed, an additional 1/2 teaspoon of soy sauce or lime juice can be added for flavor at this time.
  8. Serve this over a warm bed of rice and enjoy!

That’s it! This is my recipe for Thai red curry. I truly hope that you try this recipe out and like it as much as I do. There really is nothing better than a bowl of this on a cold or rainy day.

Sources: 1

 

The Life of Oppy – A Rover With a Great Purpose

Sally Wang
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NASA’s Success

Opportunity, a rover that has been exploring Mars from January 2004 until June 2018, approximately a total of 14 years. The golf cart sized rover had made some of the biggest discoveries in science as well as influential information to our world. She lived up to the title of being the longest running Mars rover. 

Opportunity was first launched sometime around 2004. She was made to travel to the Red Planet to search for the water trails that may have once occurred on Mars. Oppy was able to make some of the most valuable information to the scientists on Earth. She found clear evidence of areas on Mars that once stayed wet and had suitable living features for microorganisms. Originally, Oppy was planned to only last for a total of 90 days, but she broke that record and nearly stayed for over 14 years. Oppy was able to move across the Red Planet for more than the distance of a Marathon. She was able to make a total distance of 45.16km as for what was stated on the rover’s odometer. 

Oppy’s Discoveries

Oppy was able to play a major role in the evolution of science and uncovered the presence of water on Mars and various other evidence of ancient hydrothermal systems. Her great existence encouraged and demonstrated the possibilities of operating a rover on another planet for over decades. It made various advances to engineering and technology + communication systems as well as being able to perform more highly skilled scientific work.   

The Dust Storm

The rover was unfortunately hit by a severe dust storm that swept across Mars sometime around June of 2018. Harmful particles from the dust storm ruined and covered up the sunlight that was needed for the solar-powered rover to function properly. Solar panels were blocked and NASA lost all possible connections to Oppy. 

Scientists on Earth tried attempts after attempts to reach the rover, but none was leading to success. Opportunity was declared dead on February 13th 2019 after the engineers at NASA operated their last attempt to revive the lost rover. Final communications of Oppy came to an end on June 10th. 

Resources:

Mars Rover Opportunity – Mars Missions – NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Opportunity: Longest-Running Mars Rover | Space

2022: better than 2020?

Aarushi Bhargava
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I don’t know about you, but it sure does feel like 2022 is already flying by. So, let’s do a little recap of what’s happened in the world thus far, and some of the things we can look forward to in the year to come.

1. Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics

To start off with something positive, in the past month, 215 Canadian athletes travelled to Beijing to compete in the Olympics. Of this, we had 117 first-time Olympians and a record of 106 female-identifying athletes. So far, we have one 1 gold medal, 4 silver, and 8 bronze. Let’s all cross our fingers that our Canadian athletes keep up with the good work. [1]

2. Out-of-Control Space X rocket

I love reading about all the exciting stuff going on in the world of space and rocketry, so I was intrigued when I heard that the Falcon 9 booster, which was launched from Florida in 2015 is in a ‘chaotic’ orbit, determined to collide with the moon in early march (likely March 4). Now, while we won’t be able to watch the collision from the Earth, scientists believe that they can gain valuable data from the impact [2].

3. Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee

On February 6th, Queen Elizabeth will celebrate her 70th year on the throne. [3]

4. Trump’s Truth

I don’t know about you, but I had no clue that former president Donald Trump is planning to launch his own social media platform. The platform, called TRUTH Social, is meant to rival Twitter and will be released at the latest, by March 31. [3]

5. Movies!

There are tons of movies being released this year. I, personally, am super excited for Avatar 2 (I swear I have rewatched that movie several times just cause the videography is so good). Other than that, Spider-Man: Across the Universe, Jurassic Park, Morbius, and so many more are going to be released this year. Check out a full list of movies being released, here.

6. Space Station?!

A new space station is going to be completed this year, one that will impact near-earth orbit forever. The space station, designed by China will make them the third nation to have the ability to keep people in space for lengthy periods of time, for space missions and experiments.[3]

 

Overall, despite some of the chaos in the world, there is so much to celebrate and look forward to in the rest of this year.

 

Sources: 1/2/3

African American Women In Literature

Bhavani Potdar
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As a part of Black History Month, I wanted to dedicate my blog post to African American women and their contributions to art and literature, and share some of their literature with you.  

Maya Angelou 

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou (Marguerite Annie Johnson, also referred to as Dr. Maya Angelou) was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She has contributed a lot of books and poetry that contribute to the themes of racial, economic, and sexual oppression. One of the most acclaimed books from Maya Angelou is “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” which is an autobiography of her life, talking about her struggles and experiences (it is heart-trending and inspiring). In the end, Maya Angelou learns that “her kindness, love, strong spirit, and ideas of great authors, will allow her to be free instead of imprisoned. “

Here is one of her poems called ‘Caged Bird’:

A free bird leaps

on the back of the wind   

and floats downstream   

till the current ends

and dips his wing

in the orange sun rays

and dares to claim the sky.

 

But a bird that stalks

down his narrow cage

can seldom see through

his bars of rage

his wings are clipped and   

his feet are tied

so he opens his throat to sing.

 

The caged bird sings   

with a fearful trill   

of things unknown   

but longed for still   

and his tune is heard   

on the distant hill   

for the caged bird   

sings of freedom.

 

The free bird thinks of another breeze

and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees

and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn

and he names the sky his own.

 

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams   

his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream   

his wings are clipped and his feet are tied   

so he opens his throat to sing.

 

The caged bird sings   

with a fearful trill   

of things unknown   

but longed for still   

and his tune is heard   

on the distant hill   

for the caged bird   

sings of freedom.

 

Amanda Gorman 

Amanda Gorman signs modeling contract after star turn at inauguration | US news | The Guardian

You may have heard of Amanda Gorman before, she is an American poet and activist. She was the first person to be named National Youth Poet Laureate and had also recited at Biden’s inauguration ceremony earlier this year. You may not believe it, but Amanda Gorman had a speech impediment as a child but learned to overcome it, to bring her where to where she is today to become such a confident public speaker, and recite & write poems in such a beautiful manner.  We can definitely look forward to more publications by Amanda Gorman in the future. 

Here is an excerpt of  “The Hill We Climb,” you can read the full version here.

We are striving to forge a union with purpose
To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters and
conditions of man
And so we lift our gazes not to what stands between us
but what stands before us
We close the divide because we know, to put our future first,
we must first put our differences aside
We lay down our arms
so we can reach out our arms
to one another.

Alice Walker

Alice Walker | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster

Alice Walker is an American writer, poet, and activist. She has published many literature pieces that are very prominent and famous today. In fact, she is the first African American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, for one of her most famous publications, “The Colour Purple.”  The Colour Purple is a book that depicts the lives of African American women in the early twentieth century and “broke the silence around domestic and sexual abuse, narrating the lives of women through their pain and struggle, companionship and growth, resilience and bravery. ”

Here is one of her poems called “To Change the World Enough”:

To change the world enough
you must cease to be afraid
of the poor.
We experience your fear as the least pardonable of
humiliations; in the past
it has sent us scurrying off
daunted and ashamed
into the shadows.
Now,
the world ending
the only one all of us have known
we seek the same
fresh light
you do:
the same high place
and ample table.
The poor always believe
there is room enough
for all of us;
the very rich never seem to have heard
of this.
In us there is wisdom of how to share
loaves and fishes
however few;
we do this everyday.
Learn from us,
we ask you.
We enter now
the dreaded location
of Earth’s reckoning;
no longer far
off
or hidden in books
that claim to disclose
revelations;
it is here.
We must walk together without fear.
There is no path without us.

This is by no means, a comprehensive list of all the Black Women in Literature, and there are so many more writers that can be mentioned. Nevertheless, it celebrates how much of an important contribution Black Women have made in Literature, and will continue to do so.

Featured Image

Sources 1/2/3/4

How to get your dream job?

Suhani Gupta
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What Is a dream job?

A dream job is an occupation or position that includes the qualities you look for in a job. For example, opportunities that allow you to do what you love, engaging tasks, an opportunity to help others, a good work environment, career advancement, moneymaking opportunities and the list just continues to go on, and on. Dream jobs depend on what the person is like and what they want to achieve. They can go from being compelling and charming (e.g. acting, and playing music) to reputable and high-paying (e.g. doctor and lawyer).

Finding your dream job

How can you discover what you are truly meant to do?

It’s natural to feel confused about what you are meant to be doing. We want to try to find, and hold on to, a dream title that includes doing work you love. Therefore how can you find out what you’re truly passionate about?

Let’s get things straight, when we were little we dreamed or at least considered what we wanted to be doing when we grew up. Unlike nowadays, we had different ambitions. These ambitions might have stayed the same, but most probably have been replaced or modified.

To find the job of your dreams, you need to start with organizing the clutter and having realistic goals. You need to focus on something specific which will lead you to your career path. When focusing, it allows you to differentiate between earning a degree and going after set opportunities. You don’t want to have completed undergraduate degrees without thinking about what your dream job is. Focusing on a dream job will put you in a better position to pursue your dream. If focusing is hard, then talk to people to get career advice. You can take some time to request and schedule informational interviews with people who are in the fields that you may be interested in. It doesn’t only have to be with people that you know, you can network at conferences and workshops. Later on, when starting to have final thoughts, when you have really visualized, considered your strengths, likes and dislikes, it will be easier to figure out what you value in a job.

How to get your dream job?

Obtaining your dream job takes a great extent of self-awareness, perseverance and creativity.

Following your dreams helps you to become happier, your dreams set one’s heart on what to be or do. Follow your dreams so you can become a better and more joyful person when following your dreams, but also when accomplishing your goals.

Below I am going to go in depth about networking since 85% of jobs are usually found when doing that. There are countless missed opportunities when you spend a great deal of your time searching for job listings on your computer.

First of all, remember to dream big + take action. Dreams can be about anything, however, taking action is the hard part, since you may not know where to start. The key is to start small, for instance, applying to internships or reaching out to local businesses to gain experience. You can even volunteer since it gives you starting base. You can use the resources that are out there, such as YouTube. Self-teaching can be so empowering as it’s advancing your skills. The main thing I am trying to say is develop your experiences + skills. Don’t be ashamed of your weaknesses, instead work on them and make them your strengths!

Furthermore, you should understand that building a career journey is not something you can do alone. Find the people that can help you along the way. This can be a challenging step so here are some ways you can find the people: search within your network (beginning with your school’s alumni listings or LinkedIn). People that have your dream job right now can help advise you for where they got their start and will be able to answer your questions.

Later on, when narrowing down these people, create an informational interview with them. I mentioned this for finding your dream job because it really does help clear out any doubts which may limit you. Something to remember is to prepare the questions you want to discuss prior to the meeting. When talking with the people, start off with a friendly approach, then you can add on about what you’re passionate about, how you’re inspired by them and want to learn more about their journey. Finally, you can ask whether they’re available for a 15-minute Zoom call to connect. Networking is really important as it can help you to go deeper in your career path. It’s all worth it when you are getting closer to your dream career.

Eventually, when getting to the informational interview, make sure your questions and discussion topics are prepared. Come to the interview with a positive attitude that is curious, interested and willing to learn about the person’s career journey. Don’t just stop at learning about their journey, you can ask them whether they recommend anyone else who you can reach. They can suggest opportunities and ideas to you. Moreover, the informational interview will give you more knowledge and support.

Finally, get ahead of the game, think of things that you can do that set you apart. Don’t just wait for an opportunity to knock at your door. Alternatively, you can go knock on the opportunity’s door. For example, apply for a position before it even opens, reach out to organizations even if they may not be hiring. By reaching out, you are set apart from others.

To summarize, use this 5 step procedure to land your dream job! Above, it shows the reality of how things will open up for you. If you try and get out there, you will realize you are more qualified than you may think!

You can go onto MSNBC for videos and more inspiration.

Black History- People I look up to

Suhani Gupta
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Black history month is an important part as it is to “seize the opportunity to honour the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” This month is not only for recognizing and learning but also for our moral principles. The idea of racism coming to an end. and gaining our knowledge about the people who stood up against the wrong. This blog is about the people who stood up against the wrong, and the people who inspired me.  The people who were forgotten and comparatively not known to be so famous but for me are always going to stay on the top.

Starting off from Maya Angelou

 

Maya Angelou was a world-renowned poet, dancer, singer, activist, and academic. She was most recognised for her one-of-a-kind and groundbreaking autobiographical writing style. Marguerite Ann Johnson, better known as Maya Angelou, was born in St. Louis, Missouri on April 4, 1928. Maya Angelou is a hero with numerous qualities, including courage, tenacity, and astute intelligence. Maya Angelou is brave because she became mute but yet found her voice via writing.

Next person who I admire is Octavius V. Catto

Octavius Catto was the most influential civil rights advocate in post-Civil War Philadelphia. Mayor Jim Kenney erected a monument commemorating Catto on the southwest apron of City Hall in the spring of 2017. It is the city of Philadelphia’s first public statue dedicated to a single African American.  The Civil Rights Movement’s “Forgotten Hero” Before the age of 32, Octavius Catto led the struggle to desegregate Philadelphia’s horse-drawn streetcars, formed all-black battalions to fight in the Civil War, and advocated for black voting rights. Despite this, he is largely forgotten today. It’s still really important to remember him and to not forget any of these people who had a great impact.

Following is Big Mama Thornton

Big Mama Thornton, alias Willie Mae Thornton, was an American singer and composer who sang in the style of traditional blues singers such as Bessie Smith and Memphis Minnie. She was born on December 11, 1926 in Montgomery, Alabama, and died on July 25, 1984 in Los Angeles, California. Elvis Presley and Janis Joplin both recorded hit cover versions of Thornton’s “Hound Dog” and “Ball & Chain,” respectively. I admire her singing and her talent and forever her music will be engraved in my soul.

Coming up is Mary Ellen Pleasant 

Mary Ellen Pleasant, an abolitionist and wealthy Gold Rush businesswoman, was a free mixed-race lady who committed her life to African American equality. Pleasant never stopped working, from assisting with the Underground Railroad to battling for the right to travel on San Francisco’s segregated streetcars. Pleasant gained a wealth by 1875 as a result of her investments and different enterprises. She also contributed to the formation of the Bank of California. Pleasant established the local Underground Railroad, earning her the label “Mother” of California’s early civil rights movement.

Lastly on my blog but not in the real world William H. Hastie

When President Roosevelt nominated Hastie to the Federal District Court in the Virgin Islands in 1937, he became the first African-American federal judge. Hastie spent two years on the Virgin Islands bench before returning to Howard University School of Law as dean and professor of law. William Hastie had a brilliant career as an early Black political pioneer, yet he is mostly forgotten to most Americans today. Hastie made gains as a politician, educator, and judge, leaving a legacy that is difficult to equal in history.

These individuals, as well as a plethora of others, motivate me to be a better version of myself and to achieve great things. To teach me principles that I would need in my daily life and to have integrity.

Black Lives Matter Protests Around the World

Hannah Kuipers
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February is Black History Month, so in honor of that I wanted to share some of the most powerful photos from Black Lives Matters protests around the world. 

Germany

Covid did not stop people from protesting for the Black Lives Matter movement. This picture was taken in May of 2020 in front of the embassy in Berlin, with people carrying signs saying “Justice can’t wait”.  

France

This photo, taken in France, is a gathering of people protesting against police brutality. The organizers called on all people with a sense of justice to speak up, unfortunately calling racist crime an ordinary occurrence in the United States. 

Syria

This photo shows the art of Aziz Asmar and Anis Hamdoun of George Floyd in Binnish, a town in Syria’s Idlib province. 

The Netherlands

Dutch protesters gathered in Rotterdam to march in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter protests around the world. The Democrats 66, a political party in the Netherlands, is currently calling for a ban on police chokeholds within their own police forces.

Washington

Pictured above is a BLM protest down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. This is also where a huge gay rights movement took place in 1987.

London

A powerful picture of three girls in London during a protest, with signs asking “Is her life worth more/less than mine?” 

New York

And last but not least, someone held up this sign in New York as an important reminder that black transgender people still face a lot of discrimination, although they have every right to feel as safe and comfortable as others do. 

Featured Image/1/2/3

Recognizing Influential Black Artists

Pareen Cheema
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Creative expression has always been an essential part of human nature. As you may have already noticed, a lot of pop culture and mainstream art, in terms of music, writing, and painting, has been heavily influenced by black culture. Therefore, I think Black History Month is a great time to highlight and appreciate these artists that have contributed so much to our society. Today, I will be mentioning black individuals who have made an impact in the world through art, writing , and music. 

Art: Jean-Michel Basquiat


Jean-Michael Basquiat was an American painter who rose to prominence in Brooklyn, New York. Basquiat was a talented painter with a notable style involving bold line work and vibrant colours. As a matter of fact, he is best known for his graffiti art and Neo-Expressionism. At the same time, his “three-pointed crown” is a signature symbol that is now associated with his legacy worldwide. You may have seen this crown included in many graffiti pieces as it distinguishes Basquiat’s work from others. Unfortunately, Basquiat passed away at a young age, but his legacy in the art scene continues to be highly important. In my eyes, Basquiat is an influential black artist as he changed contemporary art forever, and he was one of the first people of colour to gain recognition and earn a large amount of wealth from selling artwork at that time. I also admire how Basquiat challenged societal norms and gravitated towards street art rather than the traditional path of realism. You can often see the raw emotion expressed in Basquiat’s paintings, which makes him stand out as an artist.

Jean-Michel Basquiat breaks US art record with £85m sale | Art and design | The Guardian

Writing: Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was a highly influential black writer and poet whose work is recognized worldwide. At the same time, she was a playwright and advocated for women and civil rights in America. One of Angelou’s most notable works is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which addresses topics related to trauma, racism, and prejudice. Her work often brings many of society’s flaws into light, especially in terms of the existence of racial prejudice in the world. I would encourage you to try reading Maya Angelou’s poetry or novels as her writing explores real hardships felt in daily life and how one must learn to overcome them along the way. Additionally, her work always relates to the primary message about the impact of love in an individual’s life. In the end, Maya Angelou’s work inspires young minds by reminding us about the power love has on the human spirit.

 

Over 20,000 People Want to Rename the High School Maya Angelou Attended—After Her | Glamour

You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I’ll rise. ~ Maya Angelou 

Music: Billie Holiday

Music has become a vital aspect of almost all of our lives. Today, a lot of people gravitate towards rap, R & B, and hip hop music which originates from black culture. With that idea in mind, Billie Holiday played an influential role in popularizing jazz and blues music and was considered one of the leading jazz singers. She is also widely recognized for her unique singing voice and creative lyrics. Therefore, her songs and performances have set the stage for the music we listen to today. Today, Billie Holiday is recognized for her distinct vocal range and singing style, which also inspires many upcoming artists to believe in their aspirations despite now having the most technical training.

 

The 10 Best Billie Holiday Songs - Paste

 

Black culture has always had a monumental impact on society, and it is important to appreciate those individuals who have contributed towards those positive creative movements. In the end, I hope you have gotten to know more about some of the inspirational black people who have created or popularized many artistic forms and trends you see today on social media and in life. 

Sources: [1]/[2]/[3]/[4]/[5]
Pictures:[1]/[2]/[3]/feature image 

Two Novels of Black History

David Shao
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For this February, here are two novel recommendations, each with its own distinctive qualities and characters, each compelling in its own way.

First is a twentieth-century classic:

Invisible Man

Set roughly in the 1930s, Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man follows an unnamed African-American narrator as he recounts his early years—from growing up in the American South to his later life on the streets of Harlem, going from one job to another. He confronts the ideals of black nationalism and the struggles of racial segregation.

At first glance, Invisible Man appears to be a Bildungsroman—a coming-of-age novel. Readers can notice its outward-facing, “picaresque” nature, which embodies the ethos that have shaped our narrator.

However, just as important are the internal monologues of our narrator. He repeatedly struggles with his own identity. He exists as an invisible man amid the backdrop of a troubled society—one that seems to preclude him from his true self. Indeed, when asked about the “search for identity” of the protagonist in a Paris Review interview, Ellison replies, “The nature of our society is such that we are prevented from knowing who we are.”

The importance of this masterpiece lies in both its intensely personal—and powerful—voice of the narrator and its social commentary. It is rife with cold truths and tragedy. Yet it is also a poetic mirror on personal identity, black identity, and society all the same.

In the same interview, Ellison notes how “the understanding of art depends finally upon one’s willingness to extend one’s humanity and one’s knowledge of human life.” Invisible Man remains today as a powerful work of art in recognition of both society and the human experience.

Washington Black

Canadian novelist Esi Edugyan’s Washington Black is fairly recent, published in 2018. It is a Booker Prize finalist, and most recently, one of the final contenders for Canada Reads 2022. And it stands in contrast to Invisible Man, despite both being Bildungsroman-type novels.

Washington Black starts off as a historical novel, set in the 1830s. The protagonist, Washington Black, or Wash, is an eleven-year-old slave in a sugar plantation in Barbados. When his old master dies and the brother of his new master, nicknamed Titch, takes him in as a manservant, Wash’s journey into an almost fantastical world begins to emerge.

Edugyan vitalizes the clichéd tale of the escape from slavery with hot air balloons, Arctic expeditions, and a tinge of scientific exploration. The novel, however, is also one filled with a deep friendship and loyalty between Wash and Titch.

Washington Black starts by establishing the notion of “freedom” concretely. Yet as he escapes, and travels from the Caribbean to the U.S. to the Arctic and to Nova Scotia, the idea of freedom increasingly becomes blurred.

Who he is, and what “freedom” he aspires to, become central to his journey. This novel is a complex study of unconventional—yet striking—prose, of history, and of the human condition.

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Savoury Chinese Snacks For Lunar New Year (Or Just Snacking!)

Chloe Zhai
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First off, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Lunar New Year 2022!!! 新年快乐！Lunar (or Chinese) New Year runs from February 1st to February 15th this year, and it’s the Year of the Tiger! For those unfamiliar with the Chinese zodiac, it is a zodiac (similar to the astrology zodiac signs) represented by twelve (12) animals listed in order. Every animal has its own significance and symbolizes different personality traits and fortunes. Each new year (according to the traditional Lunar calendar) is assigned to the next animal on the list. Last year was the Year of the Ox, and thus, this year is the Year of the Tiger. Anyway, I digress.

In celebration of the Lunar New Year, this post will be dedicated to sharing my favourite traditional Chinese treats and snacks! In particular, these are all snacks popular in Northern China, which is where my family comes from. There are many, many other types of snacks from different locations across China. You can find most of the ones I mention at your local T&T or the “International Foods” aisle at Walmart. Lunar New Year or not, snacks will never get old! Please note that some of the snacks listed below contain meat, seafood, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, and others. Otherwise, enjoy!!!

1. White Rabbit Candy （大白兔奶糖)

My favourite candy ever! A chewy, creamy, milk candy that will make your mouth water! It is not too sweet and takes just the right amount of time to dissolve. Perfect for fans of white chocolate!

2. Pineapple Cake （凤梨酥)

A sweet pastry filled with a textured, pineapple filling! A quick and delicious addition to any meal.

3. Walnut Cookies （桃酥饼)

Crunchy yet delicate, these cookies are certainly unique! They come individually wrapped in a box. Beware, they crumble very easily!

4. Egg Tart （蛋挞)

An aromatic, sweet treat! Don’t worry, these aren’t those icky, sugar-loaded butter tarts they sell at Walmart. I’m unsure if they sell these ready-made since we usually buy the frozen tart shells and create the sweet egg filling at home. You can also add toppings, such as raisins!

5. Haw Flakes （山楂饼）

Extracted from the Chinese hawthorn fruit and then sweetened, this snack is tasty and healthy! Due to the nutritional benefits of hawthorn, Haw Flakes are my go-to food when I have a stomach ache or digestive issues. But they can be enjoyed at any time!

6. Want Want Rice Crackers（旺旺雪饼）

If you have an Asian kid in your class, chances are, you’ve seen them munch on these crackers. They are crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth, sweet rice crackers that have a touch of saltiness! Want Want sells a variety of these crackers, but I think the original flavour tastes the best!

7. ShaQima（沙琪玛）

The Chinese version of Rice Krispies (except not overly sweet)! Made from fried, fluffy batter and solidified with a sugary syrup, you will devour these in two seconds!

8. Energy Grain Bar（能量99棒）

These aren’t your typical protein/energy bars with weird-tasting fillings. These bars are made of a variety of grains that will keep you energized. Having a sweet and salty composition, you’ll never get tired (pun intended) of eating this delicious snack!

9. Assorted Peanut Candy（酥心糖）

No celebration is complete without these candies! They are crispy, crunchy, and are glazed with a hard, sugar coating. And they come in a packet with five different flavours.

10. Dried Squid （鱿鱼丝）

I am absolutely addicted to this snack!!! Although at first, it may seem intimidating or revolting to be eating squid, I assure you that after trying a piece, you will love it! If you’re not a huge fan of the regular squid flavour, try the spicy version!

11. Crunchy Rice Rolls（米棒）

Puffed rice + sugar syrup = a healthy, tasty, snack!

12. Guazi（瓜子）

Guazi, also known as baked sunflower, pumpkin, or watermelon seeds, are basically the popcorn of China. Many eat it in the place of chewing gum, or whilst watching TV. You crack it open with your teeth, use your tongue to scoop out the seed, then spit out the shell. There are also many flavours available!

13. Candied Hawthorn （冰糖葫芦）

This traditional candy has been around for millennia, and I can see why! This treat is made from hawthorn fruit coated in hardened syrup, much like mini candy apples on a stick. The inside is sour whereas the outside is sweet, creating the perfect combination of tastes!

SOURCES: [1] , [2]

IMAGES: Featured image , 1  , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7  , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12

Five Books To Read Before The Month Ends

D P
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As February is Black History Month, here is a list of 5 nonfiction/fiction books, (in no particular order) that are essential to read, before the month ends (or anytime during the year!).

White Fragility – Robin DiAngelo

This book is one of many books that I will constantly recommend to others. In it, the author explores ideas of why it is so hard for white people to talk about race without inevitably becoming defensive. The author teaches us about how racism is constantly evolving, introducing terms such as colour-blind racism (pretending to not see race) and aversive racism (claiming to be anti-racist, yet favouring white people over their very equal minority counterpart).

When They Call You A Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir – Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele

This is another excellent book for educating yourself on the BLM movement and why it’s important. In this memoir, the author, Patrisse Khan, talks about how hard it is growing up Black in the USA. She draws on her own vivid experience, forcing readers to confront with harsh injustices such as being racially profiled by police. The aggressions which come with growing up Black range from microaggressions that build up over time to major and traumatic events. For instance, the author describes watching her older brother get pinned down and searched by police just outside the window of her own home.

So you want to talk about race – ljeoma Oluo

This book, beautifully written by the author, mentions all the hardships the Black community faces. Much like, the school-to-prison pipeline system, higher mortgages, and being more likely to be pulled over. The book talks about how hard it is to live in a white dominant society where others compare racial slurs like the n-word to words such as “cracker,” and believing they’re both equally bad.

The Skin We’re In – Desmond Cole

Many Canadians tend to view racism from an American perspective and as a chiefly American problem, as opposed to Canadian. This book, written by a Black journalist in Toronto, explores all the racism Black Canadians experience in Canada in just one year. It attempts to dissect the myth that Canada is this “ideal” country, far removed from the problems of the US. Although it’s true that systemic racism in Canada does not look the same as it does in the US, Canada is by no means a perfect country. For example, due to our lack of a strong Confederate history, everyone often ignores the fact that Canada also participated in and benefited from the transatlantic slave trade before Canada was officially a country.

The Hate U Give – Angie Thomas

This very popular YA fiction book written by Angie Thomas talks about the hardship the main character goes though after one of her childhood friends, Khalil, is pulled over and killed in front of her by a police officer. The book follows Starr’s journey, and all the feelings she feels as she was with Khalil during his last moments. There are also two other books the author wrote, On The Come Up and Concrete Rose, set in the same world as The Hate U Give.

Image Credits: 1,2 3, 4,

Four African American Individuals Who Innovated Computing

youthareawesome
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Computing has a history behind the strenuous developments and innovations of professionals. These are some of my favourite African American Innovators that helped launch computing to what it is today.

Jerry Lawson. 

Dubbed ‘the father of the video game cartridge’, Lawson has left a mark with his advancement of game consoles. Lawson was an electric engineer at Fairchild Semiconductor, and even able to create a working arcade game in his own garage. At the time, companies built games inside of their consoles, meaning users could not add or remove games. Lawson then led the design for the Fairchild Channel F console, and developed removable game cartridges, building the foundation for console gaming today. 

Katherine Johnson

From her 33-year career working at NASA, the agency praised her “historical role as one of the first African-American women to work as a NASA scientist”. Johnson had incredible mathematical abilities, and her calculations were essential to NASA’s projects. These projects included the Apollo Lunar Module, the Mercury Project, and also helped initialize the Space Shuttle Program. Johnson did most of these calculations manually, and later helped kickstart the use of computers for the tasks surrounding orbital mechanics. In 2021, The National Women’s Hall of Fame marked Johnson’s successes into their Hall. She’s acquired a host of other honours as well.

Annie Easley

Also an impressive NASA employee, Easley held a 34-year career at the agency. Her most known work is on the Centaur, which is part of a rocket that is still actively used today. Easley primarily worked in computer programming, specifically within power and energy. During funding cuts and financial ‘crisis,’ Easley studied and optimized energy use systems, beneficial for both Industry and commercial use. 

Clarence “Skip” Ellis

Ellis was the first African American to both acquire a Ph.D. in Computer Science and join the Association for Computer Machinery. He primarily held a professor position, desiring to “encourage students of all ethnicities to expand their horizons.” For a period within his career where he worked at XEROX Parc and Stanford, where Ellis was on the team that developed the first Personal Computer. 

These are just four of the many Black innovators and impressive minds rooted in Black History. They each had visible impacts on intercultural relations, especially in the fields of Computing and Engineering.

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Sources: 1/2/3/4

Black History Month: Highlighting The Impact of Black Athletes In Sports

Daniyal Sait
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In order to see where we are going, we not only must remember where we have been, but we must understand where we have been.

The above quote is by Ella Baker, an African-American human rights activist. As we cover Black History Month here at YAA, this quote embodies our mindset towards the value of Black contributions over the years; within this article, the work of many great Black athletes is showcased.

Currently, the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics are underway. Among many of the big names in the quadrennial sporting event are Black athletes such as Erin Jackson, Cynthia Appiah, and Matthew Wekpe. Appearances by Black athletes at the Winter games have been on the rise in recent years, and their success goes back to Salt Lake City in 2002, when Jarome Iginla became the first Black man to win a Winter Olympic gold medal. In fact, Jarome’s impact goes beyond the Olympics. Within the National Hockey League, he broke many barriers as well. With career totals of 625 goals, 675 assists, and 1,300 points, Jarome Iginla was the Black player in NHL history to score 400+ goals and 1,000+ points. In terms of hardware, “Iggy” was the first Black player to win the Art Ross Trophy (awarded to the league’s leading scorer), the Lester B. Pearson/Ted Lindsay Award (given to the most outstanding player, as voted by the league’s players), and the Rocket Richard Trophy (awarded to the NHL’s leading goal scorer). The two-time Olympic gold medalist was also the NHL’s second Black captain (the first was Dirk Graham of the Chicago Blackhawks), and one of the first Black Hall-of-Famers. After establishing that impressive resume, it may seem like Jarome Iginla was pretty amazing on his own. However, Iginla himself attributes his success to the inspiration provided from figures such as the NHL’s first ever Black player, Willie O’Ree, and other icons such as Grant Fuhr. Growing up, he faced struggles regarding whether or not people thought he could make it to the NHL, solely because he was Black. Iginla says that these sources of inspiration were so impactful, not only so that he could have an answer for his doubters, but also for himself to “know what was possible.”

It is because of great athletes such as Jarome Iginla that we are able to see the effect of certain figures on any given aspect of our world. For example, in 2013, P.K. Subban became the first Black player to win the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman. In the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Quinton Byfield became the highest-drafted Black player in the league’s history when the Los Angeles Kings selected him second overall. Years later, due to the work of prior Black icons, current generations are making history and paving the way for future generations to come. Black athletes have been making their mark in many other sports for several decades. However, their impact in a sport that still predominantly consists of non-Black athletes, such as hockey, is truly something to look up to.

Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play Major League Baseball, said that “a life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” The significance of these athletes’ excellence goes beyond their literal accomplishments within their respective sports. Apart from their individual feats, their true achievement is the impact that they have left on our world. By doing what they did, they not only paved the way for countless future Black athletes, but they enhanced the sports universe for all – through their talent, skill, and dedication to their purpose. And that is something that we will always remember and value.

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5 Black Medical Pioneers Who Helped Shape Healthcare

Harshita Jindia
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This year we acknowledge all Black scholars and medical practitioners who have created an influential impact in our lives today. As the 2022 theme of Black History Month is Black Health and Wellness, we focus on Black individuals who made a difference in medicine with their discoveries and accomplishments. I have always been motivated by people who have such passion for things they love, and always reach success no matter what hardships they have endured. The following are a few of those Black American medical pioneers who have helped shape healthcare systems today.

1) James McCune Smith (1813 – 1865)

Smith, James McCune (1813-1865)Was born in New York City in 1813, during the time of Black slavery. From a young age, James McCune Smith formed an ambition to become a doctor. With early anti-Black discrimination, he struggled to find education as most universities denied him, but the University of Glasgow in Scotland accepted him. He there earned his bachelor’s, master’s and medical degrees at the age of only 24. With his strengths and experiences, he established his own medical pharmacy, making him the first Black doctor in America to own a medical practice. There he treated both white and Black individuals. Not only did he serve as a doctor; he also advocated for abolishing slavery in America.

The great hindrance to the advancement of the free coloured people is the want of unity in action. – James McCune Smith

2) Daniel Hale Williams (1856-1931)

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams - First African American CardiologistAfter training with a professional surgeon, he earned his medical degree and commenced working in Chicago as a surgeon in 1884. Discrimination had continued, and Daniel Hale Williams was prevented from working in a hospital. Therefore, he built his own Black-owned interracial hospital making him the first African-American to do so in the US. Along with the hospital, he also established the first school for Black nurses. He has served in support of all Black individuals who needed the resources to follow their passion into medicine. Most importantly, Daniel H. Williams was the first known cardiologist to perform a successful open-heart surgery.

Anything is possible when it’s done in love, and everything you can do should be done in love or it will fail. – Daniel Hale Williams

03) Jane Cooke Wright (1919 – 2013)

Dr. Jane Cooke Wright worked at the Cancer Research Foundation in Harlem, established by her father. She and her father researched chemotherapy drugs that reduced leukemia and lymphoma. Wright created a new understanding and innovation where she tested the drugs on the cancer patient’s tissues rather than mice. Her well-executed idea helped propose a viable treatment for cancer. There she became the president of The New York Cancer Society and worked as the director of cancer chemotherapy at New York University Medical Center.

When you’re doing research in cancer, there’s always this tremendous challenge; nobody else has found the answer… maybe I will. – Jane C. Wright

04) Joycelyn Elders ( b.1933)The Connecticut Forum - The Connecticut Forum

Joycelyn Elders grew in segregated and a place of destitution. She started working in the cotton fields when she was 5, therefore she did not receive a proper education. With her perseverance and intelligence, she earned a scholarship to go to all-Black liberal arts Philander Smith College, where she studied to become a doctor. She served in the U.S military service for three years and then became a pediatric endocrinologist. In addition, when Bill Clinton was elected for president he appointed Joycelyn Elders as U.S surgeon general.

We’ve tried ignorance for a thousand years. It’s time we try education. – Joycelyn Elders

Patricia Bath, trailblazing ophthalmologist who invented cataracts treatment, dies at 76 - The Washington Post

05) Patricia Bath (1942 – 2019)

Was amongst the first Black woman to complete ophthalmology residency in New York University’s School of Medicine. She always believed how “eyesight is a basic human right.” Moreover, she was the co-founder of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness. From there she studied more about laser technology and soon discovered it could be used for eye surgery. She innovated a device called Laserphaco probe as a method to treat cataracts.  She patented the medical invention and became the first female doctor to do so.

Do not allow your mind to be imprisoned by majority thinking. Remember that the limits of science are not the limits of imagination. – Patricia Bath

Sources: Featured Image, 1, 2

Image Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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