Home Blog Page 98

Behind Christopher Nolan’s Mesmerizing Films

David Shao
-
0

One of the greatest filmmakers today is Christopher Nolan, and ever since he started his career in the late 1990s, he’s been known for his blockbuster action sequences and careful attention to cinematic detail. He does it all—from writing to directing to producing. And each one of his films is iconic in its own way.

So what makes his movies so great? What exactly is behind his layered storytelling? And why should you (if you haven’t already) go and watch some of his films?

Attention to Detail

From sound design to visuals, Nolan encapsulates what it means to be a filmmaker. Practically every scene is brilliant, and particular attention is paid to cinematography and the auditory experience of the viewer. Take, for instance, the opening scene of Dunkirk (2017), which recounts the Battle of Dunkirk in the Second World War:

The sudden gunfire breaks the ominous silence that starts the film. There is no music. It’s chaotic and immediately pushes you to the edge of your seat.

The entire movie—and all of Nolan’s films—use sound to the story’s advantage. It provokes emotional responses to the disorder of war, as seen here, or characters’ desperation in Interstellar (2014), or the grandness of the dream-worlds in Inception (2010).

He’s well-known for his extremely loud, intense, often jarring sound effects and musical scores (often from the legendary composer Hans Zimmer). Nevertheless, the intentions and effect are clear: the sound experience pulls you in. It immerses you inside the experiences of the characters.

Similarly, the cinematography of Nolan drives much of the beauty of his films. From wide-sweeping, aerial shots to medium shots with just the right amount of unsteadiness, the cinematic aspects of his films continuously reflect some element of the plot.

From Inception, involving a dream-heist, set in dreams within dreams within dreams.

Imaginative Story Elements

One of the most distinctive pieces of a Christopher Nolan film is his willingness to explore the unknown.

Science fiction is not new. Yet Nolan’s take on science fiction in Interstellar paints a very personal light onto a seemingly impersonal journey through space. The storyline is saturated with entangling threads, plot twists, and deep emotional drive.

Likewise, in Inception, we explore the world of dreams in a heist of sorts. The story gets so confusing by the end that there are actually entire websites dedicated to explaining the plot (spoilers). But don’t let that daunt you—the ending makes it all worth it. It seems like every time I watch Inception, I see and experience something new, something I had never noticed before.

Tenet (2020), Nolan’s latest film, has perhaps some of the most bewildering action sequences in all of Hollywood. The reversal of time becomes mere background to the large-scale fighting and thriller components of the film.

If any of this sounds like your thing, definitely give these films a go. And even if it doesn’t, I’m certain there’s something enjoyable for everyone among his works.

The Bigger Picture

If there’s something that strings all of Nolan’s movies together into a larger, cohesive picture, it is the concept of time.

In Inception, each level deeper you go while dreaming distorts time. In the deepest levels of the dreamscape, mere minutes in the real world feel like decades. Interstellar presents the converse. Near a black hole, what feels like hours is actually decades on Earth. And the film beautifully portrays this passage of time in the context of family through the distance and simultaneous closeness between individuals.

Overall, Christopher Nolan’s films give us a unique look at how we perceive even the concept of existence. He shows us that the way we remember, the way we imagine, the way we live are all tinted by our perspectives as individuals. That the passage of time is as much an unchanging fact of the universe as it is a matter of perception in our minds.

Image Sources: Featured/1

Overpopulation, A New Perspective

Michael Dimarzo
-
0

1

Between the years zero and one thousand, the world’s population went from roughly 190 million to 250 million. A measly difference. However, between 1800 and 2021 (a difference of just 221 years)  the population has increased by almost seven BILLION. Population growth in the last 200 years has been exponential. At the current rate, by the end of the century earth’s population will be close to 15 billion people. A number far above what the planet’s resources can support. Numerous predictions have depicted a dystopian future of poverty and starvation. So how worried should we be?

Turns out, only slightly (probably). A new trend is surfacing.

Northampton | The Cradle of Shoe Civilization | A Continuous Lean.

2

As the 19th century approached, birthrates in Britain took a nosedive due to industrialization. Possibly for the first time ever (It’s important to keep in mind that at this point Britain was the epicenter of modernism). This movement would continue not only in Britain but would spread like wildfire across Europe and beyond. This phenomena become known as the Demographic Transition.

As more and more countries approach first world status the global population slowly comes to a halt. At this point, a vast majority of western countries have reached a climax. Without the addition of immigration, most western populations would be declining, quickly. According to the Census Bureau, in 2020 America grew by just 0.35%. The smallest increase since 1900. Even countries like China (a third-world country just a matter of decades ago) are beginning the Demographic Transition. Currently, China’s elderly population makes up about 9.5 percent of the overall population. By the year 2050, the United Nations estimates that number to grow to roughly 28 percent. So in other words, it took Britain hundreds of years to go through the demographic transition, but it took China only a matter of decades.

China isn’t an exception either. Most major Asian countries, including India, have begun the demographic transition. In fact, Japan is already at the end of its transition. With an elderly population of 28%, Japan will see a major decline in population over the coming decades.

Why Is This Happening?

A combination of factors has led to the current state of population growth. Most notably the increased use of contraceptives and widespread education for women. As families tiptoe closer to more modern lifestyles reproduction decreases. There is no longer a need for children to help plow the fields or work in factories (in first-world countries). Urban living, longer work hours, birth control, education, and improved health care all lead to the current situation. The average lifetime has gone from the late thirties in 1800 to the early eighties today (in Canada).

Why Are So Many Women Not Getting Education? Importance of Women's Education In India -

3

So What Does This Mean?

Well, slower population growth comes along with a handful of ups and downs. On the upside, the chances of a draconian future coming down the pipeline are minimal. Having more first-world countries means that there are more and more resources available to help lift third and second-world countries out of poverty. In general, population control is thought to be a good thing. However, it tends to be a double-edged sword. China, the US, Europe, Japan, most first-world nations are going to see a dramatic metamorphosis. As the baby boomers age and begin to die our entire social fabric is at risk.  The burden of supporting baby boomers through their elderly years will fall on the shoulders of Millenials and eventually gen z.

Health Concerns for Baby Boomers: Doctors Needed - David Geffen School of Medicine - Los Angeles, CA

4

Our working class will shrink significantly while the number of elders requiring health care and other support will expand exponentially. The coming years will be a true test for the West. The world has never seen the results of widespread wealth and comfortable living. Does it come to an end? Is it a cycle? Do third-world countries become first-world and then revert to third again? Of course, at this point, all theories are merely hypothetical. This could potentially be one of the most critical issues of the 21st century. How the puzzle fits together will be an extraordinary problem to solve, but I have confidence it can be done.

 

Sources:

2020 Census | U.S. Census Bureau

WDI – Home (worldbank.org)

Documents | United Nations

 

 

 

 

Need New Songs? Click me.

Ranya Bajaj
-
0

A cringy intro:

Hey y’all I’m back with some of my tips and tricks that I have learned in the past 15 years of my existence. Are you ever obsessed with an artist, but sick of their songs? Or have been resorting to your Ariana Grande-obsessed friend’s playlists? I gotchu, I have an AMAZING website to help you with this common-day dilemma. You’re welcome.

The actual thing this blog post is about:

Okay, so the bad boy is called Boil the Frog. This website allows you to create a playlist of songs that slowly connect you from one musical artist to another. Let’s say you input two completely different music genres and artists, take BTS and Luke Combs, and then click “boil the frog”  below is a screenshot of what would happen when you “boil the frog” 🙂

BOIL DAT FROG, BROTHA

So as you can see above the website has created a chainlink of songs that will take you from K-Pop to RnB to Pop to Country. Yes, I’m shook too. The name is based on the expression “Boiling a Frog” which means that if you get a frog, put it in a pot, and heat the water slowly, the frog won’t notice it is being cooked into a stew. The website does the exact same thing, so you won’t realize that the genres of music have been so discreetly changing. A perfect solution when you’re desperate for music. You can also put in let’s say, two rap artists, let’s say Lil Uzi Vert and Kendrick Lamar – BAM a (small), but good rap playlist.  You just gotta make sure the spelling of the artist is good, otherwise, the algorithm will reject it and say an error. I suggest “copy-pasting”  just to be safe.

Bonuses, just because:

  1. 1) The website is powered by Spotify, so you can click “save this playlist” and it will sync your Spotify account and create a playlist with the songs in one “chainlink” of songs. If you decide to “boil the frog” multiple times, it will create multiple playlists. Don’t worry! The website will ask for your permission before it does so. Who knew making a playlist was this easy!
  2. On every song, if you hover over the cover art, you have the option of “New Track” which can change that one track. It will leave the rest of the songs unaffected.
  3. On every song, if you hover over the cover art, you have the option of “Bypass” which will skip that artist, and affect the whole link of songs. Perfect for when you want to get even more songs out of it.
  4. You can click on the cover art of a song to hear a sample of the song (about 30 seconds). If you want to hear the whole playlist, click the very first track.

I’m a big brain and I wanna know how it works (not me LOL):

In simple terms, verified artists on Spotify are connected on a “similarity graph”, where each artist is connected to its most similar artists, powered by Spotify’s algorithm. When you “boil the frog” the website finds the smoothest pathway possible through these “favoured artists” to end up at the desired artist. The website’s algorithm also has the ability to “minimize the difference in energy” between the tracks. And voila! You end up with a banger playlist.

Me being a kind soul:

And before I sign off, I’d like to recognize the man behind it all, Paul Lamere, you are a godsend.

YOU’RE SO WELCOME

[1] [2] That’s all I got, good luck people <3

Ranya

Imperfections and the Key to Acceptance

Shraavni Patankar
-
1

Download flag, achievement, award, reward- Flat illustrations

Growing up, in any and every aspect of my life, I have constantly been bombarded with pressure. The pressure to succeed, to achieve great things, or in general, just be better. Now, this is in no way forced upon me. Instead, this need to achieve great things and succeed, whether it be academics or even hobbies, comes from within. Nonetheless, these high expectations always wind up making me seek something more than what is in front of me. However, over the years, I have noticed that many of my friends and other youth also feel this way.

From a young age, we are given various definitions of perfection. Whether it is getting a 100% or being awarded 1st place, this definition always varies. As a result, many of us build up this idea of what success is. By doing so, we get caught up in getting a result that is “good enough,” rather than enjoying the process. This mindset can often lead to stress, frustration and in general, just unhappiness. Oftentimes, this leads us to work toward unachievable goals. Ultimately, we get stuck in a cycle of bad moods, stress and hatred for the activities we once loved. 

However, instead of going down this unending spiral, I have compiled a list of things that help me accept my work for what it is. 

Self-acknowledgement 

In our day to day lives, we almost always compliment or acknowledge the hard work of others. However, oftentimes we neglect acknowledging our own efforts and accomplishments. Instead, we focus solely on the outcome. By doing so, we disregard the time and effort that the activity required. However, by making ourselves aware of the process that led there, we discover many things. First of all, we recognize places where we could have improved. Secondly, we realize the happiness the activity brought us. For example, if someone were learning to crochet, their work may have some flaws. However, recognizing the time and effort they put into the scarf can help them appreciate it. Therefore, by acknowledging the hard work and happiness the task brought us, we can find motivation to keep going.

Rewarding the Small Accomplishments

Oftentimes, many of us reward ourselves for big accomplishments, such as getting our learners or getting hired for our first jobs. However, we often neglect the little things. For example, taking the time to workout everyday deserves the same amount of recognition that any large accomplishment would. By rewarding ourselves for the little things, we gain a sense of accomplishment. Subsequently, this optimistic outlook can motivate us to achieve our goals and feel more successful as a result. For example, while working towards their fitness goal, an individual may reward themselves after choosing a healthier snack. As a result, they will be less likely to give up on their journey or feel unsatisfied. Therefore, while it is important to celebrate our big accomplishments, the small achievements deserve to be rewarded as well. 

Good Support Systems 

One thing that has truly helped me accept my imperfections are my family and friends. I believe that finding good support systems are crucial to accepting our mistakes. Talking through our problems and having the support of our loved ones is truly helpful. We have to remember that at the end of the day, no matter the result or level of success, these people will always be there for us.

No Comparisons

I know that we have all heard this one countless times, but it’s true! I often catch myself comparing my results to others. While this is a habit that is easy to slip into, we need to stop! Instead, by focusing solely on our work, we can be happier and achieve satisfaction. There will always be someone smarter or better than us, but accepting that is key. Comparing will only lead to disappointment and lower our confidence. Therefore, focusing only on our product will help us stay positive and motivated. 

Considering the Long Term Effects

Another important thing to keep in mind is the long term impact. One imperfection or “bad result” may seem like a big deal in the moment. However, in the long term, we have to ask ourselves: will it truly matter? By understanding that this “bad” result is a small speck in a sea, we can look past it and improve the next time. For example, if someone gets a 70% on a hard test, it is crucial to think about its long term effects. This individual should recognize that this bad mark is not important in the bigger scheme of things. Rather, they should focus on improving and not making the same mistakes in the future. By doing this, we will have more motivation and confidence in ourselves and our abilities. 

 

Finally, while it may seem obvious, learn to accept the outcome for what it is. As long as we have given it our best shot, whatever the result is, is good enough. In the future, we will grow and have a different skill set but accepting what we have now is key. I hope that this blog helped you guys come to terms with the imperfections in your lives. I hope you now understand that while there may be this pressure to succeed, there are ways to be optimistic and motivated with what you are capable of right now!

 

Feature Image: 1

Sources: 1

 

5 tips to Stay Focused

Bhavani Potdar
-
0

With school coming to an end, and summer vacation close by, it can be hard to remain concentrated and motivated. Especially in these difficult times with online school and all the stress and anxiety revolving around it. But, here are some of the general tips that I found may help you stay focused: 

 

  1. Get Rid of Distractions. 

I know this may be repetitive but I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to get rid of distractions when you are studying. While you obviously may not be able to get rid of everything, even simple things like switching off the notifications on your phone, and moving to a quiet area in your house, can make a big difference to improve your concentration and focus. 

 

  1. Get Enough Sleep. 

I know you have heard this before, but sleep has a direct link to your concentration and your focus. The more sleep you have, the more inclined you are to be productive the next day. Even though it may be hard to get the recommended sleep time is 7-9 hours sleep every night, it is important to try to get as much sleep as possible. 

 

  1. Eat Healthy.

Especially in online school, many of us may be inclined towards eating “junk” foods that are not healthy for us. As well, our schedules and mealtimes may be delayed or changed. But, to keep your brain focused, and your energy levels up, you need to make sure you eat your meals on time with nutritious food. 

 

  1. Be Organized. 

We all know how in online school, work can pile up and we can get overwhelmed so easily. In addition, it can also be challenging to find the motivation to finish all of the tasks. But, an easy solution to that is just to be organized, whether it be in a bullet journal, to-do list, or piece of paper, it is really important to make a list of all the tasks that you need to complete. Even studies prove that having a written plan can improve your motivation and concentration to finish your tasks.

 

  1. Use Study Techniques/Packs.

Playing background music while you’re studying, practicing the Pomodoro technique, doing yoga and meditation, and practicing mindfulness, are all great ways to improve your concentration. If you do a quick google search online, you will be able to find countless other techniques to stay concentrated and focused; it all depends on whichever technique works for you.

 

In the end, the bottom line is to get rid of any distractions (such as social media:), eat healthy, sleep well, remain organized, and use study techniques (depending on whichever one works for you), to remain focused and concentrated. There are only a few months left till summer vacation, and we can finish school with focus and concentration, doing our best!

Sources 1/2

The COVID-19 Vaccine

Kassidy Thompson
-
0

COVID-19. At this point, it has gone on for WAYYYYYY too long. Everyone, or at least I am incredibly sick of it. I think everyone just wants a taste of normalcy and the closest, safest chance we have to achieving that it is the vaccine.

Pros:

Vaccines offer some sort of protection.

Vaccines are safer and offer more reliable immunity than natural infection as immunity after infection is inconsistent. Immunity comes from the immune system’s ability to remember, and fight an infection

More freedom.

It’s an important tool to help stop the pandemic. Once you’ve been fully vaccinated, you can be indoors without wearing masks. AS LONG AS the room is filled with people who have also been fully vaccinated. Although, until there’s been more research on how vaccines affect the spread of the virus, you should still follow the safety precautions.

Cons:

Fastest known vaccine in history.

The previous fastest vaccine was the mumps vaccine and it took 4 years to create. Compared to the COVID-19 vaccine which was made in a couple of months. This raises a lot of concerns. Will it last? What are the side effects? Was enough research done? To be completely honest, no one really knows. There are not many known side effects. Take the AstraZeneca vaccine for example, it was thought to be safe but was later found out to have caused blood clots. So far, 232 women have died from this vaccine.

 

Your concerns about the vaccine are valid, and I understand. But the vaccine is the only chance that we have to returning to normal, or we could be stuck in this for longer than expected.

 

✧ ･ﾟ   :  * ✧ ･ﾟ : *    * : ･ﾟ  ✧ * : ･ﾟ ✧ ･ﾟ :  * ✧･ﾟ : *  * : ･ﾟ ✧ * :･ﾟ ✧ ･ﾟ : *  ✧ ･ﾟ: *  * : ･ﾟ ✧  * : ･ﾟ  ✧･ﾟ : *✧･ﾟ : *  * : ･ﾟ ✧ * : ･✧･ﾟ : *✧  ･ﾟ : *  *: ･ﾟ ✧ *: ･ﾟ ✧

SOURCES: 1/2/3/4

Related Articles:

Vaccine Rollout In Canada: Getting the Facts Straight

 

 

The Most Important Things I Learned as an Exchange Student

Hannah Kuipers
-
0

I went on an exchange to Hungary during the 2019-2020 school year, and even though I had to go back home early due to the ongoing pandemic, I still experienced so much fun and life-changing stuff! At first, I wanted to write the whole story of my journey, but that would probably be closer to a novel than a blog post (haha). Instead, I’m going to share some key things I learned that are still with me to this day.

Getting lost isn’t actually that bad

One of the biggest fears I had before my exchange year was getting lost, even just something as simple as taking the wrong train. Unfortunately, this happened a lot during my year abroad. While it can be extremely stressful, especially if you are in a strange country where you don’t know much of the language, most of the time it seems to work out okay. After many times of taking the wrong bus, or walking the wrong way, I learned how to be calm in this situation. This experience has made me less afraid of going the wrong way, and it made me realize that taking the wrong turn sometimes really isn’t that bad. And who knows, maybe someday you’ll find something really cool by making this mistake, just like I did. 

I am more capable than I give myself credit for 

Like many others, I often criticize myself and my abilities. While inner reflection can be a good thing, taking this too far can be very detrimental to your health and overall growth. If you keep questioning whether you’re able to do something or not, you will never actually get to do those things. Sometimes, you just have to believe in yourself, because in the end, you can do much more than you might think. 

No book can teach you as well as experiences can

I like to plan things, so before this trip, I read lots of books and articles about how to get ready for an exchange year. While these helped to a certain extent, nothing fully prepared me for this adventure until I was actually experiencing it. Additionally, learning about another culture through a textbook is not at all similar to actually being immersed in it. Yes, school is still very important, but an exchange, or just any travel, will teach you so many things that ordinary education cannot. 

Distance means nothing when you have made such great connections with people

I met so many great people during my exchange, and I made some very deep connections with people who I am still friends with, to this day. While saying goodbye to them was really hard, knowing that one day I will be able to visit them in their home countries is something I look forward to every day. As a side note, wanderlust is very real and I am itching to be able to travel again!

And lastly, coming home as a different person is both wonderful and scary at the same time 

Many people told me that I was very different when I came back from my exchange, and while this might be true, I look at it more as growth and strengthening my sense of identity. This journey had its highs and lows, and it put me through so many experiences which have helped me become the person I am today. 

There is so much more I wish to tell you guys, but these five things have definitely impacted me the most. If anyone is interested, there are many organizations out there that offer exchange programs or other opportunities abroad. Even if you think that you aren’t a very outgoing or adventurous person, exploring the world is something everybody should do!

Featured Image

How To Subtly Mess With People

Kassidy Thompson
-
0

Many people enjoy following a routine. They wake up, go to work/school, then return home, only to repeat this the next day. For others, not so much. They like chaos. They enjoy messing with people without them realizing that they’re being messed with. Everyone probably has somebody like this in their lives and not gonna lie, I kind of like them. They keep things interesting. If you want to learn how to become one of these people then keep reading.

1. Holding the door open for a stranger when they are really far away.

I think this has all happened to us at least once. It’s incredibly awkward having to run to the door so that you don’t keep the person waiting. It’s pretty funny when you aren’t on the receiving end of it though. Give it a try 🙂

2.  Say “no pun intended” in a casual conversation.

People will assume that there’s a pun in what you said when there wasn’t. Most people won’t bother asking what the pun was, as they might find it embarrassing.

3.  If you’re feeling really bold, walk at the same pace as strangers.

When they slow down, you slow down. When they speed up, you speed up. Just mimic their walking patterns.

4. When people ask “What time is it?” reply with “Yeah, I think so.”

After they respond with “No, what time is it?’ say “Probably.” You have to make it seem genuine. People will get annoyed so quickly.

5. If someone is a close talker, take small steps backwards to see how far across the room you can get them to walk.

6. Tell someone that they have a booger and repeat it every few minutes.

7. Correct their pronunciation even though they said the word correctly.

Featured Image

The Evolution Of The Worlds’ Diverse Dances Through Poetry

Anannya Rajamanickam
-
0

 

Waltz – Austria

His wavy brown hair showering over me,

The grip of his hands surrounding my waist 

Love and happiness of which is what I can only taste

He lifted me up in the air where the trees embraced.

Where the birds had raced

And the prey of eagles were chased.

                                                                                ———————————————————–

We slowly rose and fell onto the ground

His hand overlapped on mine

The connection between our fierce eyes

The feeling of what we could call divine

Where the butterflies tickle away through my spine

And the stars are what we over shine. 

Dancing Waltz Stock Illustrations – 1,343 Dancing Waltz Stock Illustrations, Vectors & Clipart - Dreamstime

Ballet – Russia

The tip of my toes is what was touching the floor

As the lights beamed over me and the audience cheered

My rapid heartbeats was the only thing I was able to hear

As I began to dance, the grip of my body started to disappear

My leaps were like the ones of the deer

What I’ve been training for, for the past years.

   ———————————————————–

Just before embracing the solid finish of my combo

I melted to create a releve of which could help me rise

The joints of my ankle twisted as the cheering of my audience dies

The sound of all the birds chirping disappeared in the sky

As what my ankle needs now is a pack of cold ice

The pain was as terrible as a day without any sunrise.

23290762-Illustration-of-cute-dancing-ballerina-Stock-Vector-ballerina- ballet-dancer.jpg (1212×1300) | Ballerina illustration, Ballerina art, Ballet dancers

 Salsa – Cuba

The beat was as fast as lightning striking through a village

Our feet starting parallel to each other, creating high tension

The details embedded on our dresses of which caught so much attention

Trying to keep our minds away from any sort of anxiety or apprehension

The chemistry between us was surreal not to mention

The voice of the audience was completely in suspension.

  ——————————————————————————-

The sombrero which stood on top of our heads moved back and forth

As the beats went faster and faster,  his hands spun me around and around

Did  cartwheels over his head and twirled to roll back down

We moved back and forth, conveying our steps very strong and profound

As the nerves in my body disappeared and the nervousness was drowned

The fierce finish was as sweet as a football teams’ winning touchdown.

Dancing Logo Png Format , Png Download - Latin Dancer Cartoon Png, Transparent Png - kindpng

Bharatanatyam –  India

The beauty of her sari-like costume of which she wore

Where the elegant borders of fabric unraveled around her body

The flowers of which wrapped around her hair like goddess Parvati

The belt contained of bells tightly slid on her ankles creating sounds as sweet as hot tea

As the makeup held a look on her face as fierce and fictitious as the Illuminati

It carried the emotions of the dance of which she danced to gracefully

                                                                                ———————————————————–

The sound of the tabla and trumpet rung through the audience’s ears

As she started  her first beat seated on the ground worshipping gods through flowers

Her hands held with crisp and grip as gratitude is what she empowers

The spirit of the dance is what she showers

The audience is who she sustains and overpowers

The choices of her expressions and movements is what we were all able to sweetly devour

phobso: “Sketching, Bharatanatyam, from Nikolina Nikolenski Shiva's dance ” | Dance art, Indian dance, Indian illustration

Sources

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

 

Five New Things to Learn this Spring

Estelle Kim
-
0

With life online becoming more repetitive as the days pass, I feel like we need a fresh change in our lives. Trying out and learning new things is one of the best ways to revitalize our daily life. Here are five new things you can learn this spring:

1. Learning a new instrument

Learning an instrument truly opens doors to a new world. It challenges you as learning a new instrument requires patience. You must practice the same technique or music numerous times in order to understand the piece. For woodwind and brass instruments, it may require you to change the way you breathe, which can be very difficult. However, learning a new instrument can become a very amusing hobby as you can play any song you want!

2. Learning to take photographs

Photographs are a way to capture memorable moments. Through photographs, we can revisit our past and remember the emotions we felt at that moment. There are multiple different types of cameras that are now available depending on what type of photographs you like. Disposable film cameras develop a sense of anticipation and excitement that our phones do not give us. Learning to take photographs with different types of cameras can be a perfect way to capture each moment you want to document.

3.  Learning a new language

Although learning a new language sounds very broad and unapproachable, it definitely does not need to be. It can be as easy as taking a couple of beginner courses on Duolingo, or even going on Netflix and watching a couple of shows in that language. Although the first couple of times you may not be able to catch any words, the repetition of continually being exposed to that language will help you learn a couple of words and phrases.

4. Learning about each other!

With many of the normal social interactions being cut off due to COVID-19, you may feel isolated from others. However, you must remember that a lot of other people are in the same position as you. Reaching out or checking in with a family member or friend could mean so much during these challenging times. I would like to challenge you to talk to at least one person this week and find out something about them that you didn’t know before. This may mean that you drink a couple of coffee with a family member, jump on a facetime with your friend, or even reaching out to a classmate over text!

5. Learning about YOURSELF

The most important step to take before you try to find a new hobby or interest is understanding yourself. It is important to ask yourself: what do I like? What am I happiest doing? or What is a weakness I have that I want to improve? Asking yourself these questions can direct you to new hobbies you want to try out. If you are lost, you can always take a couple of personality tests (I would recommend the MBTI personality test!) or ask the people closest to you about who they think you are.

Image 1  2 3

Featured Image

The Science Behind The Different Covid-19 Vaccines

Anannya Rajamanickam
-
0

 All of our lives have been impacted by COVID-19. Whether it was not being able to socialize with our friends and family, or having to wear masks everywhere we go, this virus has had a negative influence on practically all of us! Fortunately, due to the time spent by thousands of scientists worldwide, many companies have released vaccines to cure this disease. Nonetheless, not all of the cures are perfect and most of them have some faults too. We should learn about the pros and cons of these different vaccinations for two reasons: One, to get a better understanding of the science behind it and two, so we can brag with all this knowledge and teach our parents things they don’t even know! 

Countries in the Americas notified of first COVID-19 vaccine allocations through COVAX - PAHO/WHO | Pan American Health Organization

Pfizer

Manufacturer
Pfizer Inc.; BioNTech
Number Of Shots And How It Is Given
2 Shots are given 21 days apart. Given in the muscle of the upper arm.
Who it is For
Anyone 16 years or older
Possible Side Effects
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Tiredness 
  • Headache 
  • Muscle pain
  • Chills
  • Joint pain
  • Fever 
  • Injection site swelling 
  • Injection site redness
  • Nausea
  • Swollen lymph nodes 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Vomiting
  • Heart inflammation (under investigation)
Safety Data
  • In statistics, side effects of the vaccination occurred within 7 days after receiving the shot but were mostly mild
  • Side effects were mostly evident after the second dosage of the vaccine
  • Israel has had a couple new cases of heart inflammation found in Pfizer vaccinated patients
  • Most side effects were moderate but some people had more severe side effects which had an impact on them from doing daily activities
How Well It Works

The Pfizer vaccine was said to be 95% effective in reducing the fatalities that your body faces even if you come in contact with the disease. It is known to be the best vaccine out of all the other ones worldwide. However, there are a couple new major side effects which are being investigated through the course of the last weeks.

Moderna

Manufacturer
ModernaTX Inc.
Number Of Shots And How It Is Given
The shot is given in the muscle of the upper arm, with two shots, at least 28 days apart.
Who it is For
Anyone 18 years or older
Possible Side Effects
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Headache
  • Muscle Pain
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Allergic reaction
  • Tiredness
Safety Data
  • In clinical trials, most symptoms happened to occur within 7 days after getting the first shot of the vaccine
  • Fever, chills and tiredness and headache were very common to mildly occur right after taking second shot
  • Moderna has had only a few circumstances where people faced severe side effects after taking the vaccine
  • Most symptoms were moderate and mild, however the roll out of the vaccine has been slower compared to the Pfizer vaccine. 
How Well It Works

The Moderna vaccine was 94.1% effective based on the clinical trials. It worked with high effectiveness with people of diverse sex, age, race, ethnicity and among people with underlying medical conditions. Although a couple cases of people were admitted to the hospital after the vaccine input, the pros outweigh the cons of contracting the disease. 

AstraZeneca

Manufacturer
Serum Institute of India
Number Of Shots And How It Is Given
This vaccination is given through two doses of injections: the second dose 4-12 weeks following the first. It is given in the muscle of the upper arm, similar to the other vaccinations.
Who it is For
Anyone 22 years and older
Possible Side Effects
  • Pain in the site of injection
  • Body chills
  • Tiredness
  • Fever
  • Blood clots (under investigation)
  • Muscle aches
  • Heartaches
  • Joint pain
How Well It Works

This vaccine has a 74.6 % effective rate. However this is not including the protection of the multiple variants that have recently been identified worldwide. Many people have been identified with blood clots that have also caused a few deaths for younger adults and children. They are investigating the cause of the blood clots but the pros of taking this vaccine definitely outweigh the risk they might face if they contract the disease.

Johnson & Johnson

Manufacturer
Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
Number Of Shots And How It Is Given
There is only one shot given with this vaccine which is also in the muscle of the upper arm.
Who it is For
Anyone 18 years or older
Possible Side Effects
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Nausea
  • Pain/irritation
  • Redness/swelling
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Dizziness
  • Rashes
  • Swelling of face and throat
Safety Data
  • Side effects were common after 7 days within taking the vaccination but were mostly mild to moderate
  • Side effects were mostly common in people 18-59 years old of age compared to people 60 years and older
  • If rashes occur on the face after a couple days into taking the vaccine, it is normal unless it gets super severe and then you will have to take it to the hospital where you can get urgent care
  • Anaphylaxis is also something that occured to a few people who had taken the vaccine which was lead by dizziness, swelling, rash, rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing
How Well It Works

The Johnson & Johnson vaccination was 66.3% effective when going through clinical trials. It had high efficiency in preventing hospitalization and deaths. No one who got Covid-19 after 4 weeks of getting vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine had to be hospitalized. It is said to provide good protection from asymptomatic infection. 

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) | USDA

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-vaccine/art-20484859

https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download#page=2

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Pfizer-BioNTech.html

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/index.html

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/johnson-johnson-covid-19-vaccine-what-are-the-side-effects#Controversy-regarding-blood-clots

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Moderna.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/janssen.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/drugs-vaccines-treatments/vaccines/astrazeneca.html

 

Robotic Revolution

Rachael Peng
-
0

Even before the invention of driverless cars or robots capable of human interaction, movies and books exploded with science fiction worlds. From H. G. Well’s 20 000 Leagues Under the Sea to Marvel’s superheroes, and even Disney’s Wall-E, there have been countless imaginations of mad-genius science concepts. They once seemed only possible in books and movies. Nowadays, with the fields of artificial intelligence/AI and robotics advancing at such rapid rates, what impacts will this have for society?

We’ve probably all heard of the fear of robots taking over jobs and leaving us rising rates of unemployment. Is it possible that one day, we will live side by side with or depending on robots? Or indeed, will society one day be taken over by an evil artificial intelligence? I personally think the day we are controlled by a villainous steering wheel (I think it was the steering wheel? It’s been a while since I watched Wall-E) is still far away. But I do believe that robotics and AI will have increasing prevalence in humanity’s everyday life. In fact, reading about the following inventions shows they already have! 

Yumi Pre-analytical Lab Cell robot by ABB robotics – 2020

This robot has flexible robotic arms designed for laboratory assistance (i.e. helping with experiments). Using a camera to locate parts, it can delicately handle tubes, dishes for cell culture, liquids, and other lab materials. What’s more, the robot can also help with more complex lab tasks, such as microbiological cell/bacteria culturing.

Autonomous Bike – 2019

Developed by researchers at Beijing, China’s Tsinghua University, this bike moves without a rider! It runs on a special type of hybrid computer chip called Tianjic, which runs the AI neural networks behind the bike. The bike can not only balance and steer itself (even around obstacles!), but it also responds to voice command! How cool!

Remote controlled robot – 2020

COVID solutions.

Anthouse Pet Companion Robot – 2017

Remember all those videos of cats riding Roomba robots? Now there’s a robot that allows you to play with your pet remotely through an app (although it looks to be geared more towards dogs). It allows you to dispense treats, talk to your pet, record videos, and play fetch among others.

Koda9 Robotic Dog – 2021

For those of you who don’t have pets, robotic dogs are actually on the market. Of course, powered by AI, it can interact socially as a family companion or serve as a seeing-eye or guard dog. Although, in my opinion, it doesn’t come with the same amount of cuteness or fluffiness of real pets…. 

Samsung Home Assistant Robot – 2021  

Samsung’s Bot Handy kind of reminds me of those service robots in Wall-E. Operating on advanced AI, it can pick up laundry, load the dishwasher, set the table, pour drinks, and just generally recognize and manipulate objects. 

If you’re interested in some other Samsung AI robots, check out the link above!

These technologies are huge achievements. Some of the things I once thought sounded far-fetched and extreme, like implantable tech, are actually a reality today. (If you’re interested in implantable tech, check out these links about Neuralink! Website, Monkey playing a video game with Neuralink implant)

So what do you think? While these innovations are huge achievements for technology, what implications do they have for us? I think of what happened to the sedentary, incapable humans in Wall-E (please forgive the numerous Wall-E references) and wonder if these kinds of robotics inventions are ultimately beneficial or not. As the AI & robotics revolution takes the world by storm, will AI & robots one day lead a revolution against the human race?

The Future of Driving

Daniyal Sait
-
0

Not self-driving cars. No flying vehicles, either.

 

I’m talking purely about electric cars. Conventional hybrids, plug-ins, battery electric vehicles – you name it. Many of us are starting to drive, and as the people who will run the roads of the future, it is important to consider what that future will likely look like.

First, let’s determine what each type of electric vehicle brings to the table. 

Conventional hybrids are a combination or mix between gas and electric. They require a petrol tank, but also have an electric motor. This motor utilizes regenerative braking, which means that its battery charges when the vehicle brakes. 

Plug-in hybrids are also a combination, except they charge the same way as a phone: by being plugged into an energy source. This generally entails shorter running times before the battery is drained, but the petrol engine is there as backup.

Battery electric vehicles are the environmentally friendly cars that come to mind at the mention of electric cars. They are not hybrids between gas and electric, but rather they are solely electric vehicles.

The concerning idea of our planet’s declining environmental state cannot be stressed enough, and electric cars are a huge step in the right direction. With diesel and gasoline-powered cars being one of the main sources of harmful emissions, the transition from gas to electric cars can make a huge difference, and even turn out to be Earth’s lifeline down the stretch.

This transition seems inevitable, with many authorities encouraging electric cars. In fact, there are many government incentives that are in place in order to influence consumers to purchase electric cars. For example, government rebates give money back to people who buy electric cars. In addition, France and the United Kingdom plan to ban all sales of petrol and diesel cars by 2040. Italy has exempted electric vehicles from taxes for the first five years since registration. Denmark now has more electric charging stations than petrol stations. Germany and Sweden are also among the countries planning for a future with electric cars. 

Electric cars seem expensive upfront but with government rebates, tax exemptions, free parking, and more perks that come with electric cars, are electric cars financially beneficial? According to E.ON, electric cars save you up to 87% on fuel compared to gas. Also, battery technology is becoming increasingly common, and due to this their cost is rapidly falling. As a result, the upfront cost of electric cars may decrease going forward.

Some notable electric car models, as of 2021:

  • Porsche Taycan
  • Tesla Model 3
  • Honda e
  • Polestar 2
  • Hyundai Kona Electric
  • BMW i3
  • Tesla Model S
  • Mini Electric
  • Volkswagen ID.3
  • Audi e-tron
  • Renault Zoe
  • Jaguar I-Pace
  • Peugeot e-208
  • Volkswagen e-Up
  • Kia Soul EV

This makes it evident that electric cars have won over consumers since companies only manufacture products that will align with the demand of consumers. As mentioned above, environmental benefits are the most commercialized advantage that is brought by electric cars. Considering our planet’s health, the media is encouraging the reduction of our global ecological footprint. As a result, many people are pressured into buying electric cars to help the environment. This societal persuasion has been seen in many aspects of our lives, and in this case has escalated to the point where you can now see a Tesla on almost any road, even though they were once far out of reach. In addition, brands such as Tesla have fueled conspicuous consumption – where the possession of a certain product (such as a Tesla) is creating the perception of wealth and success. What this means is that consumers are now purchasing certain electric cars in order to create a superior image for themselves within society. Even without external influences, our generation is motivated to positively contribute to the environment. One way this can happen is through the utilization of environmentally-friendly electric vehicles, and due to young activists spreading awareness about these issues, the future will likely have more electric cars on the road.

Featured Image

Image Source 1

Vaccine Rollout In Canada: Getting the Facts Straight

Lara Mylde
-
0

The global rollout of the vaccines for COVID-19 has been the subject of much contention all over the world. There’s a lot of information coming out at once, and with so many stakeholders it can be hard to keep up. Here’s a brief rundown of each of the currently Canadian-approved COVID-19 vaccines as well as how they work and how soon Albertans can expect to get one.

What are the types of vaccines?

There are two kinds of vaccines: mRNA vaccines and vector virus vaccines.

mRNA vaccines work by delivering mRNA to your cells. The cells read the mRNA like an instruction manual and learn how to create a protein. The protein triggers an immune response. After the response is triggered, the body makes the appropriate antibodies, which help your body fight off the virus and prevent infection. This type of vaccine is unique in that it doesn’t require the injection of a live virus to be effective.

Vector virus vaccines, on the other hand, work through the injection of an adenovirus (such as those which cause the common cold) encoded with the spike proteins attached to the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the virus responsible for COVID-19).

This is not the same as injecting the actual SARS-CoV-2 virus. Rather, the adenovirus is a harmless virus being used as a vector or delivery system. It teaches your immune system how to deal with SARS-CoV-2 by producing these spike proteins. When it’s done its job, it goes away.

What vaccines are out there?

Pfizer-BioNTech (Tozinameran or BNT162b2)

Unlike the other vaccines (which require you to be at least 18) the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine has been approved for individuals 16 and older. With a reported 95% efficacy rate against the original variant of the virus, it has tested well against the British (B.1.1.7) variant. However, it may have decreased efficacy against the South African (B.1.351) one. This vaccine requires two shots administered three weeks apart.

Moderna (mRNA-1273)

Like the Pfizer vaccine, the Moderna vaccine is an mRNA vaccine. It’s been approved for people over the age of 18 and has a reported 94.1% efficacy rate against symptomatic infections. This number drops a little lower for individuals over 65 years of age. It’s thought to protect against the B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variants, but research to confirm this is still being conducted. This vaccine requires two shots administered four weeks apart.

Oxford-AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1-S)

After a small number of recipients developed blood clots, the use of this vaccine was paused in March. However, its use has now been resumed in Canada, and it’s the only vaccine available to the general public born prior to 1981 (the most inclusive tier of Alberta’s vaccine rollout so far). With a reported general efficacy of 76% against the regular variant (reportedly 85% for those above 65) and a similarly high number against the B.1.1.7 variant, this vaccine is not currently being used in the US but is approved in many countries for emergency use. This vector virus vaccine is cheaper to make and store than the others and requires two doses administered four to twelve weeks apart.

Johnson&Johnson/Janssen (Ad26.COV2.S)

The only one out of the four currently approved vaccines that require only one shot for full immunization, the J&J vaccine has a 72% overall efficacy against the normal variant and seems to offer similar protection against the British variant. However, that number is about ten percent lower for the South African variant. Despite some controversy surrounding severe blood clotting conditions caused by this vaccine, the CDC and FDA have just given the go-ahead to resume its use. This vaccine is a vector virus vaccine and is currently approved for individuals eighteen years and older. It is also undergoing testing to get it approved for use on children.

Which vaccine should I get?

According to the CDC, “the best COVID-19 vaccine is the first one that is available to you.” Some protection is much better than no protection, and all vaccines contribute to herd immunity. Furthermore, despite a few controversies surrounding rare blood clotting disorders and other side effects, all of the vaccines in circulation have undergone thorough study to ensure that they are safe. All of the vaccines in circulation now are also proven as effective. And even if you are one of the few who become infected, being vaccinated will reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill.

When can I get vaccinated?

As of March 15 this year, the Canadian federal government had promised to get everyone who wants to be immunized access to a vaccine by September 2021.

If you’re an Albertan, AHS is keeping information about vaccine eligibility and rollout on their website. We’re currently in Phase 2 of vaccine rollout, with Phase 3 (opening of the vaccine to the general public) estimated for May-June. AHS is also releasing infographics with a condensed version of the info on the website; here’s the latest.

In the meantime, stay safe everyone and check out the federal government’s vaccine hotspot page for more information as it comes.

feature image

7 Creative Writing Tips

Steven Dong
-
0

Having written so many creative writing pieces on YAA, I only feel it is appropriate that this month’s blog highlights a few of my personal favourite tips. Now, you may be wondering why I am such a creative writing advocate…

Well, it’s because I feel that creative writing allows writers to explore uncomfortable places in their minds and express their emotions in a unique way. It can forge a connection between reader and writer that is unachievable elsewhere. Unfortunately, creative writing is one of the most under-appreciated forms of writing, as it is often neglected by the school curriculum. I could go on and on about the benefits of creative writing and why we aren’t doing it justice in today’s society, so please take my word that creative writing is both fun and educational!

1) “The 8 Essential Elements Of Creative Writing”

This first tip can and should be applied to not only creative writing, but also all other types. The 8 elements are: Plot, Character, Setting, Conflict, Theme, Tone, Point-Of-View, and Style. Anytime I write, whether for a blog, for school, or for my own personal enjoyment, these 8 criteria always linger at the back of my head. In fact, since I always become distracted when I write, I try to make a conscious effort to focus on these elements. If you are too, then I would highly recommend this approach!  An extension to this advice would be planning, as these are the elements one should always plan for before writing. Planning will undoubtedly make the writing process smoother, faster, and ultimately more enjoyable.

2) Write about a real event

Writing about a real event helps with idea generation (real events are, of course, real, so the author does not have to make up anything), writing flow (a real event will have events in a chronological order that makes sense, which again helps the author), and believability (real events are inherently more believable, and believability is extremely important in creative writing, as it is what keeps the reader engaged).

3) Start during the conflict

Starting during the conflict increases the pace (it will not feel slow like many of the books you may read in ELA class), eliminates any need for tricky plot development (starting during the conflict means you do not have to meticulously create your setting and characters, as they will be developed automatically during any conflict), and serves as an excellent hook (let’s just say this—would you rather read a beginning that describes a flowery meadow or one that starts off with a high-stake, suspenseful fight between 2 characters?).

4) Keep your targeted audience in mind

Always focusing on your targeted audience will help you choose an appropriate writing style (your style would change dramatically if you were writing for your teacher or if you were writing for friends), engage your reader (a younger audience would likely be more interested in video games), and enhance the text’s believability (talking about Tiktok dramas may not even make sense to your grandparents).

5) Use literary devices

Literary devices add uniqueness and flamboyance to creative writing. Similes, metaphors, alliterations, allusions, metonymies, personifications, rhymes, symbols, foreshadowing, and allegories are all on the table!

6) Do not be afraid to edit and rewrite

Though this may seem trivial, creative writing, just like any other genre, requires an at-times frustrating amount of time to edit, polish, and perfect. It is always ideal to come up with an idea that works on the first try, but we all know this is far from reality. Thus, to get the optimal piece of creative writing, dedication is needed. Trust me, in no time, editing will feel like second nature to you.

7) READ, WRITE, and READ MORE

It will be incredibly challenging to begin creative writing without a source from which you can reference—that is where reading will lend a massive helping hand. And writing lots should be pretty self-explanatory—the more you write, the better you will become, of course!

 

Though creative writing may seem like a painstaking obstacle rather than an enjoyable hobby at times, I would encourage you all to step out of your comfort zones and start today!

 

Featured Image: 1

1...979899...519Page 98 of 519