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This is Part 2 of the Awesome Youth in Profile: Erica Ho, Unstoppable Believer. Part 1 can be read here.

YAA: Provide some advice, about life in general or about high school or about discovery of one’s self.

Erica: One of the most regretful experiences of my life so far was not doing something. So my advice is to always do. The more that gets done, the more that is learned. And speaking of learning, always keeps an open mind because that’s when everything once gloomy becomes beautiful. Oh, and never let anyone tell you to “chill out dude” because in the end, each second of hard or stressful work put in will lead to a reward unlike anything else!

I’ve had many self discoveries, but I think one that is the most significant is actually my self re-discovery. There were many moments in high school when I struggled with what I wanted to do after I graduated, but in the end I realized that the things we loved doing, and I mean like TRULY LOVED DOING, when we were small will stay with us forever. I re-discovered myself, and now, I know I won’t regret what I do in the future.

YAA: Describe what you are planning to pursue after high school.

Erica: Film studies. Unsure of what occupation, but if you love what you learn, there will always be something made for you.

YAA: What is it that you love about life and why.

Erica: Through all the pain, suffering, unfairness, blood and tears, life is beautiful. A beautiful disaster. The world isn’t perfect because it wasn’t meant to be. Everyone has a different way of seeing things and different ideas. This makes life difficult. The world however also gives happiness, joy and love. Now life is looked upon as dark chocolate. Bittersweet. I love that life holds so many surprises and when you pay attention you realize that everything and everyone is actually connected. It’s empowering when sharing or hearing stories from each other, and it’s magical when delicate beings like butterflies land right on your fingertips. To me, life starts when you’re born and the first thing you see, hear and feel is already a million reasons to be satisfied with life.

YAA: Describe your personality.

Erica: Not naturally good at anything. Tries hard and never rejects. Artistic, emotional, sensitive, determined, brave, flexible, weird and simply complex. I have roles I like to play in life. I can be the helper, the friend, the inspirer, the superstar, (laughs) anything that fits with the moment and the person I’m with.

I also like to make things complicated for myself. I love multi-tasking and can’t stand slowness. Sometimes I can be really abstract, but most of the time I’m really realistic (I need to be if I want something impossible to happen!) I dream a lot, I let myself day dream throughout the day. I could never hurt anyone or anything. It’s easy for me to let things go, and I never really miss too many things. I laugh hideously and I love it. And I’m full of secrets that will never be told, because those secrets are what makes everyone unique.

YAA: Do you believe you are a good role model for other youths? If so, why, and do you believe you affect others in a positive way?

Erica: I think something I do for other youth, and for anyone really, is I listen. I listen and try my hardest to really hear what they mean to say. A lot of the time, action speaks more than words. A picture is worth a thousand words.

YAA: Why do you think I considered you to be an awesome youth?

Erica: I put myself out there and am not afraid to be destroyed. I enhance my flaws and try my best to inspire others to shine.

YAA: If you could change one thing about the world, what would you change?

Erica: The world’s obsession over money.

YAA: If you could relive any part of your life, or a moment, what would it have been and why?

Erica: The moments of make belief as a child. I still do it now but those character’s my childhood friends and I became, and those stories we made together were more than phenomenal. Things I wish I wrote as a child and kept until now.

YAA: What do you hope to gain through your pursuing your passions?

Erica: More perspectives than I have already.

YAA: Why do you choose to be who you are?

Erica: Because I can laugh at myself, cry with myself, dream of amazing things, and because I can.

YAA: If there are any questions that I have not asked, but you would like to answer, feel free to! And any last words?

Erica: Screwing up is a part of experimenting. Experimenting is a part of making something come true.
Having flaws is a way of connecting.
Lisachino is my favorite part of the day (=

YAA: This strong willed youth and independent over achiever, lives life to the fullest by realizing with unprecedented maturity that hard work to achieve new perspectives, is not only necessary, but is the path to experiencing happiness, joy and love. Her zest for knowledge, voluntarily attending IB theory of knowledge (TOK) classes, empowers her sensitive and complex perspectives on life. Having just completed a multitude of classes in the fine arts program at Lester B Pearson High School, this future student in film studies, is an inspiration to people across the globe, emplifying amazing self discipline and faith pursuing her passions and dreams, as Erica calls for other youths to use your hearts and not your heads.

This incredible triple threat performer allows the creative genius of art, music and life to influence and guide her wholehearted passions for the fine arts to incredible heights. However, this doesn’t prevent this realistic dreamer from compulsively volunteering her time to many things, be it animals, people (young and old) or the environment.

I’m extremely proud and privileged to introduce my philosophical mentor and this Pearson graduate, Erica Ho, and her inspirational views and advice on self discovery, life and success.

Erica Ho

YAA: Give a couple adjectives that describe you.

Erica: “Love at first sight” or “unstoppable believer.”

YAA: Describe your involvement at Pearson.

Erica: Oh boy. For three years, I’ve been an active member of the Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz, Women’s Choir and Choral class at Pearson. I’m also a writer for the school newspaper (often writing about upcoming events and performances in the fine arts department), Speech Club competitor and REGIONAL CHAMPION WINNER (for solo acting), and was Leadership Co- Chair (which I was involved in pretty much organizing and carried all of the school’s events: Terry Fox Run, Spirit Week, Breakfast of Champions, etc.).

Also having been Parent Council meeting representative, drama kid, musical theatre performer, dance performer, choral performer, and unless I’ve forgotten something, I think that’s most of my involvement at Pearson.

YAA: Describe your involvement in your community.

Erica: I was a member of Youth Training and Action (YTA) through the Red Cross, in partnership with All Nations Theater, a program that promotes youth to share, expand and act upon actions and ideas to deal with local and global humanitarian issues. I’m also an active volunteer with CCCSA (with various types of task such as helping, performing, and visiting seniors, city clean ups, etc.) and mentored children through the Calgary Public Library. I love caring for cats, bunnies, and hopefully dogs one day at the Calgary Humane Society. I also answer the teen line at the Distress Centre for those in need of support and advice.

YAA: Name any notable achievements or awards you have earned.

Erica: Appreciation and helping others are my real achievements. The only awards I’ve ever earned proudly were those related to music: Vocal Jazz 15 award, Concert Choir 35 award and Choral 20 awards.

YAA: Describe why you believe you are successful.

Erica: I never stop moving, growing and learning. I’ve felt that I’ve touched the hearts of many as they have for mine, and I never stop believing in the possibilities of the impossible.

YAA: Describe what inspires you to live your lifestyle, and why. How did it get this far?

Erica: People inspire me. The artistic, creative, and just pure genius and wonderful things that people do. Whether it be picking up garbage off the ground, or holding the door for someone, or finding a cure for a disease – in the end the world is connected. I truly believe that no matter how bad somebody is being looked at, or how many sins someone has committed, in the end, everyone is beautiful, emotional and pure.

YAA: Share a favourite memory that was at Pearson, a moment that had inspired you or a moment when you experienced success.

Erica: Musical Theater. Performing and being able to have the chance to become a different character and really move the audience is a memory and a gift.

YAA: Describe some of your hobbies or what you like to do in your spare time.

Erica: I love exploring music. I love feeling the intensity each artist provides through their amazing music. Video gaming is also huge part of my life, and has been since I was a young girl. Anything from first person shooting games to adventure to strategy games. I also love films. I like reading on film theory and visioning different scenes out of random. Hopefully I will come out with a short film, and many more mini projects as well! I really love learning about nature. Be it animals of the ocean, astronomy or even bugs. I just love learning about the natural things that happen all around us! And I could go on forever about the endless projects I dive into such as scrapbooking, photography and singing. In the future I plan to make sky diving, paragliding and many other similar sports a regular hobby.

Watch for Part 2 of my interview with Erica tomorrow!

Music, music music! Everybody loves music! You know who else loves music as much as anyone else? It’s Canada’s own environmental activist, David Suzuki! Suzuki has proclaimed that thhere shall be a playlist for the environment. Or, more appropriately, a Playlist for the Planet.

But, the thing that is really nifty about this is that they are allowing all of us, of the true north, strong and free, to enter the playlist! That’s right, your music, no matter the age (as long as it’s comprehendible) you can enter your song for the playlist and contribute to our nice little (mostly) harmless planet. Suzuki says, To quote from his letter,

“I believe that an environmental anthem can help bring the overwhelming public support for the environment to its rightful place. Together, we can inspire thousands of Canadians to gather around song.

“Imagine artists from every genre of music joining in to show the diversity of Canadian thoughts, feelings and ideas about how we can reconnect with nature. When the dust clears, I hope we will emerge with an anthem that we can all sing along to!” (To read the whole letter, click here)

And your song may get onto the CD that’s coming out this October. You can ALSO get an awesome Gibson guitar from Long & McQuade as a prize!

Artists among the playist include the “classic” band D.O.A and artists such as K-os and Sarah McLaghlin are also featured in this playlist. And maybe even you! (Sorry for the tackyness there).

You can got to the CBC radio 3 website where you can enter your song here.

Or, if you would rather just liten to some music, click here to listen to some environmental  harmony!

You have until August 15 to come up with a song that in someway contributes to the environment we all love and adore so much! What are you guyss waiting for? Get to it!

We’ve been raving about this four-day festival all year. Last week, the 2010 edition took over the city with over 200 bands at just under 25 venues throughout the downtown core and surrounding areas. This collaborative nature, intended to help festival goers “Discover a Live Calgary”, has helped Sled Island to become a staple event in Calgary’s summer festival line-up.

Although I attended in 2009, I opted out this year due to the ticket price doubling. Instead, I decided to check out the Young Buds shows. When I showed up at the Young Buds Kick Off & Smash-Up Derby, I guess I was expecting to find a bunch of teens who couldn’t go to the 18+ shows ready and waiting to rock out to some bands who had  graciously agreed to play for a younger crowd. As such, I was a bit disappointed when I showed up late to an fairly empty Cantos Foundation. The room was populated by what seemed like pre-teens and their moms. An awkward viewing experience followed.

However, Kids Up Front, a charitable organization that “provides access to arts, culture, sport and recreation for children who otherwise do not have the opportunity”, ’saved the day’, and graciously provided donated, unused tickets to the mainstage events on Friday and Saturday. Thanks to them, three of us were able to attend the festivities and have a wicked few days.

Conclusion: I would greatly appreciate it if Sled Island would work on its youth-friendliness. Although mainstage is all-ages, the tickets are ridiculously expensive, making it inaccessible for many of us. I appreciate that the 18+ crowd wants to consume alcohol in peace, but I think a big part of fostering an engaged youth community is treating them like the ‘apprentice adults’ that they are.

We’ll be bringing you more posts over the coming days about the great bands that played, and we may even have an interview in store for you. Stay tuned.

We all have those songs that we love to listen to…those songs that just get us going when we need that extra push. Whether you like the lyrics, the beat, or the music, something about the song just lifts you up.

For me, this song is currently The Sky’s The Limit. Can you guess the artist? His three singles are Whatcha Say, In My Head, and Ridin’ Solo………yeah, it’s Jason Derülo!

I found this song quite recently…actually, it was just last week, when I was coming home on the plane from Vancouver. With nothing else to do, I checked out what music Air Canada currently had for their in-flight entertainment system. I found Derülo’s album and this song definitely immediately caught my attention.

I’m not entirely sure what about this song pumps me up. It’s got a standard beat and okay lyrics, but something about it makes it a ‘happy’ song for me. Check it out!

(If you’re looking for more songs by Jason Derülo…

I also enjoy Fallen and Encore. =])

I’m not a new music kind of guy. No, I’m just way to into the past. Well, maybe a little more than that. Let’s  just go with plain obsessed. Everything before the 90’s, I like. Or it could be just anyone living through the 50’s. One thing that is for certain though is the rise of the old music that I love. Whether it’s with Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Bobby Darin, and maybe even a little Johnny Cash; Music from the past is resurfacing like crazy as samples for remixes, covers with fresh faces, or even half recorded duets.

One group of musicians though that were popping up through the 50’s to 90’s was the Rat Pack. This group was comprised of three members, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. This is where the majority of my own favorite diddies are. Anyways, The Rat Pack is basically just the group of three mentioned above that did performances together and did many movies, including the first Ocean’s 11. So, yeah, they’re kind of a big deal.

Because of the continuous of stars like Michael Buble or Harry Connick Jr., the entertaining world of showmanship and swing are making a major comeback. Even on the most popular of TV shows, Glee, they make a nice tribute to a member of the Rat Pack, Sammy Davis Jr., as Noah “Puck” Puckerman sings alongside Mercedes Jones one of Davis’ hit songs, “The Lady is a Tramp”. And honestly, they did a top notch job in doing it! If you have not heard this song, click here to listen to it!

Here’s another song that some of you readers out there may know of. In 2004, The Pussycat Dolls (because everybody loves the Pussycat Dolls) made a cover of the song Sway (click here for their cover) . Sway, a year before was also covered by the Juno-winning crooner himself, Michael Buble (here’s his!). In 1954 two recordings of Sway were released. One was not very popular, as you cannot even find a recording of it anywhere on the Internets. The other, however, became a instant success! This recording was released by none other than the Italian crooner, Dino “Dean” Martin (for the original!). Take a listen to all three and you will see how different each of them is but in a way, still has the same kind of crooning romance the last one before had.

I am awfully looking forward to this revival of all my favorite music. So what do you guys think? Are you into the two modern day crooners, Buble and Connick? Or, are you just ready to bury the hatchet on the past and move onto some autotuned goodness? To go gaga over clock $ound$?

“Once oil becomes caught in the Gulf of Mexico’s fast moving Loop Current, it could be carried thousands of miles, around Florida, up the Atlantic coast of the US, and then out into the open ocean.” (from BBC news)

As I previously mentioned about oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico’s on April 22nd, it comes to serious environmental problem in the world. The scientist says that it would spread up to the open ocean. They also modelled what would happen if they were to release a coloured tracer dye into the water at the site of the leak.

(About colouring)

“It’s like a food colouring. You inject it into the ocean and watch it disperse,” explains Dr Peacock.

The virtual dye then shows the path that the water – and therefore the oil – could take.

The researchers repeated the experiment several times, using slightly different scenarios, to arrive at a likely spread pattern for the oil.

There are still some aspects to the Gulf of Mexico leak, and the behaviour of oil released at great depth, which are not fully understood.

The scientists say that could have an influence on the accuracy of the model.

“Oil is a little bit different, for several reasons; it undergoes a number of transformations,” says Synte Peacock.

“There is a lot of evaporation in the first few hours, so it changes form.

“People are also skimming it like crazy, and trying to contain it as it comes up from the flow head. So it’s not a perfect analogy by any means, but it’s the closest thing we have right now.”

(Oil Spreading)

“In the Atlantic Ocean there is a Western Boundary Current System, and the Gulf of Mexico’s Loop Current is part of this system,” explains NCAR scientist Synte Peacock.

“So what happens is the current comes up through the Yucatan [Channel, the strait between Mexico and Cuba], and it does a clockwise loop within the gulf, and then shoots out and joins the Gulf Stream proper.

“So when something in the gulf gets caught up within that current, it can get out of there.”

So with that definitely happen? Dr Peacock says: “At some time in the next six months it’s highly highly likely that it will escape from the Gulf.”

The Atlantic Ocean Gulf Stream carries water towards Europe, but the simulations show it is unlikely that oil will be detected that far away.

“Even a year after the spill start date, in our simulations we don’t see any detectable quantities of oil hitting Europe,” says Dr Peacock.

“It’s very diluted within the Atlantic Ocean.”

On April 23 of this year, the ‘Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act’ (AKA Senate Bill 1070 or SB 1070) was signed into Arizona state law. The new law has been called the US nation’s toughest on illegal immigration and has raised widespread criticism and outrage.

SB 1070 makes it an offense for an alien to be in Arizona without carrying registration documents with them. It also gives police the power to stop those suspected of being illegal immigrants and demand proof of citizenship. Opponents of the law say it encourages racial profiling and constitutes state sanctioned racism while supporters say it only helps enforce pre-existing laws. The controversial nature of this bill has roused many into action including many artists and musicians.

The Sound Strike, partially organized by Zack de la Rocha of the very politically active band Rage Against the Machine, is a organization of over a hundred artists who have committed to boycott playing any live shows in the state of Arizona as long as the law remains on the books. Among the artists who have joined the protest are Kanye West, Nine Inch Nails, Rise Against, and Serj Tankian of System of a Down. An up-to-date list of all the participating artists can be found on the Sound Strike website. However, while so many have joined the Sound Strike not all opponents of the bill are united in their opinion on the best way to protest.

Back in April, the Montreal band Stars were one of the first musical groups to boycott playing Arizona. On their twitter Stars posted that “until [Arizona’s] racist new immigration law is repealed, stars (and many others) will boycott this state”. Damian Abraham of the Toronto based band F**ked Up, via his own twitter account, responded to Stars with this post.

“Don’t get me wrong, I think the AZ immigration bill is horrible and must be repealed but I also think that indie bands boycotting the state is inane. Do Stars honestly think that by denying the state their brand of dreamy pop that they’re going to force the governor’s hand? All this does is not give the people that like your band enough credit and assumes that they are in someway supportive of the bill.”

Abraham then suggested to “keep playing Arizona, using the shows as an opportunity to engage the people there to get involved (they are the ones after all capable to affecting change in the state)…” to which Stars politely reaffirmed their faith in the power of the boycott.

Others are also in agreement with Abraham. On June 24^th Charlie Levy of Stateside Presents, an Arizona promotion agency, published an open letter to all the artists boycotting the state. Here is an excerpt from that letter.

“The truth is, a boycott is an easy gesture that doesn’t require much more than a statement and removing a date from your tour schedule. However, if you truly care about the effects of the controversial immigration law that was passed, this is an opportunity to use your unique position as an artist with the ability to reach thousands of people to inspire, educate, and motivate your fans to actively be a part of the change.”

What do you think about SB 1070 and about the various forms of protest that are being employed? Let us know your opinion in the comments.

Being an extremely proactive volunteer and insanely inquisitive and curious personnel, it was, I believe an early in March midnight stroll. I was ardently browsing through CYFC’s website, much like as if I was rummaging through cardboard boxes filled with the odd item here and there, examining each inspiring article with interest, and it’s no wonder then that I had eventually stumbled upon the opportunity that would lead me to meet some of Calgary’s most passionate and dedicated youths.

Eagerly sipping my early morning tea and glancing over at the small corner clock on my computer that reminded me of the hour, I also remember eagerly devouring the information available that illustrated the nature of the ConocoPhillips Youth of Distinction Awards.

“The ConocoPhillips Youth of Distinction Awards recognize deserving youth, 13-18 years of age, for the remarkable ways in which they have chosen to live. The awards are not academic rather they focus on leadership, friendship, overcoming personal challenge, and community service…”

I had read to introduce these awards, at first surprised, but delighted, to find that Calgary had provided a wonderful opportunity to recognize six individuals that were exemplary characters of: advocacy, environmentalism, leadership, peer support, perseverance, and volunteerism.

Provided below was the extremely informative, and charmingly animated video that was creatively constructed by the Youth of Distinction Awards steering committee, a group of dedicated youth that organized the event, and determined the winner of each award. But before any name tags could be created, congratulatory letters to be sent to the top three finalists of each award, and the highly anticipated awards ceremony to be held at the pleasant location of the conservatory at the Calgary Zoo, there had to be nominations written first.

As the video had suggested, I certainly had someone very special to me that I had wished Calgary to recognize, and that was for her amazing and compassionate peer support she had provided. My mentor in choir was quite unlike anyone else I’ve ever seen : insanely loud, but compassionate, highly opinionated, but empathetic and caring, Erica Ho for me was like a brightly lit, pink fluorescent shirt,- you just didn’t, and couldn’t, ignore the shirt or her.

Thoroughly impressed by the amazing and astounding nominees and the devoted and enthusiastic members of the Youth of Distinction steering committee, I am writing this article from the perspective of an admiring nominator that had screamed in joy and nearly dropped the congratulatory letter as I read Erica Ho had been chosen to be one of the top three finalist for the Peer Support award.

The nomination letter of Erica Ho had come easily to me, as I had fervently invested countless hours carefully reviewing the format of which the nomination had to be written in, reading “Tips for Writing a Great Nomination” that was thankfully provided, scrutinizing the 2009 wining recipients and their bios, and continually reviewing the criteria of the exemplary character the recipient of the Peer support nominee would have to demonstrate, as it would “be given to a youth who is a true mentor. This youth will have positively affected the life, or lives of others. The nominee will have shown empathy and compassion while lending their support.”

Another midnight endeavour, I remember energetically slipping back and forth from the crevasses of my unrestrained memories, to paper, the unfolding recount of these inspirational and rousing recollections of Erica’s encouragement and devotion. Nervously aware of the cardinal length of one page, the process of selecting specific references and examples that best illustrated Erica’s compassion and empathetic inspiration proved to be somewhat difficult, but nonetheless motivational to deliver nothing but the best nomination for her.

“Each of the three choirs possesses a handful of potential singers, with Concert choir having up to 85 inexperienced singers. With so many new additions to this choir every new semester, she does not shy away from the daunting task of assisting promising new singers reach their fullest potential. By attending afterschool tutorials and providing music lessons, from music theory to pitching one’s voice… she possesses the rare quality of believing there is potential in everyone, including myself… Being a struggling member of concert choir myself, I am fully grateful and inspired by her encouragement and devotion to helping me develop, from an unsure, shaky, and unconfident voice in music, to being able to offer and add a valuable, positive voice and presence, to the concert…” were some of the sentences I had crafted in attempts to convey, as accurate a reflection, Erica’s character.

Always the midnight hour, I confess that I was quite hesitant, at first, to submit my nomination to the Youth of Distinction Awards. Was my esteemed mentor in choir really a true mentor? Did she have a place among other empathic and admirable youths that responded to sensitive calls at the Distress Centre, or tutored and assisted mentally handicapped individuals? Only one way to find out, and sure enough, she did, as two weeks later, an invitation to the 2010 ConocoPhillips Youth of Distinction Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 8^th, with the location of the Enmax Conservatory at the Calgary Zoo, and the prospect of lunch to be provided, midnights during the process of the Youth of Distinction Awards became very happy hours for me.

The awards ceremony deemed to be a worthwhile and wonderfully organized event, as I stepped into the procession to this semi-formal event, many of the esteemed guests inviting their nominators as Erica had graciously did, and their beaming parents, and for Erica, her own inspiration, her mother.

Briefly approaching and zealously expressing my sincere admiration of the event to Kaitlin Gordon, the Program Coordinator that oversaw the execution of this event, I was delighted to be welcomed by soft jazz music, played by Western Canada High School’s Jazz Combo, that created a most pleasant atmosphere, and greeted by cute springs and yo-yos that adorned every lunch table. The neatly placed and accented springs and yo-yos were cute decorations that reminded everyone to indulge in a little childhood sense of wonder, and were nicely accompanied with celebratory and appealing programs, that presented each of the top three finalists in each category with a quote taken directly from their nominations, allowing other individuals present at the ceremony to, read the beautiful and meaningful words of their nominators, that exemplified their consideration of the nominees.

It also goes unsaid that I felt extremely privileged to be at the awards ceremony, surrounded by so many awesome youths, and as Brett Dribble, another Program Coordinator that oversees Youth Volunteer Corps in schools, was enthusiastically taking pictures of every deserving nominee and their guests.

Politely mingling and speaking with the guests situated at my table, aided with smartly added decorations of small strips of paper in quaint containers resembling Chinese take-out boxes, serving as conversation starters, the event turned out to be anything but “awkward”. Following the delightful shaking and revealing purpose of said boxes, and also the endearing welcome and also the amusing question of who has “bieber fever?” made by the Program Director of CYFC, and Emcee of the awards ceremony, Andrew Phung, and the greetings made from Penny Hume, Executive Director of Child and Youth and Friendly Calgary, and Tim Bryant, VP of External Affairs for ConocoPhillips Canada, the nervously anticipated award presentation went underway.

Chewing delicately on my superb meal of chicken and vegetables, each category began much like the glamorous and highly publicized Oscars, a condensed movie-like trailer would introduce each of the considered nominees, a representative of the Youth of Distinction Awards steering committee would step up to podium, and every individual would hold their breath until their cheeks would turn slightly blue, as the recipient of each award would be announced and loud cheering would follow as quaint trophies of a transparent green and standing model would be received.

So just what did the little program say under Peer Support?

“RBC is a proud supporter of education programs that help young people prepare for life. Congratulations to all nominees for the Peer Support Award. You are an inspiration!”

“A true mentor passes on the wish and effort to continually learn and extend their knowledge to and from others by volunteering, in this case, to educate others of the beautiful and artist expression of music, and this is exactly what [Erica] has done.” – Lisa Bui, Classmate and Nominator

“[Ellen] is an usually mature student who senses when someone is in need and consistently rises to the occasion. Throughout her time at Westmount, Ellent has time and again jumped at the opportunity to help fellow students of all ages.” – Colleen Groot, Teacher at Westmount Charter School and Nominator

“Jennie has positively impacted others by being a role model, acting as a shoulder to cry on and being a support for those at the end of their rope. She makes efforts to make people smile and bring cheer into lives lacking positivity.” – Leanna Darling, Teacher at Juno Beach Academy of Canadian Studies and Nominator

So, just before the presentation of the Peer Support award presentation occurred, Erica had lightly touched my hand and, smiling her comforting and endearing smile, said, “It doesn’t matter if I win. I don’t even think I’m going to. But the fact that you had nominated me means a lot to me.” Even when we were at an awards ceremony to recognize her compassionate character, she never fails to amaze me with her modest nature, but also being able to provide such confident empathetic and positive support in any situation. She is constantly assisting me in my character development with her kind and selfless actions and words, and is the admirable and inspirational role model of what an extraordinary person is, and I may become one day.

Alas, Erica was not the recipient of the Peer Support award and I wholeheartedly applaud the recipient of the Peer Support award, Jennie Estabrooks.  However, no one truly “lost” in their respective categories, as each individual should be commended for their dedication and incredible contributions and involvement in their communities, as Barbara Simic, ConocoPhillips’s Manager of Community Investment and Volunteerism says, “…they are our leaders of tomorrow and recognizing them today is an excellent way to encourage them to continue on their leadership journey.”

Ready for this weeks song? You’ve probably heard it on Vibe or AMP and this song is one of those songs I listen to when getting ready, it just makes the morning more enjoyable. (Did anyone say coffee?) Our class graduated just this week and I’d like to think that I’ll be able to stay in touch with some of the people I know now, and even though this song is more about a relationship, it reminds me of all the great times I’ve had with my friends. Plus, I just have this love for Katy Perry’s songs, although I’m not too keen on her new song California Girls. But that’s enough rambling, check out Katy Perry and Timbaland’s duet, “If We Ever Meet Again.”

Comrad Sound was starting up as The New Black was having issues with the city earlier this year. Then, The New Black recovered and we had two wonderful all-ages spaces co-existing. Now Comrad Sound is running into similar issues with zoning and licensing, and young people around Calgary are trying to do something about it. Random Task Collective, who have spearheaded the Young Buds events at Sled Island have a call to action here.

All-ages venues are important to us, and to the Calgary community at large. Comrad has hosted a vast array of events for youth, and plan to continue to do so – minus the shows. But they were set to host some Young Buds shows next week. It’s a shame that Comrad will be missing a great opportunity to showcase their space to more youth in Calgary. However, the law is the law and Comrad didn’t quite get it right. But here’s hoping that with enough attention, these experiences can be something to learn from, and a stepping stone towards more positive relationships between all-ages venues and the City of Calgary.

Passion meets pop in this Calgarian singer/songwriter du0, Boy & GurL. Jarred Nicklen and Crystal McGrath have been creating together for years.  They formed a musical duo group in 2008 and recorded their first EP together in February 2009. They are about to release their first full length album and on their website you can vote for your favourite song to help them decide which song will be their first single!

YAA: Why is it so important to you to give back to the community with your music?

Boy: The music industry isn’t the easiest buisness to be in at times, so I think as a band we understand how important it is to give support when ever and where ever we can.  If it’s by giving financial support or just being part of an activist march, it feels great to stand behind something you really believe in.

GurL: Music is something everyone can identify and connect with; it brings people together and creates feeling. By being in the public eye, we are able to take our passion to raise awareness and fundings for organizations.

YAA: Before a show, do you have any rituals before you go on stage?

Boy: I ususally insult Crystal before going on stage. Come to think of it, I usually insult her on stage and after the show as well.

GurL: I usually cry.  All the time.  Kudos to Loreal for waterproof mascara…

YAA: What’s your usual order at Tim Horton’s?

Boy: Nothing, because they don’t have soy milk…Starbucks all the way!

GurL: Coffee…2 sweetners…allergies don’t let me join in on the whole “double double” trend…

YAA: Have you decided what to title your upcoming album?

Boy: “Crystal is an over emotional chick that likes to make Jarred’s life very interesting,” You like??

GurL: HA HA!  Here come the tears I was talking about… To be serious, since Boy appears to live in the land of make believe, the new album is called Love Crimes.

YAA: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Boy: When I was a kid my mom always told me that life wasn’t fair and just to get over it. Hard thing to hear, but stops you from ever feeling sorry for yourself.

GurL: My dad once told me the key to success is to be persistant through the good, the bad, the slow, and the fast times…He’s right.

YAA: You’re both very strong songwriters, does that ever make it difficult when you write together?

Boy: Not at all…it makes it that much better. You challenge yourself that much more because you’re not the only one that has to like it, but two people [have to like it].

GurL: We are lucky that our writing chemistry is strong. ..We bring out elements in each other that we wouldn’t find alone…and from the very first time we hung out we started writing hits…We actually started writing together for fun before we even decided to be a band, so that was a good sign!

YAA: What’s your favourite type of cheese?

Boy: Marble, but I know as soon as I eat it my body will reject it, as I am lactose intolerant. But I love dairy!!

GurL: I also have the joy of being lactose intolerant, but yet I still find a way to eat Provolone cheese.

Now that you know everything about Boy & GurL, don’t forget to vote for which sing you think will be their first single, befriend them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

The New Black Centre for Music and Art has all ages shows every weekend, and this place is quite a jem when you consider all the clubs there are in Calgary. These days, it seems as though youth can’t see a live music performance by local musicians in a drug and alcohol free environment without spending all our university savings. Well, good news! It is the main goal of The New Black Centre to provide that space for youth. There are three all ages events happening this weekend:

Thursday, June 3rd, 7:00pm: Sojourner with Northwest, Withdrawl, Swallow Your Tongue, Profits of Crime, and Rancor

Cost: $10

Friday, June 4th, 7:00pm: Jet Black Stare with Seventh Rain, Radio For Help, and Bullets In Overdrive

Cost: $12

Saturday, June 5th, 7:00pm: Aquila with Mark of Cain, As the Romans Do, Our City Screams, and Last Horizon

Cost:$10

See you there!

The weather in Calgary hasn’t been all too sunny for the season, but all the rain has reminded me of one of my favorite bands of all time! Rain – A Tribute to the Beatles, is an amazing band and their concert a couple of years ago was the first I had ever been to. From their website, I found their history. Since I love the Beatles, I would definitely want any other Beatles lover to go out and see them. Read the paragraph below from their website by Merle Frimark to learn a bit more about them:

Feb. 9, 1964 was Sunday night that would change the course of popular music, popular culture—and history, forever!  Millions of Americans tuned into The Ed Sullivan Show to watch a group of four mop-topped Englishmen in dark suits who called themselves The Beatles. What they witnessed was a new and exciting brand of melodic, guitar-and-harmonies-driven rock ‘n’ roll that was as infectious as it was original and unique.  Little did the members of the current day Beatles Tribute Band, RAIN, know that they would themselves come together in a band, forging a career that would keep them together longer than The Beatles! Throughout this time, RAIN band members have raised the bar for professionalism and preservation of the legacy of The Beatles recorded music on stage to wildly enthusiastic audiences. Spanning the generations, RAIN audiences include older fans who never got to see The Beatles perform live and fans who were not yet born when The Beatles hit America. Regardless of age, the RAIN Beatles tribute band delivers a performance that is as entertaining as it is technically on par with The Beatles original works.

This was only the first paragraph, but to read the rest of their history, click here. I’m excited to say that they will be coming to the Saddledome in Calgary on June 3rd, 2010! For those of you who do not live in Calgary, and think Rain is something you may want to see, click here for information on tours and tickets!

Have you seen Rain before? Do you think they really are a great tribute to the Beatles? For those of you who have not, does this seem like something you are interested in?

Due to the over population, people gradually overgrazing, overdrafting of ground water and diversion of water from tivers for human consumption and undustrual use. These are causes the serious environmental problem; Desertification. This disaster is seriously progressing in developong countries which included desert in their country. The most serious part is the southern part of the Sahara desert.

Desertification is the extreme deterioration of land in arid and dry areas due to loss of plants and soil moisture. This disaster results chiefly from man-made activities and influenced by climatic variations. Desertification is the result of the pollution, however it also causes other problems of ecosystem. Relatively small climate changes can result the abrupt changes to plants.  Further more it causes the disertification. However it won’t be matter to desert creatures, but others will lose their life bases and die.

Desertification is also affect to human’s life. The people who live near the desert might have to migrate to find out the other place where can survive. Also, without plants may causes the sandy dust phenomena and it will affect to human’s or other animal’s bronchus and accelerate of desertification.