100 Years of Girl Guides

If Girl Guides of Canada (GGC) was an individual person, she’d be an old lady by now. Yes, she’d be a lady with talent, passion, skills... but still. You get my point.

2010 marks the 100th birthday of the organization, made up of not a single lady, thankfully, but a large mishmash of women and girls across the country. Festivities and events will begin early in the year, and carry on throughout, in all areas of Canada. And although you may know Girl Guides for its cookies, the organization is much more than that.

Take my sister, Samantha, for example. She has had amazing opportunities through Girl Guides, and attributes many of her current strengths as having been heavily influenced by GGC.

“When I was 15, I applied through Girl Guides to attend the Red Cross Global Issues Symposium for Youth,” she says. “I came home from the Symposium full of ideas, wonders and plans. Finally, I knew what I needed to do, and I had discovered something I could really care about. I came home with a realization: I wanted to bring about positive change, and I wanted other people to share my passions too.”

The Global Issues Symposium was only one of many opportunities for Samantha. A year later, she was selected to go on a two-week trip to South Africa – a place where she not only met new fantastic people, but also rode (and was kissed by) an elephant.

When she graduated last June, Samantha was awarded several Girl Guides scholarships and bursaries. “I treasure education immensely and having these bursaries will definitely make my education goals a closer reality,” she says of the awards. Samantha is now in her first year of the Global Stewardship program at Capilano University.

Some believe that Girl Guides as an organization is becoming irrelevant, but speak to anyone who has been a part of it and, they will tell you otherwise.

“Everyone deserves a place where they can be themselves, where they can learn without borders and where they can meet new people who support them unconditionally,” says Samantha. “And for females, that place is Girl Guides.”

Girl Guides has given many girls countless opportunities. It has given my sister and me chances to travel that we would not have had otherwise, and every day it gives girls new places to get involved, new places to discover who they are and new places to learn about their world.

Visit girlguides.ca

Is the iPad Really Worth Your Money?

Apple’s iPad was launched on January 27th, 2010. Although CEO Steve Jobs announced that it would be a “revolutionary and magical product”, some closer observations into what the iPad offers has made critics question: is the iPad really as revolutionary as Apple would have us think? Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of Apple's latest creation.

Advantages

Sleek design
Apple is well-known for its products’ polished designs, and the iPad is no exception. With a weight of 1.5 pounds and a width of 0.5 inches, the iPad is a marvel that can be easily carried and handled.

Large screen
This tablet has a 9.7 inch display screen, making it easy on a viewer’s eyes.

Long battery life
The iPad boasts a 10-hour battery life, longer than its other tablet competitors.

Runs Apple Applications
The iPad can run applications from Apple’s App store, allowing for convenience and quick entertainment at your fingerprints.

Disadvantages

Its Name
Several critics have already made Maxi-pad references.

No Camera
The fact that there is no front-facing OR back-facing camera is almost unspeakable. Without a camera, users lose out on methods of communication and entertainment, such as taking photos or participating in video-chats with long-distance family members or friends.

No Multitasking
The fact that you cannot run multiple applications at the same time makes the iPad extremely inefficient, especially now that we are in the 21st century.

No Flash
Users will not be able to watch web videos or play web games.

No HDMI Output
Unlike other convenient laptops, you cannot plug the iPad into the television.

No USB Port
The fact that the iPad has no USB port means that you will have to purchase additional adapters if you want to plug in additional devices (printer, keyboard… etc.)

Touch Keyboard
The touch keyboard on this tablet forces you to have to type in an uncomfortable and awkward position. Luckily, Apple has already thought of a solution: the company is selling an external keyboard dock.

Three Nerds Who’ve Made it Big

1. Sergey Brin (born 1973), co-founder of Google

Brin, a Russian-American computer scientist, emigrated from the USSR when he was a child to escape religious intolerance of his family’s Jewish faith. Upon meeting Larry Page at Stanford while working on their PhDs, the two began developing what would become the popular search engine.

2. Steve Jobs (born 1955), co-founder of Apple (pictured)

Originally from California, Jobs is a college dropout who worked at the video game manufacturer Atari before founding Apple with another designer, Steve Wozniak. Jobs also founded NeXT, as well as Pixar Animation Studios. His return to Apple was followed by the development of the iPod, iPhone and (most recently) iPad, a quasi-laptop tablet.

3. Bill Gates (born 1955), founder of Microsoft

One of the richest men in the world, Gates used his genius (an estimated IQ of 170) to form the software company with partner Paul Allen. Like Jobs, he’s a college (Harvard) dropout who became a pioneer of the personal computer.

Revenge of the Nerds: Is Uncool the New Cool?

What is the definition of “cool”? It may vary between schools, cities and individuals, but many people link being cool to being popular. Decisions including what music we listen to, what movies we watch and how we dress will often determine if we’re considered cool by our peers. One thing is for sure: being cool in the past has always seemed to depend on other people’s opinions.

It pays to be a nerd!
Find out who has made it
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So I have no idea what caused the world to start spinning in the opposite direction. Who declared that being uncool was now cool?

I began to notice this shift one day at school last year. I looked around at my fellow grade nines and wondered why we were all so close. Was it because we’ve been together since the second grade? No. Was it because we all live in the same neighbourhood? No. I think it was because we are the most uncool people alive.

No offence, guys. I mean, we considered ourselves cool because we weren’t like anybody else; we weren’t two-dimensional clones. Yes, we had our jocks and our nerds, but you know what? We hung out together. We listened in science classes. We joked with teachers. Bill Nye was our hero. Cartoons were awesome. Hugging was normal. Beat It was our theme song. We were uncool and that made us cool. We were who we wanted to be.

Now that I have realized which way our world is spinning, I’ve noticed that not only has our school changed, but pop culture has turned in the same direction. Paper Heart, a recent movie featuring Michael Cera, portrays characters who don’t fit the old definition of cool. Back then you were uncool if you couldn’t get a boyfriend, and you were really uncool if you didn’t want one. And what’s up with the characters’ choice of clothing? The glasses? The baggy sweaters? That definitely wasn’t cool before. But what’s weird is when I first watched the trailer for this movie, I thought it would be a cool movie to see.

When I asked some of my friends what they thought about themselves, many of them said they didn’t think that they were cool. They’re the type of people who don’t care what others think, but just want to enjoy life. When I hang out with them, we often find ourselves doing stupid and silly things; we don’t have fun the way “cool” people do. We’ve never gone to huge parties where everyone gets drunk and we definitely do not smoke. We’re involved in things like leadership, volunteering and helping others out. Some of us like to debate in classes about world issues (e.g. global warming). And it’s funny, because when we stop and realize what we’re doing, usually the first thing that comes out of our mouths is, “Well, we’re just that cool.” Whether this statement is said sarcastically or not, it’s ironic how we all seem to say things that prove that the societal view has indeed been flipped.

I also asked them what they thought the definition of cool was. One of my friends told me “someone who’s cool is someone who you can have a good time with.” Another close friend told me that “people nowadays who are ‘cool’ are the people who are unique; people who act differently than everyone else. It makes you want to hang out with them.” I know some pretty wise people. (On the other hand, someone else very close to me told me that I am a nerd and nerds aren’t and never will be cool. I guess it really depends on who you are and what view you subscribe to – the old or the new cool.)

So the next time someone tells you that you are uncool, don’t stress out about it. Especially since you, the uncool people of the world, are already following the world in the right direction and are becoming cool yourself.

Corporal Julia: Shattering Assumptions

Photo: A Canadian soldier makes a new friend in Afghanistan.

I was trekking up to Metrotown, complaining inwardly as I was pushed into a crowded bus, worrying about school, friends, and other customary adolescent conflicts. Little did I know that I was on my way to meet a woman whose journey made my petty complaints and fears seem inconsequential. As I walked into South Burnaby Neighbourhood House, Marleen, our youth coordinator, informed us that today we would meet a woman who had just arrived back from fighting in Afghanistan.

As Corporal Julia walked into the room, my assumptions were shattered in an instant. She was not at all the square-jawed, bob-cut woman I stereotyped her to be. On the contrary, I was quite surprised to find a slim woman of average height and build walk through the door, pretty by all standards but otherwise quite unremarkable. She greeted us all with a simple "Hello," her voice about three octaves higher than the deep-throated bellow I’d been expecting to resonate from my earlier, imagined version of her. I sat there, rattled but intrigued by the woman who stood before me. I was beginning to realize that this interview was not going to be at all what I had expected.

She began her story by describing her military role in Afghanistan as a radio communications worker, channeling all the handsets and relaying information between the troops. Before being shipped out, she had been trained in a three-month boot camp. Despite this, she had not been prepared for the shock of the first deafening time she heard a rocket explode, or the overwhelming sadness every time a body was brought back onto the base. Julia described how, despite all the obvious dangers she faced on a daily basis, the scariest part of it all was not knowing; not knowing if the casualty was your best friend (maybe your roommate); or if the next body brought in would be your own.

After her stories, and a few shared laughs over the natural result of housing hundreds of men together in confined quarters, I had finally worked up the courage to ask her the question that had been on the back of my mind throughout the interview: Did she think there was hope for the Afghan people? After a short pause she responded honestly. She said that though it is difficult for one corporal to assess an entire war, in her last two months while walking through the Afghan villages, providing them with protection from the Taliban, she realized something fundamental in the honest, smiling and grateful faces of the Afghan people. All they really want is security; the ability to go to school, work, and the shops without fearing for their lives. A country living in constant fear is in no state to improve its conditions and that’s what the Canadian mission is – to give them that chance.

Though I entered the interview a little skeptical about the war in Afghanistan, Corporal Julia's firsthand insights truly opened my eyes by forcing me to put myself in the shoes of not only our troops, but the Afghan people. As we said our goodbyes, Corporal Julia left me with a reminder: though war is never positive, our work is not in vain. All the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives lost them fighting for what they believed in. Rather than always concentrating on the negative, we, the next generation, have to remind ourselves of what is important. We have to remind ourselves of the smiling faces of the Afghans.

Zenith Youth Conference: Unleash Your Potential With Zenith

Today's youth are a model of the potential change the world can be. Young people of this generation are at their prime ability of altering the future of tomorrow. The Zenith 2010 Global Citizenship Conference fosters this belief in empowering today's youth. It's an opportunity for youth to learn about environmental sustainability, multiculturalism, social justice and international business whilst networking with numerous local non-profit organizations.

Zenith itself a nonprofit conference that's organized by university students for the benefit of students all over the Lower Mainland. With the support of the Rotary, the Zenith team's objective is to inspire students to become strong leaders of the future.

This year, the 3rd annual Zenith Conference will occur at the River Rock Casino in Richmond on April 12th. It's an all day event and registration is now open. Students can sign up at www.zenithconference.org and proceed by clicking the "Registration" bar. The registration cost can be paid directly online or through the student's school. Further information regarding registration or any other inquiries can be found at www.zenithconference.org/ or by emailing zenith@zenithconference.org

Youthink 2010 Olympics Special

The 2010 Winter Olympics are here! Here's everything you need to know to make the most of the Games!

	2010 Olympic Winter Games: Highlights from Week One All things considered, VANOC and the athletes are putting on a great show.
	2010 Men’s Olympic Hockey: Which Team Will Reign Supreme? A look at the top six teams on paper and what they bring to the table.
	The Full Olympic Experience: Free Events Around Town Fun and free events to enhance your Olympics experience.
	Meet Olympic Hopeful and MTV Star Kimiko Zakreski The Calgary native shares her thoughts on the possibility of becoming a 2010 Olympian.
	What Will Be Our Olympic Legacy? Here are the many legacies the government and organizers have promised will be left in the wake of the 2010 Olympic Games.
	2010 Olympic Events: More Than Just Sports Even if you don’t have tickets to any of the sporting events, that doesn’t mean you can’t experience the Olympics! Tons of events are happening around town!
	Olympic Styles You Can Sport Vancouver-based fashion retailer Aritzia is all set for the 2010 Olympics as an official licensee in women’s clothing.
	Fun 2010 Olympic Souvenirs The 2010 Olympics are a once-in-a-lifetime event that are definitely worth commemorating; check out these cool and practical items.
	How to Survive the Olympics Here are some helpful and interesting facts to help you make the most of Vancouver 2010
	Show Your Canadian Pride The Olympics are coming back to Canada! What a beautiful opportunity to show off our accomplishments and display our national pride.
	Do You Have What it Takes to Win an Olympic Gold Medal? Take the quiz and find out!

Top 10 Beach Destinations for Spring Break

Imagine yourself walking alongside the crystalline blue waters, your toes squishing the sugar white sand in between them. The rays of the sun dance across the water and you feel your skin soaking up the warmth. In the background, you can hear a steel drum band and the distinctive clank of glasses.

Sound familiar? Probably not, since you’re stuck in school reading this article, but this daydream can become a reality this spring break at one of the following top ten beach destinations!

Miami, USA
Miami is situated only 50 miles from the Bahamas, so it’s no wonder that you can soak up some major rays in this otherwise metropolitan city. Though sun tanning is likely to be the most favourable activity at Miami’s two main beaches, Miami beach and South Beach, celebrity-spotting is also a favourite as stars frequent these spots quite often!

Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is easily one of the most popular destinations amongst North American students during spring break. All-inclusive resorts, which offer unlimited food, drinks and more, are appealing to most on a budget. However if you aren’t down to get wild, I would say adios to this hot spot!

Varadero, Cuba
With over 20 km of beaches, beaches and more beaches, it’s no wonder over 500,000 tourists flock to this Cuban resort town each year. Hop on a catamaran cruise or go exploring in the naturally formed rock caves. Old school automobiles, and architecture also provide for a unique cultural aspect when one travels to Cuba!

Waikiki, Hawaii
Located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, Waikiki is one of Hawaii’s most famous locations. Whether you want to go tanning, running through a pineapple maze or participating in an authentic Polynesian luau, there is something for everyone. Home to some rockin’ waves, this Hawaiian paradise will have you saying “surf’s up!”

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Although only 196 square kilometres in size, Grand Cayman is the largest of the three islands which make up the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean. Home to the famous seven-mile beach (which is really only 5.5 miles long!), this stretch of paradise is truly postcard perfect. Crystal clear water, soft white sand and tanned bodies galore... need I say more?

Phuket, Thailand
As you gaze out onto the brilliant blue waters and beautiful rock structures, you would never know that the island of Phuket was deveatated by the infamous tsunami only six years ago. Phuket’s main beaches, Karon and Kata, have yet to be industrialized, thus no-so-touristy tourists are flying to this Thailand paradise.

Palawan, Phillipines
This 270-mile long island province has been noted as having the best beaches in Asia. Perhaps this is due to its eco-friendly and biodiverse environment which provides homes to a number of endangered animals and species. The beaches, which are situated deep in harbours, are naturally surrounded by limestone cliffs and protected coral reefs. The perfect spot for the eco-lover!

Bora Bora, Tahiti
Although this tiny island is home to only around 8000 residents, its luxurious resorts bring in thousands of tourists each year to test out the waters of the Pacific Ocean. This area is well known for its abundance of sea life, including deep sea sharks and sting rays – an attraction for many who are interested in scuba diving!

Saint Tropez, France
Trendy among stars for that “je ne sais quoi,” Saint Tropez is one of the most well known beaches in the world. Described as “playground to jetsetters, models and millionaries,” it wouldn’t be a surprise to find yourself sun bathing next to a celebrity. For those who are comfortable with the idea, there are also plenty of “naturist” beaches around!

Harbour Island, Bahamas
Of course the Bahamas are known for their pristine beaches, but have you heard of the Pink Sands Beach? Yup, the name says it all, stretching for three miles, this naturally pink beach is known as the best beach area in the Bahamas. However, the Bahamas are also infamous for their ferocious waves, so keep an eye on the water or you might just get swept out and away!

The Full Olympic Experience: Free Events Around Town

If you aren’t able to check out any of the Olympic sporting events but would like to take in a little bit of the Olympic experience, you’re in luck! VANOC has set up a lot fun concerts and events for all of you to enjoy. Best of all… They’re FREE! Here are some great events to mark down on your list of things to check out.

Live Entertainment:

The Ozone (Minoru Park, Richmond)
Saturday, February 20th: Marianas Trench @ 9:30 pm
Thursday, February 25th: Wintersleep @ 9:30 pm
Friday, February 26th: Tokyo Police Club @ 9:45 pm
Saturday, February 27th: The Stills @ 10:15 pm

Livecity Yaletown (David Lam Park, Vancouver):
Friday, February 19th: Deadmau5 @ 9:30 pm
Saturday, February 20th: The Arkells/ Sam Roberts @ 6:30/9:30
Sunday, February 21st: Jully Black @ 9:30 pm
Wednesday, February 24th: Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley @ 9:30 pm
Thur Feb 25th - Illscarlett - 6:30

Holland Park (13428 Old Yale Rd., Surrey)
Saturday, February 20th: Hey Ocean @ 8:30 pm
Friday, February, 26th: Illscarlett @ 8:00 pm
Friday, February 26th: Marianas Trench @ 9:00 pm
Saturday, February 27th: Wide Mouth Mason @ 9:30 pm

Events Around Town:

The Abbotsford Live Site: (Abbotsford Recreation centre Feb. 12th -28th)
Olympic themed swims and skates are open to public as well as a night market and an inflatable fun zone.
Hours: Thursdays and Fridays from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Saturdays from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sundays from 12:00pm to 9:00 pm.

GE Plaza Robson Square: (Robson and Howe)
Home to the new outdoor public skating rink. The skating is free, however, rental skates will cost $3.00.
Hours: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Bombardier Street Car
Catch a ride on a modern “high end” European streetcar between Granville Island “French Quarter” and the Olympic Village Canada Line Station. It’ll run 18 hours a day until March 21st.

Laser Waterworks Show
Every night, LiveCity Yaletown is putting on laser light shows using steam through a large pipe in False Creek.

Students Like You… Covering the Games!

Were you unable to get the tickets that you wanted for the 2010 Olympic Games? Have you ever wondered what a student like you thought and experienced while going to the Games? Or are you interested in all of those stories that aren’t covered by the major newspapers and TV stations, but are equally important? If you answered yes to any one of those questions, then you should definitely check out Students Live!

What exactly is Students Live?
Students Live is a group of 24 local students who will be covering the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games using some of today’s most popular social media tools like Facebook, Twitter, Blogger and many others. This group of students, which I am a part of, has already met up several times to organize the Students Live website, spoken with some local journalists and even had a private tour of the Olympic Media Centre. The latter was especially fun for the 24 student reporters! The real excitement is just beginning, however, because in the next two months, the students will be exposed to some major coverage as they start going to not only the Olympic and Paralympic events, but also to some of the festivities at the Cultural Olympiad blogging about them.

So what does this all mean?
This means that if you want to read about the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games as seen through the eyes of the local students, you now have the chance to do so, by going to studentslive.ca and checking out the student blogs that are currently featured on the website. This will not only give you the chance to explore the Games through popular sites like Facebook and Blogger, but will allow you to find out more about the Games through 24 new points of view, ones that are fresh different.