START YOUR OWN BAND
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EDUCATION BUDGET CUTS
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END OF OUR WAYS
NEW TRIBE magazine
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SUMMER FUN
*TURN UP THE VOLUME *JESSIE WOODWARD TRIBE FICTION
Free Vol. 10 Issue 6 SEPTEMBER 2011 Now Available online www.usay.ca
NOTEBOOK from*the*editor Hello New Tribe Readers,
Need updates on upcoming USAY and New Tribe Magazine It’s that time of year again when events? Feel free to search us most people are rushing around out on Face book and join our getting ready for the new school growing friends list. We post year. Either upcoming events, going back submission yourself, or requ irements getting ready and deadlines, a protesting and fun stuff kid who can’t like upcoming believe the movie nights and summer is over, book clubs. It is it’s a time to also a great place get ready for to comment on an exciting new stories or articles phase of the you wish to see year. in our upcoming issues. With that in mind we have used this issue of New Tribe Magazine to Do you have an opinion on this offer back to school tips, along issue of New Tribe magazine? with articles on how various Good, bad, or ugly send in your community agencies have helped thoughts and we will print it in make the transition a little easier. the letters section. Going back to school can be a very exciting, yet nerve wracking, time and we hope that it’s a safe and productive beginning for all of our readers.
Spread the word, and stay true to it. John Medeiros Managing Editor
NEW TRIBE
Calgary’s Aboriginal Youth Monthly editor@newtribemagazine.ca Managing Editor John Medeiros Graphic Design Aboriginal Design Group Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth Suite 1109, 615 Macleod Trail South Calgary, Alberta T2G 4T8 403.233.8225 Executive Director LeeAnne Ireland Program Manager Rachel Paris Office Administrator Jessica Hawryluk Board of Directors President Sarena Provost Vice-President Amanda Gonet Treasurer Melaina Patenaude Secretary Cheryl Hanley Directors Ryan Willert NEW TRIBE is a monthly magazine. Our mission is to promote a positive outlook on Aboriginal living in an urban setting by promoting information sharing within the Aboriginal and youth communities Opinions expressed in submitted work/letters are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of NEW TRIBE or USAY. This magazine is a forum for Aboriginal youth to speak their minds and share their stories without intervention. The publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for plagiarism of the works in the magazine. All writings are presumed to be the original work of the contributing authors.
Special Thanks to our Community Partners & Funders
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CONTENTS
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16
22 SEPTEMBER
32 20
USAY & RBC
7 WHAT’S GOING ON?
22
START A BAND
8 TRIBE ART
24 TALENT
10 SUMMER FUN
26
12 ON THE TABLE
29 TRIBE TALENT
14 POETRY
30
MUSIC REVIEW
15 COOL JOBS
32
MOVIE REVIEW
16 COMMUNITY
34
LITERALLY
18 HEALTH
37
HOROSCOPES
4
NEWS BRIEFS
COMMUNITY
NEW TRIBE SEPTEMBER 2011
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NEWS*BRIEFS
Aboriginal Happenings From Across Canada Canadian natives try their hand at winemaking
set to become the tribe’s first full-fledged winemaker.
OSOYOOS - An Aboriginal tribe in the arid Okanagan Valley is on the cusp of realizing a decades-old dream - becoming North America’s first native winemakers.
“My first concern is obviously not to just become a winemaker, but to be the first aboriginal winemaker, or the first in North America ... (to) bring some pride to the Osoyoos Indian Band,” Hall said.
On the shores of Lake Osoyoos, near the border between British Columbia and the U.S. state of Washington, the sun is scorching hot, the nights are cool and the soil is dry - perfect conditions for growing wine grapes.
The tribe has been involved in winemaking since 1968 by growing grapes, but they longed to own and operate their own estate winery.
Canadians have been producing riesling, pinot noir and cabernet varieties here one of the country’s two main viticulture regions - for 40 years. Some 15 per cent of grapes produced in British Columbia come from thousands of hectares of land belonging to the Osoyoos band. The tribe also boasts the only winery in North America managed by aboriginals the Nk’Mip Cellars. Justin Hall has been assistant winemaker at the vineyard since 2004, and is now
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In 2002, the dream nearly became a reality, with the creation of the Nk’Mip wine cellar. SOURCE -THE OTTAWA CITIZEN
Province offers $25M to flooded reserves
MANITOBA – Manitoba is offering about $25 million to four Interlake First Nations devastated by spring flooding, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Eric Robinson said Tuesday. The money will come from the $100 million set aside for the channel construction project between Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg
“It’s fair to say this will be in the tens of millions of dollars in terms of benefits for the communities,” Robinson said. “We want to ensure the First Nations have every opportunity to latch on to the benefits.” The offer, elements of which were revealed Tuesday to the Free Press, was sent to each of four First Nations in a letter from the East Side Road Authority. The communities are Pinaymootang, Little Saskatchewan, Lake St. Martin and Dauphin River. The East Side Road Authority, which oversees construction of the channel, reports to the aboriginal and northern affairs minister. The offer follows recent criticism that First Nations had been left on the sidelines. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs leader Derek Nepinak said earlier this month that Manitoba had a constitutional duty to consult First Nations because the channel course runs through traditional lands. SOURCE - WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
What’s Going On? SEPTEMBER,2011 Sep 4 Pride Parade Calgary, AB www.pridecalgary.ca Sep 5 Calgary Soul Music Festival Edworth Park Calgary, AB Sep 7 - 25 OVO - Cirque du Soleil Calgary, AB www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/ shows/ovo Sep 9 Big !dea 3 Auditions Mount Royal University Calgary,AB www.cuai.ca Sep 10 Calgary Corporate Challenge Family Day Olympic Park Calgary, AB Sep 10 - 11 Akwesasne International Pow-wow Cornwall,ON www.akwesasnepowwow.com
Sep 13 9:00 am, Native Information Exchange EA 3003, Mount Royal University Calgary, AB Sep 18 Calgary Bridal Expo BMO Centre Calgary, AB Sep 23 Hard Knocks Calgary, AB http://calgary.cnty.com Sep 23 Welcome Back Pow Wow SAIT Atrium Calgary, AB Sep 23 - 25 Calgary International Film Festival www.calgaryfilm.com Calgary, AB
Sep 23 - 25 Biindigaate Film Festival Thunder Bay, ON www.biindigaate.ca Sep 27 Artic Monkeys in Concert Calgary, AB http://arcticmonkeys.com/ Calgary Stampeders 09/05/2011 02:30 PM Edmonton Eskimos @ Calgary Stampeders 09/17/2011 05:00 PM BC Lions @ Calgary Stampeders Calgary YMCA Rec night Every Tuesday 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
If you have an event you’d like us to include in our monthly calendar, email it to us - usayeditor@gmail.com by the third Wednesday of the month. Submission deadline for the OCTOBER 2011 issue: SEPTEMBER 26
NEW TRIBE SEPTEMBER 2011
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TRIBE*ART
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TRIBE*TALK
Beauty Confusion On The Rise By Jessie Woodward For centuries, beauty has played a vital role in society. We often make quick judgments about a person based on appearance alone. From the elaborate dresses in the 17th Century to the Queen Elizabeth’s (the first) distinct hairstyle. During the 1800, women often hid smelling salts in their corsets so they could be revived should they faint from being tied too tightly into their bodices. As society evolves, beauty is an at all-time fanatical high.We have nail enhancements, hair extensions, eyelash extensions, eyeliner tattooing, and numerous cosmetic plastic surgery options. What’s most disturbing is plastic surgery. Girls who have just become 18 often haven’t come to terms with their own looks. But they are being offered the option of changing their appearance, sometimes with fatal outcomes.
The new show Toddlers and Tiaras is about toddler girls preparing for beauty pageants. What’s shocking are the drastic measures to which pageant parents go to ensure their daughters fit into the mold of perceived beauty. The old saying “pain is beauty” thoroughly applies. Young girls are often bombarded with images of what others think they should look like: magazine covers and young celebrity role models like Miley Cyrus and her questionable music videos. It makes one miss the Hannah Montana days. Another big factor are the dolls you can find on the shelves now.Take, for instance, “Bratz Dollz” and the attire they come with. I remember when princess dresses were what all little girls wanted to wear. It’s a shame to see how this causes people’s appearances to change. The upside to all the madness the media has created is that more and more people are trying
to promote awareness and healthiness of the way we were created. Companies like Dove host workshops and programs, and we can’t forget their memorable commercials about their “Campaign for real beauty”. Their “Self-esteem fund” promotes self-esteem to girls worldwide. Dove launched this campaign because a global study found that Only %2 percent of women around the world describe themselves as beautiful. This is an alarming number and I strongly feel more companies should be exploring the way women truly feel about their appearances and not the way others want them to feel. Slogans like “look great, feel great” should be reversed to “feel great, look great”.A woman’s confidence should radiate from the inside; more women should stop listening to the media and start loving themselves more because, after all, imperfections are what makes a woman truly beautiful.
NEW TRIBE SEPTEMBER 2011
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TRIBE FICTION
SUMMER FUN Sam Ryder
ItÕ s that time of year, summer will be ending and school will be starting again. I am excited about starting school because each year I am get closer to graduating, but I am not ready to say good-bye to summer because it was so fun. I spent my summer staying up late. I would watch television all night while talking on the phone. We would sometimes stay on the phone until the sun came up. We did not mind because we would spend the whole day sleeping. I know that once school starts I will have to start going to bed much earlier and will not be able to talk on the phone as much. My whole summer was about me and my friends. When we were not on the phone or sleeping, we were hanging out. We went swimming, kayaking, camping and hiking. The weather was 10
NEW TRIBE SEPTEMBER 2011
very hot, but we did not mind at all because we were having such a good time. I know that once school starts, I will not be able to hang out with my friends as much. We all will have to focus on studying so that we can get the best grades possible.
The thing that I enjoyed the most about the summer was the break that I got from school. I love school, but at times it become overwhelming. I study very hard so that I can maintain my 3.5 gpa and that often puts a-lot of pressure on me. I am also very involved in many extra-curricular activities and have to dedicate and large portion of my time to that. It is very rewarding to be a wellrounded student, but at times it can be a bit much.
I also enjoyed the time that I spent my with my parents. I do not get to spend that much time with my parents during the school year because they are always working and I am always at school. During the summer, my parents take time off so that The ending of summer is causing we can go on trips together. me to have a bittersweet feeling. As much as I will miss sleeping I will be leaving for college late, hanging out with my friends, soon, so I am trying to spend spending time with my family as much time with my parents and just being lazy, I am ready as possible. I plan on attending to get back into school. I am a a college that is over 500 miles high school senior this year, so a way, so I know that once I this is a very exciting year for am gone, my folks will miss me me. I enjoyed the break that I dearly and I will miss them. had from my studies, but I am
FICTION ready to get back to learning. Even though my summer was very good, I felt like I lost a lot of good information and I am ready to get it back. I am also ready to get back to my activities. I am involved in student council, cheer leading and track. I missed student council a-lot because I love being a role model for my fellow students. I missed cheer leading because I love to show my school spirit at the football and basketball games. I also have a love for running, so I missed track a-lot.
and stopped exercising. I also sat around and ate a-lot of junk food. I cannot wait to start playing sports again, so that I can get back into shape.
a-lot of things, but I also have a-lot of things to look forward to. I get to see my friends that I have not seen all summer and I will be able to get back into my studies. I am also looking forward to getting back to my activities. Last, but certainly not least, I am looking forward to walking across the stage at the end of the year.
Graduation is what I am looking forward to the most. It has really been a long road and I am so ready for it to be over. The first day of school signifies that I am getting closer to graduation. That is the main reason that I I wish I could go back in the past am looking forward to starting so that I can enjoy summer again, school again. but at the same time I wanting to spring into the future so that As I set here and enjoy these I can start school. All in all, I am last few days of summer, I cannot looking forward to closing this help but get very excited. It is chapter in my life(summer) and During the summer, I got lazy true that I will have to give up starting a new one(school).
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FLAVOR
On the Table Chicago Style Pizza INGREDIENTS
1 (1 pound) loaf frozen bread dough 1 pound bulk Italian sausage 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms 1 small onion, chopped 1 teaspoons olive oil 1 can diced tomatoes, drained 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon fennel seed 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Crumble the sausage into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until evenly browned. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon, and sprinkle over the dough crust. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sausage. Add mushrooms and onion to the skillet; cook and stir until the onion is tender. Stir in the tomatoes, oregano, salt, fennel seed and garlic powder. Spoon over the mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until crust is golden brown.
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FLAVOR
On the Table CHOCOLATE CUP CAKES INGREDIENTS 2 cups all purpose flour 2 cups sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup shortening 3/4 cup water 2 large eggs 3/4 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 4 ounces melted unsweetened baking chocolate DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pans with paper liners. Combine all ingredients into large mixing bowl. Mix at low speed for 30 seconds, and scrape bowl. Mix at high speed for 3 minutes. Fill liners 1/2 to 2/3 full of batter. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pans then remove from pan, and place on wire racks to cool completely. Frost when chocolate cupcakes are completely cool.
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POETRY
End of our Ways Creator... All our beliefs and teepees are almost all gone, Native’s no long chase after their hopes and dreams, Even the fish and salmon have seemed to move on, To bigger and cleaner streams We no longer hear of our old sacred talks, Or listen to Mother Earth’s beating drum, We no longer share our stories by the circle of well placed rocks, Or wake up early to watch the morning dawn come Creator... our children no longer play or run around free, We don’t teach them how it was to live in the old days, Now they just sit and watch the White man’s TV, And forget about our old ways We’re not allowed to hunt to keep our lives, Or even hang on to that hope, Creator... we only get whiter as time goes by, Have our people reached the end of their rope? We no longer cook our food by an open fire, Or sing a song to the Elders, who have passed with praise, Now we only drink and watch the flames get higher, And forget about the old ways Only a few buffalo wander to open plains all alone, There’s no more wild horses to tame these days, A lonely spirit can’t survive out here on their own, Creator... are we seeing the end of our ways? By: Rene Drake
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Community
COOL JOBS PROFILE Amy Giroux
Dental Assistant
1. What is your name and job title? (Where do you work?) Amy Giroux, Dental Assisant, newly hired to go to Dubai on a one year contract. 2. What does your job consist of? My main tasks are to prepare the patient for their procedure, assist the Dentist during the course of the issue the patient has come in for. Everything from taking impressions, holding the suction device, and so on. 3. What sort of education do you need to get into this type of work? You definately need training for this type of career. I went to SAIT to complete my Dental Assistant requirements.
4. How long have you been doing this job?
ent for making people comfortable and not so nervous about the dreaded visit to the dentist.
Brand new! I’m going to be heading to Dubai soon to begin work- 7. What are the challenges ing on a one year contract. I’m within your job? hoping itÕ s going to be a great opportunity. I think the biggest challenge will always be making the patient com5. Why did you get into fortable and to keep reassuring this type of work? them that everything is fine and not to worry. You can’t just be I have always been interested in good at the technical aspects of maintaining healthy teeth, so this your job, but also be a people perjust seemed like a great progres- son as well. sion to earn a living doing something I enjoy. Plus, some people 8. What advice do you have may not expect it, but there is a for other Aboriginal youth great opportunity to travel to interested in this position? great places that need people trained in dental work. Try and get into a program and keep at it. There will be times you 6. What is your favorite may want to quit but it’s so importhing about your job? tant to keep at it because it will be rewarding at the end to have a Well, it’s still new to me but I know career you can be proud of. from training that I love meeting new people. I think I have a talNEW TRIBE SEPTEMBER 2011 15
COMMUNITY
EDUCATIONÊ BUDGETÊC UTS John Medeiros As many may already be aware the Alberta government is planning to cut more than 1000 teachers’ jobs due to a funding deficit of nearly $5 million. This will obviously have quite an impact not only on the morale of local Albertans but also on the quality of the education system overall. Although many different claims have been made regarding this layoff situation there are serious issues that need to be addressed. The government’s plan to cut teaching jobs across Alberta has caused many changes throughout the school system already. Many schools have begun looking at their books and determining where and who they need to cut in order to be within their budget. Many programs have already been cut but unfortunately jobs will now be lost too. The plan is to have the school staffs downsized for this coming fall. That means that school boards have already made decisions on who will be let go. Unfortunately many lowseniority teachers, temporary and even long-term teachers nearing retirement will be laid off following the plan. Running schools smoothly following these cuts will be difficult.
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Discussions have been made in regards to combining core classes in order to cope with the downsizing. Indeed these cuts will be a hard blow to the quality education that students have enjoyed in Alberta for so long. In the meantime there has been much speculation and talk about who is to blame for the decision to make these cuts. Although Albertans have most likely been aware for some time that the economy is less than ideal there are still many questions to raise as to why these cuts had to be made. Soon to be leaving, Premier of Alberta Ed Stelmach is one person in particular that has had the finger pointed at him because of his comments and previous political actions. Specifically there have been claims made that Ed stelmach blamed the Alberta TeachersÕ Association (ATA) for the layoffs claiming the union voted to have raises instead of saving jobs. In addition the claim is that the teachers refused to have pay freezes so this is what the end result had to be. However, Stelmach’s representatives say the comments are false. He is also being put under fire
because of the fact that he says the teachers preferred raises instead of saving other peoples jobs but he himself has had substantial raises in the past and has made no remarks as to whether or not he would be willing to give that up for the sake of the government and its financial situation. Although he cannot be completely to blame he has been considered a driving force for many problems leading to the current fiscal situation of the government. In fact many politicians have taken substantial pay raises causing speculation and debate as to whether or not they should have to take pay cuts in order to help fund the deficit the government is currently experiencing. The fact of the matter is that the teachers have a right to be outraged because the government signed a five year contract in 2007 that is not being upheld. Meanwhile there has been much talk about the many different projects the government is funding that seem rather frugal in such a difficult economic time. Thus, the government as a whole has been under fire after the announcement of the teacher layoffs because many Albertans are
COMMUNITY angry at where the money is going. One of the biggest concerns among the public is the investment of money in the Carbon Capture and Storage Project. Roughly $2 billion has been spent on this project including including $1 million on a salesman whose sole responsibility is to promote and sell the new technology to the U.S. and other regions.
public is questioning is the power lines project that has been discussed by the government since 2003. The plan is to invest just over $14 billion in the construction and installation of power lines spanning across Alberta and possibly all the way to the United States.
is extremely unaffordable at this time and yet they have not backed down.
At any rate it is truly amazing to think about all of the money Stelmach’s government is spending on these rather unnecessary projects when money is needed to The government claims the power fund the education of the children. lines are critical to keep Alberta It would be normal to think that running but documents have childrenÕ s education should be of The goal with the project is to surfaced leading to speculation utmost importance considering capture and store greenhouse that the power line project is the fact that they are needed gases such as carbon dioxide. linked closely with U.S and there for the success of Alberta in the The plan includes capturing the may be plans to export electricity future. gases and pumping them into the to them. ground where they will not affect Considering all of the cash being the climate anymore. The truth Of course there are some major thrown around it is ridiculous that is this technology is completely problems with this project including these layoffs are even happening Canadian-made and has still the fact that the new power lines to begin with. not been proven to reduce or could cost homeowners hundreds eliminate the problem. of extra dollars per year. The truth is even experts have warned Another project the Albertan the government that this project
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Health
Focusing On Nutrition Is Vital For Success During the School Year Janice Monroe It is no secret that maintaining a healthy diet has a positive effect not just for the body, but for the mind as well. As the saying goes: healthy body, healthy mind. This sentiment is all the more important to keep in mind as you or your child heads back to school. A student who is able to maintain proper nutrition will not only look better, but will also feel healthier and perform at a higher level both in an academic setting and in extracurricular activities. A healthy and vibrant student will be able to fight off the “germ du jours” that inevitably circulate through the crowded hallways and enclosed classrooms of every school. They also will better withstand the stress and rigors of a demanding school schedule. Though fad diets come and go, there are a number of current healthy eating trends that have been supported by scientists and nutritionists for some time. The healthy diet suggestions listed below not only boast positive healthy effects, but are also relatively easy to apply to oneÕ s daily eating habits. 1. Low sugar and low carbohydrates: It is no major news at this point that foods high in processed sugars and white flours are bad for the body. High levels of sugar will cause a spike in insulin that will spark a chemical reaction in the body causing the metabolic system to work inefficiently. A person who ingests too much sugar will not have a proper metabolism and will over
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time develop a higher percentage of body fat. Improper insulin levels also have negative effects on vascular compliance and cognition. 2. Organic foods: Certified organic meat, dairy and produce contain no pesticides or antibiotics. These foods are not only more healthy but also more nutritious as they offer the maximum level of vitamins and nutrients without the addition of synthetic and possibly poisonous chemicals. 3. Fruits and vegetables: Fresh produce make for easy snacks and healthful fuel for the body. Though a handful of apple slices may not be as immediately gratifying, especially for younger students, than a candy bar made of sugar, the health benefits are far greater. The natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables provide an essential energy boost throughout the day and can even become craved as a mid-afternoon snack as much as a junk food snack full of empty calories. 4. More water: Turn your back on high fructose soda drinks and artificial juices and get in the habit of drinking more water. If a bit of flavoring is desired, freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice with a hint of agave nectar can be a delightful refreshing addition. 5. Less dairy: Dairy aversions are on the rise as more and more people realize that common ailments and minor skin conditions are curbed when cutting back on dairy products.
Dairy is increasingly being pinpointed as the trigger for many people who suffer from allergies, eczema, skin rashes and even acne. Younger students, particularly those who are going through puberty, will especially feel the effects of a dairy aversion as it affects hormone levels in certain individuals which will, in turn, aggravate some of the conditions listed above. Try soy milk or almond milk as an alternative. 6. Not all fats are bad: Keeping the right fats in your diet can not only help make some foods more delicious, but will also provide energy for the body and boost your metabolism. Olive oil, sesame oil and pure butter, for example, are fats that, when used in moderation, are actually quite healthy. Stay away from trans fats such as margarine and shortening as these will increase your risk for heart disease and raise cholesterol levels. Putting These Tips Into Action Easier said than done, right? No. With the right guidelines and a few recommendations and ideas, you can be well on your way to gradually making adjustments in your and your loved one’s diets to make for a happier, healthier and more productive family. Breakfast Ideas 1. Whole wheat tortilla wraps: Fill a whole wheat tortilla with scrambled eggs (or egg whites) for protein, sauteed onions and spinach for
HEALTH great vitamins and organic turkey or chicken sausage for flavor. You can even add a small amount of parmesan, cheddar or goat cheese. Just don’t go overboard. Over time, experiment with adding different vegetables for even more nutrition. A great idea is to make a big batch over the weekend and store them in the freezer. Thaw them in the fridge the night before as needed and reheat in the microwave for one minute as a great on-the-go breakfast. These are much more nutritious and delicious for the first meal of the day than a boring bowl of sugary cereal or a pop tart.
rules completely - contain a variety of healthful and flavorful foods in smaller portions that, together, combine to make a fun and nutritious meal. An example of a bento box would include baked chicken fingers, whole wheat crackers with a side of hummus, carrot sticks, a portion of fruit and a handful of mixed nuts. The variety of flavors is a treat at lunchtime, but also provides an excellent array of proteins and vitamins, while keeping the meal minimally-processed. Younger children, especially, will enjoy being able to eat much of the food with their hands. You may assign a regular small or medium sized 2. The overachieving oatmeal: tupperware as a makeshift bento Instead of reaching for the same box, or obtain actual Ò bento box of factory instant oatmeal boxes” that come with separation packets, make your own more partitioned sections to keep each nutritious and exciting breakfast small food portion separate. oats. Choose different grains like barley, groats or steel-cut oats for 2. Kale chips: Kale chips are the added nutrition. Add homemade healthy-eating world’s greatest granola for texture, roasted alternative to the evil potato almonds or walnuts for crunch chip. Simply rinse and dry a and your favorite fruits for flavor. head of kale and tear apart into A hint of maple syrup or brown medium sized pieces. Lightly toss sugar adds a touch of sweetness. the batch of kale in olive oil and All of these flavor additions sprinkle with kosher salt and will make your morning oats black pepper. Arrange on a cookie more decadent, but also more tray (single layer if possible) and nutritious. Stay away from the new bake at 275 degrees for roughly trendy “gourmet” oatmeals from twenty minutes. The result will certain fast food establishments be a delightfully crispy and salty as they still contain a deceivingly snack that even children will gladly high amount of sugars and substitute for fried potato chips. preservatives. They don’t have to know that this snack is incredibly nutritious! Kale Lunch ideas chips also makes for a great after school snacks or dinner appetizer. 1. Bento boxes: Instead of the same old boring peanut butter Dinner ideas or turkey or tuna sandwich on white bread, jump on the bento 1. Fast and nutritious meals: box bandwagon, which is gaining There are a number of delicious, in popularity. These new “bento healthful and, most importantly, boxes” - inspired by the centuries- easy dishes to initially prepare as old meal type originating in Japan, you transition into more healthy though not following its traditional meals. A simple search or perusal
of countless food blogs will give you countless options and variations to try. Flat breads (prepare like a pizza, but with already-prepared naan or whole wheat flat bread instead of dough) Salads (can be made into a meal by adding fish or chicken as a protein) Broth-based soups with quinoa or brown rice and vegetables Whole wheat spaghetti with pesto or marinara Baked salmon Roasted vegetables (take your favorite vegetables, toss in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven) Cauliflower “mashed potatoes” (steam cauliflower with garlic and onions, then puree with just a dash of butter and seasoning) A Final Tip More and more families are preparing their meals in advance for the week or even the month and storing them in the freezer. This allows the convenience of only having to thaw and reheat at mealtime. The time and stress of having to prepare meals everyday is gone. Assigning one day on the weekend per week, or a marathon weekend once a month to plan and prepare several dishes can even turn into a fun family activity to look forward to. The afternoon and evening hours can then be free to devote to after school activities and homework. This has the added bonus of teaching younger children the skills and benefits of healthy cooking at an early age. This will set them on the right path for maintaining physical and mental health that they can apply to their success at school and for their entire future.
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USAY & RBC Royal Eagles: Getting Youth Ready for School By: John Medeiros
As always with such events, it was impressing to watch the time and effort put out by all the agencies involved to make such endeavours a success. USAY had provided drinks and cake, and there was even the RBC lion mascot to help entertain the kids. It took some time, but soon the space provided by the YMCA was filled with over What is the backpack program? 250 backpacks ready for the eager Well, every year the Royal Eagles, participants to pick up. in partnership with community leaders like USAY, the Urban It was also great to see how the Society for Aboriginal Youth, provide quality backpacks, along with what’s needed to fill them up, and identifies children with the greatest need, from grade 1 through 12. Over the course of two weeks I watched as the offices at USAY looked like a storage facility for Staples, as the staff gathered backpacks, pens, paper, calculators, and anything else a back to school youth might need, to get ready for the 2011 RBC Royal Eagles Backpack program.
“I was amazed and pleasantly surprised, with both the quality of the bags, and everything that was inside them. Getting the kids back to school is usually very stressful with all the extra money that is needed, and getting four bags for my kids is a huge help,” said Alicia Blackcloud, who reserved her bags weeks prior in order to help get her kids back to school with the essentials needed to hit the ground running.
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and hand out the backpacks. “It’s wonderful to have a corporation like RBC sponsor a program that has such a significant impact on the youth and families, in the community,” said Paris, “It’s very gratifying to see the results of all the hours of gathering and filling of the backpacks.” As I walked around taking pictures and talking to people, it was great to see the different reactions of all the youth coming in to pick out their backpacks. From the youngest, the ones excited to choose their own, to the older ones, who took the picking out of bags much more seriously. Hey, you need to be cool after all. In any case, it was great to see all the families getting the bags and supplies they need.
Ò This is a great opportunity for Aboriginal families that other might not have the chance, to equip their children for program has grown over the years. the upcoming school year. Getting I was told that in 2009 USAY was the right tools for education levels approached to help give away 25 the playing field,” said LeeAnne Backpacks, in 2010 it was 125, all Ireland, Executive Director for the way up to 250 in 2011. USAY. USAY Program Manager Rachel Paris was on hand to help organize,
I can’t wait to see how this great program grows for the next school year.
COmmunity
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COMMUNITY
HOW TO START YOUR OWN BAND Virtually when someone starts learning to play the guitar they have a good time alone. But there comes a day when you meet a friend or play for any reason with another person and realize that there begins an incredible magic, it generates an energy and environment can not be achieved when alone. And that’s when you start to think about forming a music group. How you know it’s time to play in a band?; In reality there is no appropriate or inappropriate time. Many did not know much about the guitar when they started. However, it is a fact that more experienced guitarist will be much more easier to play in a band and you better and faster coupled with other musicians. Some groups have started without anyone having experience as they move in the group they are getting the skills needed to progress and have a more professional sound. It depends on what you want, So no matter the musical level of the other. So you think you should take the lead groupÕ s musical sound really Want it? Then make sure you know your instrument and think of people who also play their own instruments very well. The musical level of each group member is important because if someone has more knowledge than others feel the need to make the creation and the group’s musical vision. If this happens to someone all the group members respect things will go well. However, if the person who has more knowledge does not have the acceptance of others, you can be sure there will be problems Getting the group is not easy. You may know them in the context of your daily life (at work or school, etc.). Remember that when a group forms you have to spend some time rehearsing and being in contact with other musicians. If you do not get along with them, testing things will get very difficult. The people you play with will have different personality types. Interestingly depending on the instrument
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is a “typical personality.” For example, bassist usually introverted, neat, make a few comments. The drummer is usually (though not always) the “animal” group, rather messy and loves to make noise (not for nothing that touches the instrument). Keyboardists often highly technical, but are more outgoing than the bears are not usually “in front” of the group on stage but do not be surprised if many of the musical ideas come from the keyboard, court musicians are generally more intellectual. Then there is the rhythm guitarist, which is usually a rather extroverted type. Then comes the “battle of the titans” that is usually between the lead guitarist and singer. Both share strong personalities, often in front of the group and frequently fight over the “people’s attention.” This is not all bad, but it may be impractical. In any case, the singer himself must have a strong personality and to call public attention or things do not work. It is important to know that with characters as diverse things can get ugly in the group if there is a minimum of friendship and respect. It is very important to keep in mind that it is vital to test and play with others in a stable manner, 1 or 2 hours is equivalent to 7 or 8 hours of solo practice. Of course this may not apply to everyone. The important thing is to test There is nothing difficult ever. Agreeing to put the name of the group will require great creativity and intelligence. Still, remember that many groups have started with different names and have changed over the time. Another very classic scenario is to have a friend who is played (usually two guitarists). Then he meets a singer or someone is found through an advertisement in the local newspaper and eventually ends up a drummer friend of the singer or keyboardist. It happens very often that one of the two original guitarists playing bass ends, although this is not a law occur frequently.
At first it will be fun. It’s a good idea to play for groups of friends, school meetings or work, and so on. The group should leave coupling. Then come more serious and things can get a little rough It is important to play a style that everyone likes. This goes hand in hand with the repertoire they have and will have to define already known to play songs to original songs. Here are advantages and disadvantages. Playing songs from other formulas can give proven hit songs that will probably appeal to people. The problem is that having a whole group assembled is a major investment for only “copy” the music of others. On the other hand if you only play their own music, can not seriously evaluate whether the group plays well or badly and probably people do not accept the material very well have never heard. The best solution is a mixture of the two possibilities: a bit of his own music and some familiar music, and eventually only be able to play their own music. It is very important to be objective and know the strengths and weaknesses of the group, so the repertoire being amplified the strengths of each member. The more comfortable they are members of the group with the musical genre that will play the final sound will be much better. This is only the beginning. Starting a music group is not easy and it takes a lot of hard work and commitment. You may need to talk to someone that has contacts or knows someone in the industry in order to get your group to make performances, shows, etc. This is a very big industry so you have to be really good at it and the other musicians too since thereÕ s a lot of competition out there and can also get kind of challenging and you might get down grated from some people.You must have a passion for music in order to start your own music group because it is hard but not impossible.
TRIBE TALENT
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TRIBE Talent
Awaking from the Unknown
by Stacie Himmelspeck The last thing I remember was a light, a bright white light. It shined in to my eyes, and with that brightness I learned to become afraid of it. I closed my eyes hoping for it to disappear, suddenly the noises, the familiar voice, and my screams. They all faded away just like the light I feared that day. I could hear the yelling, and the fear in the voices that surround me. And to those screams I opened my eyes to a world full of darkness and panic. I didn’t know where I was, nor did I know who I was. And with all the panic that echoed in my ears I felt their fear, and started to run blindly. Running scared I looked around me trying to understand what was happening. There was darkness, figures running away, and the beams of light that shot from the dark skies. It seems that was what everyone was running from, including me. I looked in front of me, and seen a dark hole. I quick ran to hide in the hole. I closed my eyes waiting as my body gasped for air. I waited for the sounds, and lights to fade away. Suddenly all that was left was the darkness. In that darkness I thought I was alone, but I could hear a gentle whisper to me. “Hey are you alright girl?” I opened my eyes hoping to see darkness, but to my surprise I could see. There was someone in front of me that had pointy ears, but a body of a being. He kneeled 3 feet in front of me wearing a scarf, and a long dark jacket. I answered back
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not with words, but with a nod. The voice become clear but deep, and that’s’ when I realized it was a guy. He asked me a question. “How long ago did you wake up? And what was the last thing do you remember before waking up?” I looked at him confused, and glance away for a second trying to recall my memories. “Um, I just woke up before I hid here, and what I remember before waking up is a bright light-…” I paused for a while trying to remember, I blink. And then finished answering his questions, “… and a voice calling out something.” “What did the voice say?” He stared at me waiting in the darkness that I could see through. “The voice said ‘Fidel’.” Suddenly he stood up ready for something to happen. “Get up! Let’s get going, the Light will be back soon”, I could hear the seriousness in his voice, and felt a little bit scared. I stood up without questions, and followed right behind him. As we speed walked I notice that he had a tail. I thought I would have freaked out, but to my surprise I just wondered about it. That’s when I started to wonder more about this world I had woke up in. We walked for a while as I got up the courage to ask a question, but before I could ask anything he glanced back causing me to stay silent. “You’re name must be ‘Fidel’”, I asked him how he knew that, he responds. “I don’t know I’m just going by what you told me about your last memory. “ I was going to ask him more
questions, but we came to a stop at a door. He knocked twice and waited. Suddenly a short man with ears, and a tail answered saying in a deep tone” Password and reason,” with that the guy I followed said calmly Ò Luminous, bring of light, offering memories.” The short man that hid behind the door let us in without a word. Soon I was walking down a long dark hall, and then coming to a room filled with beings with ears and tails. “Where are we?” I finally asked a question hoping for answers. We sat down in an isolated corner of the room. I follow his actions and sat beside him. “This place is a Trade-in, but this world is called the Unknown. The beings you see don’t know where they came from, or why we are here in this world. Some of the old ones that were here before most of us, called us the beings with ears, Animalis.” He looks around as I glanced around. I gulped trying not to become scared. “It’s alright you’re safe, that is until we leave from here.” His expression didnÕ t change, and it continued to stay empty and serious. “You’re probably wondering what the Lights are outside.” He looks towards me with the same expression, “Those Lights are the things that take away the Animalis, meaning us. So we have to run away, because once you get caught. You’ll never come back here, you disappear.” To Be Continued…
COMMUNITY
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COMMUNITY
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
The first day of school is always exciting. It means a new year, new things, new teachers and all the friends that I grew up with. Living in a small town makes school fun and the first day is always the best. I can see the friends that went away to visit family and we all get to see if there will be any new kids in class. Last year I had a teacher that used to live next to my family, until we moved to a bigger home. It was so much fun, but this year is going to be different.
My dad got transferred to a new town, because his company closed the office in our town. Mom says he is lucky to have a job and I have to be thankful for that. But it means leaving all my friends behind and trying to make new friends in a new school. I am scared. I do not know anyone and our house is not like the old home. I do not want to go to a new school. The school building are bigger than my old school, including all the ground. I am moving from a small town to a large city. My name is Cindy and I am 12 years old. I will be in the 7th grade and I have to start school tomorrow at the new school. My mom will take me to the school in the morning and stay with me while I fill out the paperwork. Then they will send me to a classroom and I will be 26
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lost for the rest of the day. I hope I can find my way through the halls and all the kids, but I am afraid I am going to get lost and everyone will make fun of me for being new. Will the kids be different in a larger school? Are they going to be dress different, be smarter or ignore me?
now I am sitting in class. One of several I have to attend this whole week. The office gave me all of the classes I am going to have and where they are. They gave me a map of the school, so I was able to find my way around easier than I thought. Once I found the first class I was scared to go inside. But I knew I had no other choice. Mom says I must be brave and When I opened the door, everyone friendly. I am not sure I will even turned around and watched me be able to talk to anyone I will be walk up to the teacher. so scared. I hope the other girls do not make fun of me for being from She just smiled and said for me to a small town. I think I am going to take the desk at the back, then she be sick, but I know mom will still told everyone I was new and that make me go. I know it is because my name was Cindy. After asking I am just scared. I am used to me a few more questions about knowing everyone and talking to my old school and what we were the new person, but I am not used studying, she said for everyone to being the new person. I wonder to make my first day a good one if they were this scared coming to and introduce themselves at break my smaller school? time. I was not so sure they would want to even talk to me. But a few Morning has arrived and mom of the girls near me smiled and and I are on our way to the new waved, so I felt a little better. school. I wore my best jeans and my favorite blue shirt. My shoes In between classes one of the girls are new and I washed and fixed my asked me where my next class hair the best I could. I cannot even was. When I told her she said she remember the direction we drove would show me the way. While to get to the school. What if I get we walked to the class, she told lost? Mom is going to pick me up me she was new to the school last today, but what about next week year and was scared to death the when mom starts at her new job? first day. She told me she loves the Time to go in. school now and never wants to go anywhere else. It was good to I finished all the paperwork and know. When we got to my class
COMMUNITY she said goodbye and headed for another class. She was not even in my class and she still showed me how to get to it. That was really nice and I am glad I met her. My new math teacher gave me a test to see where I was. He seemed like I did not do well and I thought I was good at my old school. So when he called me to his desk I was afraid he was going to say I had to take a class for kids that are behind. But he said I scored higher than most of my class and invited me to join the math club. I do not know what a math club is, but I am going to join. My first club and it is for math. My mom and dad are going to laugh when I tell them how well I scored, because they were always telling me to keep studying my math and it would
take me far. So far, it has taken me summer and we are all going to all the way to a math club! the mall this weekend. Mom said she will give me enough spending I survived my first week of school money for lunch and we can even and only got really lost two times. go to the movies in the afternoon. But everyone was nice enough to She knows one of my new friend’s help me find my way back to the mom and they already like each right class. I only have one teacher other, too. that is hard, but I think he will be a good teacher when I get used to It will never be the same as my old him. Some of the boys made fun school where I knew everyone, of me, but they were not really but it is going to be ok. I like mean. When I laughed at one of the school and I like being in the the jokes, they started making math club. I will miss my friends jokes about each other so it ended from home, but I am making new up being more fun than mean. friends everyday and there is a lot to see in our new home town. I I have two new friends and they know there will be times when ask about my old school all the I miss the small town, but I am time and what it was like to live in going to be fine and I will write to a small town. They want to meet my old friends every week to tell my best friend from the old school them about my new life. when she comes to visit this
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H S IT’
! E ER
TALENT
“The Smile’ STACIE HIMMELSPECK NEW TRIBE SEPTEMBER 2011
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BEATS
Turn up the Volume By Katty Jo Rabbit
N.D.N Family Mixtape In the latest album to drop from Siksika’s finest there are some great hooks, and beats, with rhymes to help all natives from Bloods to Bush Cree get their fix. There is something for everyone. So be sure to check out the mad beats from these boyz, like them of Facebook, and catch up with them on the scenes as they have much love for all napii’s. The smooth styling’s of typical diamond encrusted ballers who know their own lyrical capabilities are what makes this flow. You have to consider the elements, the vibes, if you can bob your head, and feel the street cred, then you know the rap is no lie. The whole album screams confidence, and a true understanding of their own musical focus. The cool thing of the album is the fact that they are able to keep it all to their own. They are all about Native Pride, plus, they have their own t-shirt line, and they have representation in the media. With each Emcee throwing it down with flair of influences coming through, the instrumentals keeping you fresh, you get the real experience. See for yourself if you can pick out the dubbed tracks, and the influences of some rap greats. If you are from Siksika you will know what they are making reference too, and what the slang is about or what it even means. Hopefully in their cd liner they will make a short urban dictionary to help all of us who have yet to find our inner gangster figure it out, and “be down with the tribe”. The instrumentals on tracks like Stand up, Lets go and Henny & Kush are stellar stand outs. Being able to spit the reality of what it means to be a native with a yearning for something more, is a feat in itself. It is harder than you think when you’re do it yourself. Kudos to the boyz for that; the only weakness is the fact that it feels like there is something missing. Maybe it is a lack of aggressiveness that keeps most rap groups from up and coming success. It could be because currently everyone is caught up with the Little Wayne styled rapping now, who knows. Either way it’s poetic in that strong and silent type of way, the album runs twelve tracks deep, this makes for a good time. It also helps that with this radio friendly style, that most are hoping to achieve there is a possibility you will hear this on Native radio, like Last Star Radio, or on 88.5 fm for all you Morley rap enthusiasts.
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BEATS
Music You Can Feel In Your Toes Red Hot Chilli Peppers I’m With You
There is a lot of staying power, when you can go on a hiatus for five years, loose an essential piece of your band makeup and still come back with an exceptionally satisfying album. RHCP have done it again with their 10th studio album. Please oh please let Anthony Kiedis still be rocking at the age of 60. This is something that is not uncommon, so hopefully he will live to see the golden age. So this time around the boys have left out John Frusciante, sorry girls he is no longer with the band. Instead in his place is John Klinghoffer, who used to play with a band, well actually who cares who he used to play with he is now a RHCP. Check out Police Station, and BrendanÕ s Death Song. This element is what makes the album; it might take a little getting used to, because youÕ re going to be hearing a new voice, a new guitar style, though rest assured that you can still hear the Frusciante influence; as Klinghoffer actually used to jam out with John. Never the less you will have the full experience. With a full 13 track listing, the rock funk is in full accolades. With Rick Ruben turning knobs on this album you know you are going to have that familiar flair that has been the signature style since the Blood Sugar Sex Magik album. This just proves the notion that to make a great album you have to have a great producer. One stand out quality that was brought to light was the fact that almost every song on this album starts out with a bass riff or two. Any time you do this, you are going to have a great time, bass just makes the body jump, the spirit bump, and heart beat. Apparently with the loss of a band mate has brought out the leader in Flea, something that we would hope to see. Only because he is basically the unsung hero of the day, and everyone should get some time to shine.
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MOVIES
See You at the Movies Starring Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel “Our Idiot Brother” is a comical movie that most siblings are going to get a laugh or two out of, thanks mostly to Paul Rudd, who stars as the brother Ned. After being busted for marijuana, Ned ends up on the doorsteps of his sisters. Time and time again, Ned proves why his sisters call him their idiot brother, though the comical part of this is that Ned is trying his best to live an honest life. Which does come at the expense of his sister’s in most cases. The confrontations and discussions that are had among the siblings is something that most families are going to be able to relate to, meaning that people are going to find that they are loving the movie while watching it. They may even have many moments where they think of their own family.
Our Idiot Brother
However, with that being said, the movie does not stand out to most as the crowd pleaser that they had hoped. Yes, it is funny while you are there. But, in a week’s time you are not going to remember the particular parts that you thought were so funny in the first place. But, if you have a few hours to kill, its going to be some senseless entertainment.
Starring Jessica Alba, Daryl Sabara and Alexa Vega With an all new family for the Spy Kids - All The Time in The World, most people are simply shaking their heads and being let down at what they are seeing. In fact, many have called this one a movie that should have went straight to DVD. Though, it is not the actors faults, Jessica Alba plays a decent agent, the kids Rowan Blanchard and Mason Cook do a good job with what they have, and the short appearances of the ‘dad’ are somewhat funny. Though the real funny bone would have to go to the robot dog, that is voiced by Ricky Gervais.
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Most of the jokes throughout the movie are based on vomit and stomach issues, mainly having gas, which is going to make the young kids in the audience laugh without a doubt. Though parents are going to find that they are getting a bit fed up with the immature humor. When compared to Spy Kids 1-3, this one simply does not add up, as the story line just seems to be getting a bit out there and relying on the memories of the first three movies to see it through. Kids will love it, but it may be best to wait until it comes to DVD.
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MOV IES
See You at the Movies
Starring Hank Azaria, Katy Perry, Jonathan Winters, Neil Patrick Harris
The little blue people that are captured an audience years ago are back, though anyone that watched the Smurfs when they are younger should be prepared… they have changed. And whether it is for the good or the bad is debatable for most people. Neil Patrick Harris does a decent job in playing the man that just does not want to believe that the Smurfs are in his apartment, while his pregnant wife, played by Jayma Mays is all about it. There are some jokes that are parents are going to get, which means that they are not going to be incredibly bored with sitting through the movie, and the kids are going to laugh throughout the movie, especially at Gargamel and his loyal feline companion.
The Smurfs 3D
All in all, it’s a good movie to take the kids to when there is nothing much else going on. They are going to like the graphics and the basic concept of the movie that is playing off of the success of ‘Toy Story’ and other digital movies of the sort. While parents will enjoy taking a trip down memory lane. All the while getting to feel like that they are in the action with the 3D option of viewing.
Starring Katie Holmes, Guy Pearce, Bailee Madison “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” is a remake of an old classic television show, and it is something that would have been better to leave along…forever. Some things are not meant to be changed, but they took a shot anyways. The movie, though it does have some decent special effects and there are going to be moments in which the audience is going to jump a bit or catch their breath, for those that are wanting a scare of their life, they would be much better off to simply tell scary stories by flashlight at night. Because that is what they are going to get with seeing this movie.
Don’t be Afraid of the Dark
The setting, which takes place in a mansion that the family is trying to restore, is something that has been done and redone, to the point that no one is surprised that they have little creatures coming out at night to take a slice out of someone. Katie Holmes plays the young girlfriend of dad, Guy Pearce, while Bailee Madison plays the child Sally to make this awkward family. And of course, the grounds does have a garden/handy man, which what haunted mansion does not? Overall, if you want a scare, look elsewhere.
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LITERA LLY
Book Reviews For the restless mind Then Came You - Jennifer Weiner Although this novel is well written the plot is rather shallow and is predictible from the beginning. All with different reasons in life three women; Jules, Annie, and India come together for one cause. There is another character, Bettina, that places a large role in the story but really does not become important until farther on into the story. India is a middle aged woman that married an older man for money but as the relationship fails she believes a baby will keep the marriage together. Unable to have a child she resorts to adoption through a surrogate. Annie is a happily married mother of two but is burdened by financial debts and sees being a surrogate mother as a way out of debt. Annie is a professional woman but to help out her father financially she becomes an egg donor. The drama develops when Indias’ step-daughter Bettina hires a private detective to look into her past and secrets are revealed. For the most part the characters are hard to relate to but as the novel continues it is clear to see and understand what they are willing to sacrifice for the love of their families. The roles are well balanced though, showing from different perspectives the roles of daughters, wives, and mothers in a family.
The Devil Colony - James Rollins This is one of many novels in the Sigma Force series by James Rollins. The Sigma Force is a special operative unit that investigates unique circumstances world wide starring the usual main characters; Seichan, Gray Pierce and Painter Crowe. It is a rather long book but a very high paced suspenseful thriller without a dull moment. It is a perfect mixture of science and history, filled with conspiracy theories, secret societies and government cover ups. This is the only book in the series that is based on the United States and although it is fictional there are many historical facts that are intertwined. There are various story lines but the main plot is set at a Native American Site, were mummified bodies and artifacts are found. With what is found the Mormon theology becomes questionable and gives new insight into the American Indian history. The novel investigates and gives reasonable theories on the fate of lost cultures and tribes.The novel was written to ask one simple question “was America founded on a lie�, and through bringing historical facts to light, it is a question to ponder. Within the novel there are many questionable government cover ups such as hidden volcanos and accusations of secret messages from Ben Franklin that can fade the line between fact and fiction in ones mind.
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LITERALLY
Book Reviews For the restless mind The Help - Katryn Stockett The setting for this novel is Mississippi and the year is 1962, which is deeply embedded in the civil rights movement.There are really only three main characters in the novel; Eugenia “Skeeter”, Minny and Aibileen. Skeeter is a young white journalist that was raised in the south primarily by her black housekeeper and whom she feels a deep connection with. As a journalist Skeeter wanted to write an article on social attitudes and the oppression of the black woman, Minny and Aibileen are the two housekeepers that she interviewed. To take a quote from the book “Mississippi and the world are two very different places” and for the most part the book does portray that. Although it is written in first party speech, Skeeters’ closeness and dependency for the woman that raised her is present but at times her emotions come across more as a journalistic point of view. The stories that Minny and Abilieen tell are touching and very heart felt, speaking of compassion, loyality and pride they felt for the families that they worked for. But it also shows the pain felt through mistrust and lack of appreciation for all they contribute to the families.The book does show the strength and power of any woman though. Skeeter spoke out against injustices regardless of the consequence that she would suffer. Aibileen and Minny who suffered the injustices did not let that stand in the way of doing their jobs with pride and satisfaction. A Game Of The Thrones - George R.R. Martin This is the first book of seven from the “A Song Of Ice And Fire” series, five books are already published while two are still in the works. Although it could be considered a fantasy novel (swords and sorcery) it has a very Byzantine or medieval backdrop. There are alot of main characters, but primarily it is the adventures and pitfalls of Lord Eddard and his six children. The novel is written in third party speech and in the beginning there are three story lines that come together to make one. Whether it is the style of speech or simply because throughout the chapters stories intertwine at times it is hard to follow the plot. It at some points is confusing enough that rereading became necessary. The book is full of action, battles and pitfalls, with never a dull moment. At times some of the characters do seem rather predictable and one dimensional though. What makes this book so great is that it is not a typical fantasy novel. There are many racy parts such as the incest that occurs between the twins Cersei and Jaime and swearing is frequent. Unlike other novels this one is not light hearted at all, with main characters being killed off quite frequently.
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HOROSCOPES
HOROSCOPES CENTRAL Virgo August 23-September 22 Be wise with that little bit of extra you came into, it will come in handy down the road. Lucky Day: 5th Libra
Aries
September 23-October 22 Face your fears, do that activity that has scared you for this long. Trust me once it’s over you’ll want to do it again.
March 21-April 19 Sometimes it’s good to leave the past in the past and look forward to the future. Lucky Day: 23rd
Lucky Day: 16th Scorpio
Taurus
October 22-November 21 Don’t forget to jump, just because there are obstacles in your way don’t mean you can’t make it to your finish line.
April 20-May 20 Take hose stairs, and the walk can be beautiful even if it only once in awhile. Lucky Day: 10th
Lucky Day: 13th
Gemini
Sagittarius
May 21-June 20 Don’t rely on other to make you smile find your own reasons.
November 22-December 21 Put a smile on your face, you’re feeling nervous but don’t worry there’s no reason to be you’ll be great.
Lucky Day: 17th
Lucky Day: 30th
Cancer June 21-July 22 Have faith for the future and trust in the past. If you’re unsure ask an elder.
Capricorn December 22-January 20 You need to stop and relax, take time for yourself your no good to anyone if you’re no good to yourself.
Lucky Day: 4th
Lucky Day: 20th Pisces
Leo
January 21-Febuary 18 Most things are worth the wait, if you rush it it won’t be the same.
February 19-March 20 Celebrate the end of something and rejoice in the beginning of something new.
July 23- August 22 What are you expecting; it will happen when the time is right.
Lucky Day: 7th
Lucky Day: 20th
Aquarius
Lucky Day 22nd
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U AROUND TOWN
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U AROUND TOWN
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