The Western World: 2011

Monday, December 19, 2011

Deck the Halls

By Clare T.

Christmas is one of the most celebrated and recognized holidays in the world, but how much does the average person really know about it? Here are some fun facts!

The biggest selling Christmas single of all time is Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas.”
Each year between 34-36 million Christmas trees are produced to meet the holiday demand.
In 1647, the English parliament passed a law that made Christmas illegal.
The popular Christmas carol “Jingle Bells” was composed in 1857 by James Piermont and was originally called “One-Horse Open Sleigh.” It was written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas!
A Christmas wreath hanging on your front door is a sign of welcome and long life for all who enter.
During Christmas season in the United States, Visa cards alone are used an average of 5,340 times every minute.
The movie, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” features more than 52,000 Christmas lights, about 8,200 Christmas ornaments, and nearly 2000 candy canes!
According to a survey, 7 out of 10 dogs receive Christmas gifts from their doting owners. My dog is one of them!
The first Christmas card was created in England on December 9, 1842.
During this Christmas season, 1.76 billion candy canes will be made.
Holly berries are poisonous.
1 in 3 men will wait until Christmas Eve to finish his shopping.
The fictional figures that deliver gifts to children on Christmas are different in various countries:
England: Father Christmas.
Russia: Baboushka, a grandmotherly figure, or Grandfather Frost.
Germany: Christkind, an angelic messenger from Jesus.
France: Pere Noël.
Scandinavia: children receive gifts from a variety of Christmas gnomes, one of whom is named Julenisse Holland, which translates to St. Nicholas.
Stuffed animals make up about half of the most popular Christmas presents given.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Out and About On Seventeenth with Fanster and Roses

Restaurant Review: Tubby Dog
By: Fanny L. and Rose S.

One of the privileges of going to a school located on Seventeenth Avenue, aside from the view of sparkling lights on the trees and the temptation of the shops, is the many amazing restaurants within walking distance from Western. So naturally, after a stressful and busy week, Fanny and I decided that our tummies deserved a treat. Thus, we began our journey down Seventeenth. First, we set out for a café, but after staring with starving eyes at the vanilla scones and banana bread, we agreed that we needed something more filling (and maybe more fatty) than coffee and sweets. I had heard rumors that Tubby Dog has the best hotdogs in town, and I was ready to put this rumor to the test. I was just in the mood for some meaty, cheesy goodness. And so, we headed down the street to Tubby Dog to fill our stomachs and to alleviate our curiosities.

The ambiance was a refreshing break from the uptight world outside: the place exuded a Katy Perry, seventies retro party vibe, with vintage Marvel comics as part of the décor, reflecting all things bad but oh-so-good. In the corner were arcade-style games, and on the walls were pictures of exotic snacks to warm the appetite.

Although the chefs did an excellent job of presenting the hot dogs (which probably takes years of experience, because how else do you turn a wiener on a bun into holy shining glory?), we proved to be far less excellent at the skill of eating them. Most of the toppings didn’t even reach our mouths before sadly falling onto the plates, and unless you’re a whale shark, there are few creative ways with which to fit such a monster of a hot dog into your mouth. However, what did end up in the mouth was delicious: the sausage puts ordinary wieners to shame. Large, satisfying, and juicy, this was by far the most delicious tube steak I’d ever had. Meat lovers should flock to Tubby Dog.

Regardless of which menu item you decide on, it is highly probable that it will cause clogging of the arteries. For instance, the “A-Bomb” hot dog is garnished with mayonnaise, crushed chips, and the other tidbits of grease that could satisfy any fat craving at first bite. However, by the third bite, the body starts to reject this foreign surplus of lipids. The “Cheetah”, perhaps a slightly lighter meal, is topped with sauerkraut and cheese and is a better choice if you still plan on eating dinner later on.

Ironically, even though we really came for the meat, our favourite part of the meal was the yam fries. These aren’t your ordinary, weak, starchy chips; indeed, these slices are large enough to maintain the moist integrity of a yam, while oily enough to permit sufficient flavour. Surprisingly, the sweet chili sauce actually complemented them quite well. We would definitely visit the Tubby Dog again, if only for the fries.

The aftermath: For one who can’t stand food waste, tears may ensue after such a meal. There was a huge graveyard of topping carnage on the table, and a Mount Everest of used napkins. Our hands were smothered with artificial cheese sauce, and our mouths were equally, if not more, dirty.
And just so you can salivate while reading this, here are some pictures:

Verdict : Definitely not first-date friendly, but I guess if someone can stand looking at you eating a Tubby Dog, then you are pretty much set for life.
Rating: 2 heart attacks, 3 strokes and 2 laps around the gym. What does that make, 7/10?

Winter Arts Opportunities in Calgary

By: Jillian K.

Christmas in Calgary is a prime time for enjoying the very best of our vibrant performing arts scene. From veritable holiday veterans to more recent productions, there's something for everyone. If you're looking for a few ways to get yourself into the spirit of the season, spend time with family, or indulge in some early gift giving, check out these holiday festivities.

Alberta Ballet presents: The Nutcracker
The Alberta Ballet's performance of this holiday favourite is a long-time Christmas tradition. Accompanied by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra with sets designed by Emmy winner Zack Brown, prepare to be captivated as you watch Tchaikovsky's vision come to life. There are a few things, however, that set this production apart from the traditional Nutcracker performance. For one thing, it's set in Imperial Russia instead of the typical German setting. Choreographer and ballet master Edmund Stripe completely revamped the Nutcracker from its previous version in 2008, complete with brand new choreography, sets, and costume design. Enjoy these sugarplum sweet dreams from December 16-24, with show times at 1:30 and 7:00 PM.

Western Winter Music Concert
Come and show your support for the music program at Western by attending our winter concert! The event takes place on December 14 at 7:30 at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. The Festival Chorus, Mixed Choir, and all three of our concert bands will be exhibiting their months (and early mornings) of hard work. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased from any of our music teachers.

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
The CPO has several seasonal performances, each with a different take on traditional holiday music. "George Canyon's Country Christmas" showcases the country singer's new album, Home for Christmas, while "A Traditional Christmas" features favourite carols performed by both the Orchestra and the Young Canadians. Other concerts include performances with John McDermott, an Irish singer, and the holiday classic Handel's Messiah. Performances are throughout December and with a free CPOssibilities membership for ages 14-29 discounted tickets may be purchased for select performances for as low as $14. Visit the CPO website for dates and a complete list of performances.

Theatre Calgary presents: A Christmas Carol
This production of Charles Dickens' holiday classic is one of the longest-running Christmas theatre productions in Canada. This year is their 25th anniversary, and it promises to be even more spectacular than its predecessors. And who doesn't love ghosts with musical numbers? Visit the Theatre Calgary website or read Clare T.'s article for more details!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Toast and Jam?

By Clare T.

Jam Club may be one of the newest additions to Western’s club scene, but it’s certainly not the quietest! Here’s an interview with Jam Club member Page H.

CT: First question! What is the purpose of the Jam Club?
PH: I believe the purpose of the Jam Club is to bring together musicians who normally would not have the grounds upon which to meet. Through our performances, we also aim to bring to Western a representation of the arts in a form different [than that of] a symphonic band or choir.

CT: How long has the Jam Club been around? Why did it start?
PH: The club began last year and was formerly known as the Toast and Jam Club. It was started by a few very talented musicians who wanted to share their talent and [to] encourage networking between musicians.

CT: Does the club have regular meetings?
PH: Technically, we don’t have regular club meetings, although we do have the freedom to schedule Mr. Selby’s classroom to jam with friends, band mates, or other club members [on] Tuesdays at lunch.

CT: So, how often does the Jam Club perform?
PH: We typically try to have at least one member perform in the cafeteria every week. Mostly, members choose to jam during lunch hours or [to] get together outside of school.

CT: How many students are involved in the club?
PH: Well, there are three aspects to Jam Club: the jamming, the performances, and the networking. Some students choose to partake in only one of these areas, while some are involved in all three. In total though, there are around fifty members.

CT: Why did you decide to join the Jam Club?
PH: Well, at the beginning of October, I went on a hostelling trip in Leadership. I’ve played acoustic guitar for over a year and decided to bring it along. While on the trip, Mr. Harker, who is one of the Jam Club supervisors, asked if I’d be interested in joining the Jam Club. I was hesitant at first, but I talked to my friend Evan, an electric guitar player, and we decided to join the club together to learn more.

CT: What have you been doing in Jam Club lately?
PH: Lately, I’ve been taking many Tuesday lunch hours to play with a percussionist and an electric guitarist. I love when the three of us get in sync and really connect. The music is amazing! I may see about performing, however the musicians who already perform regularly set an incredibly high bar with their talent!

CT: What, in your opinion, is the best part of being involved in this club?
PH: For me, the best part of being involved in the Jam Club is learning in an environment that’s more tangible than just pen to paper. You hear it, you feel it with your fingers, and occasionally you sing it, all while learning and enjoying yourself.

CT: Finally, how can other students get involved in the Jam Club?
PH: If you’re interested in joining the Jam Club, all you need to do is talk to Mr. Harker or Mr. Selby. Other than that, performance support is always welcome!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Three Books To Read in Your Spare Time

By: Yulia K.

Winter break is fast approaching, and while a large population of the school is going away for the holidays, there are many others who are staying at home with nothing to do. For the convenience of the latter, here is a list (in no particular order) of three books to read in your spare time.

Impulse – Ellen Hopkins
For those not familiar with Hopkins' writing, it is worthy to note that her books are not written in prose. Instead, she tells her stories through the use of dramatic poetry and has a reputation for writing from multiple perspectives. In this case, the tale is told through the eyes of three teenagers: Conner, Vanessa, and Tony. Their paths cross when each of them is brought to the same psychiatric hospital for the same reason: attempting suicide. Each of the characters offers something everyone can identify with, and their destinies become a major concern to the reader as the story goes on. The book looks incredibly intimidating because of how thick it is, but don't worry! There's barely any text on the pages, and the suspense in some parts of it will keep you zooming through.

The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins
I was late in starting to read The Hunger Games series - I didn't think it could possibly live up to all of the hype that surrounded it. When I finally did pick it up, I couldn't put it back down. I read the whole thing in one sitting, and although I was a bit disappointed with the ending, I did not regret reading it. The story focuses on Katniss Everdeen, a tough and very believable character who lives in a post-apocalyptic world, in a country called Panem. Through a series of twists and turns, she ends up competing on a television show called (surprise, surprise) “The Hunger Games,” where all but one of the competitors are killed by each other in a fight to stay alive.

Uglies – Scott Westerfeld
As the first book of my favourite series of all time, Uglies introduces Earth as known by Tally Youngblood, the protagonist of this novel. At the start of the story, she is eagerly awaiting her sixteenth birthday, since it is at that time that she will undergo the operation meant to turn all sixteen-year-olds pretty. Just as she gets to the point where she can wait no longer, she meets Shay, another almost-sixteen-year-old. However, Shay doesn't see the idea of becoming beautiful as the same chocolate cake that Tally sees it as. It is essentially through Shay that Tally's story becomes so interesting and compelling to read. What appears at first to be a fluffy, teenage-girl story is actually embedded with themes of war, conspiracy theories, and the negative aspects of blindly trusting those in charge.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Nana’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

By: Amber P.
I always love trying new recipes, but I’ve found the crème de la crème of cookies lies not in the newest and latest, but in a cookie I’ve known since before I can remember: my grandmother’s recipe for chocolate chip cookies. This is the recipe that brings back those childhood memories of cooking with my sister, Tasha on a Sunday afternoon, eating half the dough before the cookies even get in the oven. Being impatient, I’d always try to eat one before they had cooled, and would burn my fingers and tongue on the hot dough. The melty chocolate left traces on our skin, yet even with our faces covered in chocolate, we’d have just one more. Tasha would always say, “You split, I choose” and pick the bigger half, but she’d still end up begging me for just one more piece of mine. That classic mix of sugar, butter and flour, mixed with oatmeal and chocolate chips, comes together to make the most delightful chocolate chip cookie I’ve had both the chance to eat and the honour to make. And the dough is not too bad either…
Recipe for Nana’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup butter
¾ cup white sugar
¾ brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 ½ cups flour
2 cups oatmeal
2 tsp. hot water
1 egg
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp salt
¾ cup chocolate chips (approx.)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown and white sugar, and vanilla. Nowadays my Nana just melts the butter and stirs it in, but I personally like to work the butter and sugar together with a pastry cutter. Use whichever method best suits you.
Stir in egg and hot water.
Mix in dry ingredients and chocolate chips.
Roll dough into balls, place on a buttered cookie sheet and press down with a fork.
Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Source:
Brunner, Rose. Simply Delicious. 1988.

The Sweetest of Delicacies

By: Amber P.

The lentil is one of the earliest of domesticated plants, and through millennia of careful breeding, it has become a crop suitable for use around the world. Nowadays, there are two main types of lentils: red ones with a softer texture, and green ones that hold their shape when cooked. Generally, green lentils are most common in Europe, while red lentils are most common in Asia and North Africa. They are one of the most drought-tolerant crops and, interestingly enough, Canada is the world’s greatest supplier, producing approximately 1,510,200 tonnes per year.
In ancient times, lentils were often consumed by the peasantry, as they served as a great, low-cost source of protein. Hence, lentils are a great option for vegetarians, being one of the best plant-based protein sources available. Also, as a bonus, they don’t contain the sulphur present in other legumes that causes the unwanted flatulence! In addition, lentils are a good source of fibre, manganese, iron, phosphorous, molybdenum, copper, vitamin B1 and potassium. Furthermore, this virtuous legume is not only valued for its health benefits, but also for its great taste. In the book of Genesis, Esau sells his birthright for a bowl of his brother Jacob’s red lentil soup. As well, Aristophanes, a playwright from ancient Greece, once objected: “Who dare insult lentil soup, sweetest of delicacies?"
Personally, my favourite way to eat lentils is in soup. From east to west, there are as many variations of this dish as there are languages and cultures. Here, I have included two recipes, one for both green and red lentils. These soups can easily be made in large batches and are great to have as leftovers. Enjoy!

Red Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons olive, grapeseed or vegetable oil
2 medium onions (white or red), chopped
4 or 5 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon turmeric
2 or 3 minced dried chillies or ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
2 cups red lentils, rinsed and drained
14 ounces plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped[1]
8 cups water
2 or 3 bay leaves
½ cup raisins or chopped apricots (optional)
A couple teaspoons salt
Black pepper, ground, to taste
4 tablespoons lemon juice or red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
Olive oil, to drizzle
Any fresh, leafy herb, to taste (optional)
Cooked rice, as preferred (optional)

Directions:

In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat.
Add onions and garlic. Sauté 5 to 10 minutes, until soft and translucent.
Stir in chilli, turmeric and cumin, then lentils, and sauté for about 1 minute, until coated.
Add tomatoes and sauté 1 more minute.
Add water, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 40 minutes, until the lentils break down.
Remove bay leaves.
Before serving, stir in lemon juice and drizzle with olive oil. Serve over rice and sprinkle with herbs if desired.

[1] Either use canned tomatoes or use fresh. To peel fresh tomatoes, cut a cross on the top of the tomatoes and drop them into boiling water. Strain them out and, when cool enough to handle, peel off the skin with your fingers.

Alsatian Green Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

3 tbsp. olive or grapeseed oil
2 onions, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
2 turnips or 1 small rutabaga, peeled and chopped
2 stalks celery, diced, or 1 small celery root, peeled and diced[1]
2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
8 cups water
2 cups green (or brown) lentils, rinsed and drained
1 ½ tbsp. fresh thyme or 1 ½ tsp. dried
3 bay leaves
About 3 tsp. salt
Black pepper, ground, to taste
3 tablespoons red wine or sherry vinegar

Directions:

In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat.
Add onions, carrots, turnips and celery. Sauté for 10 minutes.
Add garlic and continue sautéing about 5 minutes, until vegetables are soft.
Add water, lentils, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper and vinegar. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer about 50 minutes, until lentils are tender. 5. Remove bay leaf. Serve warm.

[1] Feel free to play with the quantities and varieties of vegetables in this soup.

Source:
Marks, Gil. Olive Trees and Honey: A Treasury of Vegetarian Recipes from Jewish Communities around the World. Hoboken: Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2005. Print.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

25 Years of “Bah Humbug!”

By Clare T.

Most of us are familiar with the classic story of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Ebenezer Scrooge is a moneylender with a serious lack of Christmas spirit. The night of Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his late partner and fellow humbugger, Jacob Marley, who informs him to await the visits of three ghosts whose goal is to help him avoid a terrible fate. The Spirit of Christmas Past, the first entity to visit Scrooge, is followed by the Spirit of Christmas Present and the Spirit of Christmas Future. Throughout his journey with each spirit, Scrooge is taught the importance of valuing life, of being kind, and of helping those who are less fortunate than himself. Thus, Scrooge is transformed into a new man; forever changed by the lessons he has learned, he continues to carry the spirit of Christmas inside him every day of the year.

After twenty-five years, A Christmas Carol is the longest-running theatre tradition in Calgary; however, the performance is not the same as it was a quarter of a century ago. Adapter and director Dennis Garnhum, who has directed Theatre Calgary’s A Christmas Carol since 2006, is promising a production bigger and better than ever before. “This production is my imagination running with ideas that Charles Dickens inspired,” says Garnhum. This year’s show differs from previous years’ in that besides being a much larger production, it follows Dickens’ original story far more closely. Also, a much greater portion of the play will be in song, with the addition of about twenty Christmas carols to the dialogue; as well, the entire set has been changed to resemble what Garnhum calls, “a white winter wonderland”. “It’s going to be much more like a fantasy; similar to a ballet, or a children’s story,” says Garnhum. “The previous versions have been more about poverty and bleakness. This one is much more about children and joy.”

Stephen Hair has been a part of Theatre Calgary’s A Christmas Carol for twenty-three years. When asked how he feels about playing the same role for so long, Hair replies that he has never thought of it that way. “I was forty-four or forty-three when I started Scrooge, and this year I’m going to be sixty. A lot has happened to me in those seventeen years, and so Scrooge changes as I change. As I learn more about life and a little more about [myself], I try to put that kind of emotion or feeling into Scrooge.” Hair’s main goal in playing Scrooge is to let audiences see him as a human being, who, although has made poor choices in the past, has now changed for the better. “That is the nature of the story, and I think that’s why people keep coming and seeing it,” says Hair. “It’s for all of us. It tells us that we can all make bad choices, but you can actually change and go to the light.”

Patrick Clark, in charge of set and costume design, trusts that “audiences will come out of the theatre going, ‘Wow, that was great! That wasn’t like any A Christmas Carol I have ever seen.’” So, if you love the theatre, enjoy being entertained, and have a soft spot in your heart for Christmas, this year’s Theatre Calgary production of A Christmas Carol should be on your list. Even if you have seen the show before or know the story by heart, you are promised a fun time and a performance of the classical Christmas story like you have never seen before. Now, that is no “bah humbug!”

10 Reasons Why Western Students Should See A Christmas Carol

By Clare Talbot

Theatre Calgary was started by Dr. Betty Mitchell, a former drama teacher at Western Canada High School. We have to support our fellow Westerners!
Theatre Calgary’s A Christmas Carol is celebrating twenty-five years!
You won’t want to miss the incredible new “Winter Wonderland” set and costumes!
A Christmas Carol is a classic story that can be enjoyed by all.
This one is for all the music lovers out there: this year’s production includes twenty new, spectacular Christmas carols!
Theatre Calgary offers some delicious snacks at intermissions!
It is a great way to spend a cozy night with family and friends.
The story teaches an important lesson, with scenes and characters that will surely melt your heart.
Going to see the production supports the Calgary arts scene!
Don’t “bah humbug!” Get in the Christmas spirit!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Spirit Day?

By: Clare T.

spir•it |‘spirit| noun.
Those qualities regarded as forming the definitive or typical elements of character of a person, nation, or group.

The goal of the Students’ Union has always been to build school spirit, and for Western’s students to feel as though they are not only part of a body, but of a community. Through organizing fun activities and successful fundraisers, it provides students with the opportunity to come together to celebrate our fine school. However, bringing together such a large and diverse group of people and making them all feel as though they belong can be a very difficult task. That’s why this year the Student’s Union has developed an ingenious and fun way to do just that. It’s called Spirit Day, and it’s a series of theme days that will occur throughout the year that are designed for students to have a little fun and get a little goofy. On Friday, the 25th of November, the Students’ Union invites you to come to school in your long johns, jammies, nightclothes, or whatever form of pyjamas that strikes your fancy. All in good taste of course!

So what exactly is Spirit Day? Foremost, it’s a way for all Western students to break free of the rigid and monotonous structure of school and enjoy a day of fun. Secondly, it’s an opportunity for students to make the most of their high school experience and create memories that can last a lifetime. Finally, it's a day to encourage and bring out school spirit, a step in the direction of making Western not just an incredible place to learn but a place all of us can call our second home; a place where we can feel a sense of comfort and belonging.

So why should we all come to school in our pyjamas on November 25th and risk being frozen to death? Why should we participate in Spirit Day? We should all participate because it is a day for celebrating our incredible school and recognizing how lucky all of us are to have the opportunity to learn and grow here. It’s a way for all of us to come together as a family, as a community, and to build relationships with our fellow Redmen. You’ll all have a good time, and it will be part of a fulfilling high school experience. It’s one day where we don’t have to get up at six thirty in the morning to pick out an outfit to wear to school.

To sum up Spirit Day and what it’s all about, I’ll use the words of the Students’ Union teacher coordinator herself. As Ms. Bowden says, “Really it’s just about coming together and having a little laugh.”

Closets are for Clothes

By: Maria C.R.

Disclosing your sexual orientation and/or gender identity is a really memorable milestone in the lives of most lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. As acceptance for the LGBT community increases, more and more people are coming out at a much younger age than previous generations (with the average age for coming out now being sixteen years old). This experience can feel so liberating and empowering, almost like a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulders. You don’t necessarily have to join the glee club, get a really tacky equality tattoo (ahem…Miley Cyrus) or start wearing more plaid than a cowboy during Stampede in order to be “out.” It can be as simple as changing your Facebook profile to “Interested in ____” or wearing a rainbow bracelet (If you’re feeling bold, you could even write an article for The Western World!). Whatever floats your boat. But make no mistake: it’s not all sunshine and, well, rainbows for the LGBT teen community.

Did you know that seventy-five percent of LGBT teens feel unsafe at school? (Whitman et al., 2007) Considering this statistic, it’s clear that being out at school can present some challenges for LGBT teens. LGBT teens are often faced with this phenomenon called “homophobia.” By definition, it is an irrational fear of homosexuality. Homophobia can present itself in many forms. From being deliberately excluded from certain activities, to being shoved against lockers, to overhearing the expressions “that’s so gay” and “no homo” being constantly used by those around you, all of these forms of alienation are hurtful. In other places of the world, I could be suspended (or even be expelled!) for writing an article like this. Luckily, here at Western, we have strict behavioural policies which clearly state that threats, personal harassment, assault and bullying (among others) will not be tolerated and will be dealt with accordingly. Unfortunately, homophobia often reaches beyond the walls of any school. Social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter are among the top methods used to spread homophobia. Both of them facilitate cyberbullying, which is more common than you may think. According to a study done by the Pew Research Center in the United States, nine out of ten teenagers have witnessed cruelty by peers on social networks, which is very disheartening to hear. As teenagers, we have better things to worry about (homework, athletics, friends, family, you name it). I doubt any of us really needs the extra stress.

You know, for all the havoc it causes in the world outside, homophobia does its most insidious damage inside you. As a teenager, being bullied because of your perceived (i.e. fitting into a stereotype associated with LGBT people) sexual orientation or gender expression may seem like an insurmountable obstacle. It is exhausting and demoralizing; it can slowly drain the life out of you, but only if you let it. The Trevor Project is an organization that focuses on crisis intervention and teen suicide prevention for LGBT people. Their famous slogan, “It Gets Better,” is far from the truth because it implies that things will magically get better. Not to be pessimistic, but, if anything, they’ll get much worse. This is why you have to make it better for yourself. You should never tolerate bullying under any circumstances and you should immediately report it to the school administration and/or to a trusted adult. Otherwise, all this harassment can translate into depression and worse: suicide. In fact, just last month, grade ten Ottawa student, Jamie Hubley, decided he had had enough of the cruel tormenting he received at school every day. When he took his own life, it raised the question of whether enough had been done to help Jamie. Like him, about three hundred kids take their own lives in Canada every year. These kids had done nothing wrong, but it goes to show you what can happen when a young person may be comfortable with his/her own self in a world where others are not.

Everyone has a breaking point. Don’t let homophobia make you reach yours.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Student Speak

By: Clare T.

Western Canada High School is the biggest public school in Calgary, and attracts hundreds of diverse students each year. In this issue of the Western World, Clare Talbot finds out why some of these students chose Western and how they feel about their decision now.

Mila H., Grade 12

CT: Why did you decide to come to Western?

MH: Well, I’m actually one of the student minorities here at Western who lives in the school district! Honestly, I never considered going anywhere else. Western has an amazing reputation, and it’s such a fun place to be at!

CT: What’s one word you think describes Western and why?

MH: One word that I think describes Western is ideal. Western offers so many opportunities, it’s in the middle of the city, and because it’s so big, it helps with the transition into university!

CT: If you could be any teacher at Western for one day, who would you be and why?

MH: If I could be any teacher at Western for one day, I would be my P.E/ Leadership teacher, Mr. Wiebe. It seems like he has a really fun job, and everybody loves him!

Jenny Y., Grade 10

CT: Why did you decide to come to Western?

JY: I decided to come to Western because I heard from so many friends that it’s a wonderful school, with a great academic and athletic reputation!

CT: What’s one word you think describes Western and why?

JY: One word that I think describes Western is enhancing! Western provides students with an endless amount of opportunities to not only further our learning, but to also grow as individuals.

CT: If you could be any teacher at Western for one day, who would you be and why?

JY: If I could be any Western teacher for a day, I would definitely be Mr. Selby, because he probably can win every single argument. That could really come in handy one day!

Fiona M., Grade 10

CT: Why did you decide to come to Western?

FM: I decided to come to Western because I was interested in being a part of the French Immersion and the IB program. Also, Western is the designated school for my area.

CT: What’s one word you think describes Western and why?

FM: One word that I think describes Western is big! There are so many people to meet, classes to take, and clubs to be a part of!

Monday, November 21, 2011

An Interview With Carly W.

This week’s Sports article features an interview with Carly W., a prominent participant in Redman athletics. She is a track and field athlete as well as an outstanding soccer player, and is currently the captain of Western Canada High School’s senior girls’ soccer team.

Maria C.R.: Tell me about yourself

Carly W.: I am a grade twelve student at Western Canada High School, and I am captain of the girls’ soccer team. I play sweeper, which is the last defender back. Also, I run track and field. As well as playing soccer, I also coach soccer. Next year, I want to take a year off, then afterwards attend the University of Western Ontario.

MCR: When did you start playing soccer?

CW: I started playing when I was five years old, just in a small community league. Back then I didn’t really enjoy it, so I stopped playing until I was ten. I’ve been playing ever since. However, this year I have decided not to play club soccer, only school soccer.

MCR: Why is that?

CW: Even though I still love soccer, I have decided to take on track full-time. It was a tough choice!

MCR: What was your most memorable school soccer game?

CW: Last year, during school soccer, we were playing William Aberhart. It was a regular season game, but they were one of our biggest competitors. It was really close, but we won in the end. This game is memorable because I was playing defence and I got knocked over inside of our box. I was so stressed because I feared that I might cause a goal, so rather than try to get up, I launched my body in front of the other player’s foot to block her shot! Luckily, the girl backed off and my teammate swooped in and took the ball away from her. I’m just thankful that I walked away without a broken nose, or worse!

MCR: How about the worst soccer game?

CW: This one’s easy: City Finals this year. It was probably the hardest moment of my athletic career. I went in thinking “they’re tough competition, but we can win if we work hard.” We were playing against Ernest Manning [High School]. As defence it’s hard, because often times your mistakes will cause goals. At the beginning of the game, I made a mistake that resulted in a goal. Immediately, I became rattled. Unfortunately, things just went downhill from there. We couldn’t seem to get a goal, and I started to worry too much about how the other girls were playing rather than doing my job. Consequently, I lost focus, and two more goals were scored. It was fifteen minutes into the game, and the score was already three to zero for Manning. Seeing how frustrated and panicked I was, the coach pulled me out of the game. As team captain and a player who usually plays full games, this shattered my confidence and made me even more nervous. However, it made me realize how bad of a state I was in, and that I had to calm down in order to set an example for my teammates and get back in the game.

MCR: What did you take away from this experience?

CW: I learned that you can’t put a ton of pressure on yourself because it will shake your confidence and ruin your focus. I also learned that while it’s important to be aware of how your teammates are doing, your main focus should be your own game, and how you’re playing, not how they’re playing.

MCR: How was your experience as a member of the WCHS girls’ soccer team?

CW: In club soccer, I had been playing with the same girls since I was in grade six. Also, my soccer club was never very serious. Thus, it’s fun and challenging to be a part of a team that plays at a high level, with teammates who work their butts off every game. I love getting to be a leader, and getting to bond with a whole new group of girls.

MCR: What’s your favourite soccer team?

CW: Manchester United!

Welcome to the Western World

By: Teresa L. and Richard L.
Chief Editors.

Hello readers!

We are excited to present to you this year’s first edition of the Western World Newspaper! As you might see, this year’s newspaper is in the form of a blog. We will be keeping the same sections as last year, with the addition of the Advice and Foods sections. Here is a comprehensive list of all the sections:

News
Arts and Entertainment
Sports
Columns
Career Pathways
Student Speak
Showcase
Clubs
Food
Advice
Fun Page
Lighter Side

We’d also like to acknowledge our teacher sponsors, Ms Arndt and Mr. Harker, as well as the Western Canada Photography Club, which will be partnering with us this year to provide pictures for articles.

Traditionally, the Western World was published as a printed newspaper five times a year. Last year, we upgraded to an electronic system, but found that the large time difference between writing and publishing proved to be inefficient. Thus, for the 2011/2012 school year, we have decided to post three sections every Monday in a rotating schedule in order to provide you with more up-to-date news and articles.

We look forward to an exciting new year of writing, reading and sharing. Please feel free to comment on our posts and to voice your own opinions!