CampusIntel

Sweet Corn Sauce and boiling pasta

One of the things I wanted to do this summer, was become a better, or even decent, cook. I don’t often watch Rachael Ray, but sometimes I catch the tail end while waiting for the Ellen Degeneres show to come on. So I catch her cooking segment. Oddly enough, ever since I was a little girl I have loved cooking shows. Mom would often find me perched at the end of her bed lost in a cooking show. Once I grew up, I lost all interest in cooking, until recently. I`ve decided it`s time for me to grow up and learn how to cook.

I`ve been experimenting with easy basic foods and dishes like casseroles, pork chops and potatoes, pasta etc. I`m not going to try and big meal just yet. But I wanted to share this recipe that I saw on Rachael Ray it`s called Fettuccine with Sweet Corn and Fresh Dill. Personally, I don`t like dill, so I have made a few changes to Rachael`s original recipe.

Jill`s Fettuccine with Sweet Corn (serves 4-6 people)

Ingredients

• 8 ears corn, peeled
• About 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
• Salt
• fettuccine, tagliatelle or egg tagliatelle
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
  

  Sauce ready to add pasta!

• 6 slices smoky bacon, chopped
• Green onion or fresh chives
• 3-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 7-8 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped and finely chopped (a couple of tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
• Freshly grated Parmesan or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

My instructions to mix together follow the same recipe as Rachael’s on her website. I am just not a Dill lover and therefore left out the dill (I also left out the chili pepper). It

Suppertime!

turned out delicious! And I can’t was able to have left overs for lunch!

This is also a healthy alternative to a cream sauce, it has the sweet creamy flavour. And I am sure other spices and veggies could help make this an entirely different sauce with the healthiness of corn versus cream!

Hopefully I can make it again, this time I will make sure to have all necessary FRESH ingredients on hand. Fresh is always better than the alternative!

This summer while traveling to Prince Edward Island to see Taylor Swift at the Cavendish Beach Music Festival, my friends and I stopped into the Information Village they have as soon as you get off the bridge. For those of you who have never been to PEI, go to this place, it`s really cute! It has a Cows Ice Cream store, a museum, gift shops and places to buy PEI paraphernalia!

I`ve been to PEI many times over the years from camping trips to basketball tournaments, and I had stopped at this Information Centre before, but I had never come across what myself and my friends came across on this particular visit. We were in one of the Gift Shops looking around and one of the girls with us, Angela who is from Toronto, had never been to the East Coast before.  For her this trip was exciting, because she was able to come to Halifax to visit Alison and also get to PEI. Angela had never heard of Anne of Green Gables before, and the other four of us couldn`t believe it! My mom read me Anne of Green Gables when I was a little girl, and living so close to PEI, we were always aware of the international phenomenon that Lucy Maude Montgomery had created.

Anne of Green Gables times 5

While at this particular book store we found out that for $2 per person, supplying your own camera, you could dress up as Anne of Green Gables and get pictures with your friends and family. So the five of us all dressed up and got pictures as Anne. Of course we had a great laugh!

At the end of our “photo shoot“ we turned back into Ashley, Jill, Jessica, Alison and Angela. The girl working at the gift shop gave us a flier and told us to check out this website. So, I stuck the flier in my purse and soon forgot about it.

Two weeks after our adventure to Cavendish, I found the flier in my purse. It was for a website called Tacky Tourist Photos. So I went to check it out. It turns out this website is devoted to collecting tacky photos in monumental or recognized places of different countries or cities that have a tacky feel to them, much like the one my friends and I have of Anne of Green Gables. Literally anyone who wants to can send in a photo from anywhere in the world that is of them looking tacky on a trip! Of course, I have many so I sent some in. A few days later I recived an unexpected reply from Darren Garnick of Tacky Tourist photos thanking me for the photos. I thought that was really nice!

At Hennigar's Farm Market in Annapolis Valley, NS

After reviewing photos, they post some on their website. They are also in the process of choosing photos for their Tacky Tourist Photos coffee table book, displaying some of their best Tacky Photos! So if you have any tacky photos from trips you have taken, send them in!

I love to make lists. With check boxes, so I can check thing’s off as I go. It gives me a sense of accomplishment, checking a box. A list I have been meaning to make since school ended is a Summer To Do List (of fun things!). So, I decided to feed two kids with one apple (my rendition of  kill two birds with one stone, who would want to kill a bird?) and publish my list here, to share with everyone!

Jill’s Summer To Do List

Go to a concert – Whether it be the Cavendish Beach Music Festival, Country Rocks the Commons, the Black Eyed Peas or Backstreet Boys. I want to see a concert this summer! Concerts are so light hearted and fun. It’s a good way to get out of the office!

Go to the beach (more than once) – Every summer I say, “I’m going to go to the beach more.” And every summer I end up going once, MAYBE two times if I’m lucky. So this summer I am going to try my very best to get to the beach as often as possible!

Take dance lessons – Dance lessons would be so much fun! Especially if you’re not a good dancer (like myself), but if you feel like you don’t want to commit to dance lessons, do something like Zumba at the gym! At MSVU it’s only $6 a class, and anyone can drop it! The instructor is great, and its a lot of fun. Definitely worth trying out.

Brush up on cooking skills – I am not a very good cook, so for those of us who don’t cook well we can try and make some time this summer to try some [new] recipes (aka try a recipe). And for those really good cooks, go on allrecipes.com and try one of their Top 10 recipes!

Try a new ice cream flavour every time you get a cone – Summertime is the best time for ice cream. I usually stick with some core ice cream flavours, but I know there are some great ones out there that I never get! So the next time you stop in Avery’s or your local ice cream place, try something new!

Volunteer – The most common excuse I hear for people saying they can’t volunteer is that they’re too busy to volunteer. But since its summer and school is out, you really should have more time to volunteer. If you’re in the Halifax area and looking for volunteer opportunities there are many, including for the Friends of McNabs Island Society. This summer is their 20th Anniversary! They’re having a picnic on McNabs (July 17th). For more information about the event or volunteering check out: www.mcnabsisland.ca.

Grow your own veggies – I have the packets lying next to me right now for peas, carrots and spinach! I’m not much of a gardener, so I figure this year I’ll learn with 3 different plants and next year I’ll try for an entire garden. This is much more sustainable and better for our environment than buying from a chain grocery store. If you aren’t able to grow your own, buy local!

Those are just a few different ideas of what I am going to try and do this summer! If you have any ideas for me leave a comment!

Now that classes are finished for the summer and the temperature is starting to climb, it’s time to dig through your drawer of summer clothes and hit the mall to pick up some hot new items.  Whether you’re having lunch on a patio or going to the beach, here are 5 summer staples that you should have in your closet:

1. Distressed denim shorts. As a student on a budget, it’s hard to justify forking out $40 on a pair of denim shorts. To get the same effect for free, take a pair of old jeans and cut them into shorts. Go here for an easy tutorial. If the washing machine doesn’t distress your shorts to the degree you want them to look, take some sandpaper to them to fray the ends a bit more.

2. Two words- white cotton. Everyone has a white shirt tucked away in their closet, and summertime is the perfect time to debut it. Nothing says “fresh” more than a white cotton tee paired with distressed denim shorts and a few simple accessories.

3.  Bright nail polish. ‘Tis the season for bright polished nails! Opt for colours like fushia, watermelon and my personal favourite mint green! Check out your local drug store for your favourite hues.

4. A versatile summer dress. If you’re going to buy a dress, make sure you can wear it for multiple occasions.  This dress by American Apparel fits the bill for versatility. Dress it up by pairing it with chandelier earrings and heels or dress it down with bangles and flats.

5. Dewy skin. Okay, okay, this isn’t really something you keep in your closet, but its super important in order to achieve a stylish summer look . Start off by lightly brushing your cheeks with blush/bronzer and top it off by smoothing a light moisturizer with SPF over your face. By putting this little trick into your daily beauty routine, you’re protecting and hydrating your skin and making it look like you’re living a stress-free life.

And there you have it! Do you have any of your own style secrets for a great summer look? Please share!

I am concerned that the majority of Canadians have been misinformed about the rehabilitation and deterrence of young offenders. Many Canadians still support “tough on crime” strategies (an increase in tougher laws and longer minimum sentences) even though criminologists, sociologists, psychologists, clinical psychologists, those who work with young offenders, those who work at rehabilitation centers, etc., have found getting “tough on crime” in order to make an example of those who commit violent crimes does NOT serve as a deterrent. In fact, it has been found that this strategy only serves to increase rates of crime and violence.
               

Largely, I blame the media which often pushes for tougher sentences for young offenders and is capable of increasing support for this argument by making crime seem more prevalent and brutal than it is though over-reporting of violent atypical crimes. Studies such as the Corrections and Conditional Release Statistical Overview from 2006 however shows violent crime has actually been steady since approximately 1991 and in fact the total number of offenses committed by young individuals are at the lowest they’ve been since 1986. Furthermore, property offenses are actually the most frequently recorded offenses committed by youth and have also seen a reduction. From 2003-2004 homicide and related offences accounted for only 0.06% of all youth cases, sexual assault 2.3% and major assault 6.7%.

Even if violent offenses committed by youth increase, tougher sentences will not be a deterrent. Implementing such a crime strategy would mean we are adopting methods from the United States which will not benefit Canada. With 714 people being incarcerated for every 100,000, the US has the highest incarceration rate of all the Western European Countries; it is blown off the charts with New Zealand in second place with only 168 per 100,000. What’s worse is, after all of this, the US has still not been able to reduce rates of crime.
              

Incarcerating youth for longer periods of time will not help rehabilitate them, it will only tell them they’ve done something wrong and society will punish them for it. Although some may argue this is the impression we want to leave, it doesn’t help situations. Most youth know murder and assault (violent and sexual), etc. is not acceptable. Those few who do not fully understand this may have mental illnesses preventing them from seeing reason (making punishment useless), or they could have been abused at a younger age, growing up to believe these things to be common practice or acceptable in certain situations. Abuse can alter an individual, it can cause them to lash out or seek refuge in those who influence them the wrong way, or turn to drugs which are often found to be a contributor to violent crimes. When individuals respond to young offenders with violence and disrespect, they will return the favour.

This being said, getting “tough on crime” is not the answer it is just a part of the problem which a large portion of us buy into because of fear and the desire for vengeance. Even publishing the names of those individuals who have been convicted for violent offenses will only hurt their chances of being rehabilitated. Who will hire or trust those individuals enough to give them a second chance after their names and faces have been flashed across every media outlet in the country? How will they be able to start over? How will they get a job or an education or a home? Where will they turn when they are trying to change their life? Try to get on the right track when no one will give you a chance. A return to a life of crime and dependence is inevitable for these individuals.

If Canadians want to fight crime they need to fight it at the start by providing help to troubled and at-risk youth. Studies have shown that individuals (youth in particular) benefit dramatically from programs provided in the community. The Compendium 2000 on Effective Correctional Programming argues programs for youth delivered in the community proved more success than those given in custody. Other studies have argued the same for cognitively based programs delivered in the community. As youth are influenced by family, peers, and the environment they need direction on how to make pro-social choices in the real world, otherwise they will be unsuccessful when faced with making these decisions.
               

In the end if you believe crime could affect you or your loved ones I urge you to do the research I have suggested is out there, and do it with an open mind. One should never blindly accept anything someone says, but after a critical look, if the research adds up, and is consistent the majority of the time…sometimes it’s a good idea to trust it in spite of your fears and doubts.

Photosource: junoawards.ca

The 2010 Juno awards were held in St. John’s, Newfoundland last night. Here’s the top info.

The ceremony addressed the past year’s young superstars’ induction into the international spotlight. Like Stratford, Ontario native Justin Bieber, who at age 16 has monopolised tweeny-pop in less than a year’s time. Despite his international success including being the youngest male solo artist to have two albums in the Billboard Top 200, Bieber fell short on all three of his Juno nominations.

It seems where Bieber disappointed the judges, fellow overnight success Drake proved more substantial. The new Canadian rapper captured the Best New Artist award, and also won the Juno for Rap Recording of the Year for his song “So Far Gone.” It didn’t look like there were any hard feelings between the running mates, though, when Drake laid down a few rhymes for Bieber’s performance of “Baby.”

Michael Bublé was the biggest winner with four Junos. His hit album Crazy Love earned him both Album and Pop Album of the Year. He also took home Single of the Year for the song “Haven’t Met You Yet,” and the Juno Fan Choice Award.

Respect was paid to 70s Canadian rock super-group April Wine in honour of their recent induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Frontman Myles Goodwin accepted the honourary Juno by listing all 13 April Wine members past and present.

Metric won two Junos with Group of the Year and Alternative Album of the Year for their work Fantasies. Artist of the Year went to K’naan, who also received Songwriter of the Year for his international hit “Wavin’ Flag.” Click here for a complete list of 2010 Juno winners.

There were also a variety of performances that struck high, and low, chords of the broadcast. Lowest was Drake’s f-bomb laden rendition of “Over.” It assumedly severed traditional and new-age Canadian audiences. Whatever, props Drake, you got two Junos without even having a record out. Billy Talent rocked out to new single “Saint Veronika,” that lead to singer Ben Kowalewicz struggling to achieve respectful screamo-rock tenure. He looked like he was trying to purge a Satan fetus rather than rattle a microphone. But, the band was tight.

Then the goodies. Blue Rodeo was out in full Canadian-Country garb laying down a usual flawless performance. However, I’m reserving best Juno performance award for K’naan, along with Drake, Justin Bieber, and Nikki Yanofsky, who dazzled the audience with the Young Artists for Haiti hit “Wavin’ Flag.” A wildly catchy song written by a talented young artist, K’Naan effectively moved the audience in a way no other performer did.

As a high school graduate of 2000, it’s coming around to that time of life — time for the 10 year high school reunion.  I’ve got to be careful about what I choose to write here, because I think I might inadvertently get myself de-invited. 

I while ago, I got the official (via Facebook) invitation for my 10 year high school reunion, set to go down this summer.  Good on the former students for organizing, apparently the school was ZERO help.  So with the class of 2000 set to ride again, I pose the following query for your dissection: The whole Facebook thing seems to have eliminated the need for high school reunions, hasn’t it? 

I mean, wasn’t the whole thing with the reunion to see and catch up with people you lost touch with over the last X amount of years, and catch up?  So, now with pretty well every human being on the planet having a Facebook profile, and certainly most of every grad class that ever, well, grad-ed (even those who took a little extra time)… well, haven’t we all been doing that very same catching up, and keeping IN touch with each other already, via Facebook, or email, or whatever?

For those who just wanted to see who got fat, who’s bald, who’s rich, who’s still on drugs, and/or who you think you have it better than, well, there’s an app for that all the magic of those mysteries can be solved with a few clicks on incriminating Facebook posts.  So that’s out.  Even if you just want to creep on pictures, and see every move everyone’s made over the last decade, well, that’s at your disposal too—as long as you’ve got that all important “Friend Request” approval.  You don’t even need to leave your house for that.      

And for those looking to show up and prove some point about what you made of yourself and how you’re back to extract revenge on all the people that picked on you by rubbing your accomplishments in everyone’s face, well, if you didn’t already know… YOU’RE THE REASON NO ONE WANTS TO GO TO THESE THINGS. 

Here’s a few direct quotes from people in the reunion group that I cut and paste from our reunion page; all examples of things I don’t want to deal with, nor conversations I want to become involved in, if I were to attend:

“I think this past year was my best looking year”

“I’ll be at the grad reunion and be the shocker of it all”

“I neither got fat nor skinny. I got out of my Goth period and grew my hair long.”

“I wasn’t the smartest student…and some people may have thought I wouldn’t do much in my life… well I am happy to say I’m doing pretty good.”

So basically all the things that make you point out how late it is, or pretend you’re getting a call on your phone that didn’t ring, or remind yourself of what you left on the stove, or plugged in, or what’s burning down, or whatever else you can conjure up to exit that convo A-S-A-P.

Now, of course there are good, positive reasons to go.  There definitely is no replacement for seeing people in person when compared to online social networking.  There are a few good people that I would enjoy seeing, and hanging out with again.  Rekindle some old friendships, and re-connect with those who have managed to hermit themselves from technology.  Was there anyone that became famous in our class?  Hmm, might be interesting to find that out. 

Of course, there’s going to be people who’re only going to go if ______ goes, and then there’s a stalemate, and then no one goes.  And some people live really far away, and just can’t go.  I’ve been fortunate to stay good friends with the people of that group I care to keep in touch with most; and at times, I think that’s probably all I really need.

Look, high school wasn’t that bad for me, compared to some of the tortured stories I’ve heard from others.  I had some good times, and some good friends, tried to be a good dude, and also tried not to fail classes and get stuck there.  I think I learned a few things in class here and there, but math DID turn out to be useless just like we all contended; outside of calculating tips at restaurants of course.  I definitely had my insecurities, embarrassments, and jerks and idiots that I wish I never had to have dealt with; but I got out relatively unscathed.  Some stories I’ve heard are certainly of the kind of psychologically damaging material that has people paying shrinks to keep them from climbing to the top of a bell tower and opening fire.  I don’t recall crossing anyone in that manner, so I think my odds of getting shot are fairly low.  I can think of a few people whose odds are probably not in their favour though… remind again why we all want to get together with each other again?

So if we all know that eveyone’s got their issues buried somewhere down deep, can we just all agree that this thing’s not an opportunity to get revenge, or to continue being an idiot to people, or to take that last shot at love with the girl/guy you liked but were too shy to talk to, or whatever agenda you’ve been stewing in the crockpot for waaaay too long, and can we all just hang out like civilized adults that weren’t only brought together by the social bindings of a mandatory public education system?  Can we all just pretend that despite the social awkward life period of us all once being acceptance-seeking (just me?) adolescents that were forced to congregate in the same building for 5 consecutive years, that we actually want to be in the same place with each other this time for some reason?

 Or maybe should we all just go buckwild; have one side of the room for people who want to start fights, gloat, and get embarrassed by asking out the person you always wanted to date that still doesn’t want to date you roll the dice on a crack at romance, and the other side for all the people who are over themselves and their issues, and just wanna hang out and have a good time?      

Again, I hope I haven’t just lost my invitation.  I know I sound cynical, but surely I’m not the only one with these thoughts running through their heads. 

My invitation status is currently set as “Maybe Attending”.  Do you think I should go?  Why or why not?  Did you/are you going to yours?  Why or why not?  What’s your best high school reunion story?

read more of Dave at Serenity Now… The SDC Blogs http://davecunning.wordpress.com

Last summer Toronto based poverty advocacy group The Stop Community Food Centre initiated an informative campaign called Do The Math. The project informed Ontarians of the dismal state of social assistance in the province, with the main argument that Ontarians receiving welfare and other social assistance are unable to provide themselves, and often their families, a healthy diet. Many of these people are forced to rely on food banks and soup kitchens for daily meals, where basic essential nutrition is hard to find, The Stop officials insist.

The response to the Do The Math campaign was good. Over 4,000 Ontarians sent postcards to Premier Dalton McGuinty, asking for positive action regarding the nutrition dilemma. But The Stop is still agitated that little has been done to help with low-income Ontarians to achieve a more-equal status in comparison to their neighbours off social assistance.

Usher in The Stop’s latest poverty awareness campaign, the Do The Math Challenge. Beginning on April 6, ten of Toronto’s prominent activists, government officials and celebrities picked up a food hamper from The Stop. The mission is to live off the hamper’s bounty, which usually lasts a person 3 to 4 days, and the city’s food banks for as long as possible, but at least a week. Participants include journalist/author/activist Naomi Klein, singer for Polaris Prize winning punk band Fucked Up Damian Abraham, musicians Rosina Kazi and Nic Murray of Toronto band LAL, and Toronto Ward 21 councillor Joe Muhavic and family, among others.

The purpose of the Do The Math Challenge is to create social awareness about the plights of poverty in Toronto, which are not exclusive to nutrition concerns. The Stop advocates for better treatment of impoverished, marginalised citizens in all sectors of contemporary city-life. It uses the dismal issue of under-nourishment among social assistance users as a vantage point on Toronto, and Ontario’s, many poverty triggered problems.

Follow all the participants with updates of how the challenge is affecting them here. Take action in the fight for equality in Canada.

We all do it. I am talking about procrastinating for those G.D. exams! You’re probably thinking, productive procrastinating? Well we all get stressed out, so if we’re going to procrastinate then it might as well be something that helps you “de-stress”.
So I thought I would come up with some ways to procrastinate that will — in the long run– help you with your studying!

1. Blog - Obviously. Blogging is a good way to get your thoughts out. Plus you can set a limit for yourself. “After I write this I will go back to studying.” If you are stressed out about exams, write about them!

2. Make a healthy snack - According to the University of Kansas Medical Centre eating a healthy snack that includes protein – such as cheese or nuts – will help energizer you! Then you will be more energetic and ready to get back to studying.

3. Stretch – for a “mini office workout” click here, which we’ll call a mini study break workout!

4. Watch Ellen – She always makes me laugh! She’ll make you laugh too. Or watch a show that you love. Limit it to one show and not a move, nothing longer than an hour. If you watch an entire movie you may get lazy and not want to get back to work. Laughing is a good stress reliever; you can study on the commercials if you’re a keener! Once the show is over you can get back to studying.

5. Clean – Sounds like a drag I know. But if you clean up your study space and have everything organized you’ll be able to study better! You’ll know where all your notes are, and not have to waste time searching your entire room for them!

6. Rearrange your room – Feng Shui your room! There are many types of Feng Shui for exam studying the best thing to do would be to feng shui for knowledge and wisdom! Here are some easy tips. Add blue to your room to increase your brain vibes. Have symbols of mentors or wise people. Like a picture of Gandhi, or someone you admire their wisdom in your study area. As for things to remove from your study space: drugs and alcohol, clutter (give yourself space), unclear stuff (windex your window, clean off your computer monitor).

7. Talk to a friend – Call up your best friend, or head over to his/her house. Take a break with them. Talk about what you’re stressed out about so s/he can offer you solutions to your exam stress problems!

8. Stick notes around your room – Run to the dollar store, or campus bookstore and buy some sticky notes. Write key facts, phrases or stuff you need to remember on them and stick them around your room. On your closet door, beside your reading light etc. You’ll look at them a lot and start remembering them for your exams!

9. Exercise – Go for a brisk walk, or head to the gym for a power hour workout! Yoga is a great relaxation technique so if you’re feeling really stressed head to a yoga class, or find an instructional video online.

10. Get fresh air – Make sure you get a little fresh air daily! A ten minute walk in the park or to the library will help.

Exam time can be so stressful, and I know everyone procrastinates, so why not do some good procrastinating?

Sleeping, while studying. If that's possible...

Good luck on your exams!

For those of you from Nova Scotia, you may not realize that the Dollar Store or Dollarama or a Buck or Two is not available in every province. This luxury of a store where we can get stuff — from baskets to Halloween decorations — for under $2, is not available all over the nation.

I used to take the Dollar Store for granted, and just see it as a place where I could get candy, or a plain frame. But, now that I am a student, it has a whole new outlook.

As some of you may know I am helping a friend of mine decorate her apartment. Much of what we purchased for her bathroom (http://campusintel.com/2010/03/14/decorating-1000-how-to-decorate-the-bathroom/) was from the Dollarama. And as we go on with the decorating process I find myself wandering back to that same store.

The Dollarama

As I look around my room, I see many of the great purchases I have made at the Dollarama here in Lower Sackville. Recently a new Dollarama has opened in Bedford, just on the edge of Lower Sackville. I believe this is the best Dollarama I’ve shopped at, to date. It is HUGE. Isles with kitchenware, cleaning products, fake flowers, almost an entire row of different mugs and cups, plus so much more.

I am still living with my parents, but I have begun to realize when I do eventually move out I am going to have a shopping spree at the Dollarama. And I cannot wait for that day to come.

I often think, if for some reason I become poor in this lifetime, this is a store where I could actually afford to buy some of the necessities for my home. And since many students are very close to poor, remember this place if you need a new dishpan to wash your dishes, or if you need more utensils. It’s affordable and the quality, it’s not that bad.

The Dollarama has actually provoked many of my decorating ideas and has helped me in many times of need. For those of you who have access to the Dollar Store, do not take it for granted. Some of our fellow Canadians are without this great store. And must pay $3 for a plain frame.