My So-Called High School Life: Aimee

Posted on September 17, 2012 by admin

16 year old Aimee goes to school in a building that is basically Hogwarts. This year, she’s cut down from seven extracurriculars to three impressive ones: directing her school’s Junior Play, coordinating graduation, and working on the executive for DECA, a high school business competition. Oh, and her favourite project last year involved working in a lab at Princess Margaret Hospital to try and cure cancer. No big deal.

What was the school project you liked the most this year?

The project which I liked doing the most this year was our Independent Research Project for biology. My partner and I designed an experiment testing microRNAs and cancerous cells. In other words, we were going to attempt to cure cancer! Needless to say, our experiment didn’t exactly work out. However working in a real lab at Princess Margaret Hospital, with funding under the guidance of some really talented grad students was an experience all on its own.

What music are you currently really into?

My taste in music is a little all over the place. I love upbeat artists such as Ingrid Michaelson, Train and Florence and the Machine, as well as more soulful artists such as Bon Iver, Ed Sheeran and The Kooks. Oh, and of course, One Direction.

Right now, everyone in the locker room is talking about:

TIFF. What movies people are seeing, who’s in town (Jake Gyllenhaal?!?!??) and the entire buzz around the famous film festival. Some of the real film buffs I know are seeing ten movies!

How did you celebrate your last birthday?

Some friends and I went for a shopping day at the Eaton Centre, and then we all had dinner at Pickle Barrel. No better way to spend a birthday than spending all the money you just received!

What makes your school unique?

Our school is a building which is over 100 years old. And I love it, don’t get me wrong, sometimes it’s just frustrating in the winter when the radiators (yes, radiators; that’s how old-school the building is) are so hot in the winter we have to crack open all the windows.

Does your school have any wacky traditions?

Every year, we have an event called “House Lip Synch” when members from each of the houses (quite similar to the system at Hogwarts) perform lip synch songs on stage. It’s pretty awesome. Also, our school has an annual field trip to Centre Island right before exams. Whoever came up with that idea, we all thank you.

What extracurriculars are you involved with this year?

I’ve cut down a lot this year from last year, when I was involved in over seven extracurriculars (yikes). This year, I’m on our schools DECA Executive. DECA is a business competition for high school students, which sounds a lot worse than it is. I’ve been involved since grade 9, and I love it! I’m also directing this year’s Junior Play and coordinating this year’s graduation. Oh, and Tumblr-ing, if that counts.

What was the last book you read for school? For fun?

For school, the last book I read was Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning. I thought it was extremely dry and boring, and I had difficulty suffering through the entire book. The most recent book I read for fun was The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest, part of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series. One of the greatest series I’ve read in a long time, absolutely love it.

If you were in charge of planning the next field trip for your school, where would you go? ANYWHERE!

If I could go anywhere on a school trip, it would probably be somewhere in Africa, like Ghana or Kenya. I have never been to a third world country before, and I really think it would benefit me and my classmates to go see how others in the world are living. Maybe then our problems won’t seem so big or important.

Who is someone you look up to?

I do look up a lot to my parents, they are truly self-made individuals. They have taught me that hard work and perseverance really does pay off, and their story of coming to Canada inspires me.

What is your favourite way to spend the weekend?

I really do love hanging out with my friends, going shopping or to the movies or to some restaurant. However, I also really love just staying home with a good book and some tea and just spending an afternoon reading. I guess I’m kind of antisocial that way.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

To be honest, I don’t really know the answer to this question. Law? Business? Art? I’m really open to anything, as long as it has nothing to do with biology (worst subject ever). I guess I just really want to be happy.

What are you grateful for?

I’m grateful for the people in my life who have shaped me and made me the person I am today. My parents, past and present friends, and my brother. I love them all, even though sometimes I forget to say it.

If you could travel in time, what decade would you like to check out? Why?

I would probably go to the future. Maybe the year 3000. I’m curious as to what condition the earth would be in, if it still existed. Or if there was a hostile alien invasion and Earth was taken over, or if robots developed minds of their own and used humans as their slaves. A lot can happen in 1000 years.

Rainy Day Playlist

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Natasha Hunt

Rain is inevitable. It’s also a great time to be all introspective-ey and whatnot. Please don’t write bad poetry about rain hitting your windowpane; it’s never a good look for anyone, and will be discouraged by any creative writing teacher you may have who is worth their salt. Even if you’re trapped indoors (on a day like this one), there’s no reason not to at least indulge in some super cool tune-age. Whether you’re reading, daydreaming, or just lying around the house in a sugar coma-induced stupor, here’s some of our favourite rainy day music.

O’ Venezia Venega Venusia — Nino Rota: Off of the soundtrack of one of our favourite films, Fellini’s Casanova, this ethereally unsettling track is the perfect way to start an anything-but-ordinary indoor day.

Clouds Up — Air: Air’s delicate yet devastating compositions for the Sofia Coppola film The Virgin Suicides, take us back to sunny days walking in ostentatious, uptown neighbourhoods. Note: Coppola filmed in Toronto, so perhaps on a less rainy day (venture out with your umbrella if you’re daring), maybe you can find out which one it is?

Woodstock — Austra: Katie Stelmanis and co. do a twinkling, subterranean rendition of this Joni Mitchell tune. Perfect for drinking hot jasmine tea by the window-sill, just watching life go by.

Skin — Grimes: Sweet, and a little bit sensual––Grimes’ “Skin” is one pretty rad make out track. So invite your crush over for some cookies, and don’t do anything that we wouldn’t do.

Jynweythek Ylow — Aphex Twin: Another amazing Sofia Coppola pick. Part of the consistently immaculate soundtrack, Marie Antoinette, it’s the perfect stare out your window and dream about somewhere else song.

Lady Daydream — Twin Sister: “Lady Daydream” is the song that you play on the bus home after a particularly raucous evening. It allows you to slip in and out of sleep. And what better way is there to spend a rainy afternoon, than slipping in and out of sleep?

Bloodhail — Have a Nice Life: It’s criminal that so few people know about post-rock (don’t kill me on my terminology, music nerds!) band Have a Nice Life. Their LP Deathconsciousness melds a myriad of influences to create deep, dense atmosphere. With its booming bass, “Bloodhail” remains one of our favourite tracks; so, y’know…if you’re feeling mopey.

Hardest of Hearts — Florence and the Machine: Sometimes you need something anthemic to dance to. Just so that you don’t completely lose your afternoon to sleep-induced stupor. Florence delivers on all counts. So put on your best sheer skirts and jangly jewelry and dance like a banshee.

Dazzle — Siouxsie and the Banshees: Siouxie is amazing. Point blank. “Dazzle” is another one of those bombastic, crescendoing tracks that’ll wake you up if you’ve started to doze off.

Girl Crush of the Month: Florence Welch

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Lindsay Tapscott

Florence Welch, British singer-songwriter and front-woman for indie pop band Florence + The Machine, is one rad rocker chick. With her uninhibited stage presence and arresting voice, a way with words that pierces your heart (“A falling star fell from your heart/And landed in my eyes/I screamed aloud as it tore through them/And now it’s left me blind” um, what?) and an eclectic boho style that includes fringed bodysuits, sparkly shorts, flowing maxi dresses and towering heels, this passionate performer is like Kate Bush, Stevie Nicks and Patti Smith all rolled into one powerful, fiery red-haired, glamorous earth goddess.

We read somewhere that she calls her style “scary, gothic, bat lady” but we love the way she wears whatever she damn well pleases. Whether it’s a cute printed dress with brogues or denim short shorts with a plaid button down shirt and an ’80s blazer, she’s got mad style, however she plays it. She pays no attention to trends, choosing instead to wear what SHE likes and that’s what makes her look so personal and unique. It comes from within and reflects her personality. It’s gothic, romantic, dramatic – it’s her. Plus we love that signature red hair and lipstick HARD. Florence knows how to stand out from the crowd and we totally can’t get enough of her.

Get The Look

Channel Florence’s boho glam earth goddess look by throwing together a few hippie pieces and mixing in some bold statement jewelry. Hipster hippie rocker flower girl bat lady style, right this way!

Mulberry Rose Crown $79.01 from Free People

Topshop Pleated Frill Dress $90.00 from The Bay

Floppy Wide-Brim Hat $19.95 from H&M

Floral Filigree Bracelet $9.80 from Forever 21

Two-tone Fringe Earrings $9.80 from Forever 21

Floral-Print Scarf $17.95 from H&M

Chunky-Heeled Ankle Boots $39.80 from Forever 21

Shopper Handbag $34.99 (beige for pic) from MANGO

Florence pictures from:
florencewelchamazing.tumblr.com
www.interviewmagazine.com/music/florence-welch-1

January Playlist: Here’s the music we are currently addicted to. You probably are, too.

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Caitlyn Holroyd

From pop divas to party rockers, our January Playlist features 15 hot tracks worthy of the repeat button! It’s cold outside, heat up with a full tilt dance party.

Foster The People – “Call It What You Want”