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Kids Holiday Fashion Trends

12/23/2012

 
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By: Sunni Zhou
     Well, fall is over and winter holidays are finally here! Aside from all the snow, presents and the Christmas trees, without holiday fashion, your Christmas will be boring. So that is why I am here.

     The first thing you need is to find good Christmas colours like green, red, white and maybe even black just to make it more exciting and cool. Maybe you don’t have to have all those colors all together, but you should at least have red.

     Let’s start with girls and holiday dresses. If you ask me what is the first thing I think of when you mention the holiday season, I would say sparkles! You need a dress with sparkles on it. Sparkles will always catch people’s attention. Your shoe should also be sparkly, matching the dress. To be fancier, how about a sparkly jacket?

     For both boys and girls, if you want to wear something warm and casual, but still reflect the holiday spirit, try a warm long-sleeve shirt that has some holiday symbols on it. For example Santa, or maybe presents, sure it can be a reindeer. Pair it with a regular one tone colour pants that are either red or black.

     Now let’s talk about accessories and makeup. For
girls, make sure your hair is neat and tidy with lots of hair decorations. Your makeup should be stronger than normal parties and more on the warm color tone side.
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For guys, a simple pattern scarf will make you look handsome and gentleman like. Oh, the most important thing is to make sure that you have a fancy jacket and a cute hat that keeps your body warm (this goes for both guys and girls!) 
     
     It is winter and some of your friends may say that if you want to be pretty you have to tolerate the cold and not wearing jackets and sweaters, you have to “sacrifice” in order to stay in fashion. I personally think that is ridiculous. If you have runny nose which you have to wipe all the time and eventually, it looks like a little red cherry, how would that be looking fashionable? You can still look pretty inside of the party place when you take it off then. So kids listen to your parents about that one – dress warm!

     Christmas fashion is not all about wearing something related to holiday season, it’s about the way you want to look, the way you act, the way you to express yourself and cheer up the people around you.

Introduction to Canadian Political Parties for Kids

12/20/2012

 
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By James Newman
 
Political party is a term you may have come across online, on television, or on the radio. But what exactly is a political party? Is it a string of secret underground parties where politicians dance the night away? Sadly, it isn't one great party. It is a significant system that not only affects our communities, but our entire country. In the Canadian Parliament, there are hundreds of MPs (Members of Parliament) that are grouped together by their shared ideas, goals, and concerns for the country. 

These groups are defined as political parties. Currently, in Canada, we have numerous political parties such as: The Conservative Party of Canada, The Liberal Party, and The New Democratic Party (NDP). The largest political party is the one that holds the most power and has the most MPs. Currently, the Prime Minister, Stephen Harper’s party (The Conservative Party of Canada), has the majority of seats which makes him the Prime Minister. This results in what is referred to as a majority government. This is a beneficial position that most parties want to be in because of the power it gives you. Basically, it’s like if you were trying to be elected to your school’s student council, you would be more confident and likely to be elected if you have more friends than your opponent. As long as the MPs keep agreeing on ideas, social issues, and possible changes they want to focus on, their concerns can always be at the top of the list. In an election, the leader of the political party who gets the most votes will become the Prime Minister. If they also have the most MPs elected, the power is very much in their favour. Someone trying to be elected as an MP is usually already in a political party, so people voting for them would easily know their views.

To learn more about Political Parties and read James' interview with Cabinet Minister Tony Clement pick up our current issue of Voice K magazine.

A Christmas Daydream 

12/18/2012

 
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By: Edward Chang-Wang, age 7

The most wonderful time of the year is here; a time for family, friendship, love, and laughter. A time when walking through the snow-filled streets fills our hearts with a warm, fuzzy feeling. Christmas is the time where family and friends get together and sing carols, sip hot cocoa by the fireplace, and give presents to one another.

Christmas is my favourite holiday, though it only comes once a year. Many families are working together during this time to decorate their Christmas trees with pretty ornaments and lights. Children are usually attracted by the decorations on the tree, because they look so colourful and bright! My brother and I like to play games under the beautiful tree and feel the love of the holiday season. I always wonder, though, why are Christmas trees always green, and not other colours?


However, not everybody celebrates Christmas. Some have their own festival to celebrate such as Diwali, Hari Raya, the Chinese Spring Festival, etc. Just because somebody doesn't celebrate Christmas, it does not mean they don’t like it; it is just that they have their own religious beliefs. In fact, everybody loves holidays. I mean,
who wouldn't enjoy white snowflakes, colourful lights, nice music, delicious food, and great presents? No one can refuse the power and magic of the holiday season. 


One of the reasons why I love Christmas is because I can get presents. Anything can be given as a present, such as a DS, iPod, telephone, or TV. However, it is the thought that counts. Speaking of presents, one of the greatest things about Christmas is Santa Claus! He takes his reindeer sleigh to go around the whole country-even the whole world-to give presents to children. When you meet Santa, you can take pictures with him. He
is very nice with everybody. Some people think that Santa Claus is real, while some believe that there is no Santa Claus. If it is possible, I hope I can see Santa come to my home through the chimney. I had a
dream about Christmas one night, where Santa Claus came to visit me with his big bag. When he opened the bag, I could see many presents in it. He allowed me to take only one, but I got to choose before anyone else. Guess what I touched? Glasses, pants, jackets, belts, chocolate, and candy! After taking my presents,
Santa kissed my forehead and then left my home.

Santa seems to love travelling with his reindeer sleigh, but if I were him, I would travel with a dog sled and use a team of husky dogs. This is because sometimes, I think that the reindeer cannot run very fast. My brother disagrees with me though. He thinks that the reindeer can also run very fast if there is an urgent situation.

Day after day, I count down the days until Christmas with my fingers. When I go to bed every night, I know that a new day will come tomorrow and that means that Christmas is getting closer to the date. I get more and more excited, especially because I already know what present I am getting for Christmas. But, that is a secret that I will keep hidden until Christmas day. 


As for now, let us be quiet and patient as we wait for the wonderful moment. We should save our excitement and energy, and release it all together when the merry day comes. Then, we can sing and dance together, hand in hand, and just enjoy the holiday.

Dear Christmas, I love you!

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Illustration by Vicky Liu

The Traz – A Book Review 

11/26/2012

 
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The Traz – A Book Review 
The Traz is a book full of action and adventure, touching on issues such as drugs, gangs, grief, and the meaning of life. The targeted audience are young teens, but it is also a good read for adults.

The story follows the life 13-year old Katrina, who had lost hope and will to live after the night of her parent’s death. She makes reckless decisions and actions to overcome her grief and loneliness. Her choice of following Shrug, a fierce biker of the The Traz gang, changes her life forever. Katrina joined the gang to feel included, but soon life gets tougher. Katrina is at the bottom of the pecking order. Within the gang, there is no mercy and 
she becomes the target of their abuse. Her troubles increase when she witnesses a murder of an old friend. Katrina feels too entangled in this mess to come out clean, until she meets Chad, an undercover cop who offered to help her.  Katrina starts to feel a bit of hope for the first time. Chad is a nice guy, but oddly enough, he knows Shrug very well, and also knows something else no one knows.

The characters are very complex, having mysterious pasts and roles. Katrina possesses a wide range of emotions too. I find it hard to see her true personality, she can go from vulnerable to vicious. Sometimes I would feel uneasy with the things she has to do and witness, but it is the grim reality. I feel so sorry for what she has to go through. I also feel really sad sometimes, since I can imagine how much potential she can put to use if she was living a normal teenage life, in a family that truly loves her. Shrug is also a significant character that caught my attention. I am confused in the way he acts sometimes, like the time he hit Katrina was totally unexpected. I am curious to see his character develop, and maybe we can discover why he decided to live like a gang member. 
However, I am impressed how each little conflict leads to the climax of the story. It reminds me of how little white lies can turn into a crisis. The plot is very original, and I found it fascinating to see what it is like to live in a gang. The Traz’s interesting plot made me want to read more, and I can’t wait for Schuh’s next addition to the series. The Traz definitely makes a great debut.


Check out our journalist's interview with author Elieen Schuh

Top Ten Gift Ideas 

11/24/2012

 
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10 Holiday Gift Ideas

By: Alyssa Vidal and Dea Yu

‘Tis the season to be jolly! Here comes that time again when we hear about the celebrations, holidays, presents, gifts, and Santa Claus! Speaking of Santa, have you heard of Secret Santa or Kris Kringle? Are you participating in one? Or maybe, are you planning on giving a gift to your friend? If so, then you might want to read on. 



Here are some holiday gift ideas that could help you on deciding what to give: 

Dea's List 
(7 years old's opinion) 
1. Smelcils

They are colored pencils smell like fruits and candy! 
They even match the pencil with color of the fruit and have special holiday ones too!
2. A special magnet

It will remind the gift receiver every time they take food out of fridge or go into the kitchen. It also doesn’t take up too much space!
3.Glow in the dark hula hoop

When you spin it, it is great to see it glow. The lights make it so much fun. 
4. Dark chocolate

Everyone likes a little bit of sweets! And dark chocolate is healthier than milk chocolate even though your dentist may not think so.
5. A key chain that jingles

It is small and personalized with their initials or a picture. It is something the gift receiver will carry everywhere.  It may even help them find their keys!  
6. Skipping rope

Everybody needs exercise. A jumping robe can fit into your back-pack or purse so it can go with you everywhere. It is a lot of fun… and not as big as a treadmill!
7.Awesome books

I love books; I can’t imagine life without them.   Finding the ones that will be liked is the tricky part. So tell the sales girl/guy a little bit about whom you are buying for and they may be able to help pick out the perfect book!
8. Hug/Kiss Coupons

Who wouldn’t love a hug or kiss? If you make these coupons, you can get hugs and kisses and it won’t cost you a penny!
9. Breakfast in bed

Some days your parents might not want to get out of bed, I am sure they’ll love it when you make them breakfast and serve it to them. 
Babysitting coupons

Your favorite Auntie or Uncle would love it when you can babysit their kids so they can go see a good movie, have dinner out or just relax. This would be a great gift … as long as your old enough to babysit!

Alyssa's List 
(A 13 years old's opinion)
1. Some puzzle books. 

    This would be perfect for someone who loves to write and solve puzzles including crossword puzzles and Sudoku.

2. A board game or card game. 

    Getting a board game or a card game for your friend would be great, especially if they love all sorts of games and puzzles. I think it would not be only enjoyed by your friend, but you too, it would be fun for both of you!    
3. A snow globe

    I think this item is great to give for the holidays. Just like snowflakes, I think this would remind you of winter throughout the year. 
4. Delicious sweets such as chocolate. 

    Who does not love sweets? There are a lot of chocolate brands to choose from.
5. Art supplies and materials such as paint and pastels.  

This is especially for someone who loves art, whether they like drawing, painting or just colouring.


6. An album of your friend’s favourite singer, artist or band. 

    Is your friend a music lover? If he or she is, then I think this would make a great gift.
7. New sports equipment such as basketballs or sports memorabilia.    

    This would be a suitable gift for someone who loves sports, from basketball to football to soccer to hockey.
8. Stylish makeup sets and jewellery like charm bracelets.  

    Does your friend just absolutely love beauty products such as makeup and jewellery?      

    If you said “yes”, then this is an ideal gift for them. 
9. Headphone earmuffs or some cool earphones.  

     A unique present for someone who likes to listen to music and still wants to keep 

     warm and comfy during the winter would have to be headphone earmuffs. You could also just get some cool earphones, as it works too.  
10. Clothes and accessories such as hats and scarves. 

      Fashionista! Do you have a friend who is totally stylish and loves fashion? This selection is absolutely dedicated to them.    

Hopefully, these choices helped you in deciding on what to give to your friends, family members, relatives and or classmates. 

    Section

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    Children's Fashion
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    Edward Wang
    Fall Fashion Trends
    Halloween Ideas
    How To Recycle
    Issue 10
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    Issue 4
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    James Newman
    Letters To Santa
    Michelle Soong
    Michelle Zhou
    Mother's Day
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    Selena Xu
    Spring Fashion Trends For Kids
    Sravya Medasani
    Summer Fun
    Sunni Zhou
    The Traz
    Top 10
    Top 10 Holiday Gift Ideas
    Top Ten Room Decor For Kids
    Wendy Wang
    William Yang
    Winter Fashion

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