Archive for the ‘education’ Category

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Olduvai, a novel with a Lethbian lead

Published on March 30, 2013 by Lethbian Lover

Olduvai

While checking out the Lethbridge sub-Reddit late tonight, I saw that a user named OlduvaiNovel a.k.a. Steve Bull submitted a link to his self-published novel that features some Lethbridge character(s). It's called Olduvai.

Is a global economic, social, and political collapse imminent? 

Flowing from actual world events, a damaged environment, dwindling energy resources, and a manipulated market-economy all come crashing together in this tale about the social and individual impact of stresses that overwhelm a precarious and complex global system. Supply chain interruptions, border disputes, increased fascism, growing protest movements, and mass migration out of rural areas and into cities dominate the new normal. 
Follow the struggles of several Canadians amidst the chaos. Marissa, a young university student, confronting the end of her prescription for a mental health issue, and her eight year old sister, Kat, who are stranded in a remote part of Ontario when their parents are caught up in a massive riot in Toronto; Mac, a mature student at Lethbridge College, Alberta, who uncovers a Canadian military secret; Ranjeet, a recently promoted Toronto banker who has his faith in the banking system turned upside down when a colleague shares some startling information; and Sam, an activist who has predicted the collapse for years, but has his preparations challenged by an unexpected Black Swan event.

Is this the world’s future?

It actually sounds quite interesting, but that's also because I had a boss who was a legit military man. Seriously. Being lower rank (i.e. civilian), I'm pretty sure he is/was hiding some information that chould change the course of western civilization. I've been trying to act in a stereotypical Dan Brown male lead role, but so far nothing exceptional has turned up (fluoride in water doesn't cut it).

Anyway, here's a brief excerpt from the novel:

He brushed Caera’s hair aside then took a deep breath and slowly began to untangle himself from her embrace. As much as he would have preferred to remain right where he was, he knew he needed to get outside and begin expanding their vegetable garden.

Check out Olduvai here. The eBook is only $3.

“East blown west,” or “Lethbridge’s anime festival returns!”

Published on March 27, 2013 by Lethbian Lover

Nishikaze 2013

Nishikaze, Lethbridge's anime convention, is back for 2013 after a brief hiatus. Coming June 15:

Nishikaze is an annual convention held in Lethbridge, Alberta at the University of Lethbridge. Nishikaze is striving to become the premiere anime and Japanese pop culture in event in southwestern Alberta, bringing together anime fans to celebrate the best in Japanese culture and entertainment.

The word nishikaze means "west wind" and either refers to how much it blows here or our chinooks. The event brings together fans of Japanese animation, comics, videogames, artists, exhibitors and (most importantly) cosplayers. For those otaku into the latter (who isn't?), here's their promo video: 

If you know who there is cosplaying as "Alexander the Great," props to you!

More info can be found on their website or Facebook page.

nishikaze.ca

CKXU FUNdrive time

Published on October 26, 2011 by Lethbian Lover

I’m sure this is old news to any CKXU listener, but for everyone else the CKXU FUNdrive is well underway. I probably should have blogged this earlier.

FUNdrive is the most important time of the year for CKXU. This is the only time of the year we solicit our listeners and the community for donations. These donations help us bring in a large portion of CKXU’s operating income and help us keep the station running for the year.

This year FUNdrive falls from October 21 – 28. This is the most fun and exciting time of the year at the station and all our shows join in to help raise the funds.

CKXU 88.3FM is the best radio station in Lethbridge, with the most diverse selection of music. It’s produced by University of Lethbridge students and volunteers, who need you big money to keep it on the air! Lots of events, swag and great music are your reward.

CKXU FUNdrive

TD pumps it up

Published on September 28, 2011 by Lethbian Lover

So, TD Canada Trust is holding a contest for a chance to win a massive concert (worth $300,000 – not kidding) for Lethbridge College. It’s called TD Pump It Up! I’m asking everyone to vote for the college (and complete the additional tasks for extra entries).

Also, the Lethbridge College Students’ Association has set a booth up outside their offices to encourage students to vote. They even are giving away goodie packs and a chance to win Flames tickets for doing so. I got a free Schick Hydro 5 razor with five blades and hydrating gel skin guards to reduce irritation.

TD customers also get VIP status if the college wins. It’s easy to enter via Facebook or email: TD Pump It Up!

EDIT: I just thought I should mention that the concert is Mother Mother, B.o.B. and Team Canada DJs.

UPDATE: You blew it, Lethbridge. We lost out on the fifth round :(

The Word on The Street

Published on September 25, 2011 by Lethbian Lover

I took in a bit of “The Word on the Street” festival this afternoon. The streets around the Lethbridge Public Library were closed off for presenters, booths and FOOD. I ate a hot dog.

Sunday, September 25, 2011 marks the day that Lethbridge joins Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, Kitchener and Saskatoon in hosting the national Word On The Street Festival and celebration of literacy.

Hosted by the Lethbridge Public Library, the Lethbridge festival is designed to be a playful, all-ages, spill-out-into-the-street community event with something for everyone to see, hear, do, and of course, eat!

More photos after the jump. Continue reading ‘The Word on The Street’

Whetstone #2 now available

Published on September 25, 2011 by Lethbian Lover

I got the heads up from my sister, the assistant editor for Whetstone magazine, that issue #2 is now available. For those unfamiliar:

Whetstone is a biannual literary magazine managed by student-enthusiasts at the University of Lethbridge with occasional help from members of the English Department.

Originally established in 1971, Whetstone was revived in September 2009 and aims to attract writers from southern Alberta and the prairies.

Whetstone accepts original works of prose, poetry, photography, and graphic design from students, scholars, and members of the general public.

To get your copy:

Whetstone website
Facebook page

Convocation at University of Lethbridge

Published on October 16, 2010 by Lethbian Lover

Today, I had the pleasure to attend the University of Lethbridge’s convocation to celebrate my sister’s graduation. She received her bachelor’s degree, with an honour’s thesis, in English. I’m really, really proud :)

During convocation, we were shown some memorable clips from past honourary degree recipients, one being Chava Rosenfarb, Yiddish writer and Holocaust survivor. She received an honourary degree in 2006 and was invited to give the convocation address.

Thanks to keepmethoton on YouTube, I was able to find her full speech. You might want to grab a box of Kleenex for this one…

Skateistan builds ramps, not bombs

Published on October 4, 2010 by Lethbian Lover

So my friend Erika lives in Afghanistan. She helps run a totally radical youth educational program called Skateistan:

Skateistan is Afghanistan’s—and the world’s—first co-educational skateboarding school. The school engages growing numbers of urban and internally-displaced youth in Afghanistan through skateboarding, and provides them with new opportunities in cross-cultural interaction, education, and personal empowerment. Our students come from all of Afghanistan’s diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. They will not only develop skills in skateboarding and skateboarding instruction, but also healthy habits, civic responsibility, information technology, the arts, and languages. The students themselves decide what they want to learn—we connect them with teachers who will enable them to develop the skills that they consider important. Since Skateistan has been active in Kabul, we’ve seen that Afghan youth of all ethnicities, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds love to skateboard. Skateistan brings them together, equipping young men and women with the skills to lead their communities toward social change and development.

Skateistan