Dance- Something Real Coming to Teen Link's Sweet 16 B-day Party at the Vera Project

Dance- Something Real

"In our society, people place too much emphasis on education and working hard to the extent that the arts, such as dance, are left behind and unrecognized."

Breakdancing.

Even though bboying is one of the most expressive and explosive styles of dance, it is often looked down upon by society because bboying’s origins lie in hip-hop culture and the rebellious minority youth in the New York City. Much has changed since its birth in the late 1970s, but the negative perception still holds.

 In our society, people place too much emphasis on education and working hard to the extent that the arts, such as dance, are left behind and unrecognized. However for teens, education and labor give us stress, and on the other hand, dancing and art give us freedom and release.

At Something Real, a non-profit organization run by young adults, we aim to change that perception and use dancing and the arts to inspire the youth in our community to find their passions. We are just a group of teens who all have been inspired and influenced by some form of art. For most of us, our art is breakdancing. We spread our name and introduce youth to art by throwing dance battles and concerts in high schools.

Next week, some of our dancers will come out for a dance battle at Teen Link’s Sweet 16 party at the Vera Project. We’ll be showing our love for breakdancing, so come out and support us and Teen Link! 

In honor of the new bill for gay marriage being signed today: A story of coming out and so much more…

Defining Sexuality

~Anonymous  

“I think you are too young to know this,” he shifted in his chair, 2763 miles away. “It would be best if you saw a counselor.”

“No, this is a part of me.” The words dragged visibly on the computer screen, lagging slightly. My throat tightened. “I’m attracted to girls,” I asserted in sign language.

Webcam communication was far from ideal, but my father lived on the other side of the country. He moved away when I was ten and rarely visited; he didn’t know me. Furthermore, my old school Asian parents were hearing-impaired conservative baby-boomers. They didn’t approve; the Great Wall of generation gaps and traditional culture stood in the way.

And here I was, their uncomfortably self-aware, first generation Asian-American daughter who had just spent the day immersing herself in an environment alive with optimism and acceptance: Seattle’s Gay Pride Festival.

That day, I explored a new facet of myself that I welcomed with curiosity and fascination. After a three-mile trek and an hour crammed on a sweaty bus, I arrived. The Seattle Center was a breath of new found liberty and immediate comfort. The feeling resonated with me. Whatever hesitation I felt washed away as I stood by the central fountain. I christened myself as a part of the community, and we celebrated.

However liberated I felt at Pride, I understood that it wasn’t something I could magically shape into anything my parents could understand. We were the old and the new, separated by religious values and varying degrees of education. I wanted them to know, to love me regardless of my sexuality. I didn’t understand why I had to convince them otherwise or why I had to hide this incredible part of myself from the rest of my family. This is who I am. I trusted my feelings. I knew, but I couldn’t explain it; the words were too slippery to describe.

Here I am now. Define sexuality?

My sexuality is a revolution. It is a dinner table conversation. By coming out, I surrendered who I was, to the person I always was.

I am far greater than a definition. I am multi-dimensional. I strive to transcend the social ideals. I’ll never wait to be old enough to know better. Here I am. My sexuality is a revolution. 

Teen Link wants to recognize all the courageous youth who are coming out and finding pride in being who they are in a world that isn't always accepting. 

We wanted to let you know that we are behind you. 

Teen Link in open every night from 6-10pm if you ever want a safe place to talk. 

1(866)-833-6546

www.866teenlink.org

Also, below we have included a list of other helpful resources for LBGTQ youth:

1. Camp for queer youth or youth coming from queer families/gay parents-http://camptentrees.org
2. LBGTQ Youth Center on Capitol Hill- http://www.lamberthouse.org/
3. Ingersoll Gender Center for Trans Youth/Adults- http://www.ingersollcenter.org 
4. Seattle Counseling Services for Sexual Minorities: http://www.seattlecounseling.org

 For more information visit our website: www.866teenlink.org

LASTLY but definitely not least: 

For more information on the new Equal Marriage Bill that was just signed today see:

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/13/10398748-wash-governor-signs-gay-marriage-bill-into-law

Experience the power of music

Music and People.

5 Reasons Why We Love Music:  
 1. Mood management

This is rated people's most important reason for listening to music: making our good moods even better. It entertains us, relaxes us and sets the right emotional tone. Listening to music causes the brain to release dopamine, a feel-good chemical.

When we're in a bad mood, music can help us deal with it. When your mood is low, there is something cathartic about listening to sad music. Somehow it helps to know that you're not alone. We use music to relieve tension, express our feelings and escape the realities of everyday life. Music helps people get through this stressful and anxious time (e.g. Good et al., 2002).

2. Diversion/Distraction

Also coming in at number two is diversion. Music relieves the boredom of the commute, or of a lazy Sunday afternoon. It's something to do when we don't know what else to do. Music is a distraction and this research done by Cassidy & MacDonald (2007) found that the most distracting type is depressing music.

3. Interpersonal relationships
The fourth most important function of music is its social dimension. Music is a point of conversation. We listen to it while we're with other people and we talk to them about it. It's a way of making a connection.

4. Personal identity
The type of music we like expresses something about ourselves. Even the broadest genres like rock, classical and blues begin to give us a picture of a person. We also seem to discover ourselves through music: it can teach is who we are and where we belong. Through music we can build up and project an image of ourselves.

5. To learn about others and the world

Music tells us stories about other people and places and it gives us access to new experiences. Music can teach us how other people think and even suggest how we might live.

You can learn more at: http://www.spring.org.uk/2011/05/the-all-time-top-six-reasons-we-love-music.php




We have all heard music, but have you ever seen it?

Let Yourself Feel is visual representation of how music

not only looks, but feels. This mesmerizing animation by Argentinian motion graphics designer Esteban Diácono, visualizing “Slowly” by composer Ólafur Arnalds in spellbinding colorful smoke.

From: synesthesia-music-visualization

Often times we do not have the words to express how we feel or who we are. What if music was all that we really had?

Music speaks where words fail

Guang by Quek Shio Chuan is a beautiful video about the power of music and the different role it plays in people's lives. It also brings to light the

idea that music helps us to communicate in ways that words can not.

BMW Shorties 2011 Top 10 Finalist. Also nominated for Best Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay, Best Production Design, Best Editing and Best Sound Design.

Hope you have a musical weekend.
~Teen Link~

Teen Link is open every night from 6-10pm. We are here to support you wherever you are at and however you are feeling. We are anonymous, confidential and Most importantly, non-judgmental. And, we are teenagers too… we get it. We know what it’s like to feel like no one gets us, or to have family/friend stuff, or to feel overwhelmed by everything. We are just here to support each other and to listen. So, give us a call.

1866-TEENLINK (833-6546) or visit our chat service at http://www.866teenlink.org/

BOREDOM UNDONE

Boredom Busters

We all have those days – you know the ones.  You have nothing you want to do and can’t bear the thought of doing anything productive.  Well here are a few websites to check out.  Go on and get inspired.  Then get back to work. (All images from respective websites.)

      1.       http://imaginawesome.com/

People send pictures their kid’s drawings to this guy, and he magically transforms them into something comprehensible.  A few are plain weird though, before and after. 

   

      2.       http://www.lettersofnote.com/

This website is full of interesting letters written by a multitude of people.  Some are funny, some are heartbreaking, but all are worth reading. 

  3.    http://milan-poetry.blogspot.com/2007/03/laughing-heart-charles-bukowski.html

“The Laughing Heart” by Charles Bukowski is a beautiful poem about living life fully.  Sometimes it’s hard to do this because of whatever’s going on in our lives, but when we have the chance, we might try to live by these words.

     4.    http://www.ted.com/talks/neil_pasricha_the_3_a_s_of_awesome.html

From the man who brought you 1000 Awesome Things, Neil Pasricha gives a TED talk on his own life and attitude.  It’s a fascinating video to watch when you have time.

      5.       http://www.thecheesethief.com/2012/01/old-denim-corner-heart-bookmark.html

Here’s an easy DIY that doesn’t cost much (maybe nothing) and is actually useful.  I could see myself using one of these, unlike some of the DIYs out there.  It would make a nice surprise gift for a family member or a friend.

     6.       http://www.papercdcase.com/index.php

Sometimes you make an impressive CD for someone and then realize you’re out of jewel cases.  There’s always the folded up paper case, but this website one-ups that by letting you print out a foldable paper case with the song tracks and a title printed on the front in whatever font you want. It will also print out the fronts and backs of jewel cases in case you do have them around and don’t feel up to writing things by hand.

       7.       http://8tracks.com

Handcrafted mixes with easy browsing through tags.  You can find a playlist for every mood.  Some random titles: Love a good drop, A Cure from Sadness, I Solemnly Swear I Am Up To No Good. 

       8.       http://turntable.fm

Similar to 8tracks, but you get to DJ in real time with 3-4 other DJs for real people.  There are rooms specific to whatever genre of music you want to play or listen to.  Examples include: DJ Wooooo's House/Dance/Electro, Indie While You Work, 90s Alternative, Chillout Mixer, The 99% Anything Goes, and Top 40.  Highly addictive. 

     9.       http://corgiaddict.com/

A tumblr dedicated to corgis.  Really.  Just as cute as you’re imagining right now.

    10.   http://lonelycheetos.tumblr.com/

A tumblr dedicated to lonely Cheetos.

    11.   http://scandybars.tumblr.com/

 

A tumblr dedicated to zoomed-in pictures of halved chocolate bars.  As you might have noticed, tumblr is a great way to waste time and beat boredom. 

12.   http://fotojournalismus.tumblr.com/

Here’s a tumblr that doesn’t have to do with animals or food.  This blog is about photojournalism.  It posts a bunch of different photos every weekday and focuses on the work of one photographer every weekend.   

    13.   http://thenicestplaceontheinter.net/

Maybe you’re just looking for some hugs?  Here you go.

Now go and do something,

Teen Link

SEX AND PREGNANCY: THE REAL DEAL

SEX AND PREGNANCY: THE REAL DEAL

Becky came in from Public Health and gave a fabulous sex and pregnancy training for Teen Link volunteers. We learned a lot about the services the Public Health teen clinics provide. At the teen clinics, if you are under 21, you can get birth control, plan B, condoms, pregnancy testing, and STD testing for FREE. With 7 locations in King County for you to choose from, the teen clinics are very accessible, and of course, they are confidential. Check out their website: http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/locations/teenclinics.aspx

 Becky also informed us about an insurance called take charge which allows women, men, and teens to get free birth control. You must visit a public health clinic to sign up for this insurance. Check it out: http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/personal/insurance/takecharge.aspx .

For show and tell, Becky brought in several goodies. She passed around a birth control patch, a Birth control vaginal ring, and an implantable hormonal contraceptive for all to examine.

We also learned that besides your traditional condom that is placed over the penis, female condoms and dental dams are tools we can use.

Why use a female condom? Some like how they feel; and they are a great way to change things up!

Why use a dental dam? Cold sores around your mouth are a form of herpes that can be transferred to the genitals. Thus, if you have cold sores, using a dental dam can help prevent you from giving your partner genital herpes. They also come in fun flavors like cherry and vanilla. (No pun intended).

Becky discussed the importance of using neutral language when speaking with people who believe they may be pregnant. Avoid phrases like “your baby”, and questions like “are you going to give it up?”

Instead, some questions you might say or ask are: “you’re pregnancy” “how are you feeling about this” “are there any options you are considering?” You can also pass along these resources so that they have somewhere to go to get more information.  

The public health teen clinic is also LGBTQI friendly, and their business card proudly sports a rainbow flag to prove it.

Teen Link would like gives a big thanks to Becky and all the wonderful people who work at the public health sites for creating a safe and private place for people our age to talk about their options.  

~Written and posted by a Teen Link Volunteer~

Fun and Foolishness

Watching people's reaction when they have done something foolish.

"STUPID. door! OPEN! Gah RRRR..."

Trying on someone else's glasses.

"SO. BLURRY. STARTING TO FEEL DIZZY!"


Everyone gets a little cooler with a moustache.

"Ho Hum!"

People are such social beings they not only talk to each other. They also carry on converations with  pets, inademate objects, characters in a movie or tv show.... themselves.

 

"Well hello there!"

How many facial expressions or funny faces can you make?

"What am I feeling now? What about now? And now?"

Tag @Teen Link on your facebook album and show us how many different faces you can make!



20 questions we never think to ask

When walking down the street, entering a house, picking up a book or even just surfing through the web, there are so many things we do without even thinking about them. This article points out 20 odd things to think about that we do or don't usually ever question:

1) Why does the glue in a tube not stick to the tube itself?

2) Academic research has detailed reports stating that from a group of four men or women one will most certainly have a mental ailment of some kind or the other. Think about this calculation: if you have three normal friends, then you unfortunately are the fourth one out. In other words, the fourth person with a mental illness is none other than you.

3) Why do we press down hard on the remote control even though we know that the batteries are weak?

4) Watched old (and even newer descriptions in film) about Tarzan. If he is supposed to be living in the wild, what happened to his beard?


5) Switched those bulbs that are enclosed in tight plastic shutters? Have you noticed that whenever you go to do that there are always dead bugs inside? How did they manage to get there?

6) Why can't we ever manage to open a plastic bag on the first attempt?

7) Why do they use sterilized needles when injecting a convict on death role?

8) Why does a bank take interest on money when your account is overdrawn? From where do they think you are going to pay them? If you had the cash you would have used it, wouldn't you?

9) Why don't we ever hear jokes about father-in-laws?

10) When statistics claim that the sum of all the stars in the sky is about four billion, people believe it. But, when someone sees a sign on a park bench or board stating "wet paint", they must verify this?


11) How many times will be keep coming back and opening the door to the fridge when we are hungry? Do we really think that food will appear there miraculously?

12) Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest but ducks if after the bullets, the gun is thrown at him?

13) I'm sure you've heard of the evolutionary claim that mankind has evolved from monkeys. So why are monkeys still roaming earth?


14) If you are sitting by a table and something is accidentally falling off, don't try and prevent its fall. Why? Every time you try, you will accidentally hit and break something else.

15) Why did the Japanese pilots who were planning to crash into American ships wear helmets?

16) Why do people move a vacuum cleaner over a small piece of thread again and again? Why do we pick it up, examine it and then place it back down and move the vacuum cleaner over it to give it a second chance?

17) How come soap bubbles are always white no matter what the colour of the soap?


18) Is it winter or summer wherever you are right now? Have you noticed that if it is summer we try and make the house as cold as it would be during winter, and if it is winter, we try and make the house as hot as it would during summer?

19) Why is it that whenever you walk past a mattress dealership, they have large signs advertising a big price reduction?

20) Isn't it silly that when if wandering through one of the large shopping malls someone doesn't pay attention and the cart they are pushing smacks into your toes, and then they say sorry, all we can think of saying is that no harm was done while your toe is aching.

Before I End:

Above you have run into about twenty or so intriguing incidents in life that we often come across. Most will be familiar to you. Some might not. But, I hope that each one of them will if not make you at least laugh, bring a smile to your face and to your heart.


Author: Actively seeking out the humour out of every situation, Rammy Johnson.
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