AI's IMPACT ON STUDENTS: THE UPSIDES AND DOWNSIDES

AI's Impact on Students: The Upsides and Downsides

By FVC

 

In today's world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is like a superhero gadget that's everywhere, even in education. As tech keeps getting cooler, AI is sneaking into classrooms, changing how students learn and do school stuff. This AI thing brings some good stuff, but it also brings some not-so-great stuff we need to think about. Like my mother used to say, once AI catches on, there is no turning back. It's like that awesome video game – amazing fun, but you also need to be careful not to fall into some traps. 

 

The Cool Things AI Does for Education:

 

Customized Learning: Imagine if your computer could figure out how you learn best. Well, AI can! It watches how you study, what you like, and how you're doing. Then, it tells your teacher so they can make school stuff just right for you. It's like a personal coach but for learning.

 

Quick Grading: Do you know how it feels to wait for your teacher to mark your stuff? AI is super speedy at grading things like quizzes and papers. You get feedback fast, so you know what you did wrong and how to get better. It's like having a teacher on turbo mode.

 

Super Smart Helpers: Ever wish you could ask a homework question anytime, even at midnight? AI chatbots are like super smart helpers. They answer your questions and explain stuff, even when the classroom lights are off.

 

Everyone Included: AI makes learning easier for kids with special needs. It can read stuff out loud or change words into speech. This means everyone gets to join in, no matter what.

 

Catch Problems Early: Sometimes you might feel stuck or stressed out. AI notices when you're not doing great and tells your teacher. So, they can help you out before things get too tricky.

 

The Not-So-Great Side of AI in School:

 

Privacy Worries: AI needs lots of info about you to work. But this could mean your private stuff is out there in the digital world. It's like sharing your secrets with a robot that might tell others.

 

Missing Human Touch: AI is awesome, but it's not human. If we rely too much on it, real teachers might feel left out. It's like playing with your cool new toy so much that you forget your best friend.

 

Biased Robots: AI learns from the stuff it's taught. If the stuff has unfair bits, AI might think it's okay. It's like learning bad dance moves from a friend – you'd start dancing funny too!

 

Less Brain Workout: If AI does all the thinking, you might forget how to think on your own. It's like letting your phone do all the math – you won't remember how to add numbers without it.

 

Not Fair for Everyone: Some kids don't have cool gadgets or computers. If AI is everywhere, these kids might fall behind. It's like a game that only some players can join.

 

Finding the Middle Ground:

 

To make AI work like magic without messing up, we need a plan:

 

Rules for AI: Everyone needs to follow rules when using AI. It's like having a playbook in a game – everyone knows how to play fair.

 

Teaching Teachers: Teachers should learn how to use AI, too. They're still the bosses of learning, and AI is just a cool tool they use.

 

Including Everyone: AI tools should work for all kids, no matter what. It's like making sure everyone can play in a game, even if they're not super good at it.

 

Explaining Robot Thinking: If AI does something, it should explain why. It's like your friend telling you why they want to play a game, so you know what's up.

 

Sharing the Tech: Every kid should have a chance to use AI tools. It's like making sure everyone gets a turn to use the game console.

 

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Elbows Up, Canada!

A Rallying Cry for Sovereignty and Unity

Helen Powell

                                                             

In early 2025, amid escalating tensions with the United States, Canadians embraced a powerful new rallying cry: “Elbows Up, Canada!” This phrase, rooted in the grit and resilience of hockey culture, quickly evolved into a symbol of unity, sovereignty, and cultural pride. I often wondered if this united front would continue or not. What do you think? Let me know. 

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Origins of the Movement

The phrase gained momentum on March 1, 2025, when Canadian comedian Mike Myers appeared on Saturday Night Live wearing a bold white T-shirt emblazoned with the message: “Canada is not for sale.” During the segment, he referenced the late hockey legend Gordie Howe, making the “elbows up” gesture—an iconic move in hockey used to assert strength and presence on the ice.

The moment struck a nerve. With Canada facing unfair tariffs and thinly veiled annexation threats from the U.S., Myers' performance became more than comedy—it became a catalyst. Within days, "Elbows Up, Canada!" was trending across social media, resonating deeply with Canadians across the country.

Grassroots Energy and National Pride

The movement didn’t remain on screens—it spilled into the streets. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montréal saw spontaneous rallies. One of the most notable was held on March 22, 2025, in Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square, where thousands gathered, waving flags, wearing red "Elbows Up" tees, and listening to speeches from artists, Canadian military and activists. Then it went viral on social media, started the Elbows Up movement. Canadians started coordinating local meetups, sharing patriotic art and memes, and reinforcing a renewed commitment to Canadian values.

Political Endorsements

The energy was not lost on political leaders. Outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau referenced the movement in his farewell speech, stating:

“We’ve shown the world before that Canadians don’t back down. Elbows up, Canada—always.”

His successor, Prime Minister Mark Carney, fully embraced the moment. Sworn in during a critical time for Canada’s international position, Carney made headlines by stating:

“We are a proud, sovereign nation. We seek peace and cooperation—but we expect respect.”

Carney’s calm but firm demeanour, rooted in his extensive experience as Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, gave Canadians confidence in a stable future amidst uncertain global politics.

Mike Myers: From Actor to Cultural Icon

Though known for his characters in Austin Powers and Wayne’s World, Mike Myers stepped into an unexpected role: cultural catalyst. After his SNL appearance, he appeared in a Liberal Party campaign ad beside Prime Minister Carney, further signalling solidarity and pride.

His voice joined a chorus of Canadian artists and public figures calling for unity, independence, and respect for Canadian sovereignty. Myers reminded Canadians—and the world—that humour and heritage can be powerful tools in defending national identity.

Elbows Up, Canada! is more than a slogan. It represents a defining moment in the nation's modern history—a moment when culture, politics, and the people aligned to send a clear message:  Canada is strong. Canada is proud. And Canada stands tall with its elbows up.  As Canadians continue to wear the shirts, wave the flags, and share the message, they carry with them a renewed sense of ownership over their future—rooted not in fear, but in unity and strength.

 Your  Child  A GUIDE for Canadian and American Tweens and Teenagers and Travelling in  Canada   Thomas Wellson Printed with Permission

Explaining the current political landscape involving Donald Trump and its impact on Canada and the USA can be a bit tricky, but breaking it down into simple concepts can help your child understand. Here’s a way to present the information that’s suitable for tweens and teenagers:

Understanding Trump's Policies and Canada: A Guide for Tweens and Teens

It's a confusing time for Canada and the USA, especially when it comes to trade and politics. Donald Trump, the former U.S. President, made some decisions that had a big impact on Canada. Let's break down the key points:

 

What's Happening:

 Trump's Tariffs: Trump imposed tariffs (taxes) on Canadian goods, particularly steel and aluminum at a rate of 25%. This meant Canadian products became more expensive in the U.S., hurting Canadian businesses.

Canada's Response: Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded by putting tariffs on American goods as well. He also encouraged Canadians to buy Canadian products and support the local economy.

The Boycott: Many Canadians decided to stop buying American goods and travel to the U.S. This was a way to show their disapproval of Trump's policies and support Canadian businesses.

Pros and Cons for Canada:

Pros:

New Opportunities: Some Canadian businesses found new markets for their products, especially in agriculture and energy, since they couldn't sell as much to the U.S.

Canadian Pride: The challenges from the U.S. made many Canadians prouder of their country and more likely to support Canadian products.

Cons:

Economic Impact: The tariffs made it harder for Canadian businesses to sell goods to the U.S., which led to potential job losses and higher prices for consumers.

Strained Relationship: The trade tensions made the relationship between Canada and the U.S. more difficult, making it harder to work together on important issues.

Environmental Concerns: Trump's changes to environmental regulations worried Canadians, as they could impact air and water quality on both sides of the border.

What Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party do:

Retaliatory Tariffs: Trudeau put tariffs on American goods to show that Canada wouldn't be taken advantage of.

Public Statements: He spoke out against Trump's tariffs, saying they were unfair and damaging to the relationship between the two countries.

Supporting Canadian Businesses: He encouraged Canadians to buy Canadian products and support their local economy. If you read my article, there is a link to the https://tastecanadianfood.ca/

Canada's Boycott:

 Buying Canadian: Many Canadians started choosing Canadian products over American ones.

Travel Changes: Some Canadians decided to travel within Canada instead of going to the U.S.

Patriotic Movements: Groups encouraged Canadians to buy only Canadian goods for a day to show their support for their country.

Exploring Canada:

 Since Canadians are embracing their own country, let's explore some amazing places to visit!

 British Columbia (BC): Visit Vancouver for its beautiful scenery, vibrant culture, and delicious food. Explore Stanley Park and enjoy the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Yukon: Experience the stunning Northern Lights in the Yukon. Visit Dawson City and learn about the Klondike Gold Rush.

Northwest Territories: See the breathtaking Aurora Borealis and explore the vast and wild Canadian Arctic.

Alberta: Visit Banff National Park for its majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and hiking trails.

Saskatchewan: Explore the Saskatchewan River and discover the province's rich history and culture.

Manitoba: Visit Winnipeg and explore its museums and cultural attractions. Enjoy the beautiful Lake Winnipeg.

Ontario: Visit Toronto, a bustling city with world-class museums, art galleries, and entertainment. Explore Niagara Falls and its stunning beauty.

Quebec: Visit Montreal, a charming city with a unique French heritage. Explore the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal and enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife.

New Brunswick: Visit Fredericton, the capital city, and explore its historic architecture and museums.

Nova Scotia: Explore the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and its rugged coastline. Visit Halifax, a historic city with a rich maritime heritage.

Prince Edward Island (PEI): Visit Charlottetown, the capital city, and explore the island's beautiful beaches and charming towns.

Newfoundland: Explore the rugged beauty of Gros Morne National Park and visit the charming city of St. John's.

 Where to Eat:

 

BC: Enjoy fresh seafood in Vancouver, try delicious Indian food in Surrey, or savor the flavors of the Okanagan Valley's wineries.

Yukon: Indulge in traditional Yukon cuisine like wild game and berries.

Northwest Territories: Sample local specialties like Arctic char and caribou.

Alberta: Enjoy delicious steak and Alberta beef, try the local craft beers, and savor the flavors of the Canadian Rockies.

Saskatchewan: Explore the province's diverse culinary scene, from traditional Ukrainian dishes to modern farm-to-table cuisine.

Manitoba: Enjoy the fresh flavors of Manitoba's lakes and prairies, from wild rice dishes to traditional Indigenous cuisine.

Ontario: Explore Toronto's diverse culinary scene, from fine dining to street food. Enjoy the flavors of Niagara's wine region.

Quebec: Indulge in delicious French cuisine, try the province's famous poutine, and explore Montreal's vibrant food scene.

New Brunswick: Enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties like fiddleheads and wild blueberries.

Nova Scotia: Sample the flavors of the Atlantic Ocean, from lobster rolls to seafood chowder.

PEI: Enjoy fresh seafood, try the island's famous potato dishes, and savor the flavors of local farms.

Newfoundland: Explore the province's unique culinary scene, from traditional Newfoundland dishes to modern seafood creations.

Summer Fun Family Picnics Budget Friendly Tips and Recipes

 Save Money on Your Summer Picnics: Budget-Friendly Tips & Recipes

 By Gina Cianfarani, CP Chef

Summer picnics are the perfect way to relax and connect with family and friends. But if you’re not careful, picnic costs can add up quickly. With a little planning, you can enjoy the sunshine without burning a hole in your wallet.

                                          

                                  

          

Smart Ways to Picnic on a Budget

• Plan meals around sales and leftovers
  Use what you have at home. Leftover grilled meats, pasta, or roasted veggies can be turned into picnic-friendly dishes.

• Buy in-season fruits and vegetables
  Local produce like watermelon, corn, cucumbers, and strawberries are usually cheaper and fresher.

• Make large-batch items
  Choose recipes that stretch across multiple servings, like salads and sliders.

• Pack reusable gear
  Skip single-use items and invest in reusable containers, cutlery, and cooler packs.

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Budget-Friendly Picnic Recipes

Summer Chickpea Salad Wraps

Ingredients:

• 1 can (540 ml) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1 small cucumber, chopped

• 1/4 red onion, finely diced

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise or plain yogurt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 4 whole wheat tortillas or wraps

• Optional: lettuce or spinach leaves

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mash half the chickpeas for texture.

2. Mix in remaining chickpeas, carrots, cucumber, red onion, mayo/yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

3. Spoon the mixture onto tortillas, add greens if using, and roll up.

4. Wrap in foil or parchment for easy transport.

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 2. Mini Hamburger Sliders 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, chicken or turkey

• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder to taste or 1/2 tablespoon each

• sprinkle of cheese of your choice.

• 8 to 12 mini buns or dinner rolls

• Optional topping cheese slices, pickles, ketchup, mustard

Instructions:

1. Season beef, form into 8 to 12 mini patties.

2. Cook on the grill until done.

3. Add cheese, toast buns if desired.

4. Serve with toppings of choice.

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 3. Classic Hot Dogs with a Twist 

Ingredients:

• Hot dogs or sausages

• Hot dog buns

• Toppings: mustard, relish, sautéed onions, coleslaw, or leftover chili

• CuGinas Flavors Kalamaolive Pesto and (Carrot Cake Jam if you want it sweetened. )

Instructions:

1. Grill hot dogs until lightly charred.

2. Serve with budget-friendly toppings listed above. 

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 4. Simple Potato Salad 

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1/2 cup mayo, Greek yogurt or CuGinas Flavors Spicy Meat Dressing

• 1 tbsp mustard

• 1/4 cup diced pickles or relish

• Salt, pepper, and optional green onions

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes until fork-tender, drain and cool.

2. Mix with the remaining ingredients.

3. Chill before serving.

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5. Couscous and Tuna Salad 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous

• 1 can tuna, drained

• 1/2 cup diced cucumber

• 1/2 cup chopped cherry tomatoes

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt, pepper, parsley

Instructions:

1. Prepare couscous as directed and cool.

2. Mix with tuna, veggies, oil, lemon juice, and seasoning.

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6. Summer Garden Salad 

Ingredients:

• 1 head of romaine or mixed greens

• 1 cucumber, sliced

• 1 carrot, shredded

• 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, sliced into halves.

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• Simple dressing: olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients.

2. Toss with dressing just before serving.

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7. Fresh Fruit Salad with Mint 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups watermelon, cubed

• 1 cup strawberries, halved

• 1 cup grapes or cantaloupe 

• 1 cup of apple

• Juice of 1 lime or lemon

• A handful of fresh mint

Instructions:

1. Mix fruit in a bowl.

2. Drizzle with lime juice and add chopped mint.

3. Chill until ready to serve.

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Bonus Tip: DIY Sweet Treats

Bring along inexpensive treats like:

• Chocolate chip cookies

• Rice crispy squares

• Homemade granola bars

All of these can be made ahead and packed in reusable containers.

By now you should picnic like a pro on a budget

By planning smart and choosing cost-effective, crowd-pleasing recipes, you can enjoy unforgettable summer picnics without overspending. Keep it simple, seasonal, and shareable—and your wallet (and guests) will thank you.

Check out CuGinas Flavors Social Media follow us and like...

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Email CuGinas Flavors to order all 3 award-winning CuGinas Flavors Jams: Carrot Cake, Apple Pie, and Mango. Including our small batches of products, email us for products and price list: cugina2017@gmail.com 

 

 

The Power of a HUG(s)  a 20-Second Path to Total Awesomeness!

 Kevin McQuestson Grade 11 High School - Creative Writing 101 

Alright, hold onto your backpacks, because we're about to unravel the top-secret conspiracy hiding behind every epic hug. You know, that magical moment when you feel like a warm marshmallow in a world of ice cubes? Yeah, that's not just fluff – it's hardcore science! Welcome to the wild world of "Hugology" – where hugs aren't just hugs, they're brain-changing, mood-boosting, high-five-your-neurons experiences!

 First up, meet oxytocin – the hormone that turns us from grumpy cats into fluffy kittens. When you hug, touch, or even just do the cozy side snuggle, your brain goes, "Hey, let's throw an oxytocin party!" Your heart chills out, your stress packs its bags, and your anxiety's like, "See ya later, alligator!" It's like your brain's got a spa appointment it can't miss.

 

Then we've got serotonin – the mood maestro that decides if you're gonna dance through the day or just hide under your hoodie. Hugs don't just stop at cuddle-talk; they send secret signals through your skin to your emotional control center. The result? Instant serotonin surge! You're suddenly all, "No worries, world – I got this!" Who needs a mood ring when you've got hugs?

 

Hold onto your hats, because dopamine's crashing this party too! This is the brain's version of a double espresso – it wakes you up and makes life look like a giant playground. Guess what? Hugs throw dopamine into the mix, making you feel like you just won the lottery. Suddenly, challenges are no biggie, and new stuff's as exciting as a roller coaster. Move over, caffeine – hugs are the new energizer!

 

Oh, but we're not done. Say hello to endorphins – the body's secret weapon against bad vibes. Hugs unleash these little warriors, easing both your physical and emotional ouchies. But that's not all – they team up with oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine for the ultimate happiness combo. It's like your brain's got a superhero squad, and hugs are the leader in a snazzy cape!

 

Before you go on a hugging rampage, remember – not all hugs are created equal. The hug gurus say the ideal hug is a solid 20 seconds long, warm, fuzzy, and with someone you'd share your last slice of pizza with. Sorry, but your locker neighbour doesn't count.

 

So, next time you're stuck in the "ugh" lane of life or dealing with a case of Mondays, unleash the Hugology magic. Dive into a world of oxytocin parties, serotonin parades, dopamine dance-offs, and endorphin fireworks. Let's spread the love, one epic hug at a time. Because in a world that could use a little more awesome, hugging is the secret handshake to happiness!!  

    Family Fun, puzzles, word games the old traditional way and so much more.  

Including a contest for kids and seniors!

S T A R T   F A M I L Y   R

A E N O I S S A P   E   E

G O A L S   E   H   A   N

E   T   H   O   P   E   C

L   O   V E   F   R   E

O   W   O   R   K   I   N

V E G E T A B L E S   D G

E D U C A T I O N   T H

The words to find are:

• START
• FAMILY
• PASSION
• GOALS
• HOPE
• LOVE
• WORK
• VEGETABLES
• EDUCATION

Have fun! 😊

Submit your own word/games for publication and win a $50.00 Gift card or a $30.00 Indigo Card.  Submit as an attachment to Att: Word/Games allasalute@yahoo.com

The deadline for submission is October 29, 2025 for our Fall issue. 

Welcome to Alla Salute Magazine

 

   Welcome to Alla Salute 2025 Spring  Edition

    A big thank you for all your warm wishes for our fourth year publication of Alla Salute. Our  Summer Greetings from Alla Salute Editorial team! 

Celebrating 4 Years of Inspiring Canadian Stories & Wellness

We’re thrilled to welcome you to our 4th anniversary summer edition of Alla Salute eMagazine—your go-to source for Canadian lifestyle, wellness, family, and culture.

In this issue, we invite you to travel across Canada with stories that celebrate the beauty of our country. This includes the exciting Elbow Up Canada feature and ideas for summer picnic fun that the whole family will enjoy.

We’re also proud to announce the 2024 Alla Salute eMagazine Award Winners—a heartfelt congratulations to all the remarkable individuals and organizations making a difference in their communities. 🏆

Looking ahead to Fall, we’ll dive into timely topics like:
🍂 Back to School: Helping Children Navigate Emotions & Anxiety
👵 Seniors’ Insights: Real Answers to Your Tween & Teen Questions
...and so much more!

Thank you for growing with us, sharing your stories, and supporting our mission to inform, uplift, and connect Canadians—Alla Salute!