Finding Destiny in Paris
By Destiny Chan English Editor
It happened. Paris. Or maybe I happened to Paris. Or Paris happened to me. Either way, it was like a collision—messy, thrilling and completely unforgettable. We may have never been destined to meet. A child from a low-income family raised by a single parent visits the most famous city in the world? She was never even allowed to go to Burger King, let alone distant exotic places where her friends went on flights and all-inclusive cruises. She had never been a tourist. She attempted to assume the role for a week, but it never quite fit right without feeling heavy—dripping with privilege and guilt. Her mind berated itself for over-extravagance and called for humility. How can you be in one of the most beautiful and expensive cities when you left your family behind? Everything you knew? Her thoughts ruminated on all of those people more deserving, more worthy and more hardworking that should be here more than her.
As much as I felt confused and had imposter syndrome like Selena Gomez’s character at the beginning of the great film, “Monte Carlo”, I also remembered why I had felt such a pull to come here. In the movie, she wistfully dreams of travelling to Paris and saves. This dream got her “through the last four years of pep rallies and cheer squad.”1 “Imagining myself walking along the Seine and standing on top of the Eiffel Tower. And having it all just make me different.”2 Her mom immediately follows up with a sigh and says, “Honey, it’s not magic. It’s not going to turn you into a whole different person.”3 But…didn’t it?
Welcome to the sixth installment of my column “Finding Destiny in France”,
where I explore various topics such as culture shocks and new experiences. I’m a Glendon student currently spending a gap year in Montpellier, southern France, as an au pair, providing after-school childcare for my host family in exchange for room, board and pocket money. I’ve covered topics including au pairs, French school lunches, goûter, female solo travel, government screen time limits and daily life in a small village. My final article of the year will focus on Paris, one of the most visited, romanticized and iconic cities in the world.
During my first trip to Paris, I discovered its appeal to tourists. The city boasts beautiful, uniform architecture, famous landmarks and many free attractions to explore. Additionally, its smart urban design ensures ample green spaces, such as spacious parks and plazas, accommodating large crowds without overcrowding. The city receives approximately 50 million tourists annually4, making it easy to feel as
if people from all over the world constantly surround you, hearing many different languages all the time.
During the two-week-long Toussaint holidays in October, I had a week off work to visit Paris. Although six days may seem long, it gave me enough time to fully explore the city as a tourist. Having never been a tourist before, I wanted to enjoy every moment of this potentially once-ina-lifetime trip. I used all the pocket money I had earned during my first two months of work for 5 nights at a hostel and train tickets. Paris was calling for me and my inner child loudly. In part thanks to the escapist, aspirational, delusion-filled romantic comedies such as “Monte Carlo” and “Emily in Paris”.
From standing in awe beneath the Eiffel Tower and tasting my first bowl of French Onion soup to wandering through the exquisite art of the Louvre and the Musée de l’Orangérie and waiting in line
for the Mona Lisa to revelling in the presence of Notre-Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Château de Versailles and staying 6 minutes away from the Sacre-Coeur, I saw virtually all the touristy sights that one should see on their first trip to the city. Paris, similar to downtown Toronto, is a big bustling city with fast-paced walkers, holein-the wall shops and shockingly expensive real estate.
The best meal of my trip was at Kodawari Ramen (Tsukiji), a Michelin-recommended Japanese fish market-themed restaurant. This place has been on my bucket list for years and it did not disappoint. The waitstaff dressed as fish vendors and welcomed guests with loud Japanese greetings. The flavours of broth, soft soy egg, sardines, pork, dashi and noodles all blended together perfectly—dancing and intertwining together like professional ballroom dancers. It was an unforgettable experience. I also had a great bowl of sweet potato chili noodles at Zhao and enjoyed a delicious bowl of cold Korean noodles with women I met at my hostel. Eating Asian food or any other cuisine besides French in Paris may seem counterintuitive. Unfortunately, I found all the French restaurants I visited to be overpriced tourist traps, serving uninspiring food such as burnt bœuf bourguignon, dry crêpes and mediocre crème brulée. The water was also overpriced at €8 per bottle. At the end of the day, after eating a meagre breakfast and lunch of croissants, baguettes and jam that I took from the hostel breakfast spread (which also had milk, orange juice and a hot drink), all I was craving was a nice filling big bowl of soup and noodles—my comfort food, which I’m so thankful the city could provide!
photo: Destiny Chan
EDITORIAL
PRO TEM
Amie Sosa
Chief of operations/Chef des opérations
Flo Iyam Tierra
Layout Designer/Maquettiste
Roxanna Khosravi
Photographer/Photographe
Dona Nissangaratchie
Section Editor/Rédactrice de sections:
Leanne Eyre
Campus Life/Vie étudiant Arts & Entertainment/ Arts & Divertissement Metropolis Métropole
Christina Savoiardo
Issues & Ideas/Actualité & opinions Expressions/Expressions Health & Wellness/Santé & bien-être
English Editor/Rédactrice Anglaise
Destiny Chan
French Editor/Rédactrice Française
Natalia Tovilla-Bátiz
English Journalist/Journaliste Anglais
Connell Simkin-Watt
French Journalist/Journaliste Française
Iris Capron
Bilingual Journalist/Journaliste Bilingue
Letter From The Editor
Editor In Chief/Éditrice En Chef Website technichian/Technicienne de site Yasmina Albarqawi
Geneviève Stacey
Happy holidays, Pro Tem readers!
Can you believe the semester is almost over? It feels like we blinked, and suddenly, the holidays are right around the corner. As we wrap up the year, there’s so much to celebrate, reflect on, and get excited about. But first, let me drop a little hint hint—a rebrand is coming next semester! I won’t give away too much, but let’s just say we’re leaning into the arts, and it’s going to be the perfect opportunity to showcase all the incredible talent and creativity Glendon has to offer. Stay tuned for some fun surprises—we’re really stepping things up.
Joyeuses fêtes à tous nos lecteurs et lectrices!
Et en parlant d’avenir, pouvons-nous prendre un moment pour nous réjouir de tout ce qui arrive avec les clubs le semestre prochain? Entre les événements sur le campus et les nouvelles initiatives, on dirait bien que Glendon se prépare pour une année encore plus incroyable. Honnêtement, je me surprends déjà à rêver à tous les souvenirs incroyables que nous allons créer ensemble. L’énergie, les idées, l’ambiance—je suis impatiente de voir tout ça se concrétiser.
¡Pero basta de hablar del futuro!
Es momento de enfocarnos en esta edición porque está llena de highlights increíbles. Para empezar, finalmente escuchamos sobre el inolvidable tiempo de Destiny en París (sí, está viviendo su era de Miraculous Ladybug—tranquilos, nosotros también estamos obsesionados). Además, nuestros escritores han trabajado muchísimo este mes para traerles reflexiones profundas y relatos personales que sabemos que les encantarán.
Warmly, Amie Sosa Editor-in-Chief
DISCLAIMER!
Pro Tem is a unified organization that accepts and publishes articles from students, alumni, and community members. While we edit submissions for grammar and clarity, we stay true to each author’s voice and message. As an organization, we don’t endorse every viewpoint expressed; our goal is to amplify a wide range of perspectives within our community. For those interested in viewing an article in its original, unedited form, please contact our Editor-in-Chief at editor@protemglendon.com.
Avis de non-responsabilité!
Pro Tem est une organisation unifiée qui accepte et publie des articles provenant des étudiants, des anciens élèves et des membres de la communauté. Bien que nous corrigeons les soumissions pour la grammaire et la clarté, nous restons fidèles à la voix et au message de chaque auteur. En tant qu’organisation, nous n’endossons pas nécessairement chaque point de vue exprimé; notre objectif est d’amplifier une diversité de perspectives au sein de notre communauté. Pour ceux qui souhaitent consulter un article dans sa version originale, non éditée, veuillez contacter notre rédacteur en chef à editor@protemglendon.com.
Editor In Chief: editor@protemglendon.com
Chief of Operations: operations@protemglendon.com
Photographer: photography@protemglendon.com
Time-wasting and Chasing
By Anonymous
It’s so funny how silly I can be. How gullible. I fell into yet another trap. Hoping this would be the start of something new. Hoping we could get closer and get to know each other. I was so wrong! Of course, you already have your people. When I’m in the room with you and them, of course, it’s them you pick. It’s so funny how I try to be a supportive person, but it just never works out. I’m so sick of this sort of treatment. Why does it seem like a joke to you? Like it doesn’t even matter. It’s like our “friendship” means nothing to you. It sounds silly to you, but you don’t know how much this means to me. You probably used me because it was convenient for you.
Maybe I’m wrong! Maybe you didn’t care in the first place. Maybe I’m hallucinating. Maybe that was the whole point. Maybe your goal was to watch me suffer. I can’t tell. Why is it so hard for me to tell if you like me or not? Why do I feel like whenever I want to talk to you, you want to avoid me? I think you’re great, but it doesn’t feel the same in return. I always feel like I’m chasing. My time feels like it’s being wasted. I’m sick of this.
Noëls d’enfance
Par Leanne Eyre Rédactrice de sections
Dans le jardin, la neige étincelait, Nos bottes s’enfonçaient dans le blanc profond. Mon frère et moi, joues rouges et doigts glacés, Bâtissions des bonhommes et des forts, Nos rires, des volutes de fumée, dans l’air gelé.
À l’intérieur, la chaleur nous appelait.
L’odeur du pain frais et des biscuits flottait, Autour de la table ronde, les doigts collants de glaçage, Nous décorions des maisons en pain d’épices, Les yeux brillants de fierté.
Le feu crépitait dans la cheminée, Mon père veillait sur les bûches qu’il entretenait.
La chaleur nous enveloppait, Les flammes dansaient, réchauffant la pièce, Créant l’ambiance parfaite pour un film de Noël Et une partie de jeu de société.
La veille de Noël, les cloches de l’église sonnaient, Nous chantions ensemble, unis dans la lumière des bougies.
La paix et la joie m’envahissaient. Puis, sous les étoiles, nous glissions sur la glace, Les lumières de Noël scintillant autour de nous, Le son de la musique festive flottait dans l’air hivernal.
Le matin de Noël, à l’aube, l’excitation nous réveillait, Nous attendions impatiemment nos parents, Avant de déchirer le papier brillant
Et de présenter nos cartes faites maison, Reçues avec un sourire sincère.
Un instant de pure joie partagée.
Nous rendions visite à ma famille élargie, Envahis par l’odeur des bons repas, Les voix se mêlaient dans des conversations animées, Nous nous retrouvions, unis par ces moments précieux.
Et en repensant à ce qui rendait Noël si magique, C’était cette insouciance d’enfant, Ne penser à rien, juste être présente.
Ode to Summer
By Anonymous
August, my love— she is but a dream. She frolics and runs in the summer rain, never to be seen again.
When Souls Leave The Body
By Anonymous
Chapped lips, pale white skin.
“Winter is here,” she said. I could see her breath, in the cold December air— I could see her soul.
photo: Pexels
image: Leanne Eyre
photo: Pexels
photo: Wikimedia Commons
Finding Destiny in Paris (continued)
By Destiny Chan English Editor
Apart from the OMG iconic tourist attractions, the people I met while travelling alone are the memories that I want to remember the most. I stayed at a hostel called Le Village Montmartre, which I found on a Hostelsclub.com article highlighting the best hostels for solo female travellers. I was not disappointed by the nice staff and intimate cozy, community atmosphere. I stayed in a 4-bed female dorm and met so many wonderful women, whether it was when we were preparing for bed, heading out the door or enjoying the complimentary breakfast. Over the course of the six-day trip, I talked to so many interesting people. Most of them were female solo travellers like myself, but there were also native French speakers, multilingual hostel staff, restaurant workers and shopkeepers.
A spicy chili sauce sweet potato noodle bowl sparked a conversation with a middle-aged couple next to me. Alexandre and Marianne were selling their Paris flat, which they had lived in for 22 years, before moving south to start a family. Their two daughters are 4 and 7. They are celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary this year. Marianne was surprised to see a woman eating alone and thought I was a local. She congratulated me on living abroad. She had also done so, moving from Germany to France at the age of 24. Now, she has spent more time here than there. She asked which culture I identify with most. “I don’t know”, I respond. She says, “Am I more French than German now? I don’t know either.”
At Kodawari Ramen, one of the older servers from Guangzhou asked me if I spoke Mandarin. I answered in Cantonese. He’s the first person I’ve spoken to in Cantonese on this continent. He moved to France 14 years ago and has a daughter who’s 21 who doesn’t speak Cantonese. He showed me photos of his family: wife, daughter and son, who’s 7. I told him how my dad doesn’t want me to speak Cantonese anymore. He said, “Come again and I’ll give you a free drink”. Kamran with his colourful delicate art sprawled on the street across from the Louvre depicting Parisian scenes. His back hunched across a new painting with his brushes and materials nearby. I approached, chose carefully and purchased. He’s originally from Iran and could never leave Paris. He needs to be surrounded by people from all over the world. He asked me where I’m from and I told him Canada. He’s been to the Louvre more than 100 times. He’s been selling his Paris paintings on the street since before I was born.
During my five-night stay, I met many of the ladies I shared a home with (some names have been altered). Claire, 22, is an Australian yuppie with the most gorgeous long straight gleaming red hair I’ve ever seen. She had just started a new job in Milano this year and was in Paris for vacation. Laura, 40, is an American nursing student who had faced multiple career changes and health issues. Struggling with student debt, she still longed to travel to Europe once more. Married to a British DJ for four years during her 20s, they divorced and now she stalks his new girlfriend on Instagram. Jessica, from New Orleans, currently lives in San Diego. She took a cruise with an elderly man, thinking there would be two beds. Miriam from Austria thought she would marry and have children with her boyfriend of four years. Now she’s in her first serious thing since then, with a lovely woman. An older Indian
woman visited, traveled between work meetings and went to Giverny. There was Sarah, an older lady who loved to walk from Germany and had just come from Morocco. Hafaella was a young Christian woman who had moved to work in Germany from Brazil. A Californian and Marylander came to see the Moulin Rouge. A young Russian girl was always speaking on the phone and never spoke to us.
Last but not least, there was Celeste. Celeste, a kindred youthful spirit and fellow creative, was open, nice, radiant and always a good time. She’s a Californian artist from San Diego and grew up right next to the beach. Her art career is over a decade old and she paints huge magnificent fine art murals. She came to Paris to attend all the big fine art fairs like Art Basel. I helped her move into her month-long studio sublet in Le Marais, beautifully furnished and fully equipped, even boasting a bathtub and washer/dryer. We dragged her heavy bag up six flights of stairs—a delightfully exhausting “Emily in Paris” moment. The next day we saw le Château de Versailles together and it was breathtakingly stunning (more in the poem below). She recently finished her time in Paris by coming to visit me in the south before going to London for an art show she was having at her friend’s gallery.
Ultimately, was going to Paris worth it? Absolutely! I’m incredibly grateful for this experience, the people I met and this time in my life when I can just pack a bag and go exploring. If you’ve never really travelled before, I recommend becoming an au pair. Most countries welcome young adults aged 18-30. Staying with a friendly host family, travelling around Europe and living your best life without virtually any expenses are experiences that you can only capture during the short period before adulthood begins (career, family, children, mortgage, etc). So, this is your gentle nudge to take a big leap of faith and give yourself an unforgettable experience. There’s too much to include here, so perhaps the following poems can fill in the blanks. After all, life happens so fast; how can we even begin to capture it all?
Elle
Paris was like
A grey rollercoaster
That spun you around
Up and down
And when it was over
Left you disappointed
Because you expected more
You expected the feeling you got
When you looked at their beautiful pictures
And mouthwatering food
And snatched outfits
And iconic city backdrops
But when you looked
At your pictures
All you could see was
Your “messy” hair
Your “double chin”
Your “awkward pose”
Your “gimmicky face”
Like your default setting is
Insecurity
We are not models
Or influencers
With hordes of makeup artists
Professional photographers
And personal trainers
To help us curate a flawless Instagram feed, body and face
We are simply us
You and me
Two young girls
In a gorgeous, historical city
SO STOP RUSHING AROUND
Walking 10 steps ahead of me
Running onto the subway
Without looking back
To see the doors almost close on me
So many times I was thinking
“She’s only here one more day,
One more meal,
One more morning”
Until she was gone
And I could have my big sigh of relief
And slowly prance around the city
At my pace
Like it had been built just for me
Like the kind street performer
Was making huge bubbles
In the Jardin des Tuileries
Near the Louvre and l’Orangerie
Just for me
Just for the little girl inside me
And all the little kids surrounding us
Jumping across the courtyard to pop them
Like the little wooden boats in the palatial fountain
Were made just for me
Like all the hundreds of surrounding people
Were there like me
To enjoy the nature, architecture, sky and golden sunlight all around us
Like all the waiters and cooks
At that delicious ramen shop
Designed like a Japanese fish market
Had been there just for me
Like each day
While walking the streets for hours
To get to my next destination
Was a movie made just about me
Like the universe knew
I would stumble upon a new breathtaking landmark
That had been put there just for me
Like when I stumbled upon the Bastille
Or that super old arch
Or the wall dedicated to Molière
Or the Sunday market full of antiques, second-hand books, clothes, pokemon cards, bags, perfume, tchotchkes, random decorative objects, cashmere scarves, guns, model boats and so much more
(Continue on page 5)
Finding Destiny in Paris (continued)
By Destiny Chan English Editor
In that market, everybody spoke to me in French
Some politely switched to English
After hearing my accent
Refreshing
To be in a place
Surrounded by locals
And for once
Not tourists
Une Semaine à Paris
And so I was finally there
Under La Tour Eiffel
Gazing upon the extravagant green gardens of Versailles
Lining up for the Mona Lisa
Touching the pyramid of the Louvre
Walking along the Seine while listening to Edith Piaf
Stumbling upon the Pont Alexandre on a long walk
Watching the construction fort enveloping the lower half of the Notre-Dame
Surviving off croissants and jerky sticks
Being accosted by tourist traps at the Sacre Cœur
Conmen trying to grab my wrist and weave a bracelet
Yelling and getting aggressive if you refuse to pay afterwards
Running up the steps and losing my breath to watch the sunset
Being jealous of the absolute efficiency of the subway maze
Being surrounded by Monet’s breathtaking water lilies
Having its peace ravaged
By hundreds of Instagrammers
Posing incessantly in front
Blocking it
As if it were just a background
Noticing a couple cuddling on a bench
Across the way from me
In the Jardin de Plantes
Getting fined €35 in Versailles
For not knowing it was a separate train ticket
Receiving Sadio’s number
After the hostel worker had
Slipped it to the receptionist
To hand me at checkout
The friendly face every morning
At the hot drink machine
Eating horrible tourist “French” food
And amazing Asian noodle soups
Feeling like a public nuisance coming back so late
Every night to the hostel room
Using the bathroom and shower for an hour
While everybody was already asleep
Highly aware of how most people are not from here
Highly aware of how diverse the languages and people are
Highly aware of how vibrant, cultural, beautiful and dynamic the city is
Highly aware of how it breathes style, purrs couture and stinks of privilege
For those who can afford to live here
For those who can afford to visit
And shop in the giant Louis Vuitton box building
On the Champs Elysées
One of the sellers at the Eiffel Tower
Saying ni hao, annyeonghaseyo, Singapore! and more
At the beginning of every hour
It is a diamond
Everyone goes “WOooOOoooOW!”
Students beside me
Parisian natives, I’m guessing
Switching between French and Mandarin flawlessly
Speaking more in French
Thinking I would not understand
Almost talked to them
Almost wanted him to turn back
And say the words I wanted to hear
Le Château de Versailles
Celeste and I
Non-stop laughter
Like we were on mushrooms
Like we were on another planet
Because every step we took
Was too incredible
Not even feeling real
They played insane music
For a delirious historical estate
Booming grand orchestral symphonies outside
Across acres upon acres
Of otherworldly symmetrical garden
Where the French gathered to collect
The heads of their last king and queen
“The water is like a silver platter”
“Omg the line is so long, should we just walk in?”
“Noo this is too much I need a coffee”
“HAHAHA”
While watching the sun go down on
The French monarchy’s fountains
Deep in the gardens
And in the Hall of Mirrors
We connect on identity
And trade stories
Of being called too white
Of dating white boys
Who didn’t treat us well
Of not knowing
Whether to
Pursue our dreams
Get married
Have kids
Travel
Or so many other lifepaths
We could visit
Or could have visited
Feeling so inspired by all the art
All the buildings
All the history
And freewriting
And free-living
And forgetting all the bad things that have ever happened to me
So many things I’m already forgetting
Days I spent there
Hairstyles I wore
I see in pictures
But had already forgotten
Celeste started crying
As we said goodbye
On the metro
After our day
Getting lost in Versailles
She was getting off
At Étienne Marcel
And me at Barbès Rochechouart
On fuchsia line M6
Blinking and wiping away tears
I left her seated on the subway
Doors closing
Hand waving
She had already turned her face away
photo: Destiny Chan
photo: Destiny Chan
photo: Destiny Chan
photo: Destiny Chan
photo: Destiny Chan
photo: Destiny Chan
IMAGE : À MONTRÉAL
HEALTH WELLNESS
&
Muffins pour petit-déjeuner aux bleuets et au citron
Pour environ 48 muffins. (Je crois fortement aux congélateurs.)
Ingrédients
Pour le streusel :
1 tasse de mélange de farine sans gluten
½ tasse de sucre granulé
1 cuillère à thé de cannelle moulue
4 cuillères à soupe de beurre fondu ou de margarine
Pour les muffins :
2 tasses de flocons d’avoine
2 tasses de mélange de farine sans gluten
1 cuillère à thé de sel
3 cuillères à thé de levure chimique
2 cuillères à thé de bicarbonate de soude
1 tasse de beurre ou margarine fondue
1 tasse de cassonade
2 tasses de lait d’avoine
2 cuillères à soupe de vinaigre de cidre de pomme
1 cuillère à thé d’extrait de vanille
2 tasses de bleuets (frais ou congelés)
½ tasse de compote de pommes
½ tasse de jus de citron (ou le jus d’un citron)
Le zeste d’un citron
4 cuillères à soupe de graines de Chia
Voici les recettes utilisées comme inspiration : https://beyondthebutter.com/lemon-blueberry-streusel-muffins/#��-recipe https://jz-eats.com/lemon-blueberry-oatmeal-muffins/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=1131075444_44695408_935982
Instructions
Pour le streusel :
Mélanger tous les ingrédients dans un bol jusqu’à l’obtention d’une consistance sableuse. Mettre de côté.
Pour les muffins :
1. Préchauffer le four à 375 °F et chemiser un moule à muffins (ou utiliser un moule à muffins en silicone).
2. Ajouter le vinaigre de cidre de pomme au lait d’avoine. Mettre de côté.
3. Dans un grand bol, mélanger les flocons d’avoine, le mélange de farine sans gluten, le sel, la poudre à pâte, le bicarbonate de soude, les graines de chia et la cassonade.
4. Ajouter le mélange de cidre de pomme et de lait d’avoine, la margarine fondue, le jus de citron, l’extrait de vanille et la compte de pommes.
5. Incorporer le zeste de citron et les bleuets.
6. Répartir uniformément la pâte dans les moules à muffins. Recouvrir d’une couche de streusel. Cuire au four pendant 15 à 20 minutes, ou jusqu’à ce qu’un cure-dent en ressorte propre.
7. Placer sur une grille pour refroidir.
Gâteaux glacés végétaliens au citron
Je ne voulais pas les appeler «gâteaux au fromage», car ce n’est pas vraiment cela, mais je crois que le gâteau au fromage végane est la référence la plus proche. La recette donne environ 12 ou 14 parts (ou 7, si vous préférez qu’ils soient plutôt grands). J’ai utilisé un moule à pâtisserie en silicone, que je recommande fortement. Cela dit, si vous arrivez à faire fonctionner un autre type de moule, allez-y!
Ingrédients
Pour la croûte :
1 tasse de dattes dénoyautées
1 tasse d’amandes (crues ou grillées)
Pour la garniture
1 ½ tasse de noix de cajou crues (trempées rapidement)
Jus d’un citron
Zeste d’un citron
1 canette de lait de coco entier (400 ml)
½ tasse de sirop d’érable (ou de miel)
Instructions
1. Dans un mélangeur, mélanger les dattes et les amandes ensemble. Mélanger jusqu’à l’obtention d’une sorte de pâte collante. Presser une quantité égale de pâte dans le fond du moule à muffins en silicone (ou dans des moules à muffin en papier, si c’est ce que vous avez de disponible). Ou ne le faites pas. Vous pouvez aussi la manger avec une cuillère. Je ne vous jugerai pas.
2. Mettre tous les ingrédients de la garniture dans le mélangeur. Mélanger jusqu’à l’obtention d’une consistance lisse. Versez-la uniformément dans les compartiments de votre moule à muffin en silicone (si vous en avez un), sur la petite croûte.
3. Congeler jusqu’à ce qu’elles soient solides ; environ 4 heures.
4. Pour servir, retirer le plateau du congélateur, sortir un petit gâteau glacé et le garnir de fruits frais. Les baies sont particulièrement bonnes, si vous en avez.
Par Geneviève Stacey Journaliste Bilingue
Par Geneviève Stacey Journaliste Bilingue
& ART DIVERTISSEMENT
Noël : Entre cadeaux, sapins et chocolats chauds, nous redevenons tous des enfants
Par Iris Capron Journaliste Française
Enchantée, Iris, 19 ans, adulte avec une âme d’enfant, amatrice de chocolat chaud, adepte des illuminations de sapins, éprise des décorations et des marchés de Noël. Pour faire court, je suis amoureuse de la période de Noël.
Ces semaines qui précèdent le 25 décembre sont magiques. Elles rendent le début de l’hiver, du froid et des examens plus supportables. Après une journée à la bibliothèque à écrire son essai ou à réviser son partiel, flâner au marché de Noël avec ses amis est d’un réconfort sans nom.
Ne serait-ce pas aussi le moment de s’installer sous une couverture avec un délicieux chocolat chaud et de regarder un film sur l’histoire de Kate, une citadine qui revient dans son village d’enfance et qui tombe amoureuse de son ami d’enfance? Un scénario connu, mais qui continue de charmer beaucoup de gens. Chaque année, je prends plaisir à regarder le film «Maman, j’ai raté l’avion» (Home Alone). Ce film met en scène le jeune Kevin McCallister, qui se retrouve seul chez lui après que sa famille est accidentellement partie sans lui à Paris. L’enfant doit alors affronter seul deux voleurs qui ont décidé de s’introduire par effraction. Les rires sont assurés; ce film ne
déçoit jamais. Il pourrait même vous faire verser quelques larmes lors des retrouvailles…
Le 24 décembre, familles et amis se réunissent autour d’un long repas. Entre la dinde, le saumon, le foie gras, le fromage et la bûche, on ne sait plus où donner de la tête. Pendant que les enfants attendent avec impatience le moment d’ouvrir leurs cadeaux, les adultes savourent le repas et les chocolats, en songeant à ce qu’ils trouveront sous le sapin du salon.
Le réveillon, c’est le moment des retrouvailles, mais aussi celui des longs débats politiques à table. En grandissant, ils sont devenus beaucoup plus intéressants. En tant qu’étudiante en science politique, je dois évidemment y participer. Pourquoi ne pas parler de procédures judiciaires à l’encontre de Marine Le Pen ou des promesses irréalistes de Jean-Luc Mélenchon?
Tous ont le sourire. Sauf peut-être l’adolescent qui a découvert un pull vert pomme au pied du sapin, alors qu’il attendait un nouveau jeu vidéo. Chaque année, c’est une occasion unique, mais qui passe trop rapidement. J’ai l’impression que le temps m’échappe, que les moments précieux s’envolent avant même que je ne puisse en profiter pleinement. Mais, si ces moments n’étaient pas aussi beaux, seraient-ils passés aussi vite?
Je vous souhaite un joyeux Noël, seul ou en compagnie, et à l’année prochaine!
Enfin, après avoir fait le tour des actualités du moment et des potins du voisinage, c’est l’heure du moment tant attendu. Que ce soit le 24 décembre en soirée ou le 25 au petit matin, l’ouverture des cadeaux est sacrée. Les plus jeunes se jettent sur leurs nouveaux jouets, tandis que les plus vieux regardent les leurs, trompant seulement eux-mêmes quant à leur intérêt pour les colis sous le sapin.
Kendrick Lamar: “ GNX ” Review
By Connell Simkin-Watt English Journalist
On November 22, 2024, Kendrick Lamar released his sixth album, “GNX”. It is dedicated to his hometown of Los Angeles. Throughout the 12 tracks, he raps over West Coast beats, with many of the tracks featuring up-and-coming LA rappers. As a big fan of his music, I will provide a track-by-track review, starting with a brief summary and review of each song, followed by my rankings and a final album rating.
Track 1: “wacced out murals”
Review: Over a beat sampling a poem by mariachi singer Deyra Barrera (who is also sampled on a few other tracks on the album), Kendrick Lamar reflects on his infamous beef with Drake, which took place earlier this year, as well as the controversy surrounding him being chosen to perform at the Super Bowl. He also raps about his resilience and role as a major voice in hip-hop.
Rating: 10/10
Track 2: “squabble up”
Review: You may recognize “squabble up” as the song teased at the beginning of the “Not Like Us” music video. The full track does not disappoint, as Kendrick demonstrates his ability to create a West Coast party anthem while retaining his lyrical prowess. Since its release, the song has gained significant traction, thanks to the buzz generated by the preview in the “Not Like Us” video.
Rating: 9/10
Track 3: “luther (with sza)”
Review: Over a smooth and vibrant instrumental, Kendrick and his long-time friend SZA go back and forth in a lyrical duet. They sing about a world without pain or suffering, replaced by happiness and peace. Their performance, combined with the instrumentals, creates an ethereal vibe.
Rating: 9/10
Track 4: “man at the garden”
Review: In “man at the garden,” Kendrick reflects on the sacrifices he made to get to where he is today. The title, “man at the garden,” likely refers to the biblical Garden of Eden. He references all of his achievements and everything he’s done to enter the garden.
Rating: 9/10
& ARTS ENTERTAINMENT
Kendrick Lamar: “GNX” Review
By Connell Simkin-Watt English Journalist
Track 5: “hey now (feat. dody6)”
Review: Serving as an interlude between the lyrical masterclasses of “man at the garden” and track six (“reincarnated”), “hey now” is a high-energy banger featuring underground LA rapper Dody6. Both artists shine in their verses.
Rating: 8.5/10
Track 6: “reincarnated”
Review: “reincarnated” serves as an introduction to the second half of “GNX”. It samples 2Pac and continues a Spanish poem by Deyra Barrera. In the song, Kendrick raps from the perspectives of artists he is inspired by and feels connected to. The first one is R&B guitarist John Lee Hooker, and the second is Billie Holiday. He then concludes the track by rapping from his own perspective; explaining we can build upon the artistic greatness of legendary musicians who came before us while learning from their mistakes.
Rating: 10/10
Track 7: “tv off (feat. lefty gunplay)”
Review: In “tv off,” Kendrick reunites with producer DJ Mustard, who also produced “Not Like Us.” The track is both a West Coast anthem and one where, by telling people to “turn the TV off,” he encourages them to stop passively consuming and avoid conformity. It has also become popular for the second half, which begins with Kendrick emphatically yelling “mustard,” which has since been referenced by companies like Heinz. Heinz created a billboard advertising their mustard, which reads, “MUSTAAAAAAAAARD: If the goat is calling for mustard, it has to be Heinz.” The track also features an outro by underground LA rapper Lefty Gunplay, who seems to reference Kendrick’s diss tracks aimed at Drake. However, he humorously implies that Drake should turn off his TV during Kendrick’s Super Bowl halftime show.
Rating: 8/10
Track 8: “dodger blue (feat. wallie the sensei, siete7x and roddy ricch)”
Review: This track is an ode to Kendrick’s hometown of Los Angeles and is filled with references to neighbourhoods like Compton (where Kendrick grew up), simultaneously reflecting on the hardships he faced while growing up. The track also features underground LA artists Wallie the Sensei, Siete7x, as well as Roddy Ricch (most well-known).
Rating: 9/10
Track 9: “peekaboo (feat. azchike)”
Review: This song serves as an interlude before the last few songs of the album. While it is still a good song, it is definitely the worst song on the album.
Rating: 7.5/10
Track 10: “heart part 6”
Review: During Kendrick Lamar’s beef with Drake, the two rappers released diss tracks each mocking a well-known song series by the other rapper. Kendrick released 6:16 in LA about Drake’s timestamp and city series and Drake released The Heart Part 6 in reference to Kendrick’s The Heart series. In “heart part 6,” Kendrick reclaims the series with a very heartfelt song about his love and respect for his former Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) labelmates.
Rating: 10/10
Track 11: “gnx (feat. hitta j3, youngthreat and peysoh)”
Review: The title track of the album is a collaboration between Kendrick Lamar and other LA rappers. They created a track filled with pride for their city. The hook states, “tell ‘em {artist name} did it”, referencing their role in reviving the West Coast rap scene.
Rating: 9/10
Track 12: “gloria (with sza)”
Review: The 12th and final track on “GNX” features both Kendrick and SZA rapping/singing about a relationship. At first, it seems to be about Kendrick’s marriage, but the final line of the song reveals that it’s actually a metaphor for his relationship with his pen, or, in other words, his rapping skills. The title of the song likely refers to the Spanish word “gloria”, which means glory, especially since Barrera’s poem ends at the beginning of this track. Additionally, this relates to Kendrick’s search for rap glory.
Rating: 10/10
“GNX” by Kendrick Lamar is my favourite album of 2024. While this album isn’t as lyrically focused as some of his others, it perfectly balances West Coast bangers with lyrical tracks, making for an amazing listening experience. Here are my rankings of each song, followed by my overall rating.
Song Rankings:
1. “reincarnated”
2. “heart part 6”
3. “wacced out murals”
4. “gloria”
5. “luther”
6. “squabble up”
7. “dodger blue”
8. “man at the garden”
9. “gnx”
10. “hey now”
11. “tv off”
12. “peekaboo”
Album Rating: 9/10
&
ACTUALITÉ OPINION
2024 : Où en sont les droits des femmes ?
« Vous n’auriez pas ce travail si vous n’étiez pas belle. » En 2014, l’homme qui était sur le point de devenir président des États-Unis a dit cela à une journaliste qui lui posait des questions. Donald Trump, élu président en 2016 et 2024, n’est pas connu pour sa délicatesse envers les femmes, mais plutôt pour son sexisme. Ses priorités ne sont pas les droits des femmes. Les États-Unis ont déjà fait marche arrière : en 2022, ils ont révoqué l’arrêt Roe v. Wade, qui garan- tissait le droit à l’avortement dans tous les États. Aujourd’hui, l’élection de Donald Trump remet en question les droits des femmes, qui ont reculé dans plusieurs pays du monde. Selon l’organisation Focus 2030, la situation des femmes s’est même aggravée dans 18 pays.1
De l’autre côté du monde, en Afghanistan, le régime taliban réduit désormais les femmes au silence, selon un article publié sur France 24, le 30 octobre 2024. Après leur avoir interdit de sortir le visage découvert, le ministre de la vertu met un terme à la liberté d’expression de la moitié de la population afghane: les femmes ne peuvent plus réciter le Coran à voix haute ni parler entre elles. Cette nouvelle
Merry “Consumermas”
By Leanne Eyre Section Editor
In our post-Christian era, “Merry Christmas” is gradually being overshadowed by more neutral greetings that are considered more culturally appropriate in our increasingly diverse society. Phrases such as “Happy Holidays”, “Season’s Greetings” and “Winter Wishes” are now commonplace. A quick glance at the Christmas cards on store shelves confirms this change. This change reflects Canada’s increasingly multicultural landscape, with the goal of embracing a variety of celebrations, such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s, and more, while better accommodating secular perspectives. However, this shift is not just about inclusivity; it also serves the interests of consumerism. By separating Christ from Christmas, retailers can market the holiday to a wider audience, eliminating any association with specific traditions. As a result, Christmas is increasingly framed as a celebration of “holiday cheer”, inseparably linked to consumerism and gift-giving. Marketers flood the season with festive lines of repackaged products adorned with snowflakes, Santas, reindeer and elves, all designed to encourage spending. Limited-edition drinks and snacks, ugly Christmas sweaters, peppermint-scented candles and festive cosmetics are ubiquitous, dominating both physical aisles and online marketplaces. The underlying message is clear: the more money you spend, the brighter and more magical your holiday
a suscité beaucoup de réactions. Par exemple, l’ancienne diplomate afghane a critiqué l’irrationalité de cette nouvelle mesure : « Cela dépasse la misogynie. Cela illustre un niveau extrême de contrôle et d’absurdité. »2 Son voisin, l’Iran, interdit certaines professions aux femmes comme la participation à l’exercice du pouvoir et oblige le port du hijab. Dans ces pays du Moyen-Orient où le patriarcat prime, la liberté et les droits des femmes sont tout simplement bafoués.
Plus récemment encore, au Japon, le chef du Parti conservateur, Naoki Hyakuta, a suggéré d’imposer l’hystérectomie aux Japonaises à 30 ans.3 Cette stérilisation vise à lutter contre le déclin démographique du pays. Cet homme suggère également d’interdire aux femmes de plus de 25 ans de se marier et aux femmes de plus de 18 ans d’étudier. Il veut ainsi créer la panique du célibat chez les plus jeunes, ce qui devrait entraîner une hausse des mariages et du taux de natalité. La femme ne serait-elle pas autre chose qu’un simple objet, un appareil reproducteur, une poche de kangourou servant à protéger les bébés du froid ?
À l’inverse de ce retour vers le Moyen Âge, dans certaines démocraties occidentales, plusieurs avancées ont été enregistrées. Par exemple, le 8 mars 2024, la France est devenue le premier pays à inscrire dans sa constitution le droit des femmes à l’interruption volontaire de grossesse (IVG). Toutefois, malgré ces progrès, un long chemin reste à parcourir. En France, les lois de 2000 sur la parité ne sont pas entièrement respectées dans les municipalités, et le sexisme y est parfois même trop décomplexé. Au Canada, malgré un investissement public dans plusieurs
will be. Who wouldn’t want their house to look like it’s from a Hallmark movie? These idyllic aesthetics—think twinkling lights, snowy streets, perfect families—are not only featured in ads, but also flood our Instagram and Pinterest feeds. Designed to evoke feelings of nostalgia, these ads reinforce the idea that the holiday spirit is just a purchase or two away.
The pressure to recreate the perfect holiday experience comes at a cost... financially, the burden is overwhelming. Many families overspend, whether to keep up with the latest trends, buy the newest tech gadgets, or indulge in gourmet meals. Debt can quickly accumulate. In fact, 28% of credit card holders are still paying for their holiday spending from last year.1 This is a harsh reminder that financial stress can linger long after the festivities are over. The environmental impact is just as severe. Buying too much wrapping paper and limited-edition holiday items packaged in excessive amounts contributes to the growing problem of waste, filling landfills every year. Moreover, producing and transporting seasonal goods requires huge amounts of energy and resources. Thirdly, there is a spiritual cost. The true meaning of Christmas—the celebration of Jesus’ birth, the source of lasting peace and joy—is regrettably diminished by the rush to keep up with material demands and holiday to-do lists. There is nothing inherently wrong with decorating, buying into festivities or giving gifts. However, when taken too far, we risk replacing gratitude with greed, generosity with receiving and reflection with distraction.
domaines (santé reproductive des femmes, lutte contre la violence faite aux femmes, droits des femmes autochtones), les féminicides ont augmenté, tout comme l’écart salarial entre les hommes et les femmes. En 2021, une femme gagnait en moyenne 89 cents pour chaque dollar gagné par un homme.4
La montée de l’extrême droite remet également en question la vision des pays occidentaux comme pionniers en matière de droits des femmes. En Italie, par exemple, l’arrivée de Giorgia Meloni au pouvoir ne semble pas être une bonne nouvelle pour le droit à l’avortement des Italiennes. Sans pour autant modifier le droit à l’IVG, Meloni s’inscrit dans un mouvement pro-vie. Elle a par exemple promulgué un amendement autorisant les militants anti-avortement à entrer dans les cliniques où les femmes se rendent avant d’avoir recours à une IVG.5 Il y a une pénurie de médecins disposés à pratiquer des avortements. Ne sont-ils pas censés sauver des vies? Le refus n’est-il pas synonyme de destruction de la vie d’un enfant non désiré, d’une femme ou d’une famille incapable de supporter un nouveau-né?
Aujourd’hui, bien que le patriarcat soit censé avoir pris fin, des enfants non désirés naissent. Les droits des femmes sont toujours menacés. Il est important de les défendre. Tous les êtres humains, qu’ils soient nés hommes ou femmes, ont les mêmes droits et libertés.
1. Les inégalités femmes-hommes dans le monde 2024 : dossier spécial. (n.d.). Focus 2030.
2. Jonah, A. (2024, October 30). En Afghanistan, le régime taliban réduit désormais les femmes au silence. france24.com
3. Uguen, L. (2024, November 21). Baisse de la natalité au Japon : un leader d’extrême droite propose de stériliser les Japonaises à 30 ans. Elle.
4. Mouch, L. (2024, March 12). Droits des femmes au Canada : des reculs et quelques avancées. ONFR.
5. Hanula, B. (2024, November 12). La condition des femmes sous Meloni. major-prepa.com
Reflecting on my childhood Christmases, I don’t remember the presents I received, the fancy meals, nor the holiday-themed decorations and products. What remains in my memory are the warm feelings of being with family and the reminder of Jesus’s birth, the ultimate gift. This Christmas, I invite you to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of consumerism, and think about what’s really important. Take the time to be present with those you love. Find ways to show kindness to those around you. Focus on creating meaningful memories. In the end, the most lasting gifts aren’t wrapped in paper and bows, but in the love and hope we share with each other.
1. Dickler, Jessica. “28% of Credit Card Users Are Still Paying off Last Year’s Holiday Debt. How to Get This Season’s Tab under Control.” CNBC, October 21, 2024. https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/21/28percent-ofcredit-card-users-are-still-paying-off-last-years-holiday-debt.html
Par Iris Capron Journaliste Française
photo: Pexels
GAMES FUN
Holly Jolly Holiday Puzzle/ Vacances de Noël Crossword /Mots croisés
Créé par Amie Sosa
ACROSS:
4. Décoration scintillante sur l’arbre.
5. Warm drink with marshmallows.
7. A gift under the tree.
8. French word for Christmas.
9. Flocons blancs qui tombent du ciel.
DOWN:
1. Where stockings are hung.
2. December 25th!
3. Une structure de neige que les enfants construisent.
5. Le rire du Père Noël.
6. What you might hear on a sleigh ride.
PARTICIPEZ POUR GAGNER UN PRIX AVANT 23 JANVIER 2025
Envoyez vos réponses aux mots croisés à : COURRIEL: operations@protemglendon.com INSTAGRAM: @protemglendon
ENTER TO WIN A PRIZE BEFORE JANUARY 23 2025
Send your crossword answers to: EMAIL: operations@protemglendon.com INSTAGRAM: @protemglendon
VIE ÉTUDIANTE
Real Talk: Academic Pressure
Par Christina Savoiardo Rédactrice de sections
It’s 9:42 p.m. on a Wednesday. I had two back-toback online classes, from 3 to 9 p.m. I’m feeling my usual Wednesday night mix of confusion, relief, pensiveness and exhaustion. The fall term is almost over! Unfortunately, exams are coming up again, which means that we students have to go back to studying all day, every day, and try our best to be academic weapons. However, the thought of grades and tests may be a hard subject for many of us. It’s also difficult to avoid, especially when academics are a frequent topic of conversation on campus.
As I write this, I have just received some new grades for past assignments. Whenever I’m about to receive a grade, I always try to prepare myself. I cannot get too excited and hopeful, or be too negative and think I failed. When I saw my two newest grades on eClass, I didn’t know how to feel. It’s natural for students to strive for the highest possible marks and to give their all. I’m like that, too. The problem is that when people tell me about their successes, I immediately start comparing. If someone does better than me, I wonder if I’m not doing enough. If someone achieves a major goal, I start wondering if I’m taking too long to achieve mine. Whenever someone starts a new job, I start comparing myself. I wonder why I can’t get a job, no matter how hard I try. The list goes on. Of course, when a
professor discusses student performance in a course, I wonder how the rest of the class is doing. When one of my teachers shared that the top mark on the test was 85%, I immediately started comparing my own mark. What did they do to get such good marks? How can I achieve similar success? Why am I always getting worse grades? Why do I feel so unintelligent?
Generally speaking, I always try to maintain a positive outlook and focus on the good. I’m always looking for ways to be kind to others and make sure that everything is fine. However, sometimes these negative thoughts just pop up, and they’re really hard to get rid of. In school, I always try to stay positive and work towards achieving my goals. I try my best at everything, but I always compare myself to how I was: an excellent student with lots of energy. I want to know why I changed. I have always been passionate about learning and organization. I still try to improve, even if I don’t feel like it. But sometimes it’s difficult, especially when my mind starts telling me lies about myself.
If you also struggle with negative thoughts about self-worth due to academic pressure, just remember that you’re not alone. Although academics occupy a large part of our lives as university students, it’s essential to remember that your grades and academic achievements don’t define who you are.
Yes, achieving good grades is fulfilling and important for success in courses and obtaining a degree. However, having poor grades doesn’t mean that you’re any less valuable as a person. What really matters is how much effort you put in. Don’t let poor performance on tests or assignments get you down. Instead, push yourself even harder. You’ll be surprised at how much you can achieve. Making an academic comeback after struggling, whether it’s mentally, physically, or academically, can feel impossible. But no matter the circumstances, you have 100% the potential to succeed and improve. Your negative thoughts do not define you. You are worth more than the voice in your head telling you otherwise. Continue to push yourself to be your best self, take breaks when needed, talk to someone if you feel overwhelmed, and, most importantly, you can do this!
Drawing: Christina Savoiardo
photo:
Pexels