November 18 issue

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2015 ISSUE 9

Identity, Tolerance, and Understanding

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EDITORIAL

From heinous bombings in Paris to racial violence in Midwestern colleges, life really seems to be imitating the Hobbesian narrative - nasty, brutish, and short. While non-traditional external factors seriously threaten our life, rising internal conflicts undermine our social cohesion and threaten our lifestyle. Today, there are more refugees and internally displaced humans than ever before. One in every 122 humans is a refugee, internally displaced, or seeking asylum. Not only are we faced with a grave humanitarian crisis, but this is also a significant long term threat to global security. Many argue that this is ominous of rising tensions and intensifying conflicts.

However, prominent thought leaders like Steven Pinker suggest that we are currently living in the most peaceful time in history - despite ISIS, Crimea, Gaza, school shootings, campus rapes, wife-beating athletes, and lethal cops, the world is much safer than it was during the World Wars and the nuclear confrontations during the Cold War era.

It’s hard to imagine it, isn’t it? Pinker argues that through mass media we only see a hyperbolic assessment of the state of the world.

Yet, to it is difficult to dismiss, quantify and compare the pain and suffering we see first hand. Whichever camp of thought you belong to, let us recognize the value of our life and lifestyle and celebrate it. It is a true way of appreciating and defending our gifts. The piece opposite by Elizabeth McDermott, beautifully encapsulates the essence of what I share - I hope you enjoy it, in addition to the variety of musings we have distilled for you in this edition of The Mike.

Following the Friday November 13 series of attacks on Paris U of T’s President Meric Gertler released a statement reproduced below. The Mike Masthead expresses its sadness and solidarity with the French community during this time of pain and continued resistance.

The University of Toronto community shares the shock and sadness felt around the world in response to the deadly attacks in Paris on November 13, 2015. Our thoughts are with those whose loved ones were killed or injured, and with all the people of France. In particular, our thoughts are with the students, faculty, and staff on our three campuses who are from France or who have friends and loved ones there.

On learning of the attacks, we contacted all students and faculty members currently in France who are registered with the University of Toronto Safety Abroad Office. We also posted information on the U of T home page for students and faculty and their family and friends. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as new information is received. Members of the University community experiencing grief or distress are invited to access our Health and Wellness services or the Employee Assistance Program.

The University of Toronto flag will be flown at half-mast on Monday, November 16, Tuesday, November 17, and Wednesday, November 18 in solidarity with the three days of official mourning declared by French president François Hollande – and in sympathy with all those mourning the lives taken in these terrible incidents.

Ms. Christina Bezerra living@readthemike. com

Living ARE the new Black.

Write or Edit for us editorinchief@themike.com

editorinchief@readthemike.com The Mike is the Official Bi-weekly Student Newspaper of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto, publishing since 1947. The Mike has a circulation of 2000, delivered to over 40 newsstands across the University of Toronto: St. George Campus and is published by The Mike Publications Inc. The Mike is printed by MasterWeb Inc on recycled newsprint stock and is a member of Canadian University Press. Copyright: 2012 The Mike Publications Inc. All Rights Reserved. All editorial inquires should be sent to editorinchief@readthemike.com. The Mike reserves the right to edit all submissions

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EDITORIAL How lucky we are to live! We should shout it from the rooftops; how incredibly lucky we are that we are here. How can we ever repay the world for letting us stay here for a time? To sing, laugh, play, love, and be loved; what a glorious thing it is to live.

At a talk over at the Bioethics Institute, Sr. Toni recently said, “Everyday is a day for dancing.” She should know – she’s had 95 years to find a way to dance each day. She’s right, you know. Life does not “go on” as if it were a Clydesdale plodding on for another day. No – life glides and leaps and bounces, and through it all we have been asked to join the dance.

We should take everyone with us, no matter if they step on our toes. Better a bruised foot than for a single person not to hear the music. And rather than let a friend sit this one out, we must learn to see that some people need to dance differently. Some may only be able to sway, but these are the facets that lend life its magnificent luster.

I can do the Charleston, if you can do a jig, and I’m sure someone around here can waltz. Let’s dazzle them, and not let a day go by without dancing, or leave one fellow dancer forgotten.

Undergraduate Research Forum ACADEMIC YEAR 2015-2016

About the Project The purpose of the undergraduate research forum project is to give aspiring and young scholars the opportunity to hone their research and presentation skills within a field of their interest, by assisting and guiding them in the production of a research poster. The poster is meant to give expression and form— through short paragraphs, graphic strategies, and/or pictures— to their research.

“Our goal is to enhance the undergraduate research culture at St. Michael’s College...”

This initiative offers participants the platform to share and disseminate their work within the professional and academic life of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto, thus propelling their professional career.

How to submit and participate All students registered at St. Michael’s College and SMC minors are eligible to apply.

Visit stmikes.utoronto.ca/research-forum for submission procedures.

Q: What is essentially required?

A: Produce a research project to be illustrated on a 3 x 4 ft. poster and defend it before a professional jury of three people.

Q: What will this achieve?

A: Professional network opportunity, advance professional and academic skills and career, populate CV achievements, win prizes of up to $500, and earn a St. Michael’s College certificate.

St. Michael's College, 81 St. Mary Street, Toronto ON M5S 1J4 Canada Tel: +1-416-926-1300 Ext. 3142

Prof. Domenico Pietropaolo Principal, St. Michael’s College

Your Imprint -Your Research contribution -Your voice -Your presentation skills -Your expertise

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ARTS

The ROM’s Friday Night Live event is an enjoyable night, but perhaps not the best way to truly experience the museum’s wonders Kaitlyn Telford CONTRIBUTOR For the month of November the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) will be hosting weekly Friday Night Live (FNL) events that allow attendees to peruse exhibits while having drinks and trendy new foods from vendors all over Toronto. Oh, and by the way, there is live music and a huge dance floor! Each week the museum focuses on a particular theme and last Friday’s was Superstition Week. Since the event took place on the eerie night of Friday the 13th, the museum was filled with creepy exhibits and shows that all had to do with superstitions.

The length of the line to enter the museum wrapped around the block and was an indicator of the sheer amount of people who would be attending.The ROM was transformed from an iconic museum to a type of nightclub that promised an immersive nightlife experience. When first entering, most guests were in awe at the size of the dinosaur replicas and how sublimely they were lit with deep purple and pink. Projected on the screen behind a massive brontosaurus was the cult classic movie The Crow; the story of a man brought back to life to seek revenge for his wife and unborn child. The movie was surrounded by rumour and mystery in that while filming, Brandon Lee (son of the famous Bruce Lee) tragically died due to an accident on set. Hence, the movie was the perfect start to a superstition themed event.

Using the trusty map that was handed to me at the front doors, I ventured in to see what was on each of the ROM’s three floors. True to the theme of superstition, each floor had superstitious activities or exhibits like Inner Goddess Tarot card readings, talks of Egyptian myths, and even a bat cave! Musical acts of all genres were scattered about the event. A notable performance came from hey!dw who killed it on her drum set surrounded by an intense light show.

The food was an eclectic mix of cultures from gourmet doubles and roti to sushi samplers and an underwhelming Japanese grilled cheese. All booths had vegetarian options and a few vegan options like at The Tamale Girl booth. I personally tried one of their spicy tamales, and it was delicious. Although the tamale itself was small, it was presented in a beautiful corn tusk, wrapped tightly, and served with a jalapeño salsa on the side.

While some believed that the addition of food and drinks made the museum more exciting as a whole, I personally felt that it distracted from the incredible exhibits.The best exhibits, including the bat cage and medicinal times exhibit, did not permit any food or beverages. Consequently, many of the attendees missed the museum’s best pieces because they were preoccupied with food and drinks Furthermore, the reasonable cover price of $15.00 was offset by the ROM buck prices. These “bucks” could be purchased throughout the museum at a cost of $6.00 each for both food and drinks.Ticket prices were perhaps reasonable for drinks but a bit steep for the portion size of food. Unfortunately, the line up at the door was a harbinger for the night.

Most lines were extremely long, including lines for coat check, food and drink booths, and even the washroom. In contrast, waiting in line for food and drinks was a unique experience as there was so much to look at; the wait hardly registered.

Overall, the event is very unique and worth attending. FNL is a fun and informative night to raise money for the Royal Ontario Museum. In saying that, do not go expecting to peruse the permeant exhibits with caution and grace. To give the museum justice, I suggest visiting it during regular hours as well. If you are interested in attending the ROM’s FNL events visit www.rom.on.ca for more information, and remember to arrive early!

Neighbours

Voice of the Land

Businessman on a Horse

Briana Armson CONTRIBUTOR As busy students, it is easy for many public artworks on campus to go unnoticed. On our walks to class, we pass by famous pieces by renowned artists, often unaware of their relevance in the art world.

U of T’s impressive collection contains many figural sculptures scattered throughout the St. George campus. As you’ll discover, these statues both beautify the campus and invite the viewer to stop and take a moment.

Walking through Queen’s Park, you might notice a figural sculpture in the northeast corner. This three-metre tall statue, titled “Voice of the Land”, is a memorial to Canadian poet Al Purdy. Purdy’s poetry throughout the 20th century is celebrated and beloved by Canadians, earning him the reputation of “Canada’s first true national poet.” The statue was erected in 2008 by artists and couple Edwin and Veronica Dam de Nogales. Hailing from Ontario and Spain, the pair is internationally recognized for their outdoor public works. “Voice of the Land” was created to honour Purdy’s legacy and contributions to Canadian culture. Many figural statues portray the subject in a formal, rigid pose; however, Purdy is immortalized in a relaxed seated position that appears very natural. This, combined with the figure’s contemplative expression, invites the viewer to overlook the park with him.

Purdy’s form is not idealized but rather realistic and humble, illustrating the down-to-earth qualities of one of Canada’s most adored poets.

If you keep walking towards St. Michael’s College, you might come across a sculpture titled “Neighbours”, erected in 2001. Located in front of the Pontifical Institute of Medieval Studies, this piece depicts two women leaning against a bench facing one another. The artist behind the work, Joe Rosenthal, is known for the rotund physicality of his figures. Rosenthal attended the Ontario College of Art and Design and has since made a name for himself in the art world, earning accolades from organizations such as the Art Gallery of Ontario. His work is scattered throughout the city, including another piece on campus in which two women embrace one another titled “Consolation”.

The robust bronze bodies in “Neighbours” command attention, yet the intimacy and casual nature of their interaction allow the figures to seamlessly fit into their surroundings. Engaged in conversation, the figures’ relaxed stances create an inviting atmosphere and encourage the viewer to have a friendly exchange of one’s own.

Entering St. Mike’s may lead to the discovery of an unusual statue hidden in a courtyard behind Brennan Hall. Unlike the regal equestrian monument of Edward VII in Queen’s Park, “Businessman on a Horse” is a sculpture that depicts humour instead of heroism. Erected in 1989, this bronze piece was inspired by the businessmen of downtown Toronto. The artist, William McElcheran, is internationally recognized for this subject matter and his plump businessmen clad in porkpie hats can be seen in public spaces around the world. Like Rosenthal, McElcheran also attended OCAD and won the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for the work he produced during his studies. Rather than posing majestically, the horse sags underneath the weight of its portly rider and casts its eyes downward.

The man, wearing a business suit instead of the usual armour, appears dazed and hardly ready for battle. The visual irony of a chubby man atop a slender horse highlights the playful nature of the piece, proving that sculpture can be fun.

We may not always fully appreciate the artwork that surrounds us on campus, but a little research shows that influential artists are responsible for these works. Next time you come across pieces such as these, I encourage you to take a closer look and enjoy U of T’s beautiful public art collection.

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ARTS Hart House Theatre’s modern-day adaptation of Hamlet proves to be a success 4 stars out of 5 Stephanie Martins

ARTS EDITOR

On November 4th, 2015 I was fortunate enough to attend the premiere of Hart House Theatre’s production of Hamlet. After interviewing director Paolo Santalucia for The Mike’s last issue, I couldn’t have been more excited to see his take on what is often considered the world’s most iconic tragedy. The pressure on Santalucia and his team is nothing short of overwhelming since Hamlet has not been performed at Hart House for nearly a decade. However, the play has proven to be an overall success, particularly in terms of its contemporary spin, set, and seasoned actors.

When I say contemporary spin, I do not mean an adaptation in which Hamlet is being performed in Hawaiian shirts with machine guns. Rather, I mean that the play stays true to its original form but is just set in a more modern-day setting. Instead of the play’s events revolving around a change in monarchy, it appears more to be about a change in estate and financial dealings. Furthermore, characters wear normal modern-day clothing, they eat modern foods, use technology, but still speak in Shakespearian prose. It is quite interesting to see a figure like Hamlet walking around in Converse shoes, with an iPod, and his MacBook.

The most noticeable contemporary twist is the music chosen to accompany specific scenes and set changes. For example, this performance includes “Feelin’ Good” by Michael Bublé, a few Arcade Fire songs, and most notably Britney Spears’ “Toxic.” In fact, my favourite moment of the play is when “Toxic” is performed on stage accompanying the striking images from The Murder of Gozago (a play that is performed within Hamlet). The song is sung by four musicians who layer their vocals on top of one another’s while two of the same musicians play intricate riffs on the piano. The haunting image of the poison paired with the lyrics from “Toxic” make for one extremely powerful scene.

I imagine that when director Paolo Santalucia was first imagining his production he was most challenged by two scenes in Hamlet; one being the appearance of the ghost of Hamlet’s father and the second being Ophelia’s drowning. I am sure he wondered how these scenes could be performed on stage in a contemporary way. How was he going to show a drowning amidst a set that would not change very frequently and would be mostly composed of steel rods and chairs? Surely, if he were to merely have the ghost dress in white and walk on stage it would contradict his contemporary vision. Fortunately, Santlucia not only figured out a way to face these challenges but he managed to make them the strongest spectacles of the show.

The ghost of Hamlet’s father first appears offstage and is only illuminated with a flashlight; however, throughout the play the apparition travels through the theatre, constantly breaking the fourth wall. When facing Hamlet one-on-one, the ghost is placed high up on a steel structure obscured by plastic sheets. This makes the ghost’s shadow appear large

and contorted, which in turn is supported with fog, flickering lights, storm sound effects, and a deep echo-like voice. Consequently, the scene does not appear trivial but actually quite momentous and frightening. It had my heart racing!

Ophelia’s drowning is not any less of a spectacle. Though there is not any actual water on stage, the scene showcases a frail Ophelia dragging herself around and climbing up a large mount of tossed, wooden chairs. Sounds of water trickling accompany the scene and slowly fill the theatre, getting louder as Ophelia nears the top. The small dimmed lights hidden amongst mount of chairs makes the entire scene have a feel of romance to it, and when Ophelia lowers herself into the mount of chairs she only leaves behind the sound of water rippling. The scene evokes a true melancholy from the audience and emphasizes the morbid themes in Hamlet.

Although the music, set, and special effects are all outstanding throughout the play, the same can not be said about the acting. This reviewer is disappointed by the portrayal of a few characters, in particular Hamlet. Dan Mousseau, who plays Hamlet, often spoke too quickly and with too much emotion. As a member of the audience, it is difficult enough to catch every Shakespearean line, but it is even more difficult when the lines are frantically rushed. Therefore, those who were not familiar with the play often felt lost and excluded from punchlines. Moreover, Mousseau’s over-the-top performance stereotypically portrays Hamlet as a one dimensional angsty teen, when he is in fact a strategic, intellectual, and calculated young man. The performances that stood out most were from seasoned actors well into their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Annemieke Wade, who plays Hamlet’s mother, is extremely genuine and natural. Likewise, Thomas Gough, who plays Polonious, hits his punchlines effortlessly and always conveys the perfect amount of passion. The grace and experience of these seasoned actors overshadowed the overly emotional performances of other actors who play much larger roles. Unfortunately, this inconsistency hurts the play as a whole.

Towards the end of the play, it is quite clear that the audience is a bit restless being that the play is three hours long with only one intermission. The second half of the play does drag on a bit; however, the overall production is very interesting and different. Paolo’s creative direction is apparent throughout, and the play’s set and soundtrack is one that will surely capture audiences. Furthermore, the play’s astounding spectacles trick the audiences’ eyes while also touching their hearts. As a result, this production not only pays respect to Shakespeare’s touching work but draws in the mind of the modern-day student.

Hamlet will be running until November 21st, 2015 and tickets are only $15.00 for students.

For more ticket information please visit hearthousetheatre.ca

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Salena Barry MANAGING EDITOR

This week the University of Toronto Students’ Union (UTSU) is hosting eXpression Against Oppression (XAO), a series of campus-wide events and initiatives to engage with issues of equity and social justice. Friday, November 20 will be commemorate the deaths of Transpeople of Colour at Queen’s Park Crescent. Tuesday, November 17, a clothing drive for northwestern Ontario’s Mishkeegogamang First Nation took place, corresponding with another widely celebrated social justice event, the anti-consumerist Buy Nothing Day. XAO week kicked off on Monday, November 16 with the F*ck Your Bigotry event on Monday November 16th, coinciding with the United Nations’ International Day of Tolerance.

All of these events give students the sobering opportunity to deeply reflect on these issues, share their experiences, and learn from each other.

It seems that now, (more than ever) perhaps thanks to social media, a number of issues have garnered significant mainstream news attention.

Among them were the 50/50 gender splitting of Justin Trudeau’s new federal cabinet, Caitlyn Jenner-inspired Halloween outfits, and, more recently, the racial tension escalating at the University of Missouri following the resignation of President Tim Wolfe on accusations of inaction to resolve discrimination on campus. The horrific events in Paris and the subsequent burning of a Peterborough mosque are part of an ongoing publicizing of the complex issues of oppression and marginalization.

well-meaning, this hashtag worked to say that everyone is treated unfairly in one way or another, of equal value, suffers, and that ultimately, as is true, everyone’s life does matter. However, this hashtag, or competing movement, worked to shift attention away from the specific oppression that a certain group faced to come to the evident, universally-held belief that everyone is equally valuable. This meant that the experiences and specific grievances of a group systemically oppressed and suppressed had to compete yet again, this time against a truism, to have its voice heard and hopefully understood.

In the face of various setbacks, backlashes occur and are treated as unwarranted overreactions. Yet again, the true message is silenced and these reactions drown out the initial message.

Interestingly, in the wake of the Paris attacks, the #AllLivesMatter hashtag has been used to bring attention to the media’s bias in covering these acts of brutality in France as they continue to gloss over the arguably worse and certainly longer standing treatment of Syrians and many other Middle Eastern peoples at the hands of Western airstrikes in the region.

In this instance #AllLivesMatter addresses certain silences rather than imposing them.

Something along a similar vein occurred two weekends ago on CBC The National’s Sunday Panel. The panel of three included Scaachi Koul, a senior writer for BuzzFeed Canada, lawyer Adam Goldenberg, and The Walrus Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Kay. The trio, moderated by Wendy Mesley, discussed whether or not university campuses should legitimize and fund men’s rights activist (MRA) groups. These groups are partially rooted in working alongside the feminist movement to bring all issues of gender oppression to the forefront of mainstream consciousness.

However, in its current form, MRAs have been harshly criticized for being misogynist and retrogressive.

Throughout the Sunday panel discussion Jonathan Kay argued that the groups should be allowed to exist until it was proven that they were a negative force on university campuses. At one point in the conversation Koul criticized MRAs for only encompassing the needs of a small privileged group of men. In response Kay said, “We need our own group too.” To this, Koul, who was advocating strongly against MRA groups, retorted sarcastically, “Yes, because you’re so longsuffering.”

When scanning through my Facebook feeds these issues seem to be on everyone’s radar. Whether it is in the “Trending” column, in shared articles, or the personal, and often disgruntled, status updates of friends, acquaintances, and family. However, despite the seeming openness and willingness to discuss these issues, comments and responses often bear a different tone. Whether the topic is as seemingly banal as whether Kylie Jenner’s choice to sport a weave counts as cultural appropriation or reports of protestor mistreatment in the #BlackLivesMatter movement, there are always commenters who silence and shame those who opt to create a dialogue on these issues rather than engage and learn.

Accusations of stupidity and admonishments pressing the subject of oppression to “suck it up” are seen frequently. However, the most troubling of these may be the overwhelming belief that these issues and perspectives simply do not exist.

This act of silencing is perhaps the most dangerous and insulting.

The #BlackLivesMatter movement provides a good example of this.

Following the naming of the movement, a competing hashtag emerged after the deaths of African-Americans Michael Brown, Tamir Rice and Eric Garner at the hands of police: #AllLivesMatter. Although possibly

Although there has been documented and justifiable opposition to MRAs, Koul’s comments represent another problem. For her it seemed that because Kay’s comments were not in line with hers, and moreover because he is not part of the group of people that would be negatively affected by MRAs, that his voice in the conversation is invalid.

If we are to understand each other and solve injustice, everyone’s voice must be heard. Some groups have been systemically silenced and need to share their stories openly and honestly without fear of reprisal. However, open dialogue and hearing the opinions of other groups is important as well. A dialogue between everyone is necessary.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the Nigerian author and prominent feminist, gave a TED Talk entitled “The Danger of a Single Story.” In her talk she retells the story of her first experiences with her American roommate when she was attending school in the United States. She explains that because her roommate had a “single story” of how Africans were she assumed that Adichie did not know how to use a stove, and, among other things, was surprised that she knew who Mariah Carey was.

Adichie explains that her roommate’s “patronizing, well-meaning pity” was created from a single story that she had about Africa: “a single story of catastrophe.” She continues further to say that the roommate did not believe that there was any possibility that an African could have anything

7 in common with her. She believed that there was no room for feelings toward her that were “more complex than pity” and that there was “no possibility for them to have a connection as human equals.”

Adichie goes on to explain that if she, like her roommate, had been fed Western images of Africa as a “place of beautiful landscapes, beautiful animals, and incomprehensible people, fighting senseless wars, dying of poverty and AIDS,” she too would have come to the same conclusions.

UTSU’s XAO week is an opportunity for all of us to listen and to learn from one another. It may not be obligatory that we agree, but we must hear, share, and legitimize each other’s thoughts and experiences. Once we begin to hear stories other than our own, the whole tale may not only become richer, but easier to comprehend too.

What Adichie explains here is incredibly important because her “single story” does not only apply to Africans – it applies to us all.

We are constantly presented with single stories of how certain people are based on their place of origin, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, and gender, among others. Sometimes we unquestioningly accept them and are surprised by how the individuals who belong to these groups differ from what we had expected.

Of course it is common knowledge that stereotypes are harmful – they hurt and dehumanize. More than that, they rob people of their individuality – that beautiful complexity, which, more than any label, truly defines us.

However, some may feel the need to continue with these single stories because there is some truth in them or because it is too difficult to keep up with everyone’s differences. These differences however, exist in all of us. We are all part of some accepted norm and deviate from it just as well.

This should allow us to approach each other with understanding, open hearts, and, most importantly, receptive ears. In order to break down the single stories that lead to oppression in the form of sexism, homophobia, racism, and xenophobia, we have to acknowledge that our lives and our identities are comprised of multiple stories that can be told and heard in a myriad of ways.

Acknowledging that differences exist¬—to tolerate them, as it were—is not where we should stop. As our newly inaugurated Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau has said, “Canada has now moved beyond the goal of mere tolerance…saying I tolerate you is to grudgingly allow you to breathe the same air, to walk the same earth… So let us not use the word tolerance. Let us speak instead of acceptance, understanding, respect, and friendship.”

Image of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Image of Justine Trudeau addressing the media about his 50/50 male-female cabinent on Parliament Hill Novemeber 5, 2015

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SPORTS

Thoughts on coaching Junior T-Ball

Alex Wichert SPORTS EDITOR Coaching Junior T-Ball, one learns many things about both the game and child psychology.

After all, the players on your team are all four or five years old. Although they have entered the stage of development in which they are becoming or have become cognizant of themselves as one person among many, there are still certain tricks one needs to learn as coach in order to really teach baseball in an effective manner.

One is to start from the ground and go up. I’m not just talking about the actual discussion of the game, however, as that’s pretty evident already. No one is going to begin practice in the first week of the season with an organized drill on pickoff moves. You start with the very basics of baseball, even of team sportsmanship in general, and move from there.

However, this tenet would be quite pedantic if that was all it had to offer. I’d like to expand upon this point to include starting from the ground and going up quite literally in dialogue with your players. I’ve found it immediately more effective to drop to eye level with a player, either crouched in a squat or on a knee, if one is to expound upon a particular baseball-related lesson.

Not only does it create a more balanced relationship between coach and player – which is conducive to greater trust, better listening, and a higher level of interest – but, also, it’s a great way to ensure the player actually understands what is being said. Being on eye level allows you to evaluate a young player’s understanding of a rule, an explanation, or whatever other lesson it is you wish to impart upon her or him and to actually see the awareness appear on the player’s face.

Another lesson is to make everything a game. Of course, the actual point of playing baseball is to be a part of a game but this extends into the realm of practice and drills, as well. Fielding grounders or taking swings off of a tee becomes an exercise in boredom after a few minutes. Players’ heads look skyward or over to the next diamond, the gravel inexplicably becomes more interesting, and the team begins to diverge into small groups of friends who would prefer to play with each other than to practice any longer. That’s where the game element comes in. I’m quite fond of drawing a circle around each player – with the handle of the bat –and giving instruction that this circle is their house; they aren’t allowed to leave their house because they want to make it look charming and appealing.

For every ground ball I hit at them and which they field, I draw something new in their home. It’s their choice. They can get a television set, a door, a window, or even a car. The key is to let them choose what will be added to their sand-drawing house because, if they think of something they want, they’ll be eager to field the next groundball and will acquire the skills for the game.

Inherent in coaching young players is another large challenge which often besieges even the best of teams. This is the question of length, or duration, of game. After about two

http://media.cleveland.com/morris_impact/photo/t-ball-clevelandjpg-abf887396a5acf80.jpg

innings – which equals almost an hour – players start to suggest through their body language that they’ve had enough. It can be tempting to try to stretch a baseball outing into another inning or two but an awareness of when to call it a day is very important when leading a young team. Some of the players on the team are, inevitably, borderline fans of the game; perhaps their parents signed them up for one summer to simply see how they liked a sport or to make some friends. As a coach, it is also your responsibility to bolster your players’ respective levels of interest in baseball. Overextension into a practice or game can leave memories of dullness or monotony. Always remember to keep things light, simple, and be prepared to mix things up or to end early if you notice a significant lack of interest at a given time.

These are just a few suggestions to help anyone interested in coaching a sport at an early level, as well as some helpful observations about teaching youngsters in general. Hopefully, these thoughts will ensure that the game never becomes teedious for your players.

Reflections on the recent on-ice match between Toronto and Detroit Alex Wichert SPORTS EDITOR

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As far as professional hockey games go, this one was a little – as the fellow to my right so aptly referred to it – “AHL”. Not to say that there is anything inherently wrong about the style of game found in the American Hockey League, nor to detract from that particular level and brand of sport. After all, it’s one of the highest leagues in the world for hockey and it certainly has produced and currently contains some of the world’s brightest players.

It’s just that it would have been nice to see a game with a little more flow.

Friday the 6th’s matchup at the Air Canada Centre between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings was looking to be a good one. With Mike Babcock on the bench for the opposing squad, it was safe to assume that Detroit would find some extra motivation. They definitely did do that in their season opener, when Mike and the boys came to the Joe and were thoroughly pounded. Regardless, that same killer instinct was sorely lacking on the Wings’ side and, until the third period when they were trailing by one, also from the hometown side.

It may have had to do with the atmosphere. The ACC wasn’t the sellout crowd it has been in, well, a long time, and the impressive pockets of red and white which enveloped certain corners of the arena routinely one-upped cheering fans of the main attraction.

The entire game had that ho-hum feeling of a Preseason match, the kind in which fans recognize that there’s a speedy and somewhat entertaining affair occurring down there at centre ice but it just doesn’t hold any kind of intrigue. The Wings fans didn’t mind.

Their team’s going somewhere this season and, although Detroit didn’t break any records for effort or consistency on that night, they did get the win, saw their captain Henrik Zetterberg score his career 300th, and watched routine-healthy-scratch-under-the-Babcock-regime Jakub Kindl end the game in Overtime. For Leafs fans, though, there was the feeling that this game was just one of many to be endured in the hopes of greener pastures ahead.

And that’s a good sign for Toronto. For years, the team has flirted with the idea of a “rebuild” but, just as things looked like they might be headed in the right direction, management has decided that it was time to pull the trigger and ship prospects and draft picks away for an all-in mentality. There’s a certain level of apathy surrounding the hockey club these days – more notable due to the impressive run of the Blue Jays and the expected competitiveness of the Raptors – and it is somewhat surprising. Hockey has always reigned supreme in this town, even during the roughest times of recent Maple Leaf history, so the fact that its crown has slipped even momentarily speaks volumes about the cultural and ideological shift for the organization.

It’s still rough to lose the majority of games, regardless of season expectations or direction. It is tiring to have to watch a team containing players who, in reality, are just filling roster spots and holes until some of the younger, more highly-touted prospects pay their dues in the minors and adapt to the professional level. And, yes, it’s definitely tiring to watch a team play a system for a coach who, in all honesty, is not the right fit for the club at the moment. Babcock’s style is not for the current personnel of Leafs players but, then again, he wasn’t signed to a mere one or two-year contract. Everyone in the Toronto organization is hoping that, as time moves along and the future cornerstones of the club are either promoted or drafted, the head coach’s style of play will enable the team to make significant strides forward. Really, what is a worse fate? A handful of years of bottomfeeding and draft pick accumulation or the middling existence of hockey purgatory known as 9th-12th in the Conference? The latter is where the Leafs have been for a long time. The former is where, they hope, they’re headed.

So, while the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs didn’t put on quite the barnburner people were expecting, there were positive takeaways for both sides. The aforementioned 300th by Zetterberg, Kindl’s heroics, goaltender Petr Mrazek’s moves in net, and rookie Dylan Larkin and his incredible speed made the match a memorable one for Detroit. Toronto, meanwhile, could take away the fact that, for the majority of the Third Period, their club controlled the game. With Babcock as coach, Leafs fans must try to avoid falling victim to the seductive charm of the “shots for” category; the stat means nothing when the majority of the shots are taken from the blue line or the perimeter with little to no traffic in front of the net, and Babcock is notorious for having his team play this system. However, the Leafs undoubtedly had the majority of the scoring chances. Not bad, for one period, but the next step is to go for two.

To do this, the Leafs should look to follow the systems of organizations that have proven over the years they know how to draft, develop, and win. After all, it certainly is a better choice than simply choosing to wing it.

9

OPINIONS

The dark side of Myanmar’s general elections

Canada has an opportunity but needs to tread carefully Mariam Jammal CONTRIBUTOR

As most of us should have heard by now, the new Canadian government has pledged to withdraw troops from Syria and instead increase Canada’s commitment to resettling refugees within our nation. Many are largely opposed to this and believe that it deviates Canada’s attention from the true problem at hand: confronting dictatorship and injustice.

However, this is a positive step back that Canada needs to re-evaluate its position and our priorities.

As it stands, there is an impressive quantity of state and non-state actors intervening in Syria. So many in fact that it is hard to keep track of whom is whom and which side they are supporting. Canada’s military contribution in the grand scheme of things will be inconsequential and will only serve to further complicate the conflict. Additionally, from a domestic point of view, our priority should be our economy. For those still unaware, Canada is officially in a recession, and pooling our funding into a military budget should not be our top priority. And while it may seem counterintuitive to open our borders to 25,000 refugees as we try to stabilize our economy, we need only to look at the 1990s to see that this is untrue. The early 1990s was characterized by a recession much worse than we are in currently. Despite this, we still managed to continue our commitment to refugees, particularly Bosnians and Kosovars. In reality, refugees are not more dependent on our welfare system than the average Canadian. Additionally, this welfare is a temporary support while they acclimate to their new environment and get used to their new livelihood.

The fact is that the military intervention niche for the Syrian conflict has been filled several times over. At the same time, refugees are in need of assistance and we are capable and willing to help them. We have a responsibility as well as an international commitment to aid humanitarian migrants, not because we can benefit from them in any way, but because any one of us may be in that position at any time. Moving in this direction is consistent with Canada’s contribution to international conflict and is more constructive than engaging in a conflict that displaces huge populations of civilians and shows no signs of being resolved.

Saad Shah STAFF WRITER For the first time in 25 years, Myanmar (previously known as Burma) held free general elections. Since 2011 the country has been under the rule of the military-backed Union Solidarity Development Party [UDSP]. Earlier this week, National League for Democracy’s leader, Aung San Suu Kyi won 90% of the popular vote. The results of this election have significant implications for this Southeast Asian country. The 70-year-old Suu Kyi is highly regarded in Myanmar as a symbol for peace and democracy. She has spent nearly 15 years under some form of detention as a result of her efforts in bringing democracy to the country. In 1991, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; solidifying her position among the harbingers of peace and democracy in the world.

However, behind this rosy picture of a democratic leader making a heroic come back to save her nation, the fate of ethnic minority groups in Myanmar remains hanging in a limbo. In the Rakhine province in particular, various minority Muslim groups reside in a state of constant fear and repression. The continuing silence of Suu Kyi on the plight of the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar continues to confound and dismay all those who welcomed her return to the international scene as the moral voice of the country. The Rohingya are a persecuted religious and linguistic minority who have lived for generations on the western coast of Myanmar. Since the 1990s the UN has identified countless widespread and systematic abuses against the Rohingya Muslims resulting from state policy. Surprisingly, it was in 2014 that Myanmar was ranked first on the World Giving Index of most charitable nations. While the parameters measured by the index are not necessarily linked to the systematic genocide of the minority Muslims in Myanmar, it is certainly strange to see a country with an abhorrent human rights record enjoy that rank.

As Suu Kyi forms her new government in an effort to bring democracy to Myanmar, her stance on the Muslim minority is at best, one of silence. She has been reported to speak chillingly about a ‘Muslim takeover’ of Myanmar. While at this point it cannot be said with certainty what exactly her stance will be, if there will be one to begin with, for improving the human rights record of the country, it is clear that unless the international community does not condemn the genocide of the Rohingya their fate will not improve in the face of this nascent democratization.

Identifying with a rights-based movement in 2015 isn’t as easy as you’d think Briana Armson CONTRIBUTOR

The 80,000+ students attending U of T returned to school this fall with more than usual apprehension. These threats were posted online anonymously and encouraged readers to purchase weapons in order to harm feminists and women at the university. I was deeply concerned when I received the school-wide e-mail on September 10th as well as disappointed that the first day back had to be faced with trepidation and fear. This unfortunate occurrence signifies the disdain felt towards the femenist movement in our society today.

In the past few years, the word “feminism” has been launched to the forefront of pop-culture. Whether it is celebrities proclaiming themselves as feminists or tiptoeing sheepishly around the word, the movement and its terminology have long been coded with negative connotation and implications. Feminism is defined as the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes, yet it is often regarded as the hatred of men and belief in female superiority. Countless women in the spotlight have declared themselves not feminists including Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Madonna. Some have later retracted or rephrased such statements, like pop star Taylor Swift. Such blatant objections to feminist identification illustrate our cultural prejudice against the word and fear of being perceived as irrational man-haters or bra burners. Upon interviewing Nobel Peace Prize winner and women’s rights activist Malala Yousafzai, Emma Watson was most surprised by the 18 year old identifying herself with the dreaded “F” word. Watson, famous for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, has spoken out about this widespread reluctance and urges men to join the fight for women’s equality.

Even in the face of such cultural hesitancy, I have witnessed instances over the past few years that have given me hope for the future of feminism. Rap artist Nicki Minaj has voiced her disinterest in being compared to other females in the industry, scorning the common trend of pitting women against one another. As I scroll through social media, I am pleased to see posts about body positivity and female empowerment. Women are appreciative and encouraging of one another, indicated by countless “yasss” comments posted below. There are also notions of reclaiming and owning female sexuality. Although some argue this is merely a trend, I believe feminism coming into vogue and becoming “cool” is exciting. It allows public discussion of the word and the possibility for it to shed its negative associations. Our new Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has already shown his emphasis on gender equality by appointing an equal number of male and female cabinet members. When Trudeau, a self-identified feminist, was asked the reason for this, he simply answered, “Because it’s 2015.”

This response sparked a huge dialogue in newspapers and on social media. Instances such as these display positive societal changes and an opportunity for the word “feminism” to be regarded in a positive light. With that, let me end by declaring I am a feminist, and I’m proud to say so.

10

Faith & Thought

The criterion of faith

Faith and study today

Sarah Lozkinski CONTRIBUTOR Last year was my first year in university – a little fish in a big pond, sifting through information without a gradient: there was only black and white. “This is how I’ll get through university,” I told myself. I had this idea that unless I knew what was true and what was false at all times, I wouldn’t be able to make it through all of the “secularism.”

One of the obligatory classes for my program – communications studies – is media criticism. Going into the class, I thought of “media criticism” as a Rotten Tomatoes page: a rating, a brief review, and then a critique of various wrongdoings in the film. However, about a month into the class I was extremely disconcerted.

“I don’t understand,” I told one of my classmates. “What media is good and what media is bad?” My classmates just shook their head, fretting over the dense readings and banal assignments. “It doesn’t matter, you just have to pass,” we would tell each other over and over in the lecture hall when any of us had questions about the subject matter.

About midway through the class, I was fed up. The class was not teaching me which media was good and which media was bad; on the contrary, it was presenting me with a plethora of media that I had never encountered before and that I had absolutely no criterion to judge up against. In absolute desperation (and I really mean absolute) I booked a meeting with my professor. At the meeting, he looked at me and told me that no judgments were absolute in this case. “In fact,” he continued, “most of the theories we’re teaching you aren’t really true either.

They’re the best synopsis we can give of a particular idea, but they’re definitely not absolute.”

When he told me this, my world was shattered. How was I supposed to understand Truth, if my professor was telling me that I was on my own to judge what Truth was in a movie? A photograph? I accepted what I thought the reality was any thought of Truth or Beauty would have to be forgotten in front of this class.

Au contraire, that class became the most important one I took all year. The subject itself opened up a need for a constant judgment and comparison with my heart and with my faith. I was incapable of analyzing anything without drawing upon my faith and what I had learned from it in front of my professor. The most astounding part of using faith as a starting point for all of the media critiques I did was when the rest of my class would agree with them.

An approach like this to education, one which eliminates Christ as something we “add on” and instead places him as the most necessary criterion for any response, is the only way, in my opinion, that Christ can become an essential point of reference in a world of academic pursuits.

Adam Giancola CONTRIBUTOR A great teacher of mine once drew a parallel between the life of a student and the experience of going to Mass. He observed that the more a student discovers the truth, the more he is compelled to fall to his knees in front of this great, wondrous thing. He may want to deny it, dissect it, or ignore it, but the only way he will ever come to experience its fullness is first to accept his own poverty. To study is thus an occasion for conversion. Mass is no different. We may come with our objections, with our doubts, and certainly with our questions, but no matter our position, we will unavoidably have to say “I confess” every time we go to Mass. For it is only through acknowledging our own sinfulness that we can truly begin to participate in the Mass itself.

I’ve always been fond of this analogy. Not only does it express with great precision my own experience as a student and as a Catholic, but it also provides an interesting hypothesis from which to begin an inquiry. Does faith have anything to do with studying? Should I expect anything from my studies? Is it possible to study without faith? I propose that the two things are not only related, but also are expressions of the same human need.

I am currently in my seventh year of university studies. Aside from some wonderful summer experiences, all I’ve ever known is my studies. To most, I haven’t yet entered the “real world,” nor have I begun to really live my life. Perhaps there is a good deal of truth to this. But I ask: is this a sufficient position to take? Should we expect only a “preparation for living” from our studies?

While studying with a group of friends over my reading week, I was asked by a friend if I thought that my university had helped me to become a better Catholic. Suffice it to say this question bothered me. Not because it was uncalled for, nor unimportant, but because it was a question that had never occurred to me to ask. Should my university be a place that helps me to become more faithful? And if I don’t have an answer to this question—or even more if I don’t even think the question is worth asking—why don’t I? The more I consider the link between studying and faith, the more I am reminded of my own experience over the past seven years. Not only did I begin university with different ideas for the trajectory of my life, but I also could not have predicted that I would be entering the profession towards which I am currently headed. It is true that the experience of being a student has ‘opened me up’ and made me “desirous of everything,” as Jack Kerouac would have it. By the same token, if our faith is not something that constantly leads us out of ourselves, something that makes us more curious, more desirous, and more attuned to our needs, then it is faith that will inevitably become compartmentalized and decayed. For this reason, I cannot help but answer in the affirmative to the question about whether faith and study are intertwined. To have faith is to have a method to understand the destiny for which we are made. Similarly, to study is not simply to prepare for a job or an evaluation, but to discern with attentiveness the vocation to which we are ultimately called. To expect anything less is not worthy of our dignity.

Studying is hard. Indeed, it may be one of the hardest things a person ever has to do. Not because the rest of life doesn’t bring its fair share of difficulties, but because perhaps in few other activities are we confronted so blatantly with our inadequacy, with our limitations. Studying, as with faith, requires of the student both the willingness to fall in love and the humility to beg for an answer that we cannot provide for ourselves. We may never reach the destination, and yet “still I want to be worthy of it at every moment.”

T.S. Eliot put it best: There is only the fight to recover what has been lost And found and lost again and again: and now, under conditions That seem unpropitious. But perhaps neither gain nor loss.

For us, there is only the trying. The rest is not our business.

Truth in study Gabrielle Pastre CONTRIBUTOR I have studied history and philosophy for three years. I began to wonder; what is the purpose of my studies? Is it knowledge for its own sake? I realized that I was looking for something deeper. I was studying to discover something external to my mind that was given to me to understand it, that is, the truth. I was asking exactly the same question that Pontius Pilate does during his interrogation of Christ: “But what is Truth?” This is for me an unending question that grounds my studies.

I consider this question to be deeply linked to my faith. If I believe that God created everything for us, I can find Him in what is the fruit of His will. Discovering the beauty and the complexity of God’s creation (or of man’s creation, as literature that reveals the beauty and deepness of man’s heart is an image of God) can be a path in discovering God Himself. My faith makes this question even more beautiful. If God creates everything for humankind’s salvation and gives people the responsibility to accomplish the creation for their happiness, everything is given to us to understand it in the aim of our Happiness, in order to discover Christ.

It does not mean that my mind is somehow limited because of this submission to Truth. On the contrary, it is opened and broadened because this Truth allows me to get out of my mind to discover reality, and I am helped on this path by the purpose of human happiness which is God Himself. Christ did not answer to Pontius Pilate because He is Himself the answer, the final Truth of humankind’s Happiness.

I feel that this search for Truth may guide me in my intellectual studies as well as in my everyday life. My social engagements and my relationships with others can bring joy only if they are not fake but genuine and true. The companionship in studying with other people, even if we are not working together on the same project, is a way to find a true relationship because there is no falsity in the effort to discover and understand reality. This experience may not be clear to me in every moment of my studies, but with the help of the Holy Spirit it can be the direction for my future study and for my life in all its aspects.

11

Living Christina Bezerra LIVING EDITOR Long distance relationships are not the most ideal situation to be in while in university, or ever, but they happen and are sometimes worth it. LDRs (long distance relationships) are definitely on my list of scary situations. It’s hard to think that the person you care about lives out of your province, country, or even halfway around the world. Who you fall in love with is clearly never a choice, and when Cupid shoots his arrow we tend to follow it no matter the distance.

Although the thought of falling for someone so far away seems silly and sometimes even pointless, there’s never a better time than your twenties to give it a chance. Your twenties are a time of adventure, and LDRs are endless adventures filled with plane tickets instead of dinner dates. I am no love expert, and I don’t claim to have all the answers on how to make it work. But I am definitely willing to share some wisdom with anyone who is in a similar situation.

Here are some tips on how to make your long distance love last: 1. Communication is key Communication doesn’t mean texting every second of the day, but be sure to stay in touch. Talk about your day, and try not to use your talk time dwelling on the fact that you’re apart.

the feeling of being with the person, but you can still use that time to be creative and plan a movie or games night.

3. Have something to look forward to Plan ahead to the next time you will see each other. Whether it is a few days, a month, or even a year, spend time planning with each other. The countdown to your next meeting will give you both something to look forward to.

4. Never solve your fights through text messaging

Overhang

Kyle Gibson CONTRIBUTOR

Its highly advised to visit the Cup an Saucer Lookout trail overlooking the Manitoulin Islands. It’s less advised to stand on the edges of the trail and pose for a photo.

It’s so much easier to yell at your partner over text, but it only makes the problem bigger. LDRs are so stressful and sometimes they get the best of you. Calling your partner and solving your issue is a lot better than wearing out your caps lock button.

5. Trust your gut If you think this relationship is right for you and if it is what makes you happy then go for it. A lot of people have a bad image of long distance relationships and they will try to discourage you, but if this person means a lot to you and you’re both willing to make it work, then it will work.

Have an idea for an article or even some feedback? Send an email to living@readthemike.com

2. Skype dates Skype is a lovers’ world. Set aside some time in your day or week to Skype and see each other face to face. It will never replace

Bringing you news from the homeless youth organization Alex Wichert SPORTS EDITOR According to government reports, over 10, 000 youth are on the streets of Toronto during the year. The reason why the issue is not easily noticed is because youth homelessness does not necessarily equate with living on the street in the sight of a passerby. 60% of youth who find themselves out on the street stay in one of Toronto’s homeless shelters, 92% find friends and “couch surf ”, and 15% find a location close to the street that offers more shelter: squats, parks, alleys, and doorways are all commonly used as temporary lodging.

In addition to the difficulties surrounding visibility, youth homelessness is an issue that is swathed in misconception. Many people believe that those on the streets are to blame for being homeless, either because of their drug use, crime activities, or other behaviour that is scorned by society. In reality, over 70% of homeless youth have experienced some form of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse, causing them to have no choice but to leave home. In addition, many youth are ostracized from their families because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Those suffering from mental illness too can be exiled from their homes and forced to fend for themselves. Another misconception is that homeless people don’t work. Many are among the working poor. A person earning minimum wage cannot often make enough for proper support or to pay inner-city rent. As a result, many resort to panhandling, break-and-enters, and selling drugs. 10% of homeless youth do or have done work in the sex trade, including street prostitution, phone or Internet sex, and massages/ stripping.

Fortunately, there are ways to help. Trek for Teens is a not-for-profit organization composed mainly of students affiliated with the University of Toronto. The foundation organizes coffee houses, concerts, fashion shows, dance competitions, and high school events with all proceeds going to homeless youth shelters such as Horizons for Youth, Youth Without Shelter, and Covenant House Toronto. Trek for Teens is proud to be writing articles for another year of The Mike. We’ll be bringing you information on youth homelessness, upcoming volunteer opportunities, and Trek for Teens events.

In recent news, Trek for Teens hosted the 2015 Coffee House on October 23rd. The event featured a range of singers, musicians, and rappers and raised over $200 for homeless youth initiatives. Trek for Teens also held its October Dance For A Cause – themed “Halloween Hop” – in which participants learned salsa dancing while raising funds for homeless youth.

On November 20th, the next Dance For A Cause will take place at Father Madden Hall (100 St. Joseph Street) from 7:30pm – 9:00pm. On the 27th, Trek for Teens will be hosting two events: the Youth Homelessness Conference in the morning and the first Concert of the year in the evening! The conference, also in Father Madden Hall, is open to high school students and will include a keynote speaker, breakout workshops, and a charity fair. The concert will run from 7:00pm to 11:00pm in Brennan Hall and will feature local groups from across the GTA.

If you would like to attend Dance for a Cause but have questions, email zoe@trekforteens.com.

If you are a teacher and would like to have your class attend the conference, email catherine@trekforteens.com.

If you are in a band and would like to perform at the concert, or would like to attend but have questions, email concerts@trekforteens.com. The winning bands will perform on the Nathan Phillips Square stage in May for Trek for Teens Day!

The Trek for Teens Foundation is a charitable project created to raise awareness of youth homelessness in Toronto. Initiated in 2007 with leadership and guidance from the Rotary Club of Etobicoke, the Trek for Teens Foundation has been a repeated success, raising over $28,000 for Covenant House Toronto, Horizons for Youth, and Youth Without Shelter through the efforts of volunteers and participants.

Connect with us at: • facebook.com/trekforteens • @trekforteens • trekforteens.com • hello@trekforteens.com

12 Sports in Brief: NHL: The next class of athletes and hockey minds was recently inducted into The Hockey Hall of Fame. Notables include Nicklas Lidstrom and Sergei Fedorov.

MLB: The Free Agent Frenzy recently began. Who will go where? Who has gone where?

NBA: L.A. Laker Kobe Bryant would like to participate in the 2016 Olympics. Is this his last year?

NFL: Odell Beckham and the Giants defeated the Bucs to remain atop the NFC East.

What are their chances in the Playoffs?

What we learned this week: •Nazem Kadri hasn’t been delivering, but the Leafs like the competitive edge they’ve seen •Anthony Calvillo sounded like a future head coach at the recent Montreal Alouettes’ season wrap-up news conference •Josh Donaldson was voted major league player of the year and AL outstanding player in the annual Players Choice Awards, while Bryce Harper took home the outstanding player honours for the NL. What did you learn this week in the world of sports? Email sports@readthemike.com.

The top three submissions will be featured in our next issue!

Caption Contest: Email your funniest caption for the photo below to sports@readthemike.com. The top three submissions will be featured in our next issue!

Bonfire Kyle Gibson CONTRIBUTOR The Tobermory Grotto, a common touristing location in Ontario, lights up in a blaze of light for about ten minutes each day.

Sometimes, waiting in a cave (or a library) for an entire day can be worth the end result.

2015/2016

U of T’s PerforMiNg ArTs LeAder siNce 1919

Hart House Theatre Season

HAMLeT

By William Shakespeare Directed by Paolo Santalucia

Nov. 4–21, 2015 Box office:

www.uofttix.ca / 416.978.8849 Adults $28 / Seniors $17 / Students $15 $12 Student tickets every Wednesday evening!

www.harthousetheatre.ca

Season Sponsors: