October Events @ SMC
• October 10, 1-4 pm in the COOP: World Mental Health Day
• October 11, 3-5 pm in the COOP: SMC Unfiltered Launch Party
• October 11, 6-8 pm in
• Charbonnel Lounge: Campus Ministry Thanksgiving Praise and Worship
• October 17-19, various times in the Senior Common Room: SMC Troubadours present “Every Brilliant Thing”
• October 17, 11-1 pm in the COOP: SMCSU Student Improvement Fund Town Hall
• October 18, 6-9 pm in the COOP: Mentorship: Witches Workshop Wonders
• October 21-26: Wellness Week
When Nature Changes Course Editorial
• October 22, 2-3 pm in the COOP: Paws Your Stress Dog Therapy
• October 22, 4-6 pm in the COOP:Stress Pop with SMCSU
• October 23, 1-5 pm in Father Madden Hall: Relaxation Station
• October 24, 7-11 pm at Bangarang Bar (552 College St.): Hoikety Haunt
• October 25, 12-2 pm in The Quad: SMCSU Fall Clean Up Day
• October 25, 6-8 pm in the COOP: Karaoke Night with Maestoso Legato
Reoccuring Events:
Monday: Budo-taijutsu at 1 and 5 pm and Taekwondo at 3 pm in the SMC Wellness Studio
Tuesday: Bible Study at 5 pm in the Campus Ministry Lounge Womens only boxing at 6 pm in the SMC Wellness Studio
Wednesday: Budo-taijutsu at 12 pm, Tai Chi at 3 pm, Yoga at 5 pm, and Kudoki Kung Fu at 7 pm, all in the SMC Wellness Studio
Thursday: SMC Cheese at 11 am in the Commuter Lounge; Snack Outreach at 1:30 pm at St.Basil’s; Relaxation Zone at 3 pm and Budo-taijutsu at 6 pm in the SMC Wellness Studio
Friday: Budo-taijutsu at 12 pm, Kudoki Kung Fu at 2 pm, Boxing at 4 pm in the SMC Wellness Studio; Pair-a-Dice Board Games at 3pm in the COOP
Disaster’s long shadow: hurricanes and heartbreak
Darian Trabold
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
When I was sitting down to write this editorial I originally considered writing about all of the exciting events we have at St.Mike’s this month (which are featured above) but then Hurricane Helene hit my home state of Florida and suddenly my thoughts went to those affected by the hurricane. While Floridians were affected greatly by this hurricane, with many losing power and extreme flooding leaving debris, North Carolina suffered horrific damage in places that were never supposed to be affected by hurricanes. I am quite frankly frustrated by the lack of media attention on this devastating tragedy so I want to use this space to highlight the impacts of Helene, specifically on North Carolina.
As a chronically online person, I was horrified by the discourse surrounding the victims of this natural disaster. People did not understand why they did not evacuate, almost implying that they deserved what happened because they did not leave or because of who they may have voted for. Appalachia is not a place where people can just leave. It is extremely rural and has high levels of poverty, making evacuating extremely difficult for many. Moreover, Appalachia was not supposed to be hit this hard, Hurricane Helene made a last-minute turn, leaving people virtually no time to escape and prepare. Entire towns
Photo Credit: NOAA
have been wiped off the map, that is not something anyone can prepare for or something a place deserves.
Western North Carolina is mountainous, which was supposed to make it a “climate haven” from natural disasters like hurricanes, however, Hurricane Helene has proven nowhere is safe from natural disasters. Its geography also makes rescue and rebuilding difficult. That part of North Carolina is now completely cut off from eastern Tennesee, with roads anticipated to not be fixed until mid-2025. I cannot even articulate how disastrous Helene was and it breaks my heart to see such destruction.
To make matters worse, as I write this, Hurricane Milton is heading right for Florida, now a category
THE MIKE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Darian Trabold editorinchief@readthemike.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Rosie McDonald managingeditor@readthemike.com
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Jenna Brown business@readthemike.com
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Elise Cressatti srcopyeditor@readthemike.com
EDITOR-AT-LARGE
Sara Moretto editoratlarge@readthemike.com
DESIGN MANAGER Diana Radenko
DELIVERY MANAGER Dimitrios Gkiokmema
NEWS EDITOR Ethan Chan newsthemike@gmail.com
OPINION EDITOR Carina Mercado opinionsthemike@gmail.com
FEATURES EDITOR
Lauren Sarney featuresthemike@gmail.com
ARTS EDITOR
Caroline Switkowski artsthemike@gmail.com
SPORTS EDITOR
Lucas Carpignano sportsthemike@gmail.com
LIFESTYLE EDITOR Mauli Shah lifestylethemike@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE ARTS EDITOR Adela Cucu
ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR Arrianna Toolsie
ASSOCIATE LIFESTYLE EDITOR Karen Maktabi
5, stretching our limited disaster resources thin and hitting people while they are still in the early stages of recovery from the last hurricane. If you are able I implore you to support disaster relief efforts. A personal favorite of mine is the Cajun Navy. If you cannot donate, please check in on your friends who have family in the affected areas; I can speak from experience - there is nothing more stressful than praying your family and friends are safe during a natural disaster and there is no worse feeling than having to message loved ones if they are safe and not getting an immediate response. While this may seem bleak, one thing about the South is we support each other; community is everything and I know we will get through this together.
PHOTO EDITORS Aidan Fung Emily Tung
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Miranda Leong
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Serena Williams
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Voting trends in LaSalle-Émard-Verdun shift alongside the Balance of Power Liberals Lose LaSalle
Joseph Pontisso
SENIOR STAFF WRITER
On September 16, Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party lost its seat in the Montreal riding of LaSalle-Émard-Verdun to YvesFrançois Blanchet’s Bloc Québécois — despite the Bloc only registering 28.2% of the vote share in the riding, according to Elections Canada.
The Bloc win comes less than three months after another notable Liberal by-election loss in Toronto-St. Paul’s. While the Bloc win will not have any real effect on parliamentary proceedings, it is a strong indication that the balance of power in parliament has shifted away from the Liberal Party and towards the parties capable of propping it up until the next federal election.
The Montreal by-election played out as a remarkably tight three-way race that allowed Bloc
candidate Louis-Philippe Sauvé to win with just 28.2% of the vote. Laura Palestini, the Liberal candidate, received just 269 votes fewer, while NDP candidate Craig Sauvé finished right behind with 26.1%. The result is a dramatic change from the 2021 federal election, where Liberal candidate David Lametti won the riding with 42.9% of the vote, more than the total for the Bloc and NDP combined.
LaSalle-Émard-Verdun had been widely regarded as a Liberal stronghold, portions of which once formed the riding that former Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin held for 20 years. Liberal strategist Andrew Perez called the result “yet another nail in Justin Trudeau’s coffin,” according to Global News, while former NDP leader Tom Mulcair said in a piece for the Montreal Gazette that the result “sent shock waves through Trudeau’s already nervous caucus.”
A Skyward Shift
Air Canada Pilots deal sets new standard for the aviation industry
Ethan
Chan
NEWS EDITOR
Air Canada has recently reached a new agreement with its pilots’ union, marking a historic time in labour relations in the Canadian labour market and the Canadian airline industry. After 15 months of tense negotiation, this deal promises a nearly
42% cumulative wage increase over four years for more than 5,400 pilots, surpassing recent gains observed by major U.S airlines, which ranged from 34% to 40%. This agreement emerged just in time to avoid a potentially devastating strike that would have grounded Air Canada flights in the masses, cancelling flights across the country and affecting over 110,000 travellers daily. This new contract would ensure normal operations for both Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge; a goal union head, Charlene Hudy, stands by at the expense of her job if the membership rejected the offer. The upcoming ratification vote is expected in the coming weeks. However, some pilots, mainly those new to the profession, have expressed concern with this pay increase,
The Liberals themselves seemed split on whether or not to acknowledge the result as significant. Global News reported Finance Minister Melanie Joly as saying that the party had heard “loud and clear” from voters, while on CTV News, Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson argued in contrast that “at the end of the day, in a byelection, you’re actually not threatening the government.” Trudeau was recorded taking the middle ground, saying that “it would have been nicer to be able to win and hold Verdun, but there’s more work to do, and we’re going to stay focused on doing it,” according to CBC.
The result is an indication of both changing public support in Quebec itself, and of a shift of power within the house of commons away from the governing Liberals and towards Canada’s other major political parties. Bloc leader Blanchet said that the win “allows us to speak directly to the English community,” no doubt looking to broaden its support base as it looks to use its newfound leverage against the minority Liberal government, which can no longer assume to
citing the potential to contribute to the ongoing pay gap. For example, new pilots earn between $75,000 and $134,000 a year, while experienced pilots could earn upwards of $367,000. This fixed-rate provision within the current contract maintains initial wages at a flat rate, leading to more prounounced pay differences that in the years following the contract’s implementation. Another prominent reaction was Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who remarked that the federal government would not intervene in this dispute unless negotiations stalled entirely, emphasizing the importance of putting pressure on unions and employers to reach a fair resolution. Such a tactic proved helpful, as both sides reached a tentative deal in the eleventh hour.
The context of these negotiations reflects a more significant trend within the Canadian airline sector, particularly following recent labour disruptions such as the WestJet mechanics strike. In both cases, the challenges faced during both negotiations often point to systemic issues within the industry, as some pilots have reported needing second jobs to
News Editor Ethan Chan newsthemike@gmail.com
pass confidence votes after the NDP pulled out of their mutual confidence-and-supply agreement last month. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre will likely continue to table no-confidence motions throughout the fall, meaning that the continuation of the current government depends directly on either Bloc or NDP support. While the Bloc supported the Liberals in the first of these motions this September, Blanchet has given the Liberals a deadline of October 29 to agree to legislation involving pension increases, or else the Bloc will vote with Conservatives to topple to current government.
As Canadians look towards to the next federal election, it remains to be seen which of these parties will emerge as the frontrunner in Quebec. However, the days of uncontested Liberal dominance in a small riding in southern Montreal are over for the immediate future, likely pointing to a more widespread change.
make ends meet.
Overall, Air Canada’s tentative agreement with its pilots signifies a monumental shift in labour relations within the airline industry and sets a precedent for future negotiations. If ratified, it could encourage other airlines to reevaluate their compensation packages. However, it is vital to consider the broader impacts of such a drastic pay increase, alongside the potential downsides of utilizing threatstyle tactics as those executed by Charlene Hudy. As the aviation industry continues to evolve financially and technologically, the ripple effects of this agreement may lead to more equitable labour practices in Canada’s skies.
Photo Credit: Aiden Fung
Photo Credit: Tony Fera (CityNews)
A Back to School Playlist for Commuters
Songs so good that you’ll miss your stop
Milena Tallarico
CONTRIBUTOR
A Back To School Playlist for Commute.
With school returning for the fall, commuters are scrambling to select the most suitable tracks to get them through the ride to campus. The perfect playlist must be able to combat the boredom of travel and capture the emotions preceding the day. With these criteria in mind, I’ve compiled a list of five essential songs for your listening enjoyment:
“Jesus Or Harrison Ford” by Hana Bryanne
This morning lullaby begins with soft vocals and stripped back guitar strumming, replicating the calm joy of slipping into your secured subway seat for the long ride. As the chorus hits, Bryanne is joined by instrumental staples of the country genre — a banjo and a pedal steel guitar — easing the listener into the excitement of the day. Her tongue-in-cheek lyrics shine in the bridge as she details affirmations suited to
young adulthood: “I pay my bills on time / I keep my head down / I drink expensive wine.”
“Bike Dream” by Bells Larsen
“You wake up late, you feel your heart begin to work,”
Larsen opens, accompanied by steady drums and guitar behind his vocals. This up-tempo beat is sure to wake you up if you’re still groggy from the early morning. The low cadence of Larsen’s voice vibrates throughout the song like the hum of subway tracks, inspiring a sense of urgency for the day ahead.
“Everyone I’ve Never Met” by Leith Ross
This track is required listening in the act of peoplewatching. Ross muses on the desire to connect with the people around them while struggling with anxiety and discomfort in everyday interactions. They also remark on the irony of connection in the digital age: “I kissed a girl from the internet / And her lips were cold / But I don’t talk to people anymore.” Even with such pensive lyrics, Ross’ sing-song vocals end the track on an optimistic note.
“Anything You Want” by Eliza McLamb
This 2000s-style, dreamy pop tune provides the perfect soundtrack to the opening credits of your day. The chugging instrumental and soft vocals are joined in each chorus with powerful harmonies that build into a scream during the ending post-chorus. McLamb specializes in the kind of introspective lyrics that prompt those wistful, window-staring moments: “I’m a hard person to unravel / I’m an endless ball of yarn / I’m a labyrinth in the dark.”
“My City” by Better Oblivion Community Center
This duet serves as an ode to cities, stories and the memories they hold. The contrast between Phoebe Bridgers’ light vocals layered with Conor Oberst’s raspy tone creates a vast sonic atmosphere throughout the song. The listener is reminded of the wide range of possibilities of life in the city: “All this freedom just freaks me out.”
Each of these songs offers a unique angle at approaching the anticipated unknown while maintaining a catchy beat and compelling vocals. The next time you’re unsure what to stream during your commute, make sure to tune in to this playlist!
The Ghosts of American Suburban Expansion
How “Poltergeist” exhumes ghosts in suburbia
Zach Zanatta
CONTRIBUTOR
The ghosts of Poltergeist aren’t invaders. They aren’t summoned through Ouija boards or reciting the Necronomicon. They aren’t curses, or vengeful murderers with unfinished business here on earth. With one shot, director Tobe Hooper and writer/producer Steven Spielberg subvert the entire ghost mythos. Real estate agent Steve Freeling and his boss Mr. Teague overlook recently purchased land for phase five of their suburban development
project. Acres of headstones dwarf the two men as they observe the next step of their reinvigoration of the valley. When Steve objects to the morality of developing on a cemetery, Teague laughs him off: “It’s not an ancient burial ground, it’s just people.”
Poltergeist begins not at a graveyard, or a dark forest, but on a lazy Sunday in the suburban community of Cuesta Verde, California. This idyllic view of suburbia was perpetuated by Hollywood throughout the 80s, touted as the beating heart of the American dream. Spielberg is largely responsible for Hollywood’s rose-tinted suburbia with family films such as ET, also released in 1982. Poltergeist is rooted in this familiar cinema. The loving family dynamic, the whooping adventure score, the moments of triumph of good over evil. But the film stretches these tropes to their limit, and the fabric of the
form begins to tear. It’s between these tears that ghosts appear.
Hooper and Spielberg don’t go looking for ghosts, they rip open the American cinema they helped create and find them inside, where they’ve always been. Poltergeist shatters barriers of cinematic space and allows ghosts to spill into the popular cinematic sphere. Horror isn’t relegated to gothic castles or dilapidated cabins; it lives in the place we call home. The family home and the horrific are not differentiated by form, they simultaneously occupy the same space, overlapping without obfuscating one other. Hooper approaches Poltergeist with a homogenous cinematic lens, omitting tonal shifts and intentionally muting its horror influences in lieu of popular family adventure films. Ghosts reveal themselves in the cracked veneer of the 80s family film, allowing the horrific to seep into the genre opposed to dredging
up the horror form. The camera doesn’t need to search if the ghosts are already here.
During the climax of the film, Mr. Teague watches in horror as the Freeling home is destroyed by supernatural forces. Steve grabs the shocked man by the shoulders and screams at him, “you moved the cemetery, but you left the bodies, didn’t you? You left the bodies, and you only moved the headstones!” Hollywood built an America; Founded on hope and idealism, the movies promised a fresh start for everyone. While this America claimed to be built from the ground up, Poltergeist questions what you may find in that ground. The insatiable hunger to progress forward builds on the back of the dead and leaves them to become soil for the developing world. But as Mr. Teague says himself, it’s not ground, it’s people, and as picture perfect as your subdivision may be, they’re bound to get restless.
Photo Credit: Emily Tung
Photo Credit: Milena Tallarico
‘Short N’ Sweet’ Is Anything But “Nonsense” Arts
It’s no “Coincidence” Sabrina Carpenter’s tour ‘Impressed Me Much’
Anusha Ramesh
CONTRIBUTOR
Sabrina Carpenter has been taking over the world with her iconic style and incredible new songs. Her album ‘Emails I Can’t Send’ really pushed her to new heights with her most popular song, “Nonsense” taking the world by storm.
When she announced the tour for her album Short n’ Sweet, I didn’t expect to walk into a 2-story set with ad breaks throughout the show! To say Sabrina is creative and witty would not do her justice. The set was similar to a Barbie dollhouse with multiple floors and a fireplace, all accompanied by retro ad breaks that incorporated her songs. For example, my favourite bit was “Sabrina After Dark” where we transition
from her song, “Lie to Girls”, into “Feather”. The best part about this transition was that the set became super jazzy with Sabrina and her dancers dressing in jazz attire. Little did I know Sabrina would begin singing a jazz rendition of “Feather”! Sabrina’s stage presence is unmatched, which is no surprise given her theatre background; from her days on Broadway to being a Disney star, she knows how to create a world on stage and sell it to the audience!
Another notable part of the concert was how she transitioned between the vintage black and white aesthetic to colour between her songs “Because I Liked A Boy” and “Coincidence”. Although the show was designed and produced so well — including the cinematography and the set — she included bits of crowd
work to make her performance more personable. Not only did she have a faux slumber party where she spoke to the audience as if we were her friends, but also played spin the bottle to sing a surprise song at the concert, it being “You Don’t Impress Me Much” by Shania Twain.
One of the best parts of the concert was the lighting design for “Juno” and how she insisted the crowd “get down on their knees if they are limber and working.” Sabrina knows how to make her crowd have fun, and it was evident in how everyone was singing their hearts out and enjoying the concert with her. Sabrina is so unserious in the best way because she can connect with her audience and have a good time with everyone.
To end it off, she used her song “Don’t Smile” and clever-
ly played the end credits of her show. To everyone’s surprise she came back out onto stage and reminder her ensemble that “they are still here, we have to sing our last song.” She ended the show by singing the iconic “Espresso”, while wearing a Toronto Maple Leaf’s Jersey. Although the concert was short, it was the sweetest one I’ve been to and could not have predicted what I was in store for!
‘Rush’ While Listening to ‘Club Classics’
Bumping that 365 days at SWEAT Tour
Darian Trabold
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
On September 18, Charli XCX and Troye Sivan brought their SWEAT tour to a sold-out crowd in Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. Despite their different styles — Charli more energetic and Sivan sonically warm — SWEAT lived up to its name. The concert was energetic and fun, very ‘365’ party girl, and the perfect way to showcase Charli’s new album BRAT. Each artist would play two to three songs and then switch, even doing a few songs together. Overall, it was an incredible experience, the ideal end to BRAT summer.
In the most BRAT way possible, my friends and I ran into the arena with seconds to spare before the concert began at 8:30 p.m. and I am glad we did not miss a second of the show. Sivan started the show with “Got Me Started”, a fitting beginning. Sivan’s sets primarily consisted of magnetic and, at times, hilarious choreography, with a little more focus on the production. While the set was more like a Charli show, just some scaffolding in
the background, Sivan used it to his advantage, making one feel a ‘rush’ when he was on stage.
The signature BRAT green curtain dropped and out came Charli, alone with a microphone singing “365”. When one thinks of an arena show, an artist strutting up and down the stage, hyping the crowd up like it is a night club is not usually what comes to mind. However, Charli’s stage presence and bumping beats are strong making this setup for her portions of the show the encapsulation of BRAT. One cannot forget the entire crowd doing the ‘Apple dance,’ creating a sense of a shared cultural moment amongst the crowd. The crowd was its loudest singing Lorde’s part of “Girl, so confusing,” showing how BRAT captured the zeitgeist of the summer and made the internet go crazy.
Towards the end of the show, the artists began interacting more with each other, even performing their song “1999” together before the encore. Charli had a very BRAT heavy setlist, which I was not upset about. She did include “I Love It” and “Track 10” in the encore which felt like a full circle moment for a longtime Charli fan like myself. Troye
had a mix of newer stuff as well as some older songs; however, he did not sing anything from Blue Neighborhood which, if he included just one song from that album, my soul would have left my body. The setlist was a perfect mix of the two artists, allowing for manic jumping during Charli’s set and mellow vibing to Sivan’s set. The night ended with the two joining forces to perform their remix “Talk Talk”, making me
wish they would keep singing.
The SWEAT tour was the definition of a perfect night out listening to club classics. Despite different styles of pop music, their similar fan base and seamless transition between sets make this rave disguised as an arena tour one of the best concerts I have ever been to.
Photo Credit: Darian Trabold
Photo Credit: Darian Trabold
Street Talk Features
One woman’s journey to her destination on the harrowing streets of TO.
N.J.
CONTRIBUTOR
Walking the streets of Toronto is not for the faint of heart, especially when faced with the moral tests that are brought by the bothersome tendencies of this city’s inhabitants. These frustrating acts are a sure way to both boil my blood and disintegrate some brain cells. With much love I present my issues with the bad behaviour of Torontonians:
1. Get off your phone.
While walking through a crowded Queen’s Park as we all rush to class, why do you think this is an appropriate time to be texting every person you’ve ever encountered and their mother?
Get your face off the screen, watch where you are going, and pick up the pace. Or else you might be flattened by one of the city’s cyclists or vespa drivers, and I can’t say myself or any onlookers will be particularly empathetic about it.
2. Cyclists.
Dear entitled people pedaling through the streets, fun fact: you still must obey the traffic laws even if you are in the bike lane! Red ALWAYS (other than a few technicalities) means stop. Whether you have two pedals or four, come to a pause.
Sincerely, Someone who thinks you might just need a license to ride a bike.
3. PDA
“Ew, unless you have a smooch for me, unlock those lips!” - A frustrated, lonely, tired, overworked, sad, woman. Save your affection for two places, the bedroom or if you’re the adventurous type, a secluded rooftop. Not Robarts. Never Robarts. Stop hooking up at Robarts.
4. Those who march to the beat of their own drum
Ever been late and you’re really walking fast trying to make it to at least a portion of the lecture and out of nowhere emerges the not only slowest, but least predictable walker. They can’t stick to the right or left side of the sidewalk, maybe they’re on their phone or they’re looking at the
sky, but whatever their prerogative is, it’s in my way. #4 goes out to the people that are always in somebody’s way. Move over.
5. “Speakerheads”
Oh wow, you’re listening to the Weekend!? I had no idea, the fact that it is blasting out of a speaker in your backpack gave me no hints at all! Just please, wait until you are not in public to listen to music if you don’t have
headphones, or at least turn it down below the absolute loudest volume.
As a nice little wrap up disclaimer if you do any of these things please don’t be offended. I am sure you are a lovely person with plenty of friends and a good GPA. You can still overcome these little quirks, I swear. you just need a little support from your loved ones, and don’t worry there won’t be a riot of St. Mikes
students outside your door if you don’t overcome them (SMCSU can’t afford pitchforks after last year’s audit found out they were using them for LARP-ing) (shout out SMCSU).
Pihoto Credit: Aiden Fung.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Photo Credit: The Planning Partnership
Lifestyle
Mindfulness and Self Care
Trying Out MIndfulness and Self Care Trends
Shimon Augustine
CONTRIBUTOR
In a world that seems to get more complex by the day, “Selfcare” and “Mindfulness” have become two buzz words that are thrown around carelessly for reasons ranging from selling foot massagers to justifying an unhealthy diet. But do we really understand what it means to take care of ourselves? Let’s dive in. Firstly, by no means am I saying that self-care or being mindful is something that should be stigmatized or looked down upon, every one of us has a right to take care of our own mental health. But as humans we’re always looking for ways to optimize our lives, trying to get just a little bit more happiness right
now, because after all, isn’t mindfulness just living in the now and forgetting about the future? It’s grotesquely fascinating to see how people, especially the youth, are justifying increasingly selfish, destructive and narrow-minded behavior purely based on the false notion that they are taking care of themselves. The commercialist world we live in doesn’t make it any better, in fact it arguably fans the flames of people’s desires to have a little short-term gain at the cost of their long-term well-being, relationships, mental health and more. It doesn’t sound so pretty when you lay it all out does it?
So how do we take a step back and make sure that we really are doing what is best for us?
I think the biggest fallacy that commercial self-care implores
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us to believe is that self-care is only about one person: you. Now it may seem a bit counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to help yourself is to help others. Volunteer at a local orphanage or comfort a friend, it really doesn’t matter as long as you’re making someone else’s day just that much brighter. No amount of self-care products can ever replicate the sense of accomplishment you’ll get after a good deed done well.
Another thing I’d like us to reconsider is what it means to be mindful. Mindfulness means turning a mind full of thoughts into a calm one by just taking time to appreciate the present moment. Unsurprisingly, this one simple task is becoming harder to accomplish in a world that is filled with noise from a
Learn about the ways you can get deals with
Mauli Shah
LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Uni is all about those latenight snacks between study grinds and stress-relieving shopping trips to keep us sane, but the student budget doesn’t always allow this. However, with your student ID, you can get your hands on all the student discounts and deals. In this article, I
am going to list out all the places and ways you can get full use of the student ID.
If you shop much, get an SPC card. This card allows to get discounts from all the major brands. Using this card, you can get a student discount of around 10% at these major retailers, even when you shop online. They have an affordable membership fee, and you get your money back when you use the card since they offer discounts on more than 450
your student ID
brands. These include all major brands including Nike, Adidas, Levi’s and H&M. This makes shopping much more affordable on your student budget, not to mention, you can always blame your shopping on you stress from assignment.
A lot of the travel companies offer discounts for students, but it depends on what kind of airline it is and which route you are taking. Companies like Air Canada offer up to 50% off on select flights and Choice Hotels gives up to 15% off on room stays using an ISIC card. You can also get discounts for your daily commute on TTC or GO transit. This makes commute much cheaper, and you can use that excuse to buy more coffee in between class.
You can get major discounts on all the tech when you use your student card. You can use your ID to get discounts on the products at Apple, Lenovo, HP and even GoPro. When you’re a student you can also get cheaper software like Adobe, Staples, Prezi, etc. Note that you get free access to Microsoft 365 when you are a student so that’s a plus too. These amazing discounts can help unleash the creativity in you and for cheaper than usual.
hundred different sources. What everyone seems to skip over is that mindfulness isn’t something exotic or foreign, like a guided meditation session no one has time for. It’s something that we can practice every day, by listening to our senses instead of our mind every once in a while. Instead of thinking about the ungodly number of assignments you have while walking to your next class, take some time to really look at your surroundings, to feel the sunshine on your skin, to breathe in some fresh air. It might seem trivial, but a few moments of mindfulness can do wonders for your mental
Now that I have bestowed upon you the secrets of self-care, go treat yourself to some volunteering or a mindful walk in the park, you’ve earned it!
Being a student means spending a lot on food whether late at nights, or when you don’t feel like cooking. But don’t worry, there are student discounts on those too. You can get discounts at Burger King, KFC, Aroma Espresso Bar, Taco Bell, Papa John’s Pizza, and so many more. These will help satisfy your latenight cravings without the heavy price tag.
When all those cosmetics are expensive, your Student ID is your knight in shining armour. You can use the SPC card mentioned above to get discounts on MAC, Giorgio Armani, Smashbox, Urban Decay, Kiehl’s, etc.
You can also use your ID for Automotive discounts (driving schools too), Cell Phone and internet, Education (textbooks, etc), Art galleries and museums, Eyewear, Grocery Stores, Finance (cheaper insurance, accounting services, etc), Newspaper, health and fitness, etc. There are so many ways you can put your student card to great use, just look up the service or product you use the most and check out if they offer student discounts so you can get discounts on the things you love.
Illustration Credit: Emily Tung
Lifestyle
Lifestyle Editor Mauli Shah
Overcoming Homesickness in University
Some advice on how to overcome homesickness no matter what year you are in
Karen Maktabi
ASSOCIATE LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Whether it is your first year or your last, the start of the fall term always looms with a mixed bittersweet feeling. The start of an end; a completely new chapter for some, and a nearing graduation for others. Needless to say, the post-summer break back to school period is often inevitably accompanied by the common homesickness. Trust me, you’re not alone. Missing home? Family? Friends? Then this one’s for you! Here are some well-needed pick-me-ups for overcoming homesickness.
Create a new routine.
Now I know – this one seems basic, but back to basics is good when you’re feeling overwhelmed with the outlandishness of a new environment or the sudden absence of what used to be your everyday. Set alarms, plan out your day beforehand and try new things! I can’t stress the impact a simple planner has made on my life. Tracking your week and productivity helps you stay on top of your schedule and most efficient in your classes. Campus is bustling with students in the same boat as you, and the events are endless. So, get involved, meet some new friends, and you’ll hopefully be settling in, in no time.
Cook food from home.
This one’s pretty self-explanatory, but nothing beats homemade food for healing that stubborn homesickness. Missing that warm lasagna your mom makes? Or maybe the spices of your country? Then get cookin’! Pull up the recipe, the ingredients and relieve your longing heart. Believe me, tested and true.
Explore new surroundings!
There are perks to being on your own you know… Take your time to discover the city; there’s so much Toronto has to offer, from music, food, people, and views! Pro tip: Ossington Avenue and Queen St. for some good eats, and Front St. for music and old town views. There’s a reason downtown is labeled a cultural mosaic, embrace the new
multi-cultural experience! There are so many people from diverse backgrounds and cultures around you, get to know them. Meet your city, it’s Yours to Discover. IYKYK.
Homemade playlist. I would say this one’s my personal favorite homesickness coping mechanism. Listen to music that reminds you of home. Curate a list of your favorite singles from your country’s most iconic artists! The songs can also represent different eras of your life back home, evoking memories that you know will leave you
nostalgic and reminiscing on the good times. Give those a play whenever that feeling of emptiness feels exceptionally too large.
Exercise.
Again, straightforward, I know. But do not underestimate the power of a good workout session! While it may occasionally feel like you’re dragging yourself to the gym, the endorphins your body releases during exercise and cardio will leave you feeling positive and energized. Take it from me, it will be difficult to remain upset afterwards.
Stay in touch with home. At first glance, it may seem rational to cut off constant contact with friends and family back home. Afterall, they can serve as a distracting reminder of what you’ve left and all you’re missing out on. But regularly checking up on your loved ones is more healing than you may think! Reaching out will help you maintain your good relationship with them, while updating each other on your lives so it’s like they’re right there with you for the ride. Remember to be kind to yourself through this process; if you miss them, tell them!
Photo Credit: Aiden Fung
The debated and questionable ethics of true crime Murder on the Big Screen Opinions
Lizzie Federico
CONTRIBUTOR
With thousands of books, podcasts, films, and series captivating audiences worldwide, true crime and its ethics remain a heated topic of debate, regardless of whom you ask. In recent years, works of true crime have seemed almost inescapable, with the question of its moral correctness a necessary afterthought. Are we okay with glamorising the brutal murders of innocent young women in Hollywood’s newest Ted Bundy film? Is it acceptable for people to livestream court cases from the comfort of their living room? Can we allow for heinous acts of brutality to become so desensitised? That’s what I’m here to discuss, and prove my stance on the blurred ethics of true crime.
One of the easiest aspects of true crime media to define as disrespectful, at least for me, is the blatant glamourization of criminal behaviour through casting a noteworthy, attractive actor
as its star. I’ll firstly state the obvious, why is it necessary for our resident serial killer to be played by a beloved cover-model actor?
The answer is it isn’t, but Netflix’s Dahmer and the one of many pieces of Ted Bundy related media, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, nail the hammer on the head for this point. In these instances, Evan Peters and Zac Efron, respectively, were clearly cast for not solely their acting abilities, but for how their face on a poster would look to someone scrolling through their favourite streaming service or deciding which movie to see this Friday night.
Not only are these actors a clear cash grab, these incredibly mainstream cases — easily identifiable for the average person — serve as clear evidence that these films and others like them are created for the sole purpose of putting money in Hollywood’s pocket, disrespecting their truly sinister source material. These violent, horrible crimes committed against young men and wom-
Opinions Editor Carina Mercado opinionsthemike@gmail.com
Source:
Sky Cinema
en serving as a form of profit for multi-million dollar corporations showcases one of the many problems with true crime in our media.
Saying this, true crime is not always so incorrectly executed, and many pieces of media discuss deviant behaviour in a better way. Though not without fault of their own, series such as Conversations With a Killer and more documentary focused media, even some podcasts, can be well executed and reliable sources for accurate true crime. By remaining less tabloid-like, solely focusing on facts and case descriptions, true crime media can serve as a valuable educational source for people to simply learn about violent crime. Though no piece of media is without the underlying motivation for success, by focusing on telling a true story of a criminal case true crime can
be a less debatable, more educational topic.
However, this doesn’t frequently occur. Majority of the time the educational, accurate version of a criminal case becomes quickly warped and initiates the clickbait-based problem that is unfortunately so common in media focused on true crime. Despite many instances of true crime in media having unethical practices, the overall discussion of true crime, when done in an educational and accurate manner can be incredibly beneficial for the way our world views deviant behaviour. Unfortunately, this isn’t commonly the case, so when looking at our current media’s idea of true crime, it is definitely a dismissive, desensitised and ethically incorrect system that prioritises profit over respect. If only we could be better.
The ‘Puzzling’ Toronto Blue Jays Season
As the 2024 MLB season wraps up, let’s talk about how the Blue Jays did.
Arrianna Toolsie
ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR
If I had to describe the 2024 Toronto Blue Jays in one word, it would be puzzling. They finished the season with 74 wins and 88 losses, ranking fifth (last) in the American League East Division. Most would expect a star-studded team to perform well during the season, but that was not the case this year, as they failed to meet the high expectations of baseball fans from all over the world.
The most important question is, “What can they improve on?” Let’s look at who we got rid of and who we added to the roster. Key players and fan favourites such as outfielder Kevin Kiermaier and catcher Danny Jansen were traded away during the MLB trade deadline window. Highly rated outfielder prospect, Joey Loperfido, and infield prospect Will Wagner were acquired during the same period through other trades. I believe that the trades were very appropriate because they allow us to continue to develop young, talented play-
ers while also accommodating our top players.
When it comes to determining the 2025 Blue Jays roster, approximately 50% of the team’s contracts are expiring and must be resigned and/or extended. Naturally, I believe that most players, particularly Vladimir ‘Vladdy’ Guerrero Jr., should be prioritized when negotiating contract extensions so that we can continue to build our team around leaders.
The Toronto Blue Jays may have finished last in their division, but that will in no way discourage them from focusing on their current team to maintain momentum and grow together. The Blue Jays are expected to have a top first-round pick in the upcoming MLB draft this offseason, which adds to the fact that we spent this season rebuilding and concentrating on their own needs rather than attempting to revert to their past.
But enough with the serious baseball talk; let’s look back at some fun moments. Many of our ‘rookies’ were hot at the plate, with many recording their first RBIs (runs batted in). Vladdy fin-
The Caitlin Clark Show
ished the season with 199 hits, demonstrating his ability to lead.
Many traditions were revived, including outfield hugs following wins, home run jackets, shimmies after base hits, and much more. Even the Blue Jays fans added to the fun by making DJ Ötzi’s “Hey Baby” a staple at the Rogers Centre following a 14-inning game in the mid-season.
In short, the roster has changed significantly this season, we’ve dealt with a lot of in-
juries, and our players have lost momentum. What will happen to the Blue Jays Organisation is the real question on all Jays fans’ minds right now. That concludes the 2024 season for the Toronto Blue Jays. Despite the poor record, this season was enjoyable to watch, and I believe I speak for everyone when I say that we hope our key players grow old with our team and that we persevere as a team in 2025.
Looking into Caitlin Clark’s dominant rookie year in the WNBA
The WNBA playoffs are underway, marking the end of a historic regular season. This season saw a surge in popularity, with a 170 percent increase in viewership and 23 broadcasts averaging over 1 million viewers, most of which can be attributed to a single player. And not just any player, a WNBA rookie, and a name that has been prevalent in
the sports media for quite some time – Caitlin Clark. Clark has popularized women’s basketball like no one before her, a trend that has earned a name across numerous social media outlets as the “Clark Effect”.
Clark, regarded by many as one of the greatest female collegiate players of all time, had an illustrious career at the University of Iowa: she led the NCAA Division I in scoring as a freshman, was a unanimous pick for the All-American first-team as
a sophomore, and became the first women’s player to lead the NCAA in both points and assists in a single season. Since then, Clark has become the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer and two-time national player of the year with the Iowa Hawkeyes. Even at the youth level, she has won three gold medals with the United States and was named MVP at the FIBA U-19 Women’s World Cup in 2021.
Due to her dominance in college and youth basketball, as well as her exceptional playmaking abilities as a point guard, she was selected first overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever. During the regular season, she continued to dominate, and broke multiple records –she set the league single-season and single-game record in assists, broke the points record for rookies, and became the first rookie to achieve a triple-double. Her remarkable achievements earned her the WNBA Rookie of the Year (ROTY) award, another
testament to her stellar debut season.
Despite her individual success, Clark’s first WNBA playoff run ended in disappointment. The Indiana Fever were swept 2-0 by the Connecticut Sun in the first round, an anticlimactic conclusion to an otherwise sensational season. However, her impact on both the Indiana Fever and basketball on the global stage was undeniable, and many believe that this is the beginning of what could be one of the best careers in WNBA history.
As Clark’s influence continues to grow, the “Clark Effect” is expected to have a significant impact on women’s sports. If her momentum carries on into future seasons, the WNBA is set to see an unprecedented rise in viewership, revenue, and popularity. Caitlin Clark is not only redefining sport, but also paving the way for future generations of athletes to benefit from increased support and exposure.
Photo Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Photo Credit: Toronto Blue Jays/Instagram
No More Waiting, NHL Hockey Is Finally Back
Breaking down major offseason events leading up to opening night
Lucas Carpignano
SPORTS EDITOR
After months of waiting, the puck is finally almost ready to be dropped to kick off another highly anticipated NHL season. With new talent entering the league and familiar faces in new places, this season is set to be unpredictable and exhilarating. I’ve got you covered with all you need to know going into another exciting season.
There’s no better team to talk about first than the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Florida Panthers. Though they are still a very strong team, they lost significant players to free agency. Defensemen Brandon Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson signed with Seattle and Toronto respectively, back-up goaltender Anthony Stolarz signed with Toronto, and forwards Ryan Lomberg, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Kevin Stenlund signed with Calgary, Detroit, and Utah respectively. While these are heavy subtractions, their core group is still very strong. Their main priority this offseason was resigning forward Sam Reinhart. Reinhart had an amazing season scoring 57 goals and tallying up 94 points. Reinhart signed an extension with Florida through 2030 securing 8.625 million dollars annually.
The team that had the most impactful moves this offseason was the Nashville Predators. Nashville took full advantage of
their large amount of cap room and added significant players to their team, signing Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei. Stamkos played over 1000 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning and was their captain, but it came as a shock to many fans that they could not agree on a new contract extension. Stamkos had 40 goals and 41 assists last season, so you can imagine he will have an immediate impact. Marchessault and Skjei both also had very strong seasons with their respective teams.
Other notable players who found new homes include Jake Guentzel with Tampa Bay, Elias Lindholm with Boston, Brett Pesce and Teuvo Teravainen with New Jersey, Tyler Toffoli with San Jose, and Chris Tanev with Toronto.
Last season, to no one’s surprise, Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard won the Calder Trophy, awarded the Rookie of the Year. This season, however, there is no clear-cut favourite, as there are many different rookies who are very capable of winning this award. Macklin Celebrini was drafted first overall by the San Jose Sharks this past June and is looking like one of the front-runners to win the award. Coming off winning the Hobey Baker Award, for being the NCAA MVP, it is expected that he will easily transition to NHL play. Philadelphia Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov is another front-runner for the award.
Drafted 7th overall at the 2023
NHL draft, Michkov spent last season playing in the Russian professional league, the KHL, and put up strong numbers for an 18-year-old. Other rookies to keep an eye out for include; Montreal’s Lane Hutson, Utah’s Josh Doan, Dallas’ Logan Stankoven, Anaheim’s Cutter Gauthier, and San Jose’s Will Smith.
Whether it’s the rise of new stars, the new homes for league veterans, or the intense battles for playoff spots, this season promises to be one for the books. Stay tuned, stay passionate, and enjoy the ride as we are set to witness the start of another exciting NHL season.
Photo
Photo Credit: Darian Trabold
Crossword
“I’m an Autumn”
Editor-in-Chief
Darian Trabold editorinchief@readthemike.com
2. Fiesta in honor of the dead
3. Large orange gourd, often carved for Halloween
4. Halloween in Mexico
8. Oktoberfest held here
9. Celtic Celebration marking the end of the harvest season
1. Fall beverage made from fermented apples
13. The scales in astrology DOWN
11. Album with scarf iconography
12. Acromyn for the drink of fall
THE MIKE SINCE
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5. Aided in discovering gravity
6. Place where largest pumpkin was grown also home of Tim Walz
7. Autumn foliage
17. Hindu Festival of Lights ACROSS
10. Fall flavoring made from boiled tree sap
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14. Annual migration of monarch butterflies occurs in this fall month
15. New England sport played on frozen ponds in late fall
16. Late fall moon, traditionally tied to harvest season
Official Yearbook of St. Michael’s College
Did you know that St. Michael’s College has its very own yearbook? The Windrose, SMC’s yearbook, is published annually with the support of The Mike Publications and the Office of the Dean of Students. For more updates and information on how you can preorder your own copy of the 2024-25 yearbook, check out The Mike website (readthemike.com) and the @lifeatstmikes Instagram.