THE MIKE
Student Event Showcase
The
Mike Has a New Instagram!
Follow us @readthemike
After a year-long hiatus, The Mike is back on Instagram! As you may have noticed, the old Mike Instagram is not visible in Canada, this is due to a law passed by the Canadian government which required big tech companies like Meta (the company that owns Instagram) to compensate news publishers
for sharing news content on their platforms. In response, Meta decided to block Canadian news sharing on their platforms.
In an attempt to return to Instagram, we have decided to create a new page, @ readthemike! Our old page is still up, except now it directs you to our new page. On our
Instagram we post a variety of content including what pitches are still available to claim, when our productions our (open to everyone), and so much more!
We also have a TikTok you can follow so we can all become TikTok famous and change our career paths to Influencer. The link to our Tik Tok is in our bio!
SMC Brings Party Vibes with “Hoikey Haunt”
Get ready for a night of costumes, dancing, and spooky fun!
Arib Hassam
VP COMMUNITY LIFE,
SMCSU
SMCSU is set to bring back the high-energy, party-style events that students have been missing with the highly anticipated Hoikety Haunt Halloween Party at Bangarang Bar. Kicking off at 7 pm on October 24, this Halloween bash will be complete with dancing, a costume contest, live DJ, and free catered food from Osmows’s Shawarma and Fresca Pizza.
Hoikety Haunt signals a return to the legendary party spirit that SMCSU events were once known for. However, what makes this event stand out is the implementation of a
comprehensive risk mitigation plan. With safety and fun in mind, SMCSU has arranged for crowd control measures, wristbands for 19+ alcohol purchases, and an attentive student and staff team to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Behind the revival of SMCSU’s legendary party energy is none other than the iconic Arib Hassam, the SMCSU VP Community Life known for his innovative ideas and dedication to the student experience.
Arib has been at the center of many notable events over the past few years including the immensely successful Mike’s Mixer pub night earlier this year and the memorable Boba Ross paint nights which have become a St. Mike’s staple. He expertly
THE MIKE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Darian Trabold editorinchief@readthemike.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Rosie McDonald managingeditor@readthemike.com
BUSINESS MANAGER
Jenna Brown business@readthemike.com
SENIOR COPY EDITOR
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 NEWS EDITOR
Zoe Galletta
ASSOCIATE OPINION EDITOR
Ana Skaro
ASSOCIATE FEATURES EDITOR Arshad Saleh
ASSOCIATE ARTS EDITOR
orchestrated the Hoikety Haunt, turning it into one of the most anticipated Halloween parties in recent memory. Arib shared his excitement saying, “We’re excited to make SMC great again!”
The event comes at the perfect time, providing a fun and festive way for students to let loose and celebrate after a long and stressful midterm season. While tickets are sold out, St. Mike’s students are welcome to drop by at 8 pm and let in firstcome, first served subject to the venue’s capacity. This is a Halloween party you won’t want to miss!
Adela Cucu
ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR
Arrianna Toolsie
ASSOCIATE LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Karen Maktabi
PHOTO EDITORS
Aidan Fung
Emily Tung
ILLUSTRATION EDITORS
Lucy Corrigall
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS
Miranda Leong
COPY EDITORS
Alisha Zariff
Serena Williams
Thomas MacKay
SENIOR STAFF WRITERS
Joseph Pontisso
Special Thank You to Bridget Bowels for helping write the crossword
AI = Artificial Inflation? News
AI’s Impact on the Soaring Cost of Living in Toronto and Abroad
Ethan Chan
NEWS EDITOR
There is no question that artificial intelligence has become a crucial part of our lives. Since ChatGPT has become a vital tool that can answer nearly any question we throw at it, it is almost only possible to do something with AI. Even as I write this article, my word processor’s built-in AI software predicts what I may write next, offering suggestions and auto-correcting anything it considers an error. However, as artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize industries across the globe, its impact has expanded far beyond what many initially thought to be a helpful tool. Now, AI is becoming a direct contributor to the rising cost of affordability — particularly in the housing market.
AI-driven algorithms like YieldStar, developed by Texasbased RealPage, are becoming increasingly popular for setting rental estate prices in the real estate market. Landlords making market-educated guesses has now become a thing of the past as machines use trends to predict and ultimately implement rent hikes that could go beyond what many tenants could afford. A prime example is a tenant named Shanice Sharpe, who, since moving into her one-bedroom apartment at 22 John St., has seen a rent increase of nearly 10%
News Editor Ethan Chan newsthemike@gmail.com
this past year, forcing her to take on three jobs to make ends meet. What makes matters worse is that Ontario’s rent control laws, enacted in 2018, cap rent control increases at 2.5% year over year, while AI suggests a 10% hike.
Rent increases are nothing new. As previously mentioned, rent prices fluctuate with demand based on the predictions of market economists. However, these predictions go out the window when you replace a human prediction with one done by AI because of the change in influences. Specifically, when
predicted by humans, rent prices are typically subject to a variety of supply and demand factors. However, when AI makes a prediction, its algorithms are set to maximize profit, making housing increasingly unaffordable for the working class, who already bear inflation from other sectors.
Further, one Redditor claims that a class-action lawsuit has been filed against the United States government, arguing that allowing algorithms like YieldStar to set prices creates an illegal price-fixing market where
In Memoriam: Liam Payne
affording rent is determined by those who cannot physically own property. In the end, as rent prices continue to soar, it is crucial to consider AI’s role in exacerbating the already dangerous housing crisis. Overall, despite AI’s rise, considering how will it be managed, who will inevitably benefit, and who will bear the costs? It may be best not to ask AI what they think.
Former One Direction star, Liam Payne passed away on October 16
Darian Trabold
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
On October 16, former One Direction star and singer, Liam Payne passed away at the age of 31. He fell from the third floor balcony of his hotel, Casa Sur, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Details surronding his death are still unclear. It is reported that drugs and/or alcohol were possibly involved, however the toxicology report has not been completed at the time of writing this article. Payne, from Wolverhampton, England, was one of five original members of the boy band, One Direction. Which was created by
Nicole Scherzinger after the five members auditioned separately on the British version of the “X-Factor.” The band was one of the best-selling boy bands of all time and had a large impact. The group went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016, each launching solo careers. Payne’s most streamed song on Spotify - “Strip That Down” - has over one billion streams.
Payne is survived by his son, Bear, who he shares with Cheryl Cole, his parents, and his sisters.
Photo Credit: YSW Tenant
News Editor Ethan Chan newsthemike@gmail.com
The Launch of Dunn House
Canada’s
First Social Medicine Supportive Housing
Sarahi Giles Candela
CONTRIBUTOR
There are approximately 10,000 people experiencing homelessness, a crisis that extends beyond the lack of shelter and touches deeper issues like mental health, substance use, and poverty. To address these challenges, Toronto has developed an initiative that reflects a forward-thinking approach that recognizes housing as more than just a basic need, but a fundamental determinant of health.
As Mayor Olivia Chow stated on social media platform X, this project collaborates with the provincial and federal government, the University Health Network’s (UHN) Gattuso Centre for Social
Medicine, and the United Way of Greater Toronto. This multifaceted collaboration increases the project’s potential for success. It sets a precedent for how future initiatives aimed at social issues can benefit from broad cooperation across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
What used to be a parking lot will now be known as the location of Dunn House at 90 Dunn Avenue in Parkdale, a fourstory building that has capacity for 51 of UHN’s most medically and socially complex patients. It consists of self-contained studio apartments with a bathroom and kitchen, and will be permanent housing, unlike short-term emergency shelters that cater to anyone in a housing crisis. Tenants are selected based on an assessment of their individual needs, ensuring that the necessary on-site support
services are tailored to help them maintain housing stability. Thus, occupants are permanent residents with full rights and responsibilities, choosing supportive housing as a longterm home where they can integrate into the community.
“The data is clear — homelessness is a terminal condition. On average, patients who are unhoused live nearly twenty years less. - Dr. Andrew Boozary, Executive Director of the Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine
With Dunn House, the main concern is to provide a continuum of care for UHN patients and support individuals exiting homelessness, including women, Indigenous Peoples, and people with disabilities. The homes will follow a “rent geared to income” model, meaning the rent will be calculated according to the resident’s income level,
fostering a greater sense of community and respecting traditions of a diverse community.
The future of supportive housing and social medicine in Canada holds immense promise as Toronto exemplifies a leading pattern for healthcare integration, targeting the root causes of homelessness. As these initiatives expand, we can envision a country where people will have access to a safe place to call home and comprehensive support that will lessen the strain on emergency services.
By recognizing that housing is a fundamental factor determining citizens´ health, Canada is fostering a society where compassion and innovation are key values within public policy. This ensures that even the most vulnerable citizens have the stability they need and hope for a better future.
The Origins of Halloween Halloween: Is it as Scary as We Think?
Michelle Wong
CONTRIBUTOR
What are the origins of Halloween? Growing up we were taught that children and walk the neighbourhood trickor-treating for candy dressed as spooky things like ghosts, vampires, zombies, werewolves, and so forth. Similarly, houses would be decorated with fake spider webs, scary dolls, and flickering lights. However, have you ever questioned where does this holiday come from exactly, or why was it made to be a scary holiday? It seems not many people actually know the origins of Halloween.
This holiday has its origins in an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain (a Gaelic word pronounced “SAH-win”). This religious event celebrated the beginning of the harvest at the end of summer, and people would light bonfires, wear costumes, and dance to ward off ghosts. They also made lanterns from gourds to light up their lands. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 All Saints Day, a solemnity to honour saints. All
Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions from Samhain, and the evening before All Saints Day was called All Hallows Eve. This later became Halloween, and all the spooky events and warding off ghosts occurred on October 31. That’s not all! November 1 was also considered to be a new year in ancient Ireland, and marked the transition of a warm, bountiful summer to a cold, dark winter oftentimes associated with death. As such, the night of October 31was considered the night when the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred, and spirits could traverse Earth.
Wait, there’s more! According to Pioneer Woman, Samhain’s big bonfires attracted a insects, which then attracted bats which then became associated with Halloween — nothing to do with witches and vampires sadly. However, black cats actually do have a connection with witches! During the Middle Ages, witches were believed to avoid suspicion by turning themselves into black cats. Orange and black, the colours often associated with Halloween, date back to Samhain, where black symbolized the “death” of the summer season
and orange represented the harvest season.
Halloween stemmed from religious Celtic roots and was to ward off ghosts, celebrating their harvest at the end of summer; quite a celebratory event, if you think about it! But how did this event come from Ireland to North America? The late 19th century saw a wave of Scottish and Irish immigrants coming to North America, whose traditions later influenced people of many cultures. The holiday was initially more common in Maryland and southern colonies than the more strictly Protestant New England. The different Celtic and Catholic customs began to be incorporated with Indigenous ideas, and soon a more American version of Halloween came to be. This included sharing stories about the dead and telling fortunes. As time progressed, parents were encouraged by the local newspapers and community leaders to remove anything that was “frightening” or “grotesque,” slowly making Halloween no longer as superstitious or religious as it was in the 1800s.
What about trick-or-treating? There are many theories
surrounding this topic, and its has not yet been discovered exactly the tradition came to be. One speculated idea was that this custom came from Ireland; young people would partake in guising where they would, in costume, sing or tell jokes or perform some trick before receiving fruit, nuts or coins. Another speculated idea was that trickor-treating is an act of souling This act dates back to the 15th century when Christians would go door-to-door asking for treats or “soul cakes” in exchange for a promise to pray for the souls of giver’s relatives. Though it is still not confirmed where trickor-treating originated from, this activity has created many fond childhood memories and remains a tradition in modern society.
Halloween began as a celebratory and spirit-warding religious Celtic holiday, but as time passed and cultures mixed, it became the holiday we all know today. So the next time you think about Halloween decorations, parties, or costumes, this author hopes that you recall the origins of the day. Have a spooky holiday and stay safe!
Features
The Charm of Male Arrogance
An autumn enjoyer’s review of Wes Anderson’s “Fantastic Mr. Fox.”
Lauren Sarney
FEATURES EDITOR
As we begin to bundle ourselves in knits and arrays of scarves in order to keep one burgeoning autumn chill at bay, this craving for warmth will undoubtedly seep into our down time. When not in the throes of midterms, students will likely pile under quilts and begin the yearly tradition of mind-numbing through cinema: who can be down about poor performance on an essay when watching the “Remains of the Day” song from “Corpse Bride”? Who among us is self-loathing enough to ponder the merits of cuffing season when there’s “When Harry Met Sally” and “Dead Poets Society” to sob over instead? Atop my list of fall classics is the Roald Dahl tale-turned stop motion by the fastidiously eccentric Wes Anderson, “Fantastic Mr. Fox.” In fact, dear reader, it is merely days into October and I’ve already rewatched it. It is, in a word, gulp able: the movements are precise to such a point, the story addictive, the dialogue exquisite. It is the perfect mindless movie, even the soundtrack is golden! I have baked many muffins to “Kristofferson’s Theme.” It is fantastic in its watchability, its ease with which it reaches audiences. This review could end there.
Under a quilt of my own I snugged up, excited for a honeyed tale followed by a deep slumber, yet inexplicably during the film I was struck by a feeling in the chest that led to this article. It sat amber-hot on my ribs, knitting my eyebrows: I was all at once irate. Irrationally, and without warning, I wanted to slap the main character clean across the face, and perhaps my younger self while I was at it! “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” I decided at once, was not a tale of friendship and epic triumph, but of male chauvinism and self-centered world building. How could I have been so blind! This was not a cute autumn story, but one of the Narcissus of woodland creatures. How naive of me to get sucked into this world of pantomime.
The tale hinges on the Mr. Fox in question, following him as he disrupts the world around him through his Master Plans to rob farmers and businessmen Boris, Bunce, and Beans. Mr. Fox is depicted from the first moment on screen to be a Robin Hood-esk thief - except that it is him who is the poor he is stealing for - alternatively
conversations over Holden Caulfields’ moral merit in “Catcher In The Rye” because I want to halt every discussion with a cry of “he sucks! He sucks! Why do I have to care about fictional men who operate only for their own desires when real life is so chockablock with them as it is!” The amber heat still sits yet musing over it, now it is also laced with curiosity. For all of his
Photo Credit: Linkedin
a regular Davy Crockett (as Anderson so subtly parallels by playing the titular song of Crockett.) Along his journey Mr. Fox gets a myriad of creatures roped into his plots, including his wife, child, and nephew who he had taken in in the wake of his brother-in-law’s illness. As I
shortcomings and pitfalls, for all the people he harms, Mr. Fox is undoubtedly charismatic, and throughout the film no matter my agita I held my breath that he’d triumph. Why?
To answer this question, I had to take a step back, look at it as a whole piece of work.
write it now, I am drawn back to that irritation, for on paper Mr. Fox is an undeniably heartless skunk (pun unintended, but left in), a man Mrs. Fox indeed never should have married. And yet, even with my aghast aversion, I still cannot let go of a nagging thought: why do I still love it so?
I despise movies with unlikable characters, perpetually unable to watch “Wolf of Wall Street” or delve into terribly pretentious
It is a movie primed on, as the notorious critic Cleanth Brooks might exalt, doing what it says. The titular character is fantastic in the affable sense of the word: he is graceful and interesting, a hero (if only in his own mind.) Yet, the far more fantastic element of his character is his absolute and total belief that he is capable of the quests he embarks upon. His arrogance and exceeding apathy towards the feelings and
opinions of friends and loved ones stupefies the mind, it catapults the story in all different directions and truly conceives of the plot. In one scene that dropped my jaw all the animals are preparing for a stolen feast whilst trapped underground in a maze of their making, and Mr. Fox rips a speech from the jowls of Badger to begin talking about himself. Reminder: they are underground because of his hubris! In a moment they will be flooded out by cider because of his absolute devotion to the sunk cost fallacy! Yet even though the heights of his egotism dizzy the mind, this moment makes me laugh. He charms, I suppose. He fascinates.
It is not just Mr. Fox’s arrogance that begrudgingly warms the soul, I’ve realized. Wes Anderson, as is his way, seemed to make this film as impossible to compose as he was able. A long enough scroll on Instagram reels will likely double one back to snippets of Anderson getting the actors to run around saying their monologues, there’s even a scene in which George Clooney voices Mr. Fox atop a motorcycle. Really, it feels needless, yet it brings a chuckle when truly contemplated. Anderson got an A-List cast of Hollywood magma together to make a movie that only required good voice actors, and then he made them perform their lines ridiculously. Somehow that too charms me, the total abandon with which Anderson put together this film. He is, in a way, Fox-like.
So, as you begin your season of cozying and you turn on the most beautiful stop motion “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” perhaps you will experience the whiplash of hating Mr. Fox yet also kind of wanting to be him. I attempt to eschew arrogance every day, terrified as a woman that it’ll be an unpalatable colour on me. But hey, if a man can uproot the lives of his entire community, be a regretful partner for his spouse, and still make me want to rewatch his failings just to see his eventual flight every year, perhaps “Fantastic Mr. Fox” ought to be taken as a suggestion that a touch more arrogance won’t do much harm.
Photo Credit: StopMotion Mag.
Lifestyle Editor Mauli Shah lifestylethemike@gmail.com
Throwing Clay, not Grades
A student Guide to Pottery 101!
Maddie Layton
The University of Toronto can be a stressful environment, often causing students to miss out on new activities and experiences
while focusing solely on grades. Over the past year, I have stepped away from academics to explore hobbies within my community, including pottery. This relaxing and rewarding activity can be enjoyed alone or with friends.
Pottery serves as a calming escape that embraces mistakes. Unlike many high-energy activities in the university and Toronto communities, pottery offers a low-intensity experience at your own pace. The stressrelieving benefits of working with clay and creating unique pieces can be truly therapeutic. It’s an ideal break from school for all skill levels. It provides a creative outlet to meet new people from across the Toronto community. As you progress through your classes, you’ll develop friendships and enjoy engaging
The Ultimate Trick or Treat Bag
The bag of goodies fit for the gods… and U of T students.
Shimon Augustine CONTRIBUTOR CONTRIBUTOR
As a chill sets across the land, there’s one question that keeps us all up at night: “Will this be the year that I bring in
the perfect Halloween haul?”
While a flawless trick or treat is an experience sought after by all, there always seems to be a
conversations—sometimes over a glass of wine, if your instructor is generous!
What is so great about this hobby is you get to keep everyone you make. Not only does pottery create lasting memories with each piece you craft, but it also makes for the perfect holiday gift!
If you’re interested in diving into this new hobby, Toronto has plenty of options. The Gardiner Museum offers one-day classes in hand-building or wheel pottery, while ClayArt Studios provides eight-week sessions for both beginners and intermediates to develop their skills. Which all can be signed up online through their websites. If you are looking for a new hobby, I’d encourage you to try taking a class!
proverbial toothbrush thrown into every trick or treat bag that makes one wonder about the cruel machinations of this world. But for a moment let’s try constructing our own dream goodie bag so that we may enjoy it, at least, in spirit.
Since I don’t want to turn this article into a candy tier list, I’ll just say that anything that has more than the daily recommended sugar intake probably belongs in our bag (although I will say Maynards are the best, don’t @ me.) A truly underrated item that belongs in every trick or treat bag is a juice box. It’s a life saver to have a sugary drink halfway through the Halloween hustle.
For a truly sensational goodie bag, a balance of sweet and savory is a necessity. Mini chips packets or salted popcorn can go a long way in creating a more balanced spread, and before you ask, no, pretzels are not allowed in the bag. Finally, to top it all off, some spooky temporary tattoos that might wash off the next day but are sure to leave memories that last a lifetime.
Photo Credit: Empower Mississippi
Photo Credit: Aiden Fung
Lifestyle Editor Mauli Shah lifestylethemike@gmail.com
Pumpkin Spice Latte Reviews
Guide for the Ultimate Fall PSL
Darian Trabold and Arib Hassam
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND STAFF WRITER
For the third and final year, we are coming to you live from cafes in Toronto. We review some old favorites and a few new ones. One thing is for sure, nothing says fall like a Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Second Cup
Darian: This is a solid PSL, not too sweet, and just the right amount of coffee. If you are not a huge fan of overly sweet coffee, this is a great option. Second Cup never disappoints, when I leave Canada, I can say for sure I will miss it!
Arib: A good baseline PSL; very balanced, however, I’m not a huge fan of the pumpkin spice topping they use, as it’s a bit grainy and eventually settles to the bottom of the drink. However, I feel this does not detract from the overall pumpkin spice experience.
Gong Cha
Darian: This was shocking. One does not usually associate bubble tea with PSL, but it works better than expected. The foam topping did take away from the drink, but we would definitely recommend ordering it without the foam for the best experience.
Arib: This drink was life changing. While very sweet even though we ordered it at the lowest sweetness level (30%), it tasted exactly like a pumpkin pie in milkshake form. The one improvement I would make would be the elimination of the overly salty milk foam topping; I will definitely be back!
Dairy Queen
Darian: There is nothing on this Earth like a blizzard; the fear when they flip it over and you think your sweet treat is going to be ruined, that first delicious bite, it is like heaven in a cup. The pumpkin pie Blizzard lived up to my expectations. It reminded me of Gong Cha tea without the bad foam. Do not think I would get this often but a good, sweet
treat option if you are near a
Arib: The pumpkin flavor was not too forward on this, overall, it is a good dessert. I liked the addition of the graham cracker and cookie dough pieces which added some nice texture to the Blizzard. However, for $9, this item was slightly overpriced.
Jimmy’s
Darian: Jimmy’s is one of my favorite coffee shops so disappointed is an understatement. I was excited when Arib told me they improved their PSL only for my dreams to be crushed as if I were at the Exam Center. Not even the wonderful chalk drawing of Jimmy Carter could distract me from the artificial taste. The syrup they use at this location needs to be switched to what they use at 84 Gerrard. This PSL is the epitome of “not mad, just disappointed.”
Arib: Darian and I had very different experiences when it came to Jimmy’s PSL, which I attribute to the fact that she and I visited different locations. While my PSL from the 84 Gerrard Street location was quite
delicious, not too sweet and had plenty of lovely pumpkin flavour, I’ll leave you to read Darian’s experience at the McCaul location below.
Oreos
Darian: That fateful day in Target changed my life. This not being a year-round flavor is a crime. We need this in doublestuffed, mega-stuffed, thins, every way imaginable. They are the perfect way to enjoy a little taste of pumpkin after a long day.
Arib: I hate Justin Trudeau for not allowing these to be sold in Canada. They are the perfect fall treat, pairing perfectly with a hot PSL. A huge shoutout to Darian for always smuggling a pack of these over the border from America for me. The pumpkin creme filling is delicious and dangerous. Don’t leave me alone with these because I will finish the whole pack in one sitting.
Paris Baguette Drink and Pastry
Darian: Paris has never been known for its PSL and maybe there is a reason for that. This was kind of like Second Cup, nothing
special but nothing particularly bad, not sure I would pay almost $10 for it again. The pumpkin pastry we had was good, but it was not pumpkin. The pumpkin frosting tasted like buttercream with orange food coloring. This is a once-a-month feeling really bougie kind of place.
Arib: I was a little skeptical at first when I had to pay over $8 for this PSL, but honestly it was quite enjoyable. It was nothing special, and didn’t really stand out for any of the other PSLs that I’ve tried. That being said, it did pair nicely with the “pumpkin” tarte that we got with it. Unfortunately, the pastry didn’t taste like pumpkin spice at all, and the neon orange colour was a bit misleading.
Danish Pastry House Drink and Pastry
Darian: I did not hate it, but I did not love it. More coffee forward than any of the other PSLs but the syrup lingered on the bottom which was odd. The pastry looked good but alas looks are deceiving. I probably would not come back here for a PSL.
Arib: Very disappointing. We trekked to the Eaton Centre, only to be disappointed. The iced PSL had a horrible artificial sweetener aftertaste, and the pastry was dry and crumbly. I would not recommend it.
7/11
Darian: If this PSL ever tasted bad I would lose faith in humanity. Money does not always buy happiness and 7/11 has proved it. Despite being the cheapest PSL on the list and coming out of a machine, it is by far the best. When someone asks me what I learned in my four years of university, I will tell them that 7/11 has the best PSL.
Arib: Few things are as consistent in life as the 7-Eleven PSL. When we first tried it three years ago, it was a cultural reset. We tried it iced this year, and it was just as good, if not better. With a perfect balance of coffee and pumpkin spice flavour, this PSL is easily the best one out of all the ones we have tried.
Photo Credit: Darian Trabold
Dairy Queen.
Opinions
Opinions Editor Carina Mercado opinionsthemike@gmail.com
Culture Appropriation: A Heritage Hijack Horror
How to be cutesy, mindful, and demure with your Halloween Costume!
Nejat Ahmed
VP EQUITY, SMCSU
Trigger Warning: This article discussses themes of homophobia, ableism, and fatphobia.
Ever since the first of October, all I’ve been hearing about is what people will be for Halloween and the Hoikety Haunt. I’ve heard a plethora of costumes from students! It’s safe to expect people to show up and show out on the 31st. Some may find Halloween to be one of those holidays when people feel justified pushing the proverbial envelope. And it could hurt some feelings, come off as insensitive, and before you know it, you’ll be known as the person with the “not-so-cutesy, not-so-mindful, not-so-demure” costume. Here’s how you can be cutesy, mindful, and demure this Halloween! Creativity is always welcomed, but it should never come at the
cost of another. In no particular order, put your costume away if:
If your costume appropriates someone’s culture: Yes, Disney Princess. No, I’m not counting Pocahontas, Jasmine, or Mulan. There is a significant difference between appreciating one’s customs and stealing it for a couple of hours and making fun of it by turning it into a costume; If your costume “requires” blackface or yellowface, then I really need to see you put your costume away.
If your costume appropriates religion: it’s a Catholic college, what’d you expect!? This goes for all religions, no questions asked. Like the last point: there is a very big difference between appreciating one’s customs and stealing it for a couple of hours and making fun of it by turning it into a costume.
If your costume is making fun of disasters or tragedies: No. Just no. Unless you’re trying to
raise awareness and do so in a manner that is respectful to those impacted.
If your costume promotes homophobic and/or transphobic rhetoric: Costumes mocking gender identity? That’s a no, as it makes fun of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and adds to hateful rhetoric already existing about the community.
If your costume is about mental illness or based on a disability: Straightjackets, “crazy” wigs, and any other items that mock physical or mental disabilities should be nowhere in the room, for obvious reasons. Ableism and ableist rhetoric is still a prominent problem, and a costume inaccurately depicting mental or physical disabilities does not make things any better.
If your costume promotes body-shaming or harmful rhetoric to different body types: If y’all are making jokes about body images, I’m going to need
Carbon Tax or Income Equality? Why Canada Can Have Both
A defense of carbon pricing for people who care about equality.
Henry Paluch
CONTRIBUTOR
Many people are skeptical of the carbon tax in Canada, although for different reasons. For instance, most people on the political right see the carbon tax as a drag on the economy or a driver of inflation and the cost of living. Some might even think that climate change is insignificant or not worth addressing. The political left, however, has somewhat different reasons to doubt the carbon tax. This is because pretty much across the left cares about preventing the harms of climate change in one way or another. There is no doubt that we need a policy for fighting climate change. Rather, any disagreement is about the proper choice of climate policy. A common objection made against carbon pricing has to do with its unequal effects on welfare. This argument contends that the higher cost paid for
fossil fuel products (gas, oil, and so on) disproportionately falls on those with lower income. In other words, a worker making minimum wage will be more negatively affected by higher gas prices than someone with higher income. Carbon pricing burdens the poor instead of the rich. Surely there must be a more equitable way of fighting climate change?
I sympathize with the spirit of this position. The costs of fighting climate change should be borne fairly. Nonetheless, there are a number of details omitted from the above line of reasoning. The first is that, as the carbon tax currently stands in Canada, those in the lower and middle parts of the income distribution receive a tax rebate at the end of the year which cancels out – and often exceeds – the extra tax paid for fossil fuel products. The answer to “who” pays for carbon pricing is simple: those with higher income. On this point, the claim that the
carbon tax puts the burden on the poor is plainly wrong. Take a look at the Open Letter on Carbon Pricing currently signed by 413 economists from across Canada, 38 of which work at the University of Toronto. Better yet, consult the Government of Canada’s own models.
You might be thinking: “doesn’t giving money back just make the carbon tax useless in the first place?” Let’s retutn to the reason why carbon pricing works. One need not be an economist to understand the rationale behind it.
The goal of any climate policy is to reduce carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels. Gas, oil, and other fossil fuels are just like any other thing people buy: if you want people to smoke fewer cigarettes, you increase the price of cigarettes. These kinds of artificial price increases are known as Pigouvian taxes. Carbon pricing is no different. By raising the price of gas, oil, and the like, everyone tends
you to come to the front for this one. Not only is it bullying, but it’s also downright dehumanizing along with some of the other contenders on this list.
If you have any doubt in your mind that your costume may be misinterpreted; You’re honestly better off running down to Party City and picking up a set of cat ears and calling it a day. If you’re in doubt you phone a friend.
On the other hand, here are some ways you can be cutesy, mindful and demure on and around the 31st!:
Always research your costume, avoid sacred symbols and spiritual items, ask yourself if your costume represents a person or a stereotype!, focus on characters, not identities, and keep humour lighthearted and general!
If all else fails: ask for feedback!
to use less of them. Even if you rebate money to certain people, the incentive to use less gas still remains. More generally, no matter what income distribution the tax system imposes — be it more equal or less equal — the incentive for everyone to use less gas remains because of its higher price. The consensus among economists and public policy specialists is that carbon pricing works to achieve its intended effect without placing unnecessary burdens on those who are worse off — even in places outside Canada (e.g., progressive European countries). There are many other objections that could be made, and have been made, against carbon pricing. I don’t have the space to address them here. I hope to have provided some reasons for why the left’s most common objection to the carbon tax doesn’t hold up. Those who care about reducing income inequality and reducing carbon emissions can pursue both. Carbon pricing allows for those who care about equality to have their cake and eat it too.
Sports Giovinco Rejoins Toronto FC
The former
Sports Editor Lucas Carpignano sportsthemike@gmail.com
star is now joining the organization in a front-office role.
Joseph Pontisso SENIOR STAFF WRITER
Former Toronto Football Club (TFC) star Sebastian Giovinco, who captivated thousands of Toronto soccer fans with his spectacular free-kick goals and bold attacking runs, has rejoined the club in a front-office role as “special advisor and club ambassador.” The club announced the deal before their last game of the MLS season, a 1-0 loss to Inter Miami and soccer superstar Lionel Messi. Giovinco told CBC reporters the day the news of the signing broke; “I gave everything on the field, now I try to help outside the field. Toronto has always been home to me and my family.”
Before he joined TFC, Giovinco began his professional career with Italian Serie A giant Juven-
tus, cracking the club’s first-team lineup for several seasons between 2006 and 2015. In addition to this, he also spent time on loan with fellow Serie A clubs Empoli and Parma over that period. The Italian forward also represented his country in international competition, scoring one goal in 23 appearances, and helping the Italian national team finish second at the 2012 European Championship. Giovinco had some impressive seasons in Italy, including his 2011-2012 Parma campaign where he led the team in scoring with 15 goals. However, when he signed with Toronto on January 19th, 2015, he became both the highest-paid player in the history of Major League Soccer (MLS) and an immediate league sensation. That season, Giovinco became the first player to lead MLS in both goals and
assists in the same year, earning him season MVP. His performance helped Toronto qualify for the MLS playoffs for the first time in the organization’s history, snapping an 8-year drought. Giovinco went on to lead the TFC in scoring in each of his 4 years in Toronto, and in 2017 led the team to win the MLS Cup.
Even as a player, Giovinco seemed to be an ambassador of the game. He captivated Toronto soccer fans, dominating games like few star players in Europe ever do. His small size and low center of gravity allowed him to weave through opposing defenders with the illusion of breathtaking speed, with fans quickly giving him the nickname “the Atomic Ant.” His new place as the team’s undisputed number one striker also allowed him to demonstrate an incredible tal-
CONTRIBUTOR
As rumours swirl around the paddock and the motorsport tabloids, four drivers are left wondering if they will have a seat for the 2025 season. Despite the Visa Cash App Racing Bull’s team not having an official announcement for their second driver, it is pretty much known that Liam Lawson will be getting
this seat. Thus, leaving only one open seat for the upcoming season, the Kick Sauber seat. Attaining this seat is important because in 2026, Audi will be buying Kick Sauber, meaning whoever gets it has a good chance of scoring points. But which current driver deserves this final seat?
First, let’s begin with Franco Colapinto. After joining mid-season to replace Logan Sargent, Colapinto left viewers astonished as he was able to place 12th in his first Formula 1 Grand Prix,
ultimately surpassing eight other drivers. Yet, the viewer’s astonishment grew with each race, as he placed 8th in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and 11th, in what is notoriously known as one of the hardest races on the calendar, the Singapore Grand Prix. After a total of three races, Colapinto has managed to score four points, landing him in 19th place out of the 23 drivers this season. In comparison to his predecessor, Colapinto has managed to score more points in these three races than Sargent has been able to in his entire Formula 1 career.
Secondly, we have a current Kick Sauber driver, Valtteri Bottas. Once starting at the front of the grid with Mercedes, Bottas has now found himself at the back struggling to even score points. However, this issue does not necessarily mean that he is not a worthy competitor for this seat, as his past stats show that he is a consistent driver. For example, out of 240 Grand Prix, he stood on the podium for 67 of them and collected a total of 1797 points. Thus, if he is put in a competitive car, Bottas has a very good track record and is likely to be on future podiums.
The other current Kick Sau-
ent for scoring off free kicks, setting an MLS record with six such goals during the 2017 season. For four years, every Giovinco goal felt brilliant, every TFC game felt meaningful, and every Toronto sports fan was given an opportunity to encounter a sport that for years had never caught on in Canada in quite the way it had in other nations.
When Giovinco left Toronto for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal after the 2018 MLS season, he posted a heartfelt message on social media that ended simply with “I love you Toronto!” There was a sense he meant it. Now, retired as a player and in his new role with TFC as a club ambassador, he can continue loving this city – and give Toronto soccer fans the opportunity to love him back just a little bit more.
ber driver who is out of contract at the end of this season is Zhou Guanyu. Debuting in 2022, Zhou is the first Chinese driver in Formula 1— a huge accomplishment. After the 62nd Grand Prix, he collected a total of 12 points but did not stand on the podium.
The last contender for the Kick Sauber seat is the current Haas Driver, Kevin Magnussen. With 181 races, Magnussen has collected a total of 192 points and has stood on the podium once. One of his highest accomplishments in Formula 1 was during his rookie year as he managed to place second in the season-opening 2014 Australian Grand Prix.
In my opinion, out of all four possible contenders listed above, there are two that appear to be the most likely and the most liked by fans to get the Kick Sauber seat: Colapinto and Bottas. However, there are also drivers outside of Formula 1 to consider for this seat like Mick Schumacher and Gabriel Bortoleto. These potential options will further push Colapinto and Bottas to do their best in the last few races of this season. Now it’s all up to Kick Sauber to decide who will be in their seat!
Sports Editor Lucas Carpignano sportsthemike@gmail.com
2024-25 NBA Season Preview
Looking into another exciting NBA season!
Harmannat Singh
STAFF WRITER
The 2024-25 NBA season is soon returning, and there is plenty of excitement as teams set their sights on the ultimate goal: winning the championship. The reigning champions, the Boston Celtics, are fresh off a historic run, breaking the all-time NBA record for most championships after securing their 18th.
The Boston Celtics are certainly the favorites to repeat. With an all-rounded team consisting of offensive standouts such as Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, as well as exceptional defenders in Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis, this team will be very challenging to beat in a 7-game series. The only question is whether or not they will be able to continue their health streak and avoid any major injuries going into the regular
season and playoffs.
A team that has seen many changes this off-season is the New York Knicks. Considered contenders last season being the 2nd seed in the East, the addition of Karl Anthony-Towns and Mikal Bridges has only helped their chances of finishing as a top 3 seed once again and making the ECF.
In the West, the Denver Nuggets are still a major threat. Led by arguably the best player in the league, Nikola Jokić, and having traded for point guard Russell Westbrook, Denver will aim to bounce back after their title-winning 2022-23 season. If Jokić, Murray, and Westbrook stay injury-free, then the playmaking, rebounding, and scoring of this team will be incredibly hard to defend against and might be the factor that takes them to the WCF, and potentially the finals.
In the past few seasons, the
Sacramento Kings have seen massive improvements and are the underdogs going into the regular season. In the 2022-23 playoffs (their first appearance in 17 years), they took the Golden State Warriors to 7 games in the first round. Last season, De’Aaron Fox averaged 27/5/6 on 47FG% and Sabonis averaged 19/14/8 on a whopping 59FG% while leading the league in rebounds per game. This season, they have added six-time All-Star PF DeMar DeRozan who brings in tremendous experience and a great scoring package for a team looking to elevate from last season’s 46-36 record.
Another underrated team to watch this season is the San Antonio Spurs. Led by one of the best-ever NBA prospects, Victor Wembanyama, alongside one of the most talented point guards, Chris Paul, this team has immense potential. Wembanyama, who has already
The Toronto Raptors Are Throwing It Back This Season
It’s their 30th anniversary! Let’s look at their projections for this season.
Arrianna Toolsie ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR
The Toronto Raptors’ 30th anniversary brings a new everything! During the offseason, they debuted a new logo, jersey rotations, and newly signed players! This season has a lot going on, and it’s an honour to present such an eagerly anticipated season!
Many would call this our rebuilding season. Raptors President Masai Ujiri has openly stated that the front office intends to revolve their team around their big players, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley, all of whom signed large contracts. He also emphasized that they’re not necessarily playing for playoff contention. Gradey Dick, a sophomore, has also excelled within the team and is ex-
pected to play a larger role this season. Unsurprisingly, they acquired young, high-quality players through trades, free agency, and the NBA draft, with plans to nurture them within the organisation to make a cohesive team. Ulrich Chomche and Brandon Carlson, rookies, are noteworthy examples of potential franchise players.
Though the Raptors are rebuilding, I remain optimistic that they will win a significant number of games. Many people underestimate the power that a young team can unleash when they work together effectively.
Darko Rajaković, Head Coach, established rules for training to foster trust and brotherhood among teammates. We saw how those rules altered their style of play during their October 6th preseason win over the Washington Wizards. Overall, things are unfolding well for them this upcoming season!
As for exciting news within the Raptors franchise, in honour
made an impact by winning Rookie of the Year, is a gamechanger on both ends of the floor with his unique combination of size, skill, and versatility, and will be complemented well by Chris Paul’s playmaking ability.
On the other hand, the Phoenix Suns are a team full of star power with a roster consisting of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, but severely lack depth. While their offense is still dynamic, the loss of key role players and defensive shortcomings could potentially hurt them in the playoffs and may prevent them from contending with other teams in the Western Conference such as the Nuggets or the Thunder.
All in all, this season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With major changes to rosters, returning stars, and rising young talent, there are plenty of storylines to follow.
of their 30th anniversary in the league, they reintroduced their original 1995 jerseys as well as city jerseys with their older logo designs. Considering this season, the franchise has taken the initiative to make it fan-oriented by giving back to the community through social events. For example, the MLSE Foundation and the Raptors went to Dixon Park to help the community with new basketball courts in honour of Vince Carter’s career.
This brings us to big events to look forward to, most notably, Vince Carter’s jersey retirement, on November 2nd, making him the first Raptor in franchise history to get his jersey retired in the rafters. The NBA Cup League is making a return once more and the Raptors are set to play a couple of games with their new city jerseys. And a few notable teams are scheduled to play in Toronto, including the Philadelphia 76ers with former Raptor Kyle Lowry, who will visit on October 25th The defending champion Boston Celtics are also set to play in Toronto on January 15th.
To ‘rap’ it up, the Raptors are set to have an exciting season, filled with lots of fun surprises and celebratory moments. We’re in for a treat; here’s to the new Raptors era!
Phantom Fans and Their Haunted Grounds
Exploring the paranormal stories of legendary sports venues across the world.
Lucas Carpignano SPORTS EDITOR
Trigger Warning: This article contains mention of suicide
While sporting venues are usually filled with cheers (and boos), when the crowds disperse, and the lights go out, its a different story . Many iconic venues reveal haunted side.
Today I will be going over the most “haunted” sports venues and explaining the history of these spooky tales.
One of the oldest sports teams in North America, the Chicago Cubs, have been calling Wrigley Field home since 1916. Considering how old the stadium is, you can imagine how many paranormal stories there are.
Former infielder, Charlie Grimm, spent many years with the Cubs, both as a player and the team’s manager. He led the team to
the 1932 World Series, only to get swept by the Yankees. Since then, many night shift security guards claim to hear him whisper names in empty halls of the building. They also claim to hear the bullpen phones ringing with complete silence on the other end. The spooky part about this is, the bullpen phones can only be dialed from the phone in the dugout, where Grimm would be as the team’s manager.
In 2001, Southampton FC left their old stadium after over 100 years and moved into the newly constructed St. Mary’s Stadium. However, they were struggling to find success in their first season playing there. The team had only 10 points in their first 14 matches. Many believed that the stadium was cursed, as the site it lies on a seventh century cemetery. Nightshift workers heard whispers and screams and
saw shadowy figures all around the empty and dark stadium. The team hired a “witch” to perform a ritual to cleanse the stadium. A couple hours after the ritual, Southampton won their first game in their new home.
Lastly, let’s talk about a haunted site in Toronto. While it is not an arena or stadium, The Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF) is haunted by a ghost named Dorothea. The building where The HHOF is located is very historic. First built in 1885, it was a branch of the Bank of Montreal. When the building was still a bank, a teller named Dorothea took her own life in the women’s bathroom on the second floor. Ever since then, other bank employees would notice the lights flickering, windows opening and closing on their own, and their entire workspaces in a huge mess. These little things
were nothing compared to what employees would feel walking into the bathroom. There was a feeling that they were being watched and it got to the point where employees would refuse to use that bathroom completely. In 1993, HHOF took over the building, but the paranormal activity continued. Around the second-floor bathroom, where Dorothea took her own life, there have been sightings of a woman with long dark hair crying alone, especially at night.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these sightings have been reported by thousands of people. Next time you are at a sporting event cheering on your favourite team with other fans, just consider the idea that some of those cheers are joined by voices from beyond, forever echoing through the haunted venues.
Arts Editor Caroline Switkowski artsthemike@gmail.com
Joy of Simple Things in Every Brilliant Thing
‘Every Brilliant Thing’ I witnessed at
Adela Cucu
ASSOCIATE ARTS EDITOR
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!
(Go ahead and count how many times I say “brilliant” in this review...) I want to start by saying that Every Brilliant Thing is the first SMC Troubadours show I have attended! Let me just say, I witnessed something truly brilliant. This performance, a simple one-person show, was executed flawlessly, perfectly suited to its context and subject matter.
the SMC Troubadours Show
Written by Duncan Macmillan
and Jonny Donahoe, the story follows a young child grappling with the difficult news of their mother’s depression. In an effort to “cure” her, the child begins compiling a list of all the wonderful things the world has to offer. What starts as an innocent, thoughtful gesture quickly evolves into something much deeper as the list grows longer and more meaningful. What I loved most about this story is how it brought me back into the mindset of a seven-yearold, helping me rediscover the
beauty in the “simple” things.
The first brilliant thing I have to say about the show is how interactive it was. As soon as I walked in, I was warmly greeted by director Alex Teschow and lead Golshan Alaei. After this welcome, I was handed two slips of paper and asked to read them aloud when the corresponding numbers were called during the show. I gladly accepted and received #315: “The smell of old books,” and #761: “Deciding you’re not too old to climb trees.” Each audience member was given a different number, with its own unique “brilliant thing” written on it. I thought this was— you guessed it!—so brilliant. It not only kept the audience engaged and alert, so they wouldn’t miss their number, but also made everyone feel like they had a small “role” to play in the performance. It was a fun way to involve us all in the experience.
Another brilliant aspect of this show is the fact that it’s a solo performance. Judy Wang and the audience played an important role in supporting, but Alaei’s ability to captivate the audience through storytelling, humour, and heartfelt moments made the experience truly an emotional
rollercoaster—not to mention her incredibly impressive memory in recalling all those random numbers!
One final, brilliant thing, I witnessed in the closing moments; Without giving too much away, there’s a spectacular spill of notes and letters that scatter across the floor, each bearing a brilliant thing—ranging from “fancy soap” to “eating a whole pack of cookies in one sitting.” The sheer extravagance of this effect was powerful, leaving me in a grand state of awe and admiration.
In his director’s note, Teschow writes that Every Brilliant Thing is meant to create something “personal,” and I believe the show achieved exactly that. Many of the broader issues explored in the story are highly relevant to our world today. As he so beautifully puts it, the show touches on themes of “perception, perspective, and regaining empathy for ourselves and others.” I hope that each of you can take away at least one valuable lesson about yourselves and the world around you, just as I have, from this truly inspiring work of art.
Photo Credit: JoJo Wu
Boo On The Big Screen
THE MIKE SINCE
The Mike has been the official bi-weekly student newspaper at The University of St. Michael’s College (USMC) since 1947. It is published bi-weekly, 11 issues per year, with a circulation of 1200 copies delivered across U of T’s St. George Campus.
The Mike is a proud member of the Canadian University Press (CUP) and is published by The Mike Publications Inc., printed by MasterWeb Printing on recycled paper.
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The Mike welcomes and encourages submissions. All submissions may be edited for taste, brevity, and legality.
Darian Trabold & Bridget Bowles editorinchief@readthemike.com
ACROSS
5. From the Latin for wretched
7. Disney World ride adapted into a film
8. Who you gonna call?
9. Don’t shower alone at the Bates Motel
11. Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried horror/comedy film
12. Swedish Holiday
17. “Wazzup!”
20. “The power of Christ compels you”
21. ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ actress plays Aggie
22. Not the Edvard Munch painting, the movie
23. Hold the pig’s blood!
24. Incantation
DOWN
1. October 31st request
2. Setting is clue #21
3. “They’re creepy and they’re kooky/Mysterious and spooky/They’re all together ooky/______”
4. It’s in your genes
6. “Rory why would you drop out of Yale”
10. The Secret of ____
13. “third location, fully straight”
14. Don’t say this three times
15. Daughter in clue #3
16. Not the holiday, the movie
18. Based off a Colorado hotel
19. The friendly ghost
Scan this QR Code to sign up to write for The Mike! If you write three articles you will be given the title “Staff Writer” and recieve CCR credit. You can also visit our website READTHEMIKE.COM to learn more about joining The Mike.
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.