The Last Mike of 2024
Where did all the time go.
Darian Trabold
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
As I sit here to write this, I cannot help but to think: Where did all the time go? I cannot believe since August we have produced six issues of The Mike: our Orientation Issue and five regular issues. In this first semester we have covered everything from the COOP Renovation to Hoikety Haunt to the ethics of true crime shows to male arrogance in “The Fantastic Mr.Foz” , T-Card deals, to how to deal with homesickness, to Caitlin Clark, to Alex Ovechkin, to the Toronto Blue Jays, to the SMC Troubadours, to the Era’s Tour; the list goes on. My hope is that The Mike is a place where student voices feel seen and heard. Our motto is “by students, for students” and my goal as Editor-in-Chief has been to live up to that motto.
Of course, The Mike is nothing without our incredible, amazing, phenomenal masthead. With such a large turnover from last year, I am not going to lie I was a little nervous but somehow I ended up with the best masthead ever. If this were “Dance Moms” everyone would be at the top of the pyramid. I have been playing around with how The Mike operates, hosting in-person
productions for the first time. It is nervewracking making changes but everyone has been so incredible and supportive; I look forward to our fun productions. While we do work hard making The Mike, we also laugh and talk about life, fostering a sense of camaraderie, something I was hoping for this year.
As we head into 2025, I hope The Mike will continue to be
Upcoming Events:
a place for student voices and supporting journalism and a free press in a world where censorship is increasing. We have some fun things planned for the second semester so make sure to follow us on Instagram @readthemike and check out our website to keep up to date and continue to support local journalism, it is important now more than ever before.
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 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
Photo Credit: Darian Trabold
News
Chaos in the COOP
All the Changes Happening in the COOP at St. Mikes
Vaishu Koduri
VICE PRESIDENT, SMCSU
Those who frequent the COOP were likely met with a bit of a shock when trying to sit in one of SMC’s most beloved social spots last week only to find power tools everywhere. Yes, the rumors are true. The COOP, SMC’s Student Lounge is (finally) getting a face-lift! Through funding provided by the Student Improvement Fund, an endowment that SMCSU uses on capital investments to our campus, several changes are in store for the COOP.
Planning for the COOP’s makeover started way back in March of this year, when SMCSU ran a survey about what changes students would like to see to the space. Alongside a layout design contest, and interviewing students, we were able to gather ideas for what the space needed. Overwhelmingly, students shared that the space felt “dreary” and needed more colour, better furniture, working outlets, and more study spaces. Student Leaders at SMC also suggested more space to put up posters for events, as well as
more storage for event materials.
This summer, representatives from SMCSU (including myself) took those changes to the Dean’s office, our contractor, and designer to make the COOP more student friendly. Through many (MANY) meetings, Pinterest boards, and lengthy email chains, we came up with a plan!
However, the process was not without its set of challenges. Issues with material availability, transferring funds, complications with the millwork and electricity, and scheduling problems ultimately led to a 2-week delay in the installation of some major pieces for the COOP that were initially going to be installed over reading week.
Once the COOP reopens, students will be treated to a brand-new trophy case (providing more room to play billiards), bright colours on the walls, a kitchen island (hello SMCheese!), and other small fixtures! But the work doesn’t end here…
This renovation is only the first phase of three. In the next stage, hopefully taking place over the Winter Break, we will be replacing the couches, installing a stage at the front of the room,
and rearranging the existing furniture to form benches along the windows. The final stage will hopefully bring blinds, plants, vending machines, and a neon sign to make the space feel more like a student lounge, set to happen early next year.
To the readers, I’d like to sincerely thank you for your patience as we work on these changes. With a big project like this, our goal was to make decisions that allow us to spend student funds responsibly and try to minimize distractions to the student body. We sincerely apologize to anybody disrupted by the COOP renovations over
the past couple of weeks and hope you can enjoy the new fixtures!
We’d also like to thank our collaborators, including our contractor Greg Treadwell and his team, our designer Karin Kowalski, the Assistant Dean of Campus Life, Karina Stellato, and our Dean of Students, Duane Rendle, for their hard work throughout this project.
If you have any concerns about the renovation, or anything you’d like to bring to our attention, please send me an email at vp.smcsu@gmail.com!
Hurricane Rafael Hits Cuba
Next Steps in Cuba’s
Leanne Rambali
CONTRIBUTOR
On November 7th, Cuba suddenly found itself drenched in darkness due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Rafael, which left Cuba on its heels Thursday after a fierce Category 3 hurricane ripped across the island, leading to the destruction of hundreds of homes and severe damage to power lines and other crucial infrastructure. This storm comes just two weeks after Hurricane Oscar, which made landfall as a category one hurricane near Baracoa in eastern Cuba before weakening into a tropical storm
Recovery
on October 20th - making cleanup efforts much more difficult. Episcopal Relief & Development is working with the Episcopal Church of Cuba to respond to Hurricane Oscar via any means necessary amid the October power failure that continues to impact the island. Not only has the Church made efforts to provide food, hygiene products, fans, lamps, and supplies, but its journey of support began much earlier.
Few places in the Caribbean are safe from tropical storms, and this isn’t the first time that Cuba has felt the devastating effects of nature. In 2019, the Episcopal Church of Cuba supported installing water purification
Photo Credit: Adalberto Roque
Photo Credit: Aiden Fung
systems at local churches as communal water access, promoting the Church’s focus on increasing water, sanitation and hygiene and ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water for food conservation. Providing humanitarian relief is only one of the missions of the Church of Cuba. The Episcopal Church is part of the “worldwide Anglican Communion” and “denominational descendants
of—and partners with---the Church of England and the Scottish Episcopal Church.
Further rescue efforts are underway to reach those cut-offs. Since 2017, Cuba has suffered nearly annual hurricanes and powerful tropical storms, often impacting the most vulnerable. The last two years have demonstrated an increased rate of creating structures and mechanisms that support multi-
level disaster preparedness and response. President Diaz-Canel claims this event has heavily battered the San Antonio and Imias municipalities, and there have been levels of flooding that were not historically recorded in these areas. This solidified the message that the Cuban state would only rest once power was restored.
Despite the devastation, some locals remain hopeful with
the help of their faith in God. Pastor Aramis Coutin, president of the Eastern Cuba Baptist Convention, recalls being in his church, Que Dios Esta Por Mi, on Sunday morning when the sirens alerted churchgoers to impending danger. In the aftermath, Pastor Cousin’s message to his congregation was simple: ‘God is still good.’
Warmer Winter Seasons Ahead!
Why the winters of 2024 and beyond will be warmer than usual!
Sarahi Giles Candela
STAFF WRITER
Well, Toronto, it looks like Mother Nature is treating us to a bit of a plot twist this winter. Instead of our usual routine of battling blizzards, frostbite, and losing feeling in our toes by November, we’re out here wondering if we need sunscreen instead of snow boots. I mean, who would’ve thought we’d be dusting off our ice skates and our beach towels at the same time? It’s like winter forgot to set its alarm clock this year and decided to snooze for a few more weeks. But hey, if this means we can keep sipping iced lattes and pretending it’s October for a little longer, who’s complaining.
According to the federal weather agency Ontario will experience warmer-thanusual temperatures from October to December, with Toronto specifically having a 75% likelihood of seeing aboveaverage temperatures during that period. Mild weather is expected to continue throughout Ontario in the latter half of November, with temperatures getting closer to seasonal norms compared to earlier in the month. Given current trends, there’s a good chance that temperatures across the province will hover around typical seasonal levels through the end of November and into the first week of December.
Experts have noted unusually high temperatures since late October, which may be linked to the position of the jet stream—a band of powerful winds in the upper atmosphere.
However, experts do not expect this winter in Toronto
to be as mild as last year, which was influenced by a “moderate to strong El Niño event” which is a climate phenomenon that occurs when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become unusually warm, particularly around the equator. This time around, more neutral conditions are anticipated due to
normal or slightly cooler water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, which might still result in a milder-than-usual winter.
Winter in Toronto is like that one friend who’s always fashionably late—it’ll show up eventually, probably with a frosty attitude. Until then, let’s embrace this bonus fall weather, keep
our mittens in standby mode, and enjoy pretending we’re in some kind of tropical Toronto vacation... just, you know, without the palm trees.
Photo Credit: Aiden Fung
Construction on the Gardiner Speeds Ahead
While
Gardiner traffic continues
Matthew Cancelliere
CONTRIBUTOR
Back in July, the City of Toronto and Province of Ontario jointly announced that they would move up their timeline for the completion of construction on the Gardiner Expressway by a full year—moving its end date from April 2027 to April 2026. According to the city, the project seeks to repair decades of damage from “age, heavy daily usage, weather and salt” in order to keep the highway “operational”. The announcement follows an additional $73 million in funding from the Provincial Government to expedite the restoration of the nearly 60-year-old highway. The announcement has been welcome news for drivers, as it promises to reduce traffic on Toronto’s southernmost highway, which has surged by 250% during morning rush hour due to the construction. Early in November, the Provincial Government announced that the second phase of construction would begin four months ahead of schedule. In a comment to CityNews, provincial Transportation Minister
to stall, Contruction makes huge progress
Prabmeet Sarkaria claimed the new timeline will “fight gridlock and keep drivers moving”. He highlighted the Provincial Government’s plan to “[speed] up construction of priority highway projects like Highway 413, Bradford Bypass and the Garden City Skyway bridge”. The province also estimated the new timeline will save Ontario’s economy $273 million by reducing transportation times for drivers and goods.
Meanwhile, the TTC’s newest train line, Line 5 in Eglinton, continues to face delays. The new light rail transit line was originally due to begin operations in 2020, but its timeline has been pushed back several times. Metrolinx has refused to provide a definitive opening date, with recent estimates suggesting some time in 2025.
Unfortunately for the city’s commuters, rail lines are significantly more expensive to build than roadways. Construction costs for the Eglinton Line are already more than $1 billion over their initial budget. Additionally, funding is stretched thin as the TTC works on several major transit expansion projects si-
multaneously: the Yonge North Subway Extension, the Ontario Line, the Finch West LRT, and the Eglinton Crosstown Line, among others.
Public transit funding in the city is a joint effort by the federal, provincial, and municipal governments, whereas highway projects in Ontario are primarily funded provincially. The announcement of additional funding for the Gardiner project coincides with news that Queen’s Park will introduce legislation limiting the number of bike lanes in the province. The proposed legislation would require provincial approval for any new bike lane that reduces the number of vehicle lanes, as well as remove existing bike lanes on Yonge Street, Bloor Street, and University Avenue
Local transit activists and members of parliament have criticized Premier Doug Ford’s prioritization of car-based infrastructure. Critics argue that expanding the road network is likely to attract more drivers and increase traffic over time.
Given the Provincial Government’s current policy focus, Torontonians will have to remain
patient for new public transit projects. Fixing the crumbling Gardiner is essential for public safety, but only time will tell whether the investment to expedite construction will truly benefit the local economy or alleviate gridlock.
Ethan Chan
Photo Credit: Adalberto Roque
Features Celebrities, and What We Owe to Each Other
Chappell Roan and the politics of non-endorsement
Tara Karanovic CONTRIBUTOR
In the wake of the dystopianesque 2024 United States presidential election, it seemed that the name on everyone’s lips was not Trump or Harris, but emerging pop artist Chappell Roan. The “Pink Pony Club” singer found herself in the center of political discourse surrounding her explicit non-endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party.
In an interview with The Guardian, Roan emphasized the importance of critical thinking in voting, stating, “There are so many things that I would want to change. So I don’t feel pressured to endorse someone”. Yet, many took to social media to berate her statements, accusing her non-endorsement of signalling support for the Republican party. Overall, her refusal leaves a much larger question than which political party she affiliates
herself with: Do celebrities owe the public unwavering loyalty to a certain political ideology, or is their greater responsibility to remain authentic?
Celebrities speaking on politics can feel empowering for fans, making their “faves” seem relatable while simultaneously raising awareness for important world issues. However, from the perspective of celebrity status, this comes with the immense pressure of aligning yourself with your fans’ beliefs — if you dont, you risk losing their support. Roan challenges this dynamic in a TikTok video responding to the controversy, saying, “If someone is publicly endorsing a political figure that doesn’t even mean that they’re gonna fucking vote for them”.
“Actions speak louder than an endorsement”, Roan explained, a sentiment backed by her extensive social activism. Through fan-driven initiatives, Roan has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for causes
such as reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ care through initiatives where, by donating to these causes, fans may earn rewards like free concert tickets or meetand-greets. Roan’s socio-political impact makes it clear that her refusal to endorse is not rooted in ignorance — it is a rejection of performative activism.
Those who demand her endorsement of Harris fail to realize that it is not Roan’s job to be a politician, it is her job to create music. Instead of focusing on which candidate a celebrity will be endorsing, we must focus on the candidates themselves.
In the case of Chappell Roan, she pushes her audience to critically engage with all policies, including those coming from the left. As she states, “That’s why I can’t put my entire name and my entire project behind one [candidate], because there is no way I can stand behind some of the left’s completely transphobic and completely genocidal views”.
At the same time, the public
must approach celebrity statements with caution. Blind following of endorsements undermines the responsibility of voters to engage with issues from their own perspectives. As Roan demonstrates, celebrities do not owe the public anything but authenticity, and yes, their words may have an impact, but it’s essential to critically analyze the meaning behind them.
Ultimately, a mutual responsibility is what is needed, celebrities must navigate their platforms with awareness of the influence they hold, and fans must realize that there is no written contract obligating celebrities to uphold their audience’s demands. Meaningful discourse — not shallow endorsements — is the root of change; Roan’s refusal of endorsement only further sparked conversations to shift the focus back to what matters: holding politicians accountable and making informed decisions as voters.
Photo Credit: Marissa Panethiere
Arts Editor
Caroline Switkowski artsthemike@gmail.com
Defying Expectations: Wicked: Part One
A Magical Adaptation That Nearly Hits the Mark
Darian Trabold EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
One of my most anticipated movies of 2024, “Wicked: Part One” has been released and while it lived up to my expectations, there were a few things I did not love. For context, I saw the Broadway version of “Wicked” and absolutely loved it. Despite having seen it almost ten years ago, I still remember tears rolling down my face during “Defying Gravity”. Overall, I thought it remained true to the story and I enjoyed it, but I did not like it as much as the Broadway version. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were amazing. They
embodied the characters so well and their live singing was phenomenal. The acting was one of the highlights of the film for me. I thought Grande’s comedic acting shined. For such a stacked cast including Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum, they truly delivered. They can give this cast their Oscars now.
Major spoiler ahead, so read at your own risk. The big surprise of the film, having the original Glinda (Kristen Chenoweth) and Elphaba (Idina Menzel) caused me to audibly gasp in the theater. It was special to see them in the film and the fact that they kept this a secret is incredible, but it made it all the more special because I did not see it coming.
I did see some discourse online regarding the coloring of the movie not being bright enough. I disagree with this and feel it was perfect: flashy while not being insincere. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the movie brings the world of Oz to life with breathtaking special effects and vibrant costumes that match the aesthetic of the source work.
For me, the first red flag was the length of the movie. Part One is longer than the Broadway musical. However, I think they did a great job with the additions to the film. It really brought the story to life the way only a movie could.
The part that turned this movie from five stars to four was
“Long Live” The Eras Tour
‘Long Story Short’ The Era’s Tour was the best night of my life
Darian Trabold EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
After almost a year and a half of waiting after winning the Ticketmaster war, picking my outfit, making friendship bracelets, and a new album, I finally got to see Taylor Swift’s “The Era’s Tour” with three of my best friends. To say it was incredible is an understatement, it was the best three and a half hours of my life. I never wanted it to end. To see your favorite artist live, there are no words to describe it, but to also celebrate 17 years of music that has gotten me through some hard times made those three and a half hours feel like five minutes. If I were to rank the concerts I have been to, ‘The Era’s Tour’ would have to be number one.
Taylor’s opener, Gracie Abrams, was a great way to get us ready. “That’s So True” has been on repeat since it came out so to hear it live was so fun. One thing Gracie skipped was her song featuring Taylor, “us.” This was one of Taylor’s famous Easter egg.
When “Applause” came on, I was in the bathroom which led to Arib and I running for our lives to our seats; that feeling of exhilaration could never be replicated. When Taylor’s
introduction began playing, I felt my soul leave my body and all the hours we spent on line, the many months we spent waiting for this day to come and it was finally here.
Taylor began the show with the “Lover” set. There was nothing more cathartic than screaming the lyrics of “Cruel Summer” with 50,000 other Swifties. The “Lover” set included “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince”, “The Man”, “You Need to Calm Down”, and “Lover”. We were so lucky to have an incredible view of Taylor, she definitely made eye contact with us.
Then the show goes to the “Fearless” set, taking most of us back to our childhood. Putting up heart hands during “Fearless” just encapsulates the feelings of pure joy and happiness being at the Era’s Tour. The set included iconic tracks like “You Belong with Me” and “Love Story”.
We then go to the “Red” era with one of my favorite parts of the show singing the songs of “Red” that did not make the setlist while we wait for Taylor. While of course I wanted the 22 hat to celebrate my twentysecond birthday, it was very sweet to watch someone else enjoy that special moment. “Red” concludes with the “All Too Well (Ten Minute Version)” a perfect
end to an incredible era.
The short “Speak Now” set consists of one of my favorite songs of all time “Enchanted”. Seeing Taylor walk out in that beautiful ballgown just made the night sparkling.
The scream that came out of my mouth when the “reputation” era began was louder than I thought possible. This set includes one of my favorite songs “Delicate” and the best song transition of the tour from “Don’t Blame Me” to “Look What You Made Me Do”. This set reminded me the amount of money I am spending when she releases reputation (Taylor’s Version).
The “folkmore” set transports us to a rustic cabin in the woods, which feels very Canadian. I do not apologize to the people around me for my singing during “illicit affairs” as it was very healing. It was cool to match with Taylor during “willow”, it really made me feel part of her cult.
Back to the more dance vibes, next was the “1989” set which was uppity and hot (literally Taylor shot off fire during “Bad Blood”). To the dad sitting in front of me who really loved “Shake it Off” I am glad you got to hear it live.
The new addition to the setlist, “TTPD” or female rage: the Musical, was exhilarating. Despite it missing “Florida!!!” I
“Defying Gravity’. They stretched a five-minute song to fifteen, which for me, just killed it. While it is important to build up the showstopping number, this was too much and honestly it ruined and otherwise perfect movie for me.
I think now, more than ever the message of this film is poignant. While it being a musical may be discouraging for some people, I urge you to go see it, it is truly incredible and exactly what we needed. While I was disappointed with some aspects of the film, the good does outweigh the bad for me. While Part Two is known for being less exciting than Part One, I will be sat when it releases a year from now.
enjoyed shouting “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived”. The graphics at the end of “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me” were terrifying and fun.
After almost three hours of waiting, the most anxiety inducing part of the show, the acoustic set, was upon us. After manifesting “New Year’s Day”, I realized I should have paid an Etsy witch. We got a surprise with “us” featuring Gracie Abrams mashed up with “Out of the Woods” which worked well together. Then the piano was “Long Story Short” and “You’re On Your Own Kid”. I was happy we got an “evermore” song. I do wish she would sing the entire song instead of a portion of it so she can mash it up, but overall I was happy with what we got.
The best night of my life ended with the “Midnights” set, and I could not help but feel a mix of sadness and joy. I did not want the show to end. Alas, all good things must come to an end and after the “Karma” bow I made my way back to my apartment, my life forever changed. I look forward to telling my future grandkids that I got to see the most amazing tour of the 21st century.
Photo Credit: Darian Trabold
Destressing In A Time Of Distress Lifestyle
Staying Sane During the Finals Season
STAFF WRITER
To CR or NCR — that is the question. It seems that finals season has rolled around all too soon, and with it comes an unhealthy helping of stress. Luckily for you, I have just the right blend of fun, mindfulness, and relaxation that can help keep your mind and body healthy during these trying times.
It’s never a bad idea to get some sun, especially with winter looming right around the corner. So, instead of staying cloistered in the nearest library all day, try going out and touching some grass before it gets buried in the snow. A little sunshine will brighten your day and help fight those seasonal blues.
I would also like to remind you that doomscrolling on Instagram is NOT a substitute for taking the time out of your day to call/meet
Bringing the Heat in a City That Refuses to Stay Warm Winter Pop-Ups in Toronto
Maddie Layton
STAFF WRITER
Toronto is known for its vibrant and lively atmosphere, with plenty of things to do yearround. During the holidays, the city comes alive with many festive events which makes it one of the best times to explore. If you’re looking for something exciting to experience this winter, here are some of the best annual winter pop-ups in
Toronto.
One of the most well-known and fun pop-ups to go to is the Winter Village at the Distillery District. The main highlight of the village is the stunning 55-foottall Christmas tree, designed by Christian Dior Parfum, which stands 25 feet wide. The tree makes a perfect backdrop for holiday photos and for visitors’ holiday Instagram posts. The Distillery District also offers plenty more opportunities for photos, such as with Santa, the
Lifestyle Mauli Shah lifestylethemike@gmail.com
North Pole post, snow people, and more. In addition, there are unique holiday themed shops to explore which makes it a festive must-visit location.
Holiday Hills is an awesome and free holiday pop-up. Visitors can take a stroll through a 100foot light tunnel with more than a 100 local venders. After dark, the fun continues for those 19 and over in the form of late-night snacks, a speakeasy whiskey bar, and a captivating light display. It’s a fun family-friendly experience that transforms into an adultonly fun after dark.
Some of the best things to do in Toronto during Christmas and the Holidays are enjoying the themed bars. Papi Chulo’s hosts Mistletoes & Margaritas and Miracle Toronto hosts a Christmas-themed cocktail bar. Both bars are a must-visit during the holidays. These two venues are decked out with hundreds of lights and holiday decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. The bars also serve a wide variety of holiday-inspired drinks. Be sure to arrive early, as both bars tend to have long lines and do not accept reservations.
If you enjoy thrifting and unique finds, then the Hogtown
with the people you love. Being stuck with books, your laptop and professor’s voice all day is a recipe for disaster; so, maybe a little human conversation isn’t such a bad idea.
If you’re in the mood for silence, the John W. Graham Library is a great place to lock in with its vaulted ceilings and beautiful aesthetics. On a more serious note, if you do feel like the stress is too much to bear, just know that marks on a page don’t define who you are, that’s a story that you have the agency to author.
Flea Holiday Market held at the Distillery District restaurant and breweries is where to go. Taking place on December 14th and 15th, this market features vintage clothing, accessories, and locally crafted items which makes it the perfect spot to find one-of-a-kind gifts for the holiday season.
Finally, if you’re in the Distillery District, don’t miss the Illuminarium’s Winterland experience. This immersive holiday show features stunning light projections set to Christmas music while showcasing the northern lights, the North Pole, and other enchanting Christmasthemed visuals. It’s a magical, one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you in disbelief.
Whether you’re looking to shop, drink, eat, take photos or just do something today, Toronto’s winter pop-ups offer something for everyone. So, if you need a break from studying for exams or just want to get into the holiday spirit, go check out these limited-time events before they’re gone!
Photo Credit: Emily Tung
Shimon Augustine
Aiden Fung
Lifestyle
Holiday Watch Guide
Just follow our guide, and let the binge-watching begin!
Zoe Galletta
ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR
The Christmas countdown begins! In order to prepare for this Christmas Season, I’ve prepared a must-watch Christmas movie and television guide to give you the optimal Christmas countdown experience. This list contains Christmas classics that I can almost guarantee you’ve seen before or at least heard of, as well as some newer releases (that I personally am not sure can ever beat the classics). Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, these watches will most definitely brighten your winter season!
Starting off strong we have my personal favourite, the Home Alone series. Particularly, Home Alone 1 and Home Alone 2: Lost In New York. This classic comedy series follows a boy, Kevin McAllister, and his mischievous adventures of defending himself against two burglars while being left behind by his family during the Christmas season.
Second is a modern classic, Elf, featuring Will Farrell who plays an elf. The movie follows the adventure of an orphan man, who believes he is an elf from the North Pole. Farrel travels to New York City to meet his birth father who thinks he’s a complete wacko at first. The film highlights the formation of their sweet and amusing relationship. Farrell learns to fit into the New York lifestyle while spreading Christmas cheer to a city that has become foreign to the Christmas spirit.
Another idea, if you’re looking to watch a totally predictable and cheesy film, is to watch any Hallmark film which follows the same ridiculous plot — girl meets boy, boy tries to win over girl, girl gives boy a hard time, boy finds a cheesy way to win girl over, they become a happy (and extremely cheesy) couple. Although these movies may be a bit monotonous, I think that watching at least one of these completes the Christmas experience!
Lifestyle
Mauli Shah lifestylethemike@gmail.com
Photo credit: Emily Tung
For those of you who don’t want to commit to a whole movie and have a Disney+ subscription, a fantastic way to get your holiday-watch fix is through Disney’s Christmas episodes. I’ve listed the specific episodes for some of Disney’s arguably best shows. The Suite Life of Zack and Cody: “Christmas at the Tipton” (Season 1, Episode 20), Phineas and Ferb: “Phineas and Ferb Christmas Vacation!” (Season 2, Episode 22), Hannah Montana: “It’s the End of Jake as we know it” (Season 4, Episode 5), A.N.T Farm: “SANTa’s Little Helpers” (Season 1, Episode 20), Austin and Ally: “Mix-Ups & Mistletoes” (Season 3, Episode 5), and That’s so Raven: “Escape Claus” (Season 1, Episode 19).
Finally, I will name a few films that are favourites of my family and friends, and trust me, they are experts on this matter. The Grinch (of course!), Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, A Bad Mom’s Christmas, Four Christmases, Christmas with the Kranks, and The Mickey Mouse Christmas Movie.
Although the list could go on, I’ve done my best to sum up the best watches for you this Christmas season. These are some of my all-time favourites, so I hope they brighten up your Christmas season!
Photo credit: 20th Century Studios
Photo Credit: 20th Century Studios
Photo credit: Warner Brothers
Photo credit: Hallmark
Photo credit: Videocraft international
Photo credit: STX Entertainment
Photo credit: Warner Brothers
Opinions
Opinions Editor Carina Mercado opinionsthemike@gmail.com
Shelf-Discovery: Stores Worth Bookmarking
My Favourite Used Book Stores in Toronto
Carina Mercado
OPINIONS EDITOR
Toronto is abundant in used bookstores. It is very rare now that I purchase a book new. Used books hold stories outside of the actual text: handwritten notes in pages, insightful annotations from previous readers, and rare and beautiful
covers rarely seen in your bigchain bookstore. Visiting used bookstores is a great way to expand your collection and see a new perspective of books.
Seekers Books - 509 Bloor Street West
The best store for new age and occult literature. Plenty of fantasy/sci-fi books and piles upon piles of classic literature. I imagine Smaug’s library would feel insulated with history and
The Adorable Mascot for the 2025 Vatican Jubilee
What does Luce say about Catholic art?
Carina Mercado
OPINIONS EDITOR
St. Michael’s College is no stranger to Catholic art. Depictions of St. Michael the Archangel grace the campus in various forms, ranging from classical to modern, and in sizes both monumental and modest. Even Dante Alighieri stands immortalized with a statue near Teefy Hall. Over two millennia, Catholic art has borne witness to the evolution of faith and tradition. But what does the 21st
century hold for this rich artistic heritage?
Regardless of your faith, the trajectory of Catholic art in the modern era deserves attention.
The Vatican’s latest creation, designed with Generation Z and Generation Alpha in mind, is a bold testament to this evolution.
Meet Luce, the official mascot for the 2025 Vatican Jubilee. She’s the brainchild of Simone Legno, Italian founder of the globally beloved brand Tokidoki. Yes, that Tokidoki—the brand that captured hearts in the mid2000s with whimsical designs of
intrigue.
Kind and vastly knowledgeable co-owner/ Churchill handler who knows his inventory like the sky is up. Always a fun and/or thoughtprovoking conversation to be had. He will always wish you luck on your quests.
Books are managed by a ginger cat named Churchill. He is also the store’s overnight security guard.
• Best find - Tarot Reversed by Mary Greer for $11 (worth it for 3 years of searching!)
ABC books - 662 Yonge Street
Most budget friendly collection of books on Yonge. The Value bin out front is pure kryptonite for book worms. Holds titles for $1-$2 spanning all genres before you even enter the store.
Large Historical text section at the back of the store along Best Finds - Swamp Thing Saga box set for $60. Hardcover Special Edition of Bram Stoker’s Dracula for $7. The DaVinci Code, the illustrated edition, by Dan Brown for $1.
Doug Miller Books - 650 Bloor Street West
Tight and bountiful
unicorns, ice cream, and playful characters on bags and toys. Before Luce, Tokidoki evoked childhood nostalgia for many of us.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella explained that Luce, designed in a popular contemporary art style, aims to be an accessible and engaging symbol of pilgrimage for today’s youth. As a student of the Christianity and Culture program at St. Mike’s, I believe Luce is a triumph of modern Catholic art. Discovering her sparked a question in my mind: is this the same feeling Renaissance pilgrims had upon seeing the Sistine Chapel?
Luce is a vibrant character. With her blue hair, yellow jacket (evoking the Vatican flag), staff, muddy boots, and rosary, she symbolizes perseverance through life’s storms. Her story extends to a loyal dog named Santino and friends Fe, Sky,
collections of classic literature and modern bestsellers. Lots of original prints and leatherbound hardcovers for special edition and vintage collectors.
The front of the store has a large double sided book wall display holding new arrivals, best sellers, and staff recommendations.
• Best Finds - Soul Music by Terry Pratchett for $9 and The Alchemist by Paul Coelho for $7
BMV - 650 Bloor Street West
Best value sections at the front of the store and at the BMV cafe next door every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday you can pick any 3 items in the store for $10. The store includes novels, biographies, literary journals, graphic novels, pocketbooks, international titles, encyclopedias, atlases, tarot cards, and more.
The main store is also the largest and most dense book catalogue in the city. Housing four floors spanning genres well known and some yet undiscovered by you. Closest thing the city has to the classic Sam the Record Man on Yonge Street for book and pop culture lovers.
• Best Find - Leonardo Davinci Calendar for $10
and Xin, who wear matching raincoats. Whether viewed as a religious symbol or not, Luce’s charm is undeniable. Her design evokes the nostalgia of beloved “chibi” characters like Sanrio or Tomodachi while effectively connecting with younger audiences through storytelling.
One of Luce’s standout moments is her depiction with Mary, the Mother of Jesus. This artistic pairing invites reflection on the portrayal of Mary throughout Catholic history.
Artistic depictions of Mary, especially with children— whether the infant Jesus or others—are deeply rooted in Catholic spaces. From school
Credit: Aiden Fung
Sports
Sports Editor Lucas Carpignano sportsthemike@gmail.com
Is It Time For a Change in Formula 1?
Analyzing the FIA’s biased history
Ianna Martinez
One glance at the Federation Internationale de L’Automobile’s (FIA) past will reveal a controlling pattern, specifically one that is suspected to be biased and unfair. Throughout Formula 1 history, the drivers have created a variety of ways to protest their rules, ranging from the 1982 race boycott in the South Africa Grand Prix to Max Verstappen’s refusal to speak during the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix press conference.
On November 7th, the Grand Prix Driver Association (GPDA) published a statement regarding Driver Misconduct via Instagram. The post was directed to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and requested that there be behaviour changes on his behalf. But what led the drivers to publish this statement?
The turning point this season
Four
Lucas Carpignano STAFF WRITER SPORTS EDITOR
occurred during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend when Sulayem announced that drivers must limit their swearing. In his statement, he said, “we have to differentiate between our sport – motor sport – and rap music.”
This comment upset driver Lewis Hamilton as it had a “racial element” attached to it. In the GPDA post, they requested that Sulayem “consider his tone and language when talking to our member drivers, or indeed about them, whether in a public forum or otherwise.”
Another incident occurred during the Singapore Grand Prix press conference when Verstappen let out an F-word and as a penalty, he was given one day of community service. However, the controversy grew during the Mexican Grand Prix when Charles Leclerc let out the same word and was given a hefty fine of 10,000 Euros. Ultimately, leading the tabloids
and the viewers to wonder why one driver was given a day of community service and another a fine.
The tension grew between the FIA and the drivers during the Brazilian Grand Prix when drivers Lando Norris and George Russell were given a fine for starting a formation lap after an aborted start. Following this event, the GPDA let the FIA know through their Instagram post that there have been increasing concerns about the monetary fines and that they believe it is not appropriate for the sport. They further requested to not only have full transparency about where that money goes but that the drivers should also have a say in how that money is spent.
Of course, the FIA’s work is very much needed during the races as someone needs to make quick decisions about penalties, but this has proven to be an issue
because they are not consistent with whom they give penalties. Now, why is the FIA inconsistent with their actions? The answer to this may lie in the fact that FIA members are always being rotated, meaning that it is very unlikely that one member will be present for multiple consecutive races. Another reason for their inconsistency when giving out penalties might be that the racing rules and regulations need to be revised and after revision, the FIA members must stick to them in order to give every driver a fair chance. Additionally, Formula 1 is always changing because there are new advancements in engineering, therefore, it would be unfair if the drivers, teams, and engineers had to follow outdated rules.
As of now, the FIA is set to update their regulations for the 2026 season and all that we can do is wait and see if these new rules will improve the sport.
The New Era of International Hockey
4 Nations Face-Off?
Since the Hockey World Cup in 2016, we haven’t had the chance to witness a beston-best international hockey tournament. This all changes this upcoming February, with the 4 Nations Face-Off. This mini tournament will be replacing the NHL All-Star break and will feature four powerhouse international hockey teams: Canada, The United States, Finland, and Sweden. As we wait anxiously, I have you covered with my roster and tournament predictions.
When it comes to Team Canada there are so many players that deserve a spot on the team. Six players have already been confirmed to be on the roster; Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Brad Marchand, Connor McDavid, Brayden Point, and Cale Makar. Other players I expect to make the roster would include Mitch Marner, Sam Reinhart, Devon Toews, and Noah Dobson. The remaining spots are really tough for me to
pick, given there are so many more talented Canadian players. I think two players who might find their way onto the team would be Alexis Lafreniere and Connor Bedard. Alexis Lafreniere is only 23 years old, and last season, he scored a career-high 28 goals, while he is on track to score 36 goals this season. Connor Bedard is entering his second year in the NHL, and he will by far be the youngest player on the roster if he is selected. He has an insane amount of potential and seeing him play with players he grew up idolizing would be amazing.
The biggest question coming into this tournament is, who’s going to be Canada’s goalie? For years Canada has had some of the best goalies in the world starting for them, but this isn’t the case anymore. My pick for the starter would be Washington’s Logan Thompson. The Calgary native has yet to lose in regulation this season so far, with eight wins and one overtime loss. He has an average goals-against of 2.63 with a .913 save percentage. In my opinion, he is by far the best option.
Team USA is on a similar boat
as Canada, with so many players to choose from, how do you narrow it down? The six players that have been confirmed are Jack Eichel, Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk, Adam Fox, Quinn Hughes, and Charlie McAvoy. Other players I expect to make the roster include Brady Tkachuk, Jack Hughes, Kyle Connor, and Brock Faber. Other players I can see in the mix would be Brock Boeser, Clayton Keller, and Vincent Trochek. All three of these players have crucial roles on their respective teams, but given the depth of the USA roster, it might be hard for these players to sneak into the lineup
For Sweden and Finland, it becomes a lot easier to narrow it down. Sweden’s six confirmed players are Filip Forsberg, William Nylander, Mika Zibanejad, Gustav Forsling, Victor Hedman, and Erik Karlsson. Finland’s six confirmed players are Sebastian Aho, Aleksander Barkov, Mikko Rantanen, Miro Heiskanen, Esa Lindell, and Juuse Saros. I expect Adrian Kempe, Jesper Bratt, Joel Eriksson Ek, Rasmus Dahlin, and Mattias Ekholm all to make the Swedish roster. For Finland, I
expect Teuvo Teravainen, Roope Hintz, Artturi Lehkonen, and Kaapo Kakko to make the roster. This upcoming February is set to be an exciting time for all of us hockey fans. Watching this best-on-best tournament would get hockey fans excited for the 2026 Olympics, which would see the return of NHL players. Finally, to end off my predictions, as much as it pains me to admit it, I believe that Team USA will win the 4 Nation Face-Off.
Photo Credit: Nathan Denette / Canadian Press
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.
The Mike has complete editorial autonomy from USMC. All editorial inquiries should be directed to editorinchief@readthemike.com.
The Mike welcomes and encourages submissions. All submissions may be edited for taste, brevity, and legality.
Section Editor Darian Trabold editorinchief@readthemike.com
ACROSS
1. His photo with Phoebe Bridgers, looking at Daisy Edgar-Jones at the Met Gala is the chronically online person’s Roman Empire
4. “Are you not ___?”
5. Not exactly good, yet somehow bewitching since ‘03
7. The land where Wicked is set
11. Singer of “Taylor, the Latte Boy” 12. The scarecrow
14. Initals JPBP
16. Original green-skinned witch portrayer on Broadway
17. Marcus Aurelius’s daughter in Gladiator
18. Maximus’s home province in the original Gladiator (modern-day location)
19. Warrior’s dying wish: “See me again in this place”
20. Original Gladiator actress who returned for the sequel
DOWN
2. Thats her line
3. Wicked’s showstopping song about soaring high
6. Inspires the good witch to change her name to Glinda
8. Wicked’s source material author
9. University where Elphaba and Galinda meet
10. From Boca Raton, Florida
13. Ancient arena where gladiators fought, still stands today
15. Director of both Gladiator films
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.
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. The Official Yearbook of St. Michael’s College