The Mike, Issue 5 (2016-17)

THE MIKE

Wednesday, December 14, 2016 - Issue 5

CONSIDERING WHAT’S AT STEAK Making the case for synthetic, lab-grown meat

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EDITORIAL

LETTER FROM THE MIKE...

The last issue of the calendar year is upon us and the past 12 months have been quite the mixed bag. Regardless of how near or far issues originate from, their impact has been felt on our campus: it Is our sincere hope that everyone is finding the time and energy to heal from them. 2016 brought a great deal of change — some for the better, some for the worse. There still remains a great deal of work to be done.

The newspaper, like you, finds itself at the halfway mark of the academic year. This is an opportunity to evaluate how far we’ve come and how far we’d like to go. We’re now settled into the production flow and can focus our attention on better engaging you, our readership. We’ve checked off the box of first semester and now, it’s onto the next one.

So far, between these pages, we’ve done some pretty great stuff. However, that isn’t to say that we can’t do a lot more. When we return next semester, you can expect some exciting changes.

We wouldn’t be here without the support of St. Michael’s College, our wonderful editors, managers, contributors and you — our loyal readers. For that, we thank all of you.

We reiterate: if you’d like to contribute or become a part of The Mike’s masthead, please contact any one of us.

Our emails are listed below. We’re always looking for fresh faces.

For some lucky few, the fall semester is over. For others, Christmas might still feel like a long way away. Hold on!

You’re almost there! In less than a week, the last exam will be written, and the holidays and the New Year are just around the corner. We’re all in the final stretch, and even when it doesn’t feel like it, we’re all in it together.

On behalf of the entire team here at the The Mike, have a safe and happy holidays! We hope that your break is, at the very least, restful.

– THE MIKE

THE MIKE MASTHEAD 2016–2017 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MANAGING EDITOR

BUSINESS MANAGER

Ms. Anah Mirza editorinchief@readthemike.com

Mr. Josh Scott managingeditor@readthemike.com

Mr. Zia Faisal business@readthemike.com

FAITH & THOUGHT EDITOR

OPINIONS EDITOR

ARTS EDITOR

Ms. Farah Rasmi faith@readthemike.com

Ms. Garnet Ryu opinions@readthemike.com

Mr. Liam McConnell arts@readthemike.com

SPORTS EDITOR

LIVING EDITOR

DESIGN MANAGER

Mr. Rory McCreight sports@readthemike.com

Ms. Jennifer Bueno living@readthemike.com

Ms. Yurie Kaku

COPY EDITOR

COPY EDITOR

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

Ms. Marianne A. Kalaczynski

Ms. Daniela Solimine

Vacant

OPINIONS

are the new Black.

Write/edit for us! Email: editorinchief@readthemike.com The Mike is the official bi-weekly student newspaper of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto, publishing since 1947. The Mike has a circulation of 2000, delivered to over 40 newsstands across the University of Toronto, St. George Campus. The Mike is published by The Mike Publications Inc. and printed by MasterWeb Inc. on recycled newsprint stock. The Mike is a member of Canadian University Press. Copyright: 2016, The Mike Publications Inc. All Rights Reserved. All editorial inquires should be sent to editorinchief@readthemike.com. The Mike reserves the right to edit all submissions.

LIVING

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Setting the Bar(re) High

My first ballet was an unforgettable experience

Chelsea Kowalski CONTRIBUTOR As a first-timer to the ballet, I went with high hopes, but no idea what to expect. A friend picked the performance and told me that Onegin was about a guy who chases a girl, gets her, rejects her, and then leaves. Years later, the tables turn and when she becomes desirable and taken, and rejects him. A simple enough story, but you wouldn’t guess it by the detailed and complex movements of the dancers.

Whether it was a collective performance piece done in perfect sync, or a single dancer in the middle of the stage, the seemingly effortless way in which the men and women moved across the stage ‘sur les pointes’ (balletspeak for ‘on their toes’) was astonishing.

Photo by Karolina Kuras “Quickly now! It’s about to start!” was what my friends and I heard as we rushed through the balcony-floor doors to take our seats for the premiere of Onegin, a Russian novelturned ballet. My eyes immediately went to the orchestra, hidden away just in front of and under the platform. To imagine this performance without the brilliant music would be impossible. I was astounded by how the music did not just support the dancing, but how the dancing exemplified the music.

There were light-hearted moments as well. In one scene, a girl, Olga, is fought over by two men. She dances between both, into the arms of one and swerving past the other, showcasing the whirlwind of emotions pouring onto the stage. It was truly remarkable to see. The play passed by in three parts of 30 minutes each, but it genuinely felt like much less. I guess time flies when you are gasping at the wonder and elegance of the dancing, music, and overall performance of the Toronto ballet.

What I found most interesting was the performers’ dedication and determination to the acting of the story.

These dancers were living the tragedy and sadness that befell the characters in Onegin. Even when they were still or off in the background, their acting was strong and capable. In fact, in a scene of despair, the last 20 seconds were left with just a small spotlight left on the main dancer.

She stood, not moving at all, with her head in desolation, looking up to the sky. Part of the reason they work so hard to convey emotion through acting, in addition to through their extremely expressive dancing is that throughout the performance there isn’t a single word spoken. After a semester of lectures it was refreshing, not to mention surprising, to understand a story as it unfolds in beauty and silence.

Photo by Aleksandar Antonijevic

Zodiac Signs and Appearances, Part 2 The common physical features of different astrological signs: Libra – Pisces Jennifer Bueno LIVING EDITOR Back in Ancient Greece, religious mystics believed that souls came from the Milky Way. When someone is born their soul passes through one of the twelve doors of the Zodiac band and settles into the physical body.

Through Greek mágos, souls would embody the symbolic characteristics of their corresponding constellation.

Although the philosophies of reincarnation don’t have any direct relevance to physical appearances, it was believed that they influenced the incorporeal spirit that resides among the stars. And that there would be physical manifestations of the Zodiac characters in the looks and manners of human beings. Astrology doesn’t hold the rule for appearance or manner, as genetics would be responsible for shared features. However, some believe it explains why some people within the same family may not have the same looks or characteristics, but may share similarities with another of no relation.

Libras have graceful features and are slim and elegant in appearance. They generally look pleased, have sweet and soothing voices, clear skin, soft and friendly eyes, heartshaped lips with a cupid’s bow and nice teeth, square shaped face, may have facial dimples, fine physique, tall stature, small hands and feet, and look like they eat well. The men may be bigger in physique; they have slender arms, short necks and possibly, cleft chins. The women are average in size and physique, shapely, have well-proportioned legs and an ample bust.

http://blog.voylla.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2000-×-1500-horoscope-signs-1.jpg

Scorpios have a brunette or dark look, usually thick neck, and big, square hands that are often warm. Their facial features are frequently strong, an angular shaped face, possibly shaggy eyebrows, hair with a slight reddish tint, dark hair, strong jawbone, penetrating and keen eyes, striking nose that may be fleshy and have a hook, big teeth, and skin that tans easily. They have an amazing poker face and are able to control what emotions are on display, a skill they are proud of. The men have a compact torso, muscular, athletic or stocky body, powerful legs, and tend to be shorter. The women are lean and slender or athletic; they also have arched eyebrows and small ears.

Sagittarius seems to produce two distinguishable types of appearance. One is heavyset, shorter in height and has wide shoulders. The other is powerful and lean in body, is tall and very noticeable. Overall, their bodies are agile and energetic with long legs, the femur or thighbone is typically long, they have an oval shaped face, wellproportioned button nose, expressive eyes that are bright and quick to notice everything that’s going on around them and typically brunette hair with a golden brown to reddish brown tint. The men have a wide forehead and expressive mouth while the women have a long waist, maybe lighter hair, slight eyebrows and soft mouth.

Capricorns are hard to distinguish physically. Generally they take care of their appearance and have their own style.

They typically have glossy, flat and/or silky hair, usually good-looking, are more handsome than pretty, round shaped eyes that are very communicative and usually olive skin colour that easily tans. The Capricorn sign is the most melancholic astrological sign, Capricorns can mostly look burdened, especially if there is an affliction in Saturn, however a lot of them are full of life and talkative. The men have a lean and resilient body with a stature that is short to medium tall and wears and almost permanent somewhat concerned look on his face. The women are curvy with strong facial features and they also wear melancholy on their face.

Aquarius produces the most androgynous features. They look ennobled and formal with distinct facial features, bright eyes are unafraid and friendly, eyelashes that

www.knowyourmeme.com

hang down, square shaped brow, clear skin, are usually tall, easygoing and have relaxed movements. They tend to look pensive because of their head droop and typically have a soft voice. They also smile more than they laugh.

The men may have long and slim arms, usually a thin top lip, small ears and may become gray-haired before age sets in. The women may have a slightly stockier body that’s still slender, a soft mouth, smaller bust, well-proportioned legs and a candid face.

Pisces seems to produce two distinguishable types of appearance as well. One has a relaxed posture, rounded shoulders, sleepy eyes, and a full face. The other has an upright posture, energetic and penetrating eyes, a square shaped face and jaw, and walks with ease. Overall, they are refined, when at ease their whole face becomes animated.

Pisces’ are generally short, softer and hardy in physique, they have bigger feet that turn, in almost a bow-legged look and walk with shorter steps, their facial features are pliant and fluid, they may have dimples, light-coloured often blue eyes that sometimes look melancholy, big ears, big or flat nose, satiny hair and youthful skin that is pale to medium in shade. The men are elegant and lean with nice posture while the women are curvy in physique, have full eyebrows, ample bust and stocky legs and thighs.

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ARTS

Natural and Spiritual “Mystical Landscapes” at the AGO Laina Southgate CONTRIBUTOR An audio-visual projection of forests, water, Aurora Borealis and the cosmos, sets the stage for the art exhibit “Mystical Landscapes: Masterpieces from Monet, Van Gogh & More” at the AGO, which is here until January 29, 2017. The overall theme of the exhibit is to convey the way in which divinity and mysticism inform artists’ interpretation of the natural world, in addition to how themes of turmoil can reflect and alter the way that an artist expresses spirituality.

The first portion of the exhibit — “Nature and Mysticism” — focuses on how nature and divinity intersect to create a space that is inhabited by themes of solitude and selfreflection. Paul Sérusier’s “Incantations in the Sacred Wood,” is an example of the mystical elements of nature because in the foreground is a group of women performing a spiritual ritual in the heart of the forest. The colours are subdued browns, greens, and reds, and one woman is kneeling before a small flame, holding a bowl. The proximity of the trees coupled with relative solitude of the procedure binds together nature and the sacred, which creates an intimate and personal atmosphere.

Another painting of note is Paul Gauguin’s “Yellow Christ,” which is a vibrant portrayal of Christ’s crucifixion. He is yellow, and the female onlookers are in modest blue gowns. In the background are rolling hills, red trees, and yellow grass which is the same colour as Christ. The use of colour in this painting is significant because instead of conveying a sombre and contemplative representation of Christ, it instead connects Him to the natural realm.

Nature and mysticism converge in Gauguin’s painting which exemplifies the ways in which religion inspires artistic expression. The exhibit carries on past Monet and his famous “Water Lilies” to the subtle landscapes of Charles-Marie Dulac. The delicate portraits of brooding seas and contemplative deserts are nearly devoid of human life, and instead focuses on the use of light to convey the

holy presence of God in nature.

The fourth portion of the exhibit — “Nocturnes and the Divine Darkness” — experiences a notable shift in tone as the paintings are deeper in colour and less explicit with the presence of the divine. Eugène Jansson’s painting “Dawn over Riddarfjarden” is a cityscape which uses shades of blue and minimal red to convey a more serious mood. The city hints at human life, and the use of white swirls on the bottom on the canvas represent the presence of God. It is at this point in the exhibit that there is a divide between the first and second halves because “Landscape and the Dark Night of the Soul”features post-WWI paintings that demonstrate the ways in which land serves as a medium to express social upheaval. The colours are black, brown, and grey, and the overall impression of this section is of despair.

There is no optimistic hint of the divine in the paintings, and the viewer is left feeling sombre and contemplative.

“The Wilderness and Spiritual Encounter” is the portion of the exhibit that demonstrates the ways in which the First World War affected how artists engage with and seek representations of spirituality. Instead of explicit imagery of God, the divine inspiration is subtler. Emily Carr’s “Indian Church” is a good example of this, because while in the foreground there is a white church, the entire background is filled with forest. The viewer cannot see the sky, and the church is dwarfed by trees and wilderness.

This serves to represent the ways in which nature is itself a form of spirituality, and the church is, in a sense, a mere representation of what can be found in the natural world.

The final, and in my opinion, most notable portion of the exhibit takes the viewer away from the earthly realm and transports them to the cosmos. Engaging with themes of solitude, mystery, and divinity this section of the exhibit is the summation of the progression of art that has been experienced thus far. Positioned facing each other but on

opposite ends of the room are Van Gogh’s ”Starry Night Over the Rhône” and Wenzel Hablik’s “Sternenhimmel.”

Both depict space and stars, and yet they represent the two realities of artistic expression: where Van Gogh places the viewer on earth looking up at the stars, Hablik places the viewer literally in the stars. Two experiences of nature and the divine collide in these paintings, because in both, the idea of the cosmos transcends and ultimately becomes an expression of God.

Throughout the exhibit, artists ask the viewer to consider the role that religion and nature play in the experience of a painting. Can one exist without the other? While a painting might not explicitly engage with religion, the landscape serves as the expression of its artist’s beliefs as well as the political climate in which they were painting.

Organized to represent artists from Europe, Scandinavia, and North America in addition to the progression of the relationship between the corporeal and celestial realms, “Mystical Landscapes: Masterpieces from Monet, Van

These Daughters of Mine (Moje córki krowy) When those who gave us life aren’t here anymore.

M. A. Kalaczynski COPY EDITOR The need to face up to the tragic death in life,” director Kinga Dębska stated at of one’s parents is at the centre of Kinga Dębska’s new film, These Daughters of Mine. Presented in Toronto for its Canadian premiere at The European Union Film Festival (EUFF), the film follows Marta (Agata Kulesza, Ida) and Kasia (Gabriela Muskała) — sisters and polar opposites. Marta is a TV actress who goes about her business alone, often donning a tracksuit; Kasia is an elementary teacher with a much flashier and extroverted side to her than her famous sister. The elder is bitter and ill-tempered, the younger fragile and caring. “One of us has to have been adopted,” says Marta at one point. Early into the film, their mother (Małgorzata Niemirska) unexpectedly falls ill. This forces the sisters to work together and take care of their elderly father (Marian Dziędziel), who, by a stroke of bad luck, falls gravely ill soon after their mother.

At first glance, this presents a dramatic scenario, but nonetheless, it is one which will also make audiences smile. “Life’s ups and downs should be approached with humour, above all the definitive things

the presentation of her film as part of the Official Selection of the 10th Rome Film Fest this October. This is something that comes more naturally to the disillusioned Marta than to Kasia, who is too set in her role as the caring and good daughter.

Ultimately, the heart of the film is the contrast between the two sisters: “The film was born out of my need to face up to the tragic death of my parents, but the sisters you see on screen aren’t me and my sister,” points out Dębska. “The actresses put a lot of themselves into the role, basing themselves on real-life situations.

In a sense, they’re co-writers of the film.”

Visually, the film achieves harmony thanks to cinematographer Andrzej Wojciechowski drawing “inspiration from Japanese art, zen, [and] paintings from the 15th century,” which results in “basic compositions, long sequences, wide shots; a calm observation of reality.” This is evident in the film and provides a sincere snapshot of life which is easy to identify with as a reflection on family ties, lasting conflict, and what happens after, when those who gave us life are not there

anymore — intertwined with the reality of hospital visits, meetings with doctors, and whirlwinds of emotions between hope and resignation and everything in between, family fights, moments of endearment, and existential balances.

Whether you are an only child or one of many, you will find yourself leaking tears in no time as you’re forced to face the reality of your own parents growing older, but also laughing through sobs as a family so broken slowly mends itself together in the wake of tragedy.

This is the Polish director’s second fictional

feature film work in the film industry.

These Daughters of Mine has thus far won seven awards and been nominated for nine internationally, winning the Audience Special Award and Best Screenplay Award at the Eagles Polish Film Awards (the Academy Awards of the Polish film industry).

The European Union Film Festival (EUFF) came to Toronto’s Royale Cinema November 10th to 24th, showing over 25 films from many countries with subtitles.

The official European Union Film Festival strives to reflect the excellence, innovation, and diversity of European cinema in Toronto, the world’s most multicultural city.

Founded in 2004 as a salve to Hollywood monotony, EUFF showcases contemporary films drawn from each of the EU’s member countries. EUFF is a unique festival: it’s the only one in the world that brings together disparate EU Consulates and local cultural institutes for collaboration.

Photo by Robert Palka

ARTS

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Earthbound Space Travel Album Review: STRFKR’S Being No One, Going Nowhere Josh Scott MANAGING EDITOR Has exam season got you down? Do you feel like you’re running in circles? Dare I say, going nowhere? If your schoolwork’s piling up alongside your detachment from it, and a real escape is what you need, but a temporary one’s all you can afford, you’ve come to the right place. STRFKR’s Being No One, Going Nowhere might be just what you need this time of year.

soundtrack of the movie Drive (you know, the one where Ryan Gosling does just that). In fact, had “Something Ain’t Right” been moodier — with a slightly lower tempo and more subdued chorus — it would have fit onto the Drive tracklist seamlessly.

To its strength though, it isn’t.

It’s definitely their most cohesive effort yet. At the very least, it’s their most radiofriendly — which of course, isn’t necessarily a bad thing. On the heels of the massive success that was Netflix’s Stranger Things, STRFKR’s new EP might have also come at the perfect time. If, like me, you found that a huge portion of the reason Stranger Things worked was due to its moodsetting soundtrack, then you should check this album out.

Filled to the brim with what’s perhaps best described as dreamy, indie, space-pop, Being No One, Going Nowhere is not only refreshing, but danceable. Much of it seems like a more upbeat B-side to the

“Open Your Eyes” plays that part well enough instead: it’s clearly the EP’s standout track. Clocking in at just under 4 minutes, it’s powerfully understated. Initially, its synth is relegated to the background,

where it adds texture to a catchy but otherwise monotonous bass line. As the song progresses, the two gradually begin to compete, and eventually, they come together. As “Open Your Eyes” lets off into the first half of its chorus, the synth drops away, but only for a moment — it comes back with force as the second half kicks in and the song picks up, for a few seconds, only to downshift back into the same driving bass line that drives each verse. Before you know it, it’s over – just like the album.

Same goes for its music video, which is also pretty fun, in a campy, Wes Anderson does aliens sort of way. Underneath that fun lies something more — or rather, a longing for something more. Hodges expresses a simultaneous ache to escape and desire to go back and change things that perhaps mirrors your own these days.

More than anything, Hodges repeatedly returns to the topic of loneliness. “Who doesn’t need another friend?” he asks.

“Lonely eyes and a save me smile standing halfway in the night / ‘Cross this room

Independent Cinemas in Toronto A breakdown of the city’s best cinema alternatives Angela Feng CONTRIBUTOR Going to the movies used to be a treat. Only home to the comfiest seats of all of Toronto’s after weeks of begging and pleading would my father agree to drive me and my sister to the local movie theatre, where we would be greeted by slightly-stale, over buttered popcorn and cups of pop larger than my 8-year old head.

Settling into the stain-disguising patterned seats, we relaxed for 90 minutes of wellearned fun. Today, Toronto is not lacking in movie cinemas — instead, it is dominated by the Canadian-owned “big box” theatre chain, Cineplex. Comfy, luxurious, and occasionally overwhelming, these theatres have it all, so much so that it’s easy to overlook the many character-filled gems that we have in this city.

The following are just a few of the wonderful community-based cinemas that call Toronto home.

Bloor Hot Docs: This annex theatre is no stranger to Torontonians — home to monthly Rocky Horror Show cast screenings, TIFF screenings, and the best place to go for firstrun documentaries. Independent, but not lacking in customers, this theatre pulls in some of the trendiest film enthusiasts in town.

Kingsway Theatre: This second-run theatre in Toronto’s west end is filled with charm, character, and unexpected nostalgic viewings.

Patrons love this theatre for its no-fuss vibe and its liquor license.

Humber Cinemas: Capping off Bloor West Village is this neighborhood staple. With four screens, this art-deco cinema offers a friendly, welcoming environment with no-fuss fixings and the friendliest staff in town!

Revue Cinemas: This not-for-profit cinema is a beloved Roncesvalles gem. One of the longest continuously running cinemas in the country, Revue was established in 1912, and is

independent cinemas.

Regent Theatre: Looking for independent or foreign films? Look no further: this northend cinema has it all — even real butter for its popcorn.

Mount Pleasant Theatre: This two-screen theatre is a neighborhood gem. Although Mount Pleasant has a fully-stocked concession bar today, it was not always this way. Starting in 1951, they operated for many years without a popcorn popper. Instead, they had their popcorn delivered by the bag every day.

The Royal: Movie theatre and art venue, The Royal is the only movie cinema in Little Italy, known best for its iconic ROYAL sign. It is a second run theatre fully equipped to be a post-production cinema during the daytime when films/events are not showing.

Fox Theatre: The Beaches is home to not only fantastic beaches, but also one of the most beloved independent cinemas in the city. With beautiful stained-glass windows greeting you on the way in, Fox Theatre is one of the single longest-running cinemas in Toronto, established in 1913.

Straight-to-the-point, welcoming, and historic independent cinemas remind us of Toronto’s past, present and future. Characterized by the neighborhoods they’re located in, Toronto is defined by its movie-going culture. These beloved theatres focus on the films they show instead of the “movie-going experience” that surrounds them. Though they are rapidly disappearing, these community landmarks are frequented by those whose childhoods are defined by a love for movies.

in a neon tomb / Let it be the satellite,” he sings. Not spaceship: a satellite, being, in this case, a symbol of earthbound, or at least earth-centred space travel — sort of like the music itself.

Other highlights include: “When I’m With You”, which sounds like something you’d hear in an upscale King St. restaurant — a sort of low-key, almost club anthem with substance, as well as “Tape Machine” and “Never Ever”: the two liveliest jams.

Basically, Being No One, Going Nowhere sounds like all the best, most uplifting parts of MGMT, Passion Pit, Phoenix, and Tame Impala rolled into happy cohesion.

On Being No One, Going Nowhere, frontman Josh Hodges yearns for a vague future-past that seems to lie just out of reach. In doing so, he actually takes you somewhere else, on a dreamy journey that’s as fun as anything else I’ve listened to in 2016 — and musically speaking, it’s been a good year. If you want to get away but your means are limited, I’d suggest you try STRFKR.

The Times Are Still a-Changin’ A contextual reflection on Bob Dylan’s divisive Nobel win Liam McConnell ARTS EDITOR And the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature goes to... Bob Dylan? In a decision that has not come without criticism, the Swedish Academy has awarded the coveted prize to Dylan “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.”

Now that some time has passed and the fanfare has died down, let’s ask ourselves if the Academy made the right decision.

If you’re aware of Bob Dylan — that is to say, if you’re alive — you may be aware that he is primarily identified as a musician. Therein lies the controversy: he’s the first songwriter in the Prize’s 115 year history to receive the honour, which is normally reserved for playwrights, novelists, poets, or writers of other forms. Some high-profile voices have spoken out against the decision.

Irvine Welsh — the Scottish author of Trainspotting, and a man less likely to be a Nobel Laureate than we all thought Dylan was — polemically tweeted: “ I’m a Dylan fan, but this is an ill-conceived nostalgia award wrenched from the rancid prostates of senile, gibbering hippies.”

Other critics of the decision have cited past oversights by the Nobel committee as further evidence of the award’s increasing meaninglessness. Deserving authors like James Joyce, Henrik Ibsen, and Margaret Atwood have been passed over again and again, as well as Phillip Roth and Haruki Murakami, whom many thought of as the favourites to win this year. The British betting company Ladbrokes listed their odds of winning at 7/1 and 4/1 respectively. Have these authors not contributed more to what we consider capital-L Literature than Bob Dylan, whose odds were listed at a comparatively insurmountable 50/1?

Yes, they have, but does that make them more deserving? Bob Dylan has been defying the odds consistently for his entire 57-year career, and seemingly has never fallen far from the plane of cultural relevance. As a fresh-faced New York City folk singer, he was almost dropped by his label when his debut album failed to perform on the charts. In swooped Johnny Cash, one of America’s most famous artists at the time, to vouch for Dylan and save his burgeoning career.

Dylan’s popularity skyrocketed until, due to his acclaim amongst those who supported civil rights and decried the war in Vietnam, he was labelled theVoice of his Generation, a title that has not been so accurately applied to any artist before or since.

When he rejected the title, its bestowers rejected him. Without warning, he debuted a new electric sound that was immediately booed by much of his audience, who had come to expect grassroots folk and political subject matter. But he stuck to his guns and ultimately came out on top.

Bob Dylan’s influence goes beyond the musical sphere. He ignited a generation, changed the face of modern music, and, at the end of it all, defied the odds again and again. His body of work has enacted tangible, positive change in the world.

His poetry, the reason for his win, is some of the finest in American history, regardless of musical accompaniment.

So, where have we landed? Does Dylan truly deserve to win one of Literature’s highest honours?

Maybe.

CONSIDERING WHAT’S AT STEAK Making the case for synthetic, lab-grown meat Garnet Ryu OPINIONS EDITOR Cover photo from: The New Yorker

Graphic via: BBC Online

I believe we can save the by Russell Ross), and edible, “cultured the public. According to Andras world with steak. Specifical- meat” came to be in 2002, courtesy Forgas, co-founder, and CEO of of some goldfish cells and a research Modern Meadow, the production ly, meat grown in soybean group called NSR/Touro Applied of lab meat would not only promix and stem cells of shred- BioScience Research Consortium. duce 96% less greenhouse gas but require 82 to 96% less water than ded goldfish. That’s right.

I’m talking about lab-grown, In 2013, Mark Post, a professor and animal husbandry. In both cases, it physiologist at the University of would have a substantially less sigsynthetic, yet edible meat. Maastricht, produced the first lab- nificant impact on the environment.

A couple of years ago, the world was introduced to the idea of cruelty-free meat when a group of scientists led by Mark Post brought the first in-vitro beef burger to a conference to be tasted by food critics.

Since then, we haven’t heard much about it. The burger was said to be tough and a bit flavourless, and the cost, around that time, was a tad too much for the average Joe ($330,000).

However, I have reason to believe that this outrageously expensive slab of meat may be a lot more radical than many would give it credit for.

grown beef burger. It was grown in muscle tissue by muscle tissue from stem cells retrieved from biopsies of live animals. Since then, several scientists have joined the race, including Modern Meadow, which handed out cultivated “steak chips” in a Texan hotel ballroom back in 2014.

The amount of water, specifically, that is used for the livestock and wasted through manure and chemical contamination for animal agriculture, has been a great concern for climate-change experts, such as the global experts who discussed in Morroco the emerging global waThe focus isn’t necessarily beef, either. ter crises — in areas such as BraThat is, it doesn’t always have to be a zil, South Africa, and Peurto Rico cow — so far scientists have been clon- — during the World Water Week. ing chicken and fish, and some claim that it may be used to create meat for Major concerns also arise in terms most animals: the same techniques of energy and resources, ones that for tissue engineering that are used may not be fully solved through in human regenerative medicine. the advancement of synthetic meat, Synthetic meat is by no means a new but will experience a positive imconcept. People had started growing Some are already looking further provement through the widemuscle fibres since 1971 (performed into the future, in which some be- spread consumption of lab-grown lieve people will be able to 3D print meat, an alternative that requires their meat from the comfort of their 45% less energy usage and sevown homes. It’s a nice prospect, sure, en times less grain, which could but for a different reason, I think be saved for human consumption. this is a substantial innovation that should have a lot more attention Conversely, the amount of arable than it has had, for all the conse- land used for animal farming could, quential benefits it may have to offer. by Andras Forgas’ estimation, decrease by 99%, especially because Though one of the more obvious of the new possibilities this innovabenefits of lab-grown meat is the tion opens up in terms of vertical potentially positive environmental farming. An increased production impact, its exact enormity, I would of meat within a smaller area of land Source: NBC News argue, is actually underplayed by may open the door for reforestation.

Perhaps, alongside the benefits of growing meat in a lab rather than raising a live animal, it would actually create a new window that could be used to combat the conditions surrounding world hunger.

One of the concerns facing society today is the spread of bacteria resistant to antibiotics, which scientists insist will eventually result in either the reintroduction of diseases that we once believed we were close to eradicating, or ones that we thought with certainty we would never see again. The cause of this spread is the overreliance or over-usage of antibiotics in the present world, much of which results from the livestock, fed to animals by various farms for them to survive the poor conditions in which they are kept.

Mark Post argues that lab-grown meat could potentially waive antibiotics once it finds an alternative to the use of an animal’s stem cells, which could slow the advancement of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

stance, corn requires around 2 kilocalories of fossil fuel energy for 1 kilocalorie of fuel, while meat protein from live animals requires 25 kilocalories. Animal cruelty’s being exempt from the process of growing this meat might also draw in individuals who are vegetarian for this same reason. The Vegetarian Society for one, is open to the idea of synthetic meat: one individual named Marta Nelson claimed that she would “pay extra money for meat I could eat without feeling guilty about it.”

After all, synthetic meat is still meat — only, without the torturing or butchering of animals generally associated.

Of course, the reasons for vegetarianism are vast, and many may decide to stick to their vegetarian diets, whether due to taste preferences, costs, or health.

Last year, IARC classified processed meat and red meat as “carcinogenic” and “possibly carcinogenic,” respectively, and, although the IARC classifies In any case, individuals working toall but one substance found in yoga wards the availability and improvement (taste-wise) of synthetic meat have claimed that meat grown in laboratories are not in any way “artificial meat,” but are nonetheless aware of the setbacks they may face when introducing their meat to the world. In fact, according to Beyond Meat, these scientists usually also have philosophers on the team.

Source: i.dailymail.co.uk

On top of this, the potential substantial decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, a major concern for environmentalists and the supposed contributor of up to 51% of all greenhouse gas emissions today, could stagger the rate of global warming significantly.

Cultivated meat has even gotten a pass from Joshua Strulowitz, a rabbi from West Side Institutional Synagogue, New York as kosher, if the tissue was from a ritually slaughtered kosher animal. A similar reception of this meat seen in some Muslim scholars who would deem the meat acceptable if it were from an appropriate medium.

It’s also interesting to note that one of the most inhibiting factors to the advancement of synthetic meat as a widespread replacement of meat may be something as simple as our culture. Ironically, the pursuit of health in both Canada and the states, resulting in the draw towards “organic foods,” might repel some individuals from this “artificial” meat.

It has already received some skeptical critiques, with some calling it “frankenmeat,” and others proposing the idea that the term “shmeat,” sometimes used for synthetic meat, is short for “shit meat.” Does “testtube” meat sound good to you?

pants as carcinogenic, the media hype that ensued stirred up more questions about the prospects of meat in terms of health, meat, and dairy products being pinned with weight gain and coronary diseases. Although growing meat in laboratories may reduce the number of people affected With animal agriculture taking up by things like salmonella, it’s unclear so much of our carbon footprint in terms of water, energy, and green- if these types of long-term diseases house gas emissions, it makes sense associated with meats will no longer for many individuals today to be- be an issue with lab-grown meats. come vegetarian or vegan. For in-

There are increasing levels of consumption of meat in the developing world, as well as the uncanny carnivorousness of developed countries, America alone is said to be eating “a million chicken an hour.”

Meat is a central part of diets today, and this make sense — meat carries essential nutrients and is a good source of energy. Given this, maybe we should consider looking deeper into the realm of synthetic meats.

Even though Post and his team claim that it is 4-5 years years before synthetic meat might be on the market, maybe we ought to start truly weighing the possibility.

Perhaps, in the process of giving it a chance, we’ll discover that synthetic, lab-grown steak can save us all.

8

OPINIONS

Why I Became A Trump Supporter In support of Donald Trump Soy Mei CONTRIBUTOR No matter what you say about my character, whether you say I’m “xenophobic, sexist, homophobic,” it is not going to faze me because I know that I am none of these things, and I know that I am not supporting them either. And what I realized about this current debacle between the Trump supporters and the anti-Trump people is that we are all human, just with dissenting views.

Throughout the US election campaign, I had not paid much attention — I didn’t even watch a single debate. My information was that which I saw on social media, and there were seemingly ridiculous things associated with Trump: namely, memes about the building of a wall, Trump’s wife Melania’s swindled speech, Trump’s video where he said the famous words, “grab them by the pussy,” and videos of Seth Myers making fun of Trump. A combination of these media displays lead me to believe that Trump was not a serious candidate. However, on the other side, I have encountered people with leanings towards Trump. I even predicted before that election that Hillary, the Democratic Party candidate, was going to win, simply judging from Facebook posts shared by my friends on Facebook.

I was watching the election results come out. On a night that will be difficult to forget,

to my and many others’ surprise, Trump was going to become the President of the United States. I could not understand it — all I had been seeing had been indications of how ridiculous Donald Trump has been.

Were people just attracted to his charisma as a candidate? Was he really as racist as people claim? I mean how can Americans vote for someone who had a leaked video of him saying “grab them by the pussy,” and still win? I mean if any celebrity said that kind of thing, he/she would be shunned immediately. Those are all questions that I asked myself. That was when I decided to do more research on why people voted for Trump.

Americans living in poverty under president Barack Obama, the Electoral College served its purpose, which is to not to let the more well-off states drown out the voices of those in the rural areas who desperately need change. You can imagine how America having its first female president is the least of these people’s concerns.

One of the things that I learned was that the reason that Trump said that he wanted to build a wall was because he wanted stop the inward flow of illegal immigrants, who are competing with Americans for jobs and are being paid for less. As well, these people have not been vetted, and that could pose security issues. It seems that Donald Trump is proposing to keep illegal Mexican immigrants out of the country not because he hates Mexicans, but in order to reinforce the law, and in turn help strengthen the economy. I don’t see how that is xenophobic, as there was no indication that he wanted to do it out of prejudice.

Another controversial policy that Trump proposed was a temporary ban on Muslim immigration until he comes up with a proper vetting system. And that is in response to the threat that Americans feel that ISIS poses. There have been several instances where America has been a target for radical Islamic terrorism, such as 9/11 and the Orlando club shooting, and you can imagine how Americans may be worried about their safety in the wake of the Paris attack that happened just over a year ago. But what I believe was that many Americans were disappointed with was the refusal of Obama and Hillary Clinton to even mention even the term, “radical Islamic terrorism” for the sake of political correctness, and subsequent failure to address the issue when many Americans, Muslims included, believed that Islamic extremists are a legitimate threat to their safety.

And with an increasing number of

Perhaps what attracted me most to Trump

was his bluntness in addressing problems. I saw what many Americans saw in Trump, which is a successful businessman who tells things like it is. I think that people realized that making comments privately and jokingly with friends does not make you a misogynist. While I do not agree with Trump in many regards, such as environmental issues and gun laws, I support Trump, because I believe that he is truly what America wanted and voted for. And I believe that he will unite all Americans and “make America great again,” as he says. Most of all however, I support Trump because I support and respect America’s decision.

I understand that many people have indicated that they feel scared with Trump as President, but really there is little basis for that fear. Your rights will not be revoked.

And if that ever happens, know that people in America and from all over the world, including me, will be fighting for you.

Trump is not the reincarnation of Hitler.

And whether or not you agree with or support him simply depends on your political orientation. And finally, no matter who you are rooting for I encourage you, the reader, to surround yourself with people with differing opinions, and talk with someone you may not agree with and perhaps it will change your impression of

Sailing and the Art of Dying Reflections from a Winter sailing trip around the Toronto harbour Rory McCreight SPORTS EDITOR Saturday, November 19th marked the 5th running of the annual Santa Claus Cup Challenge out of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club on Centre Island. It also happened to be the first day of winter weather. The race is a short sail around the Toronto harbour, the winners ofwhich get to chug beer out of a boot.So with stakes that low, I thought I’d take my uncle uponthe invitation togoon one last sail for the season. On the mid-morning tender, out to the island, the details of the race presented themselves to me.The wind was kicking up, rain clouds were forming, and the water was getting choppy.I asked my uncle ifit was safe to sail, he said, “It’ll be fun.”He told the rest of the crew that I’d been sailing for a couple years and I’d be fine. first place, I drank some beer out of a boot, and worshipped the ground for the rest of the day.

Quick note: I’ve only sailed once, four years ago.

While on land later in the day, I got caught in Next thing I know I amhiding below deck while between a heated argument between myuncle the boom swings around, catching a howling and his girlfriend about sailing’s thrills.My unwinter wind that takes the boat through a corner cle had a modified zen view on sailing--hedidn’t sharp enough to turn my stomach.Needless to find peace, buthe found the adrenaline rush, the say, I was out ofmy depth.I stayed below decks, thrillof sailing, while riding what hecalled “the trying to stay out of real sailors’way and trying edge”.The edge was a zen line between wet and not tothinkof how little control I had over my life dry, between the boat and the lake, and between as the keel takes a steeper angle towards the lake. life and death.When the wind has the sails full and Drowning and freezing are frightening indepen- the boat is cutting through every wave and every dently, but throw them together, and you’re look- boat is tilted just right, you get a feeling that you ingat another couple of years away from boats. could die at any second, fall off the boat, capsize As quickly as the race began, it ended.We won or suffer that bitter cold, but you know you won’t.

His girlfriend, on the other hand, found her thrill at the heightened moments of the sail.

Moments like the sharp turns around the markers, where the wind isthe loudest, lines are scattering around deck, and the danger is obvious.

It’s a sharp shot of life in the face of possible peril.Feeling like you’re really living by teasing Death. To me, the argument was nonsense, and not just because I felt no thrill and only fear throughout the race, but because I thought they were just arguing for the same point.Proximity to death heightens life.Just another one of life’s funny ironies,; when living is getting stale, a quick taste of death livens up the affair.

OPINIONS

9

A Winter Wonderland of Waiting The struggle of waiting for a bus Sam Barrett CONTRIBUTOR In November, you can tell almost immediately who is obsessed with Christmas, who likes it, and who could not possibly care less. Some have their decorations up the moment Halloween is over and others never put them up at all. Similarly, we can tell who enjoys the snowy season almost instantly one can find a mix of anxiety and elation.

Either you, like many others, dread the frigid temperatures of a Canadian winter, or you enjoy the soft snow and dancing flakes as they fall from the sky.

Source: CBC

While I don’t dislike winter, something has to be said for the intense tardiness of public transportation that occurs on the first day of snowfall and then, subsequently, every single day after. There is no glory or joy in waiting under a half-open bus shelter and staring up the street with the hopes of seeing familiar, amber letters at the head of the

bus. We can tell ourselves as many times as we want that it’ll be coming “any minute now,” but it is a fool’s dream.

The bus will be late. It’ll get to your stop when it gets there, and not before.

the winter buses that you knew weren’t going to arrive on time.

I don’t need to call the transit systems to know that the bus that was supposed to arrive at 7:40 AM will instead depart from my stop at 8:35 AM. I live the lag of the bus routes every winter. The people in cars zooming by don’t really care. I see no pity in their eyes, just quiet judgement from within their warm, covered vehicles. They’re stuck in traffic too, true, but they aren’t crammed into a foggy glass box with strangers that freeze alongside them.

Still, there is a strange yet inspiring camaraderie that develops at the bus stop when the bus is late. There are accidental glances shared with others, as if to say, “We’ve waited this long, so we might as well continue.” Some people exchange conversation and annoyed quips about how late the bus drivers are. When it gets bad, when snowfilled winds slap at our bare faces, some people are weeded out. They leave early and are too frustrated to wait knowing that they’re already going to be an hour late for a three hour lecture that they won’t be making any time soon.

There are different things you can blame on in these situations: the driver, the traffic, the onslaught of snow falling from the sky. Heaven forbid you blame yourself for not waking up earlier to catch the previous bus. It’s not like you could have adjusted your schedule to accommodate

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But there’s nothing more satisfying than when the bus does arrive, finally, and the waiting is almost worth it. You can step on and feel the warmth within and tap your Presto card, or flash your bus pass because, you’ve made it. Your destination is closer than ever, it seems. Everything seems to be going a lot smoother now that you’ve boarded. The saltiness that you’d clung to seems to seep away with a sigh of relief that your journey can truly get started.

Until, of course, you see that there are absolutely no spots between bulky winter jackets and slushy boots. But that’s an entirely different problem altogether.

Free Speech Isn’t Really Free Anymore Is free speech under attack?

Soy Mei CONTRIBUTOR Following the debate held by the University of Toronto on Bill C-16, I believe that the condition of free speech in Canada is waning.

As many of you may know, a forum took place on Bill C-16, a bill that makes discrimination based on gender identities and gender expression illegal according to the Ontario Human Rights Code. On the surface this might seem like a move that should be heralded, but Jordan Peterson and many others argue that the implications for this may include criminalization of those who wish to exercise their freedom of speech and anyone who refuses to go along with the ideology that gender can be nonbinary. It should be noted that Bill C-16 passed with no public consultation on the eve of this forum.

“Freeze Peaches” by Tydanabus

First and foremost, was the declaration from both Brenda Cossman and Mary

Bryson, opponents of free speech advocator Jordan Peterson in the debate, that they did not wish to be there. This gave me a really uneasy feeling, because I had always thought that every topic should be debatable. Those statements made me feel like just participating in the debate, or even just sitting there, was shameful and deplorable. Social justice advocates claim that having a debate about the implications of the bill was equivalent to refuting human rights. It is disheartening that even the act of having rational debate is being shut down, with claims of bigotry, transphobia, etc., etc.... As if everyone should just go along with whatever is presented to them.

Apparently, criticizing a bill and examining its effects on everyone means that you are transphobic and inconsiderate of others.

As far as I know, human rights are equal for everyone, across the board, and these include freedom of speech. So if areas of a doctrine are in conflict with one another, I think that the premise is there for a discussion to take place.

It can also be taken that those who are against the debate take freedom of speech as a threat to their narrative. Perhaps it would be more assuring for them to know that having the debate is not equivalent to spreading hate, nor are we all against trans people. Many of those who support free speech just believe that alien pronouns, such as “ze” and “zir” are part of an ideological regime that they refuse to participate in, because it does not align

with the belief that gender is binary, as many have been taught essentially since birth. And then there are also those, like me, who are willing to essentially address anyone by anything that they wish, but who are just advocating for free speech because it is everyone’s right, even the right of those you do not agree with.

and proceeded to throw a piece of paper, with the word “shame” written on it, at her.

According to Marilyn, the person did not say a word, and just walked away. Marilyn said that she did not understand why her assailant did not try to communicate with her and voice their opinion rather than resort to this threatening act.

What’s more, on the same day, Marilyn found that her bike was smeared in rotten fruit, presumably an apricot. Not only is this an annoying and unnecessary mess to clean up, Marilyn also says that the bike was special to her because it was a birthday present from her father. Marilyn claims that the smell still remains on the handlebars and seat after cleaning.

However, she says that she is not ready to pin the fruit-smearing on anyone, as there were no witnesses or proof.

http://www.activistpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/6219961958_f51291fba0_o.jpg

It feels increasingly like free speech is gradually being stripped away from those who do not concur with increasingly restrictive liberal mandates.

Marilyn Jang, one of the students letting people sign a petition supporting Jordan Peterson, was one of many who encountered retaliation for advocating for free speech. Apparently when Marilyn was sitting behind a table with the petition in Bahen building, someone came up to her

This incident, although somewhat isolated, validates the argument that free speech is under attack, and that efforts supporting continual discussion should be continued.

Violence, discrimination, damage to personal property, and any harmful behavior should be unacceptable, no matter what side that you are on. Next time, whenever someone disagrees with you, rather than defaulting to an immediate assumption (i.e. they have a personal prejudice towards a certain group), I wish for everyone to feel free to communicate their concerns. Let’s be tolerant of dissenting opinions again.

SPORTS

10

The NBA’s Greatest Athlete

Giving thanks for a thousand and one games with LeBron James Rory McCreight SPORTS EDITOR

How great is it being an NBA fan these days? Locally, the Toronto Raptors have never been better. They have budding superstars, the 6God’s support, and, most importantly, they compete hard every night. Outside of Toronto, there’s the Golden State super team, vengeful Russell Westbrook, the ever-dependable Spurs: the list of stories and players to watch goes on. But, above all else, there’s one specific man we should be thankful for. He’s possibly the greatest basketball player of all-time and he’s definitely the greatest athlete to ever play — LeBron James.

I would argue that James is the best player ever to play, or at least he will be the best NBA player of all time. At 31, James has three NBA titles, the most recent being his triumphant return to long suffering Cleveland. He’s also a four-time league MVP, and currently tenth all-time in scoring. He plays with unbelievable passion and his singular clutch playoff performances are legendary.

In 2007, LeBron led his Cavaliers to the NBA finals averaging 44 minutes a game with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists a game.These stats themselves don’t scream greatest of all-time, but his starting lineup was composed of Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Drew Gooden, Larry Hughes, and Sasha Pavlovic, not exactly household names. Compare this squad to Curry, Thompson and Green championship

teams and you can see the singular power of LeBron James to not just win but to elevate the players around him in order to do so.

Maybe Kareem’s scoring is bigger, or Kobe’s rings shine brighter, or maybe MJ was funnier in Space Jam than James was in Trainwreck, but there’s no debating Lebron’s athleticism.Coach Tyronn Lue said of LeBron, “He had a chance to get tested this summer and they said he had a body of a 19-year-old. Maybe he’s getting younger: Benjamin Button.”

At 6’8’’ and 250 lbs., James has handles to rival the trickiest of point guards. He opened this season with a six dunk performance, one behind his all-time dunk record against the Raptors in his rookie season. Of course, his body has to quit eventually (that’s just how time works) but as of yet, it hasn’t even begun to slow down.

There’s a lot to be said about LeBron James. He’s charismatic, intelligent and his philanthropic contributions are admirable, so, even calling him the greatest NBA athlete of all-time is still underselling him.

In hockey terms, he’s like Gordie Howe, Mr. Hockey, in that he is the embodiment of the best about his sport. He plays

Golden Knights and Desert Lights The NHL takes on Las Vegas

Perhaps as expected, teams located in the desert have not been known to be great financial investments right off the bat (and sometimes, they never are). A prime example of this financial struggle is the Arizona Coyotes, who endure frequent chatter of relocation due to the fact that for several years the NHL had to own the team because no one else wanted to. That being said, Las Vegas is not Arizona. Vegas attracts far more tourism, and the NHL will be the only professional sports league in town. This is a 500 million-dollar gamble which both, the owner and the league, were willing to make. Ultimately we’ll just have to wait and see how it works out.

The new team will be called the Vegas Golden Knights and will enter the NHL next season as the 31st team in the league.

The owner, Bill Foley, is determined to quickly achieve success with the stated goal of a Stanley Cup. The first step towards this was the hiring of a tendered and respected GM in George McPhee who has previously had success with the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders.

Was the Grey Cup Better Than the Superbowl?

On an historic end to a storied season Rory McCreight SPORTS EDITOR

Nick Fleming CONTRIBUTOR Hockey in the desert is a growing trend in recent years. Not only is the NHL expanding their repertoire of desert teams to include Las Vegas, but last year’s first overall draft pick, Auston Matthews, hails from the desert state of Arizona. This is a new frontier for hockey.

the game hard, even the less flashy side, handles himself with class on and off the court, and doesn’t want to quit until he’s 50. What’s more, he’s told reporters that he’d love to play in the NBA with his sons, LeBron Jr, 12, and Bryce, 9, just like Howe did on the Houston Aeros, playing on a line with two of his sons. James wouldn’t even be 40 by the time his son’s 18, so it’s definitely a welcome possibility in all of our futures. I think nepotism would benefit everyone in this case.

But in order to become a championship team you need more than senior leadership — you need players, and Vegas currently has none.This will change with the NHL expansion draft later this year. The expansion draft is a complicated process but the basic gist is this: Vegas will have to choose one player from every other team in the NHL for a total of thirty players.

Each team will be able to either protect seven forwards, three defenders and one goaltender, or a to protect eight skaters and one goaltender. Further, all players who have played less than two years in the NHL are exempt from the expansion draft (this includes rookies). So to sum it up: there is a very limited crop of players for McPhee and Vegas to choose from.

Despite the relatively small amount of players, based on current rosters, there is some solid talent that will likely be available.

Some notable players who may end up in Sin City are...

Goalies: Marc Andre Fleury (PIT), Ben Bishop (TBL), or Roberto Luongo (FLA) Defense: Marc Methot (OTT), Dmitry Orlov (WSH), Jack Johnson (CBJ), Trevor Van Riemsdyk (CHI).

Forwards: Jakob Silfverberg (ANA), Marian Gaborik (LAK), Michael Grabner (NYR), Matthew Perrault (WPG) .

Another ‘golden’ opportunity for Vegas to obtain a quality player will be in the 2017 NHL entry draft. The Golden Knights will enter the NHL draft lottery with the same odds of winning as the team with the third least amount of points. The NHL in Las Vegas will likely get off to a slow start but with good management and some time, will strive for the coveted title of Stanley Cup Champions.

The 104th Grey Cup was recently held at newly refurbished BMO field in Toronto between Eastern Division Ottawa Redblacks and the Western Conference and CFL-leading Calgary Stampeders. Despite apparently illegal ticket promotions — like two tickets being free with a $29.99 combo at PizzaPizza — I doubt many of you went to the game or even watched it on TV Heck, I only watched it so I could write about it. But after that game, maybe we should be watching more CFL. Highlights from the game included: an onside kick recovery, a fingertip tackle on the foot to send the game into OT, and a juggling catch into the end zone to win the game. It had drama, hail-marys, and excitement.

years in the CFL) — and once as the Renegades.

As a Leafs fan, I can’t help but feel a little jealous at seeing another multi-decade championship drought end in 2016. It at least feels good when it happens to someone like Grey Cup MVP, Henry Burris.

Playing Sunday on, well, the knee of a 41-year-old, Burris had a career game.

He went 35/46, with 461 yards, 3 TDs and only 1 interception. Burris took the stage after the game to celebrate with his whole family — including his 7-year-old sleepy-eyed son who wasn’t born the last time he won a Grey Cup. Burris now has three championship rings and is the third all-time leading passer in the CFL.

One of the big stories going into the Grey Cup was the death of Stampeders’ Mylan Hicks. Growing up in Detroit, Hicks’ mom wouldn’t let him leave the house in order to keep him safe. Tragically, he was shot and killed outside of a Calgary night club on September 25th, at 23 years old.

He and I shared a birthday. Hicks and his mother — who was at the Grey Cup — fuelled the team. The Stampeders had the motivation and, with a 15-2-1 record, the skill as well.

A win would’ve been a nice story, except that would have counted out the Redblacks and 41-year-old Henry “Smilin’ Hank” Burris. Ottawa football teams have suffered in the last four decades.

Their last championship came in 1976, when the team was the other Roughriders in the CFL along with Saskatchewan.

Since then, the team has folded twice, once as the Roughriders — where they drafted a dead defensive end, Derrell Robertson in April 1994 (one of two times that would happen within two

The Grey Cup was a win for everyone involved, really. The city of Ottawa got a championship, Burris can retire with his Manning-like redemption, and the fans and the CFL got a classic game. The Stampeders should be proud, even if they didn’t win, they honoured their teammate. They went undefeated in a CFL record 15 straight games, and have shown tremendous respect and love to Hicks’ mother. In the end, I’d consider that a staggering victory.

NOTES

11

Photo from U of T Magazine

OPEN POSITIONS -We’re still looking for one (1) DESIGN MANAGER and one (1) PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR to join our masthead!

-The DESIGN MANAGER would be responsible for spearheading the design of the content for one issue per month. Experience with production software isn’t necessary — all that’s required is determination, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn.

-The PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR would be responsible for taking (and editing) photos, if necessary, as well as for compiling the work of contributors.

SUDOKU

CARTOON CORNER

FAITH & THOUGHT

12

Tis the Season

A Muslim perspective on Christmas Aadil Nathani CONTRIBUTOR Growing up Muslim in North America has its challenges. The challenges are complex and intricate, some structural and some of them personal. The one challenge that most of the Muslim community has not dealt with well is the challenge of identity. Growing up in Canada as first or second-generation immigrants, we face a cultural clash daily. Everything from what we learn in school, to TV shows, music, books, gender norms, and even festivities like Halloween and Christmas represent differences between Muslim culture and the general Canadian culture. As non-Muslim celebrations, Halloween and Christmas are heavily scrutinized in much of the Muslim world. As a Muslim, participating in these holidays often leads to stigmatization, not only of the individual participating but also, on occasion, their entire extended family.

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, who is known in the Qur’an and Islamic faith as Isa, a prophet. However, Muslims do not celebrate Christmas and some Muslim states have gone as far as banning the celebration of Christmas. Religiously, Islam frowns upon the attribution or acknowledgement of a God other than Allah, with the Qur’an stating, “Whoever associates anything with Allah, he devises indeed a great sin” (Qur’an, 4:48). Some Muslim scholars argue that celebrating Christmas is a subconscious acknowledgement and acceptance of another religion and another divine being. This explanation makes sense throughout most

religions as they all have their own set of beliefs and festivities. However, some conservative Muslim scholars go further and claim that wishing someone “Merry Christmas” or attending a company Christmas party is the same as celebrating Christmas. This is where I respectfully disagree.

I argue that Christmas has more than one meaning, especially here in the West. There is, undeniably, a religious component for those who believe and complete the religious obligations associated with Christmas. However, more than anything, the Christmas period (which I categorize as Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day) is a celebration of life, love, and unity. Christmas is a time when people come together, regardless of their differences. Now, imagine the impact this has on young Muslims growing up in Canada. Most of their peers are engaging in the festivities and celebrating, while they sit out. This creates a clear, divisive distinction between the groups and labels Muslims as “the other.”

Credit must be given to Canadian society, especially the Canadian education system, where for the most part we have shifted from saying “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Holidays” in an attempt to be more inclusive. Now it is time for the Muslim community to step up. I am not advocating that we celebrate Christmas by decorating our houses and having large Christmas dinners. We do have our own beautiful traditions and celebrations to look forward to. Instead, we should respect our

Just A Little More

This year, bring some Christmas cheer Michelle Thevasagayam CONTRIBUTOR It’s that time of year again! There are about a thousand different things going on at once, and as a university student, it’s quite stressful. This is the time of assignments and final exams, those annoying group projects, and lengthy papers. For most of us, it’s about keeping adrift in school, because, honestly, we’ve probably lost that willpower we had during the first couple of weeks of classes. And on top of that, the totally random weather Toronto throws at us?

Ugh. But there’s the little spark in you that wants to feel a little more Christmas-y.

So, you must schlep to your garage or crawl into your attic and drag out that dusty box containing the ornaments and decorations. There is that whole day you must devote to waiting in line to buy a new tree, or pull out that ready-made one and stab your fingers with the rough bristles. There’s also the huge task of buying presents, and making sure that they’re actually good presents; and after that, the wrapping, the Christmas cards, the well-wishes...

And even if you don’t participate, there are many around you that do. Literally, right after Canadian Thanksgiving, people had their Christmas lights up, and the stores started with the Santa Claus costumes and those gigantic candy canes.

The new Hallmark movies and the classic Christmas stories air on television. Even the radio starts with the traditional jingles performed by artists from before we were born to the ones we listen to today (I’ve got Michael Buble’s Christmas songs on repeat too, to be honest).

We can see Christmas everywhere we go. Yet, this season isn’t just about the colourful decorations, the pretty lights, or the warm peppermint-flavoured

drinks. There’s something each of us could do to bring a change this year. In this season, there’s a truth I’ve come to know: this time of year is about giving.

home (Canada) and join with our Canadian families in their festivities. By participating in Christmas activities like Secret Santa, attending Christmas parties at work and school, and participating in charity work like clothing drives or soup kitchens, we are taking a proactive step toward community building. And in the aftermath of a racially-charged American election cycle, community building is more important than ever.

The issue of identity will not be solved easily, but perhaps encouraging young Muslims to participate in society, rather than shunning them from doing so, is the first step we need to take. So Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year and see you all next semester! I end with the Muslim greeting of peace, AsSalam Alaikum: may peace be upon you.

God’s in Control

How to cope with anxiety and stress during finals Vanessa Casalinuovo CONTRIBUTOR It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

That may be true but not for U of T students.... It’s crunch time. I found myself sitting in class waiting for it to begin last week when the professor walks in, notices the stillness and stress on everyone’s face and says, “Oh it’s that time of year again... I know.”

I think it’s safe to say that we are all in the same boat right now. Everyone is struggling to stay awake in class because of the late nights, running on sheer caffeine and anxiety, merely trying to keep our heads above water.

Giving can be shown in different ways.

It can be shown through the giving of gifts, or spending the time with family— whether it’s your literal family or your friends (including the animal kind). Show some love by giving up your seat on the TTC or holding a door open. Maybe it’s through giving a hug or saying something encouraging. There are always places that welcome volunteers or donations. Or, simply, smile when you’re walking around. Whichever way you think is best (or whichever way is easiest), give a little love this Christmas season.

I appeal to you, dear readers: this Christmas, give a little more. Give a little more love, a little more time, and a little more effort. I realize that the New Year is just around the corner, and with that come those resolutions (which, let’s be honest, most of us don’t ever accomplish).

But this time, make that change, make that resolution. Get off your couch, step out of your comfort zone, and do just a little more.

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Being a third-year student juggling school, a part-time job, volunteering, a social life, and your sanity can tend to be overwhelming at times.... Or, all the time. But I’ll share the glue that keeps me together throughout my entire university experience: Faith. Faith to me is blessed assurance. It is believing that things are going to be okay because someone greater is in control. Hebrews 11 states, “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance of what we do not see.”

Most of the time we are victims of our own thoughts — giving in to pressure and stress, and feeling as though we just aren’t good enough to make it through this rough season. It’s difficult to remind ourselves to think positively, to remember that great things lay ahead and that God cares about our struggles.

We must recognize that we are all immensely unique. No one shares the exact same thoughts or experiences that you have and what you offer life is something unique that is truly meaningful.

I believe that we all have a holy destiny. That is the divine fate: knowing that God has a plan for our lives. Sure, we can say, I want to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher or whatever else, but there is no affirmation of these things because life is incredibly unpredictable.

Therefore, fellow students, my best advice is to believe in yourself and trust God. Even if you’ve never tried this before, give it a chance. It has certainly changed my life for the better. It doesn’t mean that I don’t stress or have anxiety, but I sincerely have a lessened amount than I did before I grasped the concept of faith. It doesn’t mean that life won’t be challenging anymore because nothing in life is easy, but it is worthwhile and peaceful knowing that someone greater is looking down on you and cares, who sees your troubles and wants to bless you. “Cast your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7.)

Live life each day believing that things are going to work out the way God has intended. Through both good and bad circumstances, trust that God is in control.

Source: YHM Magazine Archive