The Mike, Issue 9 (2017-18)

The official student newspaper of the University of St. Michael’s College since 1947.

Volume LXX, Issue 9 March 8, 2018 readthemike.com

NEWS

ARTS

FEATURE

OPINIONS

USMC appoints David Sylvester president on five-year term (page 2) Managing the pressure to know your future (pages 8–9))

A Baltimore fairy tale: the Troubadours present Hairspray (page 6) More than a shirt: the consequences of “fast fashion” (page 11)

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NEWS

News Editor Aaron Panciera news@readthemike.com

David Sylvester Appointed New USMC President

Sylvester to succeed Mulroney, take office August 1, serve five-year term Josh Scott EDITOR-IN-CHIEF On March 1, 2018, Dr. David Sylvester was appointed the eighth President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St. Michael’s College (USMC). Sylvester will take office August 1, 2018 and serve for a five-year term. He will succeed current USMC President and Vice-Chancellor David Mulroney, who completes his three-year term in July.

Very Rev. George Terence Smith, C.S.B., Superior General of the Congregation of St. Basil made the appointment. It came at the recommendation of the USMC Collegium (after a special meeting February 15).

“I have known David Sylvester personally for many years, and in my capacity as the Chair of Collegium, I believe I can speak for my colleagues in expressing my great excitement at Dr. Sylvester’s appointment.

He has the vision, ambition, and creativity needed to ensure that the University of St. Michael’s College flourishes in the years to come, living out its historic and contemporary mission,” said Fr. Don McLeod, C.S.B., Chair of the USMC Collegium.

Sylvester holds an M.A. and a Ph.D. in medieval history from New York’s Fordham University. Since 2009, Sylvester has served two terms as Principal of King’s

University College at Western University, where he has been a tenured Associate Professor in the history department. Prior to working at King’s, Sylvester served 10 years as the founding President of Corpus Christi College and as the Principal of St. Mark’s College at the University of British Columbia.

“I have known David Sylvester personally for many years, and in my capacity as the Chair of Collegium, I believe I can speak for my colleagues in expressing my great excitement at Dr. Sylvester’s appointment.

He has the vision, ambition, and creativity needed to ensure that [USMC] flourishes in the years to come, living out its historic and contemporary mission,” said Fr. Don McLeod, C.S.B., Chair of the USMC Collegium.

Sylvester has also been appointed full Professor, Teaching Stream, in the USMC-sponsored Mediaeval Studies program for the Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Toronto (U of T). Sylvester is a social economic historian. His research focus is toward the nature of community in the middle ages, as well as in how the culture of medieval port towns was shaped by shipping, trade, fishing, and piracy. He has previously taught in the history department at the University of British Columbia, Corpus Christi College, and Fordham University.

Sylvester is the current Chair of the Governance Committee of Universities Canada and a member of the Boards of the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences and the Boston College Institute for Administrators in Catholic Higher Education. He is the past Chair of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities of Canada (ACCUC). Since 2012, he has been the Canadian elected representative to the Board of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities based in Washington, D.C. “I am very excited to be coming to St. Michael’s,” said Sylvester, in a USMC media release.“It’s an institution with a storied history and passionate and influential alumni and supporters. St. Michael’s is both an independent Catholic university and a federated partner of one of the world’s leading public research universities. It has a distinctive identity and position in North American higher education, and I have worked with many members of the USMC community throughout my career as both a university administrator and a scholar. Committed to educating the whole person, St. Michael’s provides an opportunity to teach, research and serve out of a 2000-year-old living tradition of inquiry and exploration. I can’t wait to meet my new colleagues and get to work!”

Toronto Universities Found StudentDwellTO U of T, Ryerson, York, OCAD team up to create more affordable housing for students Bardia Besharat ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR StudentDwellTO is a joint housing initiative between the University of Toronto, Ryerson University, York University, and OCAD University that aims to create more affordable housing for students closer to these campuses and in downtown Toronto as a whole. Toronto, where housing prices are becoming increasingly unaffordable for students with fixed incomes, has been struggling to find a way to create more housing options for these students. StudentDwellTO may be an answer to these problems.

Recently, the initiative has begun to take shape in a more effective way,

indicating a small beacon of hope for students struggling to find affordable housing. Researchers have been examining over 150 different academic articles in an effort to model Toronto’s affordable student housing plan after those of successful plans from around the world.

A major issue that the commission has to take under concern is the commuting time students spend getting to campus.

Many students, including many commuter students at the University of St. Michael’s College (USMC), spend over an hour just getting to campus, which is far too much time for a student to

Volume LXX By students, for students.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Josh Scott

OPINIONS EDITOR Julia Orsini

MANAGING EDITOR Liam McConnell

ASSOCIATE OPINIONS EDITOR Bryan Liceralde, Leanne Grosbeck

editorinchief@readthemike.com

managingeditor@readthemike.com

BUSINESS MANAGER Rhonda Rathburn

business@readthemike.com

MANAGING ONLINE EDITOR Prijanga Ahilan SENIOR COPY EDITOR Jamie Stalcup NEWS EDITOR Aaron Panciera

news@readthemike.com

ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITORS Bardia Besharat, Emily Barber

opinions@readthemike.com

FEATURES EDITOR Téana Graziani

features@readthemike.com

ASSOCIATE FEATURES EDITOR Sara Alonzi ARTS EDITOR Miranda Mirabelli

spend just getting to class.

“I spend about three hours commuting, sometimes less and sometimes more depending on traffic,” said first-year University College commuter student Nadja Lukac in an interview with The Mike, on her commute from her home in Mississauga. Nadja continued to state, “I spend about $300 dollars a month on transportation. To be exact, it’s $308, but that can vary.”

Many students, like Nadja, spend ridiculous amounts of money just getting to their classes from their homes. In addition to the money, students sometimes

SCIENCE & TECH EDITOR Jiaxing Huang science@readthemike.com

SPORTS EDITOR Ben Denomme

sports@readthemike.com

PHOTO EDITOR Layla Pereira-DaSilva ILLUSTRATION EDITOR Jennifer Boothby COPY EDITORS M. Kalaczynski, Rebeca Ancer, Mara Ng, Kristine Sahagun WEBSITE EDITOR Angela Feng

arts@readthemike.com

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Emily So

ASSOCIATE ARTS EDITOR Ascenza Paolella

OUTREACH DIRECTOR Josh Simpson

LOGOS EDITOR Francesco Rampino

DESIGN MANAGERS Varisha Naeem, Garnet Ryu, Nicole Vucemilo

logos@readthemike.com

spend more time on their commute than in their actual classes. Is it worth it to spend three hours commuting for two hours of class?

This is where StudentDwellTO comes into consideration. With this initiative, students that spend their money and time on commuting, as well as students living on campus, can have access to a larger range of pricing and availability for homes in the downtown Toronto area and areas around university campuses. If StudentDwellTO was to be a success this would implicate a more affordable and student-friendly housing market in Toronto.

STAFF Chan Lee, Korto Zambeli-Tardif, Charlie Mitchell, Jessica Frascà, Pran Sathiy, Braedon Balko, Laina Southgate, Lindsey Peng, Rory McCreight, Yoav Shimoni, Jonfranco Monaco, Aaron Au CONTRIBUTORS Kate Dockeray, Sana Mohsin, Fernanda Lara, Angelo Serrentino, Alessandra Cicci, Julia Dragos, Samantha De Gregorio, Maryrose Doucette, Ninan Zhou, Mara Ng, Joy Fan, Michael Calamia FACULTY ADVISOR Randy Boyagoda COVER IMAGE Kate Dockeray Instagram: @katedockeray LOGO DESIGN Le nonpareil Chris Quental The Mike has been the official student newspaper of the University of St. Michael’s College (USMC) since 1947.

The Mike is published bi-weekly, 10–12 times a year, with a circulation of 2,000, delivered to over 40 newsstands across U of T’s St. George campus, as well as online.

The Mike is a proud member of the Canadian University Press (CUP).

The Mike is published by The Mike Publications Inc. and printed by MasterWeb Inc. on recycled newsprint stock.

The Mike has complete editorial autonomy from USMC. All editorial inquiries should be directed to editorinchief@readthemike.com.

The Mike welcomes submissions.

All submissions may be edited for taste, brevity, and legality.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @readthemike. You can also find us on the web at readthemike.com.

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UTGSU Calls Racial Violence and Harassment a Health and Safety Issue Letter to CUPE 3902 and new survey highlight initiatives designed to combat racial harassment at U of T Aaron Panciera NEWS EDITOR The University of Toronto Graduate Students’ Union’s (UTGSU) Race and Ethnicity Caucus sent a letter to the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3902 on February 6 categorizing racial violence and harassment as a health and safety issue.

and harassment, as cited in the letter.

Most notably is the instance at Massey College in which Michael Marrus, a Senior Fellow at the time, made a racist remark to a black Junior Fellow. This event was followed by Marrus’ resignation in October 2017.

“Our main objective is to properly address the recent surge of racism on campus, and the first step toward making meaningful change at the university is to acknowledge that the multiple reports of racism at the St. George campus are related,” UTGSU Race and Ethnicity Caucus Vice-President External Kenny Murphy told The Mike. “We would like our union and university to recognize that these events are part of a systemic problem at [the University of Toronto], and the greater community, and we urge them to approach these incidents as a matter of workplace harassment and safety.”

CUPE 3902’s response, which appears sympathetic towards the UTGSU Race and Ethnicity Caucus’ concerns, outlined its initial steps to curb racial violence and harassment on campus.

The letter by the Race and Ethnicity Caucus called on CUPE 3902 representatives to forward the letter to CUPE Ontario and CUPE National, respond to the letter by “including a list of concrete steps that will be taken toward establishing a safe and inclusive workplace free of hazards, violence, harassment, and discrimination for racialized Local 3902 members,” and to “speak the concerns articulated in this document, particularly through the capacity of the Joint Health and Safety Committee.”

This academic year, there have been numerous instances of racial violence

“We would like you to know that we hear and share your concerns about the increased racial violence and harassment that members of CUPE 3902 and the larger University of Toronto (U of T) community are experiencing on campus,” CUPE 3902’s response read. “The rise in instances of racism, especially anti-black racism, as well as the administration’s slow response, in some cases, and conspicuous silence, in others, have not gone unnoticed by our Executive Committee.”

The initial steps outlined in CUPE 3902’s letter are as follows: 1) Forwarding your letter and our response — or, alternatively, submitting a joint letter with you — to CUPE Ontario and CUPE National; 2) Asking CUPE Ontario and CUPE National to: a. work with our Local to develop and incorporate a campus-specific element into their anti-racism campaign;

b. lobby the University of Toronto to provide a safe space, one free of racial violence and harassment; and c. send a letter to the University of Toronto (copying our Local and the Race and Ethnicity Caucus) addressing these concerns and demanding immediate action; 3) Acknowledging our own complicity in the perpetuation of oppressive structures of power by reviewing our policies and procedures with the aid of an anti-racism consultant to develop a set of workplace best practices; 4) Developing a working paper on how racism affects the well-being of our staff and members in order to recognize it as a health and safety issue; and 5) Submitting resolutions to the upcoming 2018 CUPE Ontario Convention to highlight these issues to the broader labour movement in Toronto.

“At this point, which is at the very early stages of our efforts, we’re optimistic about the prospects of working with CUPE to address the concerns outlined in our call-to-action,” Murphy said.

“That CUPE 3902 shares our concerns regarding the racial violence and harassment that members of the Local, and the larger U of T community are experiencing on campus, is a promising start; they’ve acknowledged our concerns, and also laid out the next steps, delineating immediate actions from the parties involved to address the issues that we’ve addressed in our letter.”

Along with the letter to CUPE 3902, the Race and Ethnicity Caucus is developing separate campaigns to combat racial violence and harassment on campus, adopted from Karen Kelsky’s “Sexual Harassment in the Academy” survey. Most notable is their anonymous “Racism on Campus” survey. The purpose of the survey is to provide insight into the experiences of racialized students, faculty, and staff at U of T. Kelsky, who is famous for her book The Professor Is In., acknowledged the initiative on her Facebook page also entitled “The Professor Is In.” “A new initiative at Toronto,” Kelsky wrote about the survey. “Share with your networks.”

The survey is mainly concerned with any incident that happened while on a college campus. The survey asks participants to explain the incident (what happened and when), what college or university it took place at, and how it impacted the participant’s career, mental health, physical health, and “life choices/career trajectory.” It also contains optional questions asking for the racial identity and gender of both the participant and the perpetuator.

The results of the survey are being converted into a spreadsheet for public viewing. The survey can be found here, and the spreadsheet here.

The Mike has reached out to CUPE 3902 for comment.

UPass Referendum Approved, Set For Late March Upcoming student vote will decide on discounted TTC rates for Fall 2018 Emily Barber ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR February 24 witnessed the approval of the UPass Referendum by the University of Toronto Students’ Union (UTSU). A vote will take place at the end of March, a vote that could mean the installation of a PRESTO-based pass at a discounted rate on current post-secondary fare.

If the student body votes in favour of the UPass, full-time undergraduate students at the St. George Campus (UTSG) will be granted unlimited travel privileges on all TTC services starting Fall 2018.

UTSG students would only be charged for the semesters they are enrolled in, including the summer session if applicable.

The UPass proposal has been almost a year in the making. UTSU had been meeting with TTC officials along with student unions from Ryerson University, OCAD University, and George Brown

College since the summer of 2017. The TTC board voted unanimously in favour of a UPass on December 11, 2017. This referendum is the step that could make it a reality.

As it stands, the offered fee is set at $322.50 per semester for unlimited travel on the TTC. This fee — for those unwilling to do the math — results in a rate of approximately $80.60 a month, a discount from the current cheapest rate offered by the monthly Metropass at $116.75. However, this rate could potentially go even lower. On March 20, a TTC board meeting will discuss the final offered price to UTSU, and they have established that the absolute maximum for Fall 2018 will be $80.60 per month.

Additionally, to ensure the UPass remains a discount, UTSU maintains that

any rise in fees will not exceed 5% a year. This cap stays in place regardless of any hypothetical future increase in post-secondary TTC fare, or any costs incurred during the process of implementing the program.

The semester fee would be automatically included in tuition and be mandatory for all undergraduate students, regardless of whether an individual uses the TTC for commuting purposes. The mandatory payment for all students is a stipulation that TTC stakeholders were inflexible on. However, the unlimited access to the TTC that the UPass would grant is not restricted to travel to and from school. Undergrad students who don’t directly benefit from the pass for commuting purposes can still derive some gain from it.

Post-graduate and part-time students are not included in the UPass negotiations at this time.

One of the long-term goals of both the UTSU and the TTC board is to incorporate other transit systems in the Greater Toronto Area into the UPass system, in order to accommodate those students living beyond the reach of the TTC and require additional transit services to get to school.

The campaign period for the UPass Referendum will take place from March 19 until March 28 at 6 p.m. Students can vote for or against the UPass from March 26 until March 28 at 6 p.m. online at www.utsu.simplyvoting.com.

The Mike has reached out to UTSU Vice President Anne Boucher for comment.

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NEWS

News Editor Aaron Panciera news@readthemike.com

U of T Governing Council Election Results Published Maka and Guo to represent full-time U of T undergraduates in Arts and Science Aaron Panciera NEWS EDITOR

This month, the University of Toronto (U of T) held elections for the eight vacant, student-held positions on the governing council. The elections were held for representatives for full-time undergraduate students in the faculty of Arts and Science, University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), and University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), full-time undergraduate students in Professional Faculties, part-time undergraduate students, graduate students in the Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as graduate students in the Physical and Life Sciences.

For the election, candidates were split, and voted on, based on their constituencies. For example, an individual running to represent full-time undergraduates in Arts and Science, UTSC, and UTM would not compete with a candidate running to represent Professional Faculties.

Price Amobi Maka and Edie Guo were both elected to represent full-time undergraduates in Arts and Science, and at UTSC and UTM. This was the most sought after position, and the one of highest relevance to most U of T undergraduate students, as 23 candidates competed for two seats.

Maka, a fourth-year UTM student, has previous experience as an events coordinator for “several academic societies,” as well as participating as a Frosh Ori-

entation Leader. Maka’s platforms and priorities are highlighted by expanding the university community, funding for a common goal, and providing affordable education. More specifically, he aims to expand the on-campus work study program, introduce a co-op program, and allocate more funding toward new student initiatives and societies.

“My sole duty on the Governing Council is to act as an agent for advocacy by being a strong voice for student activism to make all University of Toronto campuses a more safe, inclusive, and engaging place for students to prosper academically and change the world around them with their achievements,” Maka’s website read.

Guo, a student at Trinity College, campaigned for an exam repository with answers for all classes, an extended credit/no-credit deadline, a mental health emergency room, more paid co-op, internship, and research universities, and expanded green technology on campus. Guo also co-chairs the Hart House Farm Committee and is a member of the Hart House Board of Stewards.

The Trinity College Environmental Society (TCES) publicly advocated for Guo, who promises to support green initiatives.

“The TCES is happy to endorse Edie Guo for her commitment to environmental initiatives on campus,” the TCES posted on its Facebook page.

Along with Maka and Guo, Litos Li from Applied Science and Engineering and Tom Sutherland from the Faculty of Law were elected for the Professional Faculties constituency; Mala Kashyap from Woodsworth College and Susan Froom from Trinity College were elected for the part-time undergraduate student constituency; Harry Orbach-Miller from the School of Public Policy and Governance was elected to the graduate Humanities and Social Sciences constituency; and Sandhya Mylabathula from Kinesiology and Physical Education was voted to represent the graduate Physical and Life Sciences constituency.

The Governing Council is the highest policy-making body at U of T. It is the senior governing body that oversees academic, business, and student affairs at U of T. Their decisions include the approval of academic programs, budgets, employment policies, funding, student life, and tuition fees, among others.

U of T Joins University Climate Change Coalition UC3 aims to dedicate more funding, expertise to research, innovative solutions Chan Lee STAFF REPORTER Ever since a 2015 agreement with the provincial government of Ontario, the University of Toronto (U of T) has vowed to combat climate change by reducing its carbon footprint and galvanizing people’s support locally, and perhaps even nationally.

U of T is one of 13 North American colleges that are a part of the University Climate Change Coalition, also known as UC3. UC3’s aims are to utilize their resources and allocate more funding on research, as well as to give more expertise to surrounding businesses, cities, and regions on how to implement research-driven climate solutions in their own backyards.

UC3 is a new coalition, comprised of 13 research-driven universities located in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, that will focus on a collaborative model that aims to help communities achieve their climate goals and hasten the process of transitioning to a more eco-friendly environment. Member schools include Arizona State University, California Institute of Technology, Tec-

nológico de Monterrey, La Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ohio State University, The State University of New York, The University of British Columbia, The University of California, University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Maryland at College Park, The University of New Mexico, The University of Toronto, and The University of Washington.

One of the agreements made in 2015 was to reduce carbon emissions by 37 percent from 1990 levels by the year 2030. Additionally, U of T is also developing an engaging program for the Toronto population about the importance of sustainability in their own communities.

Recently, U of T has made great progress in decreasing carbon emissions across its three campuses. For example, it has reduced its electrical and water usage through sustainability initiatives — even though there was a 26 percent increase in floor space and an increase of 18 percent increase in the number of students. U of T reduced

Malp / AdobeStock.

its carbon footprint by 32 percent during the periods 2008 and 2016.

Surprisingly, the university has also concluded that 20 percent — which is more than 1,500 courses all together — contain significant content of sustainability. And in 2017, U of T was named one of Canada’s greenest employers for the fourth time.

“U of T has done a lot,” reflects U of T’s Presidential Adviser on climate change and sustainability and an Environmental

professor John Robinson. “There have been very significant accomplishments, but the larger challenge is massive — to get the world off carbon. And the university sector has to do its bit.”

Clearly, major research universities have a pivotal role in combating climate change, and their impacts on society and on the environment are immensely beneficial. It comes as no surprise that U of T is also known as U of Trees. You can read more about UC3 at secondnature.org/uc3-coalition/.

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U of T CUPE 3902 Unit 1, Collective Agreement Approved TA Agreement reached weeks before February 26 strike deadline Aaron Panciera NEWS EDITOR Members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3902, Unit 1 approved the new collective agreement negotiators reached with the University of Toronto (U of T) on February 8. The agreement was ratified with a unit-wide vote following the February 12 ascension meeting. The vote began following the meeting and ended February 16, with 86.1% voting to ratify the agreement.

conditions, and more equitable work environments.

Unit 1 of CUPE 3902 is known primarily for representing teaching assistants (TAs) at U of T; although its members also include course instructors, chief presiding officers, and invigilators.

The local’s membership is made up of around 9,500 workers, 7,000 of which work in Unit 1.

Many of the stipulations gained in the new collective agreement involve wage increases. In 2018, course instructors annual wage will rise to $15,800. Along with this, teaching assistants’ (TAs) wages will increase to $44.44 per hour, invigilators (for exams) to $41 per hour, and chief presiding officers to $31 per hour. Furthermore, all wages are set to increase 2% on January 1 in both 2019 and 2020.

Negotiations had been ongoing since September 2017. They initially stalled due to demands from members of Unit 1 for higher compensation, better health care benefits, improved working

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with CUPE 3902, Unit 1,” said Professor Kelly Hannah-Moffat, Vice President of Human Resources and Equity. “Our goal always is to have productive and constructive rounds of bargaining to reach a collective agreement.”

In addition to increases in wage, the new collective agreement changes

some of the logistics of funding for graduate students. These changes are highlighted by the establishment of the Employee Financial Assistance Fund (EFAF); which will be used to fund the International Health Care Assistance Fund, Research Assistance Defense Fund, Childcare Financial Assistance Fund, and U of T Family Plan Assistance Fund. In addition, the Graduate Student Bursary Fund and the Tuition Assistance Fund will be eliminated.

Members of the union also will gain more extensive health care and mental health coverage as a result of the new agreement. Most notably, there will be an increase in prescription coverage to a maximum of $15,000 per person per year. This is in addition to a $15,000 maximum combined health plan coverage.

The new agreement also increases the amount of time an employee can go on paid leave for mental health purposes

UTSU Forms Trans Commission Committee hopes to better serve student trans community Emily Barber ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR On Friday, February 16, the new University of Toronto Students’ Union (UTSU) Trans Equity Commission held its first meeting at the OISE Building. The meeting addressed budget, programming, campaign ideas, events, and specifically, the lack of gender-neutral washrooms that are separate from accessible washrooms — looking into ways that can be brought about and specific locations in which those washrooms can be implemented.

The event was advertised toward the community as a whole, but also specifically toward transgender University of Toronto (U of T) students struggling to find their place on campus.

“Open to all, come complain to me about how much it sucks to be trans at U of T and I’ll try to make it better and/or complain too,” the event description read.

The commission’s goals for the remainder of 2018 are to increase the amount of trans-centred programming and events on campus. “At the moment there isn’t a lot of programming on campus geared specifically toward trans and gender non-conforming people,” said UTSU General Equity Director Jane Marston. “I suppose our goal ultimately is to make campus life for trans students a little easier and a little more welcoming, as that hasn’t been the case really for the past couple years.”

Marston’s role in the commission is to “listen

to trans folks at U of T about what they want or need from trans programming on campus and then to do my best to make that happen for them. Also, to work generally to make U of T a better place to be for us.”

The current budget for the commission is $2,000, a budget that typically would be the amount allotted for the entire 2017–18 school year starting from September. However, seeing as the commission is only starting now, the budget is now for the remainder of the school year.

There are numerous events planned for the rest of this semester, namely hosting a workshop about safe chest binding practices, on how to get OHIP coverage for surgeries and paperwork to change one’s name and sex designation, and ideally to host bimonthly trans socials to foster, in the words of Jane Marston, a “warmer, more cohesive trans community on campus.”

While the commission has already generated some interest within the U of T community, the commission is optimistic that with more meetings and events, coverage will become more widespread and more interest will be sparked in the upcoming months. More information on the trans commission can be obtained on the University of Toronto Students’ Union Facebook page @UTSU98, or the UTSU Trans Commission page @UTSUTransCommission.

from two months to four months. The university will also give employees up to $2,500 per person per year to access mental health services, an increase from the $1,000 per person per year allocated to employees under the previous collective agreement.

In addition to wage increases and additional coverage, the new collective agreement also changes the language of many existing articles. For example, the wording “his/her” or “he/she” has been changed to “the employee” in order to prevent discrimination against those who may not identify as either gender.

“Both the University and the union worked hard, with the help of a provincially appointed conciliator, to reach this deal,” Hannah-Moffat said.

The Mike has reached out to CUPE 3902 for comment

Issue 9, At A Glance...

For our main feature this issue, Arts Editor Miranda Mirabelli writes about what all university students have in common: the pressure to succeed after graduation, and higlights some of the resources provided by U of T to overcome these pressures (pages 8 and 9).

In News, we cover the announcement of David Sylvester, David Mulroney’s successor as USMC president (page 2), the UTGSU and the UPass referendum (page 3), the U of T Governing Council election and the UC3 (page 4), and SMCSU and the new agreement reached between U of T and TAs (page 5).

In Arts, you’ll find a review of the recent SMC Troubadours production of Hairspray (page 6) alongside an interview with one of its lead performers (page 7), as well as one writer’s opinion on why you should go see Black Panther, and why it is so much more than just a superhero movie (page 6).

In Opinions, a USMC commuter don explains why Go Transit’s new etiquette book is misguided (page 10), and an article that looks at why a shirt is more than just a shirt in the world of fast fashion (page 11).

In Logos, a writer discusses the practice of imagination in the development of the Catholic Church (page 12).

In Science & Tech, we talk about the U of T supported Canadian superclusters and the future of space exploration (page 13).

In Sports, you’ll find a recap of NBA All Star weekend, and a piece on Bundesliga star Robert Lewandowski (page 14).

In Features, you’ll find pieces on Family Day and developing your own signature style (page 15), and two prominent St. Mike’s mentors and leaders, and the Lenten promise (page 16).

Find all this and more, inside!

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ARTS

Arts Editor Miranda Mirabelli arts@readthemike.com

A Baltimore Fairy Tale

SMC Troubadours present: Hairspray Korto Zambeli-Tardif STAFF WRITER The latest production of the SMC Troubadours is Hairspray, the musical stage adaptation of the 1988 John Waters comedy. Judging by the 2:00 p.m. matinée performance on February 17, Hairspray was a labour of love with a particular eye for comedy and choreography.

Hairspray kicks off with big-haired, big-boned teenager Tracy Turnblad (Hannah Lazare) wishing a good morning to 1960s Baltimore, setting her patina of optimism over the seedier reality of drunks, flashers, and redlined neighbourhoods. Tracy soon fulfills her dream of becoming a cast member on The Corny Collins Show by collaborating with her African-American friend Seaweed (Victory Akinwande) to introduce innovative dance moves on TV. When Tracy uses her new fame to call for racial integration on the airwaves, her rival Amber Von Tussle (Alexandra Palma) and the latter’s terrifying mother Velma (Zoi Samonas) move to preserve their own ideals of thin, white perfection.

Faced with jail time, financial ruin, and the disintegration of her relationship with ditzy charmer Link Larkin (Robert Bazzocchi), Tracy grows to learn the meaning of ongoing struggle.

It must immediately be acknowledged that the Troubadours have assembled an impressive ensemble this year and are willing to play to the strengths of its members. Hairspray is a better fit for a student drama society than previous efforts like Evita, where much of the play’s quality relies on the Herculean efforts of

a single lead performer. In contrast, Hairspray is very much a team effort whose theme of diversity is best presented by encouraging the strengths of cast members within the framework of Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan’s book of the musical.

A full overview of each cast member’s particular contributions would be impossible, but three performances must be singled out. Samonas is magnificent as evil matriarch Velma Von Tussle, imbuing every line and gesture with delicious hamminess. Lisean Henry plays almost the polar opposite as Motormouth Maybelle, but is equally impressive in two ballads that balance a command of the stage with lovely, smooth vocals. Finally, Bazzochi’s Link Larkin is possibly the strongest triple threat of the bunch, using his whole body to dance, sing, and nail comedic gestures that convince us of Link’s draw for his TV audience.

Hairspray is full of bursts of character, which director Armon Ghaeinizadeh evidently embraces. Multiple costume changes communicate a great deal about the increasing confidence of the marginalized characters.

A few concessions are made to the original staging of the Broadway production, but the strongest element of the production is Ghaeinizadeh’s own choreography. The personalization of each character’s dance style communicates a great deal about them within a handful of steps. The high energy that results keeps the comedic beats rolling, efficiently communicates the many concurrent subplots, and is responsible for

much of the audience’s enthusiasm between musical numbers.

This version of Hairspray is not as airtight as a can of Ultra-Clutch. As is typical for Hart House, there were some uneven microphone issues. Furthermore, transitions to higher notes during the faster solos posed a problem for quite a few cast members.

However, what is more clearly developed here than in most productions of this show is the theme of allyship. When Maybelle explains to Tracy that the struggle for equality is ongoing and difficult, the earnest white kids literally sit down in darkness at the edge of the stage while Maybelle sings her signature ballad “I Know Where I’ve Been,” accompanied by beautiful supporting vocals and a two-person ballet routine.

The show must conclude with the realization of Tracy’s “Baltimore fairy tale,” The Corny Collins Show fully and forever integrated, and even the villains abandoning their defense of white supremacy. But the impression remains with the applauding audience that this utopian conclusion belongs to the future, nearly 60 years after the events of the play. As the main character, Tracy becomes a model of patient determination, standing up for herself and others while striving to elevate the voices of her less privileged friends. It’s an example that we could all stand to model.

The King Lives

Why everyone should see Black Panther Sana Mohsin CONTRIBUTOR I was one of those fortunate enough to watch the new Marvel film Black Panther on opening weekend, after two hours of standing in line with other equally eager cinema-goers.

There was no limit on age and race; we were all buzzing with excitement while talking about the trailer and the Kendrick Lamar-curated soundtrack, which is featured throughout the film.

To be honest, I have never really been a fan of superhero movies, or even the Marvel Cinematic Universe in general.

The last one I had seen was the first The Avengers film! But Black Panther is so much more than your average

superhero flick; it is history in the making.

The plot follows T’Challa, who returns to the fictional African country Wakanda, as the new king. However, he is soon faced with a major threat to the peace of his nation, something that hits close to home, so he must protect his people with the help of some allies while also being forced to question certain traditions in Wakanda. This may sound like your stereotypical action movie plot, but the way that the storyline is executed and adapted to an African setting is what sets it apart.

Renikarta Kawaty / AdobeStock.

The setting is completely inspired by African culture, so we see characters wearing African prints, speaking their native languages, and bearing African names which Western audiences may not be used to hearing. The film is as much about Wakanda and its practices as it is about the various characters. My personal favourite character was T’Challa’s sister Shuri, who is responsible for her brother’s gadgets (including the amazing catsuit!) and is a force to be reckoned with in Wakanda’s already very advanced science and research field.

She is sassy, witty, and never too far from the action. But most important of all, she is a smart, brave, and confident young woman who will serve to be a great role model for all the little girls watching this film.

What I find most compelling about Black Panther is what it has come to represent, especially in our day and age. It has appeared at a time when people of colour are demanding equal representation in Hollywood, after being denied the chance to see people like them on the big screen and on television for so long. The casting is rare in Western media, as the majority of the actors are of African descent. Our

generation’s cultural icons can come in any colour or gender. Not only that, but within the film we can also see the recognition of issues that the African community (specifically in the United States) is facing: the spreading of drugs, poverty, and, for a brief moment, even the legacy of slavery as told by the villain Killmonger, who is enraged by how Africans around the world are suffering.

The writers of Black Panther are black women, and it is directed by Ryan Coogler, a prominent African-American director. In fact, women are at the forefront of the film. T’Challa’s personal army consists only of women, including the general Okoye. Shuri represents women in STEM, and Nakia can be considered a leader herself. Women lead tribes, fight wars, and have a say in the politics of the country. The representation in Black Panther goes all the way.

The movie’s record-breaking opening proves what Jordan Peele’s Get Out before it has: that there is demand for content led by people of colour, and value, and that people want to see themselves represented in Hollywood.

ARTS

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The Story Behind the Actress Getting to know Hairspray’s Zoi Samonas Fernanda Lara CONTRIBUTOR I had met Zoi Samonas in a Classical Civilizations course last semester. When we started talking, I realized one thing we had in common was a love for the arts. I was a dancer and she was a musical theatre star. Samonas had gone to a high school that allowed her to focus on musical theatre, and had started out her education by going to school to pursue theatre.

Now at the University of Toronto (U of T), she has dedicated on average, 20 hours a week to Hairspray, where she played Velma Von Tussle and plans to continue auditioning for shows. So, when I was looking around for cast members from Hairspray to interview, I was excited that she reached out.

Photo of Zoi Samonas as Velma Von Tussle (Matt Lalonde / THE MIKE).

When I interviewed Samonas, I wanted to get an idea of what participating in musical theatre at U of T meant to her in regards to self-care and pursuing a passion. I thought it was important to focus on musical theatre as a way of participating in self-care since as undergraduate students it is easy to feel that academia is all we have time to do. We all know the feeling of being exhausted, burnt out, uninspired, and in desperate need of a break. Feeling as though we cannot write another word or memorize another detail for that one difficult course. As a fourth-year student myself, studying every day for long hours has taken a toll to the extent that I am so grateful for being able to

take one day off a week. For Samonas, participating in shows like Hairspray has allowed her to continue pursuing her passion. This is what she told The Mike.

“After initially pursuing a post-secondary degree in Musical Theatre at Sheridan College, I decided to transfer to the U of T in hopes of eventually attending law school. What was once my passion became work, art became academic and had to be graded, taking away the joy and creativity inherent in performing.

Leaving Sheridan was a difficult decision, but it was one I had to make in order not to resent performing.

“When I first began studying at the U of T, I neglected theatre and instead focused solely on my academics. At first I thought I would be able to completely stifle my passion for performing in order to dedicate all of my energy to my studies. The first two years of school proved difficult until I came to the realization that ignoring artistry as part of my identity was actually impeding my potential for academic success. I knew that I could no longer separate these two important facets of my life, and would need to find a way to marry them. In third-year, I decided to reintroduce the arts back into my life by auditioning for a production of The Drowsy Chaperone. The show became an outlet for my artistic expression, which in turn allowed me to focus more intently on my academic studies. The skills I learned from performing could be transferred directly to my academic classes, and vice versa. I was finally beginning to understand and master the bridging of these two disciplines.

fore important, should that risk not pay off, to have a back-up plan. Luckily for me, that back-up plan is also a field I am very passionate about. Pursuing a career in law has always been a dream of mine, so to be able to be balancing both is very fulfilling.

“I am so fortunate that the U of T values the arts as much as I do, and offers ample opportunities for students to exercise their creative skills. Theatre is such an important platform, especially in today’s political and social climate, that encourages the expression of voice unlike any other platform. Hairspray, for example, tackles important contemporary issues like racism and ableism in an artistic way that appeals to a widespread audience. We, as actors, have the opportunity to spark discussion. At the end of the day, our goal is not necessarily to change someone’s point of view on an important topic, but to encourage and inspire them to, at the very least, appreciate and acknowledge the counter argument. This is why we perform.

Theatre will always be a part of my identity and is something I will continue to pursue and unite with my other passions in life.”

“Theatre is a passion shared by every cast member in Hairspray. It means so much to each and every one of us. However, making a living and career in the theatre is not as easy a task as most may think. Talent is only one fraction of the equation — you could be the most talented person in the world and still not find a job. It is about who you know, your work ethic, past experiences, and a lot of the time, luck. At the end of the day, it is a risk that many performers take. It is there-

The Mike’s Spring Playlist A genre inclusive playlist for the spring season Bardia Besharat ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR With the winter season behind us, The Mike has prepared a spring playlist including multiple genres such as hip-hop, R&B, classic rock, alternative rock, indie rock, jazz, and some uplifting electronic music. With the start of spring indicating a warmer and sunnier season the playlist incorporates these aspects with up-tempo instrumentals and relaxing melodies.

The track list: 1. “Sunday Candy” — Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment 2. “Hey Jude” — The Beatles 3. “All of Me” — Big Gigantic (feat. Logic & ROZES) 4. “Ivy” — Frank Ocean 5. “The Other Side of Paradise” — Glass Animals 6. “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” — Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers 7. “Superfly” — Curtis Mayfield 8. “Candy Paint” — Post Malone 9. “Across the Room” — ODESZA (feat. Leon Bridges) 10. “Two Weeks” — Grizzly Bear 11. “3005” — Childish Gambino

12. “Ophelia” — The Lumineers 13. “Let’s Stay Together” — Al Green 14. “Going Gets Tough” — The Growlers 15. “Here Comes the Sun” — The Beatles 16. “Sober” — Childish Gambino 17. “One Another” — Mac DeMarco 18. “Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales” — Car Seat Headrest 19. “Dani California” — Red Hot Chili Peppers 20. “Move On Up” — Curtis Mayfield 21. “Jailhouse Rock” — Elvis Presley 22. “April Showers” — Proleter With this playlist, we chose songs that incorporate the “spring vibe” and keep an uplifting feeling. The introduction song, “Sunday Candy,” is an energetic song that has exciting vocals and a cheery blend of modern jazz and studio beat production that come together to create a perfect starting track. The energy of the playlist calms down somewhat with the second track, “Hey Jude.” The Beatles deliver a calming and relaxing melody with positive lyrics and an upbeat instrumental. These tracks set the tone for the rest of the playlist.

From left to right: Amber Von Tussle (Alexandra Palma) and Velma (Samonas) (Matt Lalonde / THE MIKE).

Many tracks on the playlist vary vastly in genre in an effort to create a playlist with tracks that appeal to a large variety of listeners. Genres in this playlist range from hip-hop to classic rock, however all of the songs maintain a common theme. This theme is incorporating the “vibe” of spring in the instrumentals and vocals. Tracks like “Going Gets Tough” by The Growlers have a light and upbeat instrumental mixed with the unique vocals that result in a perfect indie spring track. Tracks like this one are mixed with other genres, “Sober” by Childish Gambino, for example, is a mix of hip-hop and R&B. The track, although vastly different to The Growlers’ indie track, maintains the same feel with up-tempo instrumentals and Childish Gambino’s smooth and melodic vocals.

We chose to incorporate a mix of rise and fall while maintaining the positive atmosphere of the playlist.

Tracks like “The Other Side of Paradise” and “Superfly” create a high energy while also maintaining a relaxed feeling. The final track on the playlist, “April Showers,” is a mix of electronic and swing music. The retro vocals and swing music style beat create a perfect track to conclude the playlist.

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FEATURE

Arts Editor Miranda Mirabelli arts@readthemike.com

What Are You Going to Do?!

Managing the pressure to know your future Miranda Mirabelli ARTS EDITOR Many students feel the pressure to know exactly what they want to do after they graduate. This pressure could be due to not knowing if they will find a job, thinking they may not be qualified for jobs they do find, or anxiety over making the wrong career choice. I am here to tell you that these thoughts are normal, and that it is okay to not know what you want to do.

Sometimes we run into rough patches along the way. For as long as I could remember, I wanted to be a nurse. I was very fixated on the idea of helping people, and I was often told it would be a suitable career for me. I was given a rude awakening about my future when, in grade 12, I realized nursing was not for me.

That same year, though, I had discovered my passion for writing and editing. My parents were not overly thrilled about my sudden change of plans, but now I feel as if I am where I need to be.

student pursuing a History major and English and Renaissance Studies minors, has seen his plans change throughout the years as well. He told The Mike, “First I wanted to be a lawyer, and then I changed my mind and chose to pursue teaching. However, I ultimately decided to follow my true passion, and that’s fashion.”

At the University of Toronto (U of T), we have many resources as well as guides to help us make the choice much easier.

If you are feeling overwhelmed about your future career plans, try contacting the USMC Registrar’s Office for advice, or even consider going to a Career Counsellor at the Student Success Centre. Ryan Truong is among the many Career Counsellors dedicated to helping students. One of his suggestions is to just make an effort to visit the Career Counsellors’ office. He stated that not only are they there to give sage advice, Similarly, Michael Calamia, second-year but they also “provide insight and just University of St. Michael’s College (USMC) simply provide someone to talk to.”

When asked how many students came into her office regarding their futures on a daily basis, an Assistant Registrar at the USMC Registrar’s Office, Feben Alemu stated that it “depends on the time of year.

Students tend to come at the beginning or the end of a semester concerned about their grades and applying to graduate and professional programs.” She agreed that many students have trouble choosing a career path, and said that these students “are drawn to ward a career path with greater financial rewards, although it may not necessarily be where their talents or passions lie.” Truong agreed with this statement, and said one thing that influences students are finances: having enough money to pay their bills.

Another factor that influences students and their decisions are external. Alemu said that pressure to take a certain career path comes from family and friends.

Having a reassuring support system really goes a long way, but if your external sources do not appreciate the pressure

Jennifer Boothby / THE MIKE.

FEATURE

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you are under, try to help them understand.

If there is one thing they will agree with, it’s that your happiness comes first.

Truong says to use the resources provided for students. He said, “U of T provides many courses and sectors to help you broaden your studies.” Volunteering is also something that helps students gain experience and realize if they will enjoy their potential future career.

Fernanda Lara, a fourth-year USMC student pursuing an English major and Linguistics and Classical Civilizations minors, says her plans for the future have definitely changed. “In high school I thought I wanted to be a teacher, but after volunteering at different hospitals I realized that the best way to express my passion for helping individuals with disabilities was to become an Planning your future is stressful, but if occupational therapist,” Lara said. you learn from your past and plan in the present, your future will be bright.

Another concern among students is not Alemu also encourages us to use our finding a job right away after graduation. ACORN account to help out with our Truong explains that many Humanities preparations. On the left of the website, students worry about the job field and there is a feature called “Planning Tools” opportunities. Anthony Botticella, a that brings you to a page where you can second-year student pursing an English explore the possibilities of your degree, major and History and Geography and find certain programs and courses. minors, has his mind set on becoming a The “Degree Explorer” page gives you the teacher. He said, “When I realized that option to make a planner of all the courses I wanted to teach, it was a passion for you could take throughout your years at me and I could really see myself doing U of T. It may seem overwhelming at first, that for the rest of my life. For me, it’s not but once you get into it, you will begin to about the money and the summers off, feel more at ease. The “Degree Explorer” it’s knowing that I’m going to be doing page also gives you a breakdown of how something I love for the rest of my life and many courses you need and at what teaching future generations to come.” level, how many Breadth Requirements Teaching is something that has changed are needed, and more. throughout the years, and one of the many examples of a career that is limited There are resources suited to students in job opportunities. Botticella explains right on campus, like the Student Success that his “biggest worry concerning [his] Centre in the Koffler Student Centre future would have to be the concern of building. Not only are there Career not finding a job immediately, which is a Counsellors at hand to go through the very serious problem among many newly steps you need to pursue your career, graduated teachers.” there are many events held at the Student Success Centre to ensure success among Alemu encourages students to visit the students. They offer Career Fairs and Registrar’s Office not only to discuss their “Career Chat: Career Decision Making” futures, but to also discuss other options. seminars, as well as Academic Success The harsh reality for some students is their Events, which include Study Hubs and grades do not meet the expectations of seminars such as “Delivering Effective graduate or professional programs. She Presentations.” The Student Success explains that you must know yourself: “If Centre not only provides guidance but you know you can achieve something also affirmation and reassertion that you but are not achieving it, try to change are in the right place to help sort out your your goals and improve your habits.” future and how to make you a prosperous Lara explained that “[her] biggest worry student. regarding the future is that [she] won’t get accepted into graduate school. It’s One thing both the Registrar’s Office and really stressful to know that something Career Counsellors will tell you is to be that is so important is out of your hands.” positive. You will get to exactly where you

Retrostar / AdobeStock.

need to be, but you must be patient and trust that it is a learning process.

One thing that should come first is your happiness and knowing yourself. Alemu tells students to “discover what you have a passion for and know what you are interested in.” When asked if they had any advice, she says you should make sure to be realistic about your strengths and weaknesses.

Calamia had some insight for students who are struggling with the pressures of finding a career. “I think the most important thing we young people can do for ourselves is finding our true north and never letting go of it. It can be frustrating and often times difficult to find your path but that’s what makes it special to us individually,” he said.

Having a positive outlook is the most important thing when you find yourself stressed when thinking of your future.

The resources offered at U of T are here to help us, and remind us that we are in charge of our futures. One thing Truong made sure to tell me was that the future is not set in stone. I think students have trouble grasping this concept mostly because there is so much pressure to make money, support ourselves, and somehow try to be happy too. Students must realize their happiness and health are what’s most important, and finding what you have a passion for is the first step. Lara shared some advice that keeps her going when she thinks of her future, “One of my best friends told me, ‘It’s not the end of the world until it is actually the end of the world.’”

Stay positive, USMC students. Our futures are anything but dim.

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Opinions Editor Julia Orsini opinions@readthemike.com

OPINIONS

GO Transit: Is Etiquette the Real Issue?

The problem with GO’s commuting etiquette campaign Angelo Serrentino CONTRIBUTOR

Priority Seating (Go Transit Website).

In 1558, Giovanni Della Casa’s seminal book on etiquette, manners, and personal conduct known as the Galateo was published in Venice. In 2017, the officially titled Unwritten Rules of Public Transit Etiquette Written Down was published by GO Transit.

Both of these pieces demonstrate the timeless discourse on what constitutes good behaviour and mannerisms, with one of them being a literary masterpiece and the other a sarcastic missive to the everyday commuter. Like Della Casa’s work, GO Transit’s 50-page etiquette pamphlet seeks to address what is proper conduct in a public setting.

However, this is where the similarities, unfortunately, end.

The Unwritten Rules of Public Transit Etiquette Written Down, as the title suggests, attempts to adopt a humorous approach to addressing etiquette issues on transit. The text begins with GO Transit’s typical mantra of promising a stress-free and comfortable commute

to its riders, stating that the pamphlet was the result of research collected from its “top etiquette scientists” — us, the riders. “Cringe” is a term thrown around a lot on the internet these days, but its characteristically unmistakable teeth-clenching, nose-wrinkling, or gut-churning sensations are brought on in full force thanks to this #etiquettefail pamphlet. It really is nice to see GO Transit attempting to connect to its riders in a more open and honest manner, but the way in which it seeks to establish this connection is ham-fisted, at best. For example, on page 10, the pamphlet describes GO riders as “a humble, tenacious, and sometimes cheery lot.” Sure, the sarcasm here seems to work, but only until you’re reminded that the reason you’re only “sometimes” cheery in the morning is because you only “sometimes” get to school or work on time.

As commuters, we know it’s not always fun or easy getting from point A to point B, but when GO Transit itself pokes fun at it in a sarcastic etiquette pamphlet, it only serves to remind you of negative experiences.

Sarcasm is the modus operandi this article employs to convey proper etiquette to its riders, but it just doesn’t seem to work. Not that there’s anything wrong with sarcasm; it’s really one of my favourite ways to joke around and poke fun at something. However, when a transit provider is doing it, it just doesn’t come across the right way. We know a cactus doesn’t belong on a seat, nor a rusty muffler, or a curling rock (seriously, these are all on page 16 in the book). We also know to employ a “closed-door policy” when using a public bathroom (page 86). The pamphlet does well to touch on noise issues and proper conduct in the accessibility coach of the train, but it ultimately spends too much time using a condescending sarcasm for attempted

humour at etiquette issues that mainly boil down to common sense among riders.

As a user of GO Transit for four years, I’m certainly grateful to have the opportunity to commute to school in a relatively quick and reliable manner. The #etiquettefail campaign should be recognized for its attempt to connect to riders in a more fun, albeit cringeworthy, manner. The use of sarcasm in the pamphlet left me with a bitter taste after reading it, as it only served to remind me of larger issues beyond rider etiquette that GO Transit and Metrolinx are struggling to resolve. Such issues, as they exist for Stouffville line riders at least, revolve around implementing more frequent service, building more tracks, and addressing the increasing cost of commuting. The recent changes made to the Stouffville line schedule have only underscored these already glaring issues, as it has now gotten to the point where, if you aren’t commuting home during the craze of the rush hour window, you will most likely find yourself waiting for an hour — or sometimes more — in between trains.

So while the #etiquettefail campaign and pamphlet address current ridership issues, perhaps these efforts would bear more fruit if they were first directed toward resolving more pressing dilemmas that have only worsened over the years. Is etiquette the real issue?

Angelo Serrentino is a fourth-year student at St. Mike’s who studies Renaissance History and Italian. When he isn’t busy with his duties as a Commuter Don, you’ll find him around St. Mike’s campus in conversation or somewhere in a galaxy far, far away, watching Star Wars.

Team #VirtueMoir Wins Over the World Canada’s ice dance darlings captured two gold medals in PyeongChang to go with all of the hearts and minds Alessandra Cicci CONTRIBUTOR It seemed as though the whole world was rooting for Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir as they took to the Gangneung Ice Arena on Tuesday, February 20, in PyeongChang for the Free Dance program. The duo have a strong fan base in the skating world from their early years, but have recently garnered buzz on the internet and around the world. Their tremendous talent and unparalleled connection, both on and off the ice, has caused a social media frenzy. While most of the online banter revolved around the fact that Tessa and Scott are not romantically involved (which to many is still up for debate), the pair represent Canadian brilliance and are a source of pride for Canadians everywhere.

There is no doubt that Tessa and Scott are the greatest ice dancers of their generation, if not of all time.

They not only broke the world record with a total score of 206.07, but they also became the most decorated figure skaters in Olympic history, winning a total of five medals. For most ice dance viewers, all of the intricate details and technicalities of the sport are secondary to two factors — the aesthetic beauty of the dance and the feelings evoked when watching the performance. The uniqueness about Tessa and Scott is that they combine their athleticism and precision with a deep trust and connection that is unmatched by any other opponents.

For a sport that is notorious for constantly changing pairs to find the perfect match, it is unprecedented that this duo has been skating together for over 20 years, when Tessa was only seven and Scott only

nine. Their first coach, Suzanne Killing Wood, could recognize their unique connection from the start and claims that “there was always something special about Scott and Tess.”

When Tessa and Scott perform, it is as if they are the only ones in the entire arena. The audience, whether watching live or from behind a screen, become captivated by the performance and are engrossed in the story conveyed. For their comeback at PyeongChang after having retired from the sport following Sochi, the duo pushed their limits and redefined their performances, opting for fiercer and dramatic numbers, like the sensual and passionate Moulin Rouge routine. It was evident that Tessa and Scott leave nothing on the ice; viewers became completely invested in the characters and their performance.

Canada has the global reputation of being a modest country. Part of the Canadian identity, if there even is a concrete one, is that we are not American. There is no doubt that Canada has had its fair share of Olympic greatness: Alexandre Bilodeau, Donovan Bailey, and Penny Oleksiak all claim top spots. But the chemistry between Tessa and Scott is unparalleled, and it goes further than their hard work and collection of medals. Canada has followed the two since they were 20 and 22 years old at their first Olympics in Vancouver, and when the pair took to the ice at international competitions, they weren’t just skating for the world, but rather for all of Canada.

For many Canadians, the 2010 Vancouver Olympics

was a moment for the country to shine on a global stage, and Canadian pride and patriotism was in full force. Tessa and Scott rose to become symbols of that Olympics eight years ago and of great Canadian achievement. Back in the global spotlight again, their on-ice chemistry and passionate performances has allowed them to reach new heights of celebrity status. When their legion of fans around the world took to their social media accounts to cheer for the gold medal win of the duo draped in a red and white flag with a maple leaf in the center, in a way, the world became a bit more Canadian.

Alessandra Cicci is a fourth-year student at St. Mike’s studying Political Science, Italian, and European Union Studies. She is also a USMC Commuter Don and is involved in the G7 and G20 Research Groups based at the Munk School of Global Affairs.

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir with a Canadian flag (Canadian Olympic Committee).

OPINIONS

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Not Just a Shirt

Examining the consequences of “fast fashion” Julia Dragos CONTRIBUTOR What does dressing up for school or work each morning represent for people? For many people, it is a sign of individuality or empowerment. However, one way that it is not looked at enough is as a job. I’m not talking about fashion week and magazine spreads, but the part of the process that goes unacknowledged.

The part between the design sketch of a new collection to the point it ends up in your closet. The part of the process where underpaid factory workers are spending grueling hours in more than unsatisfactory work conditions.

Places like Zara have lately been the face of the latest struggle in this silent war on clothing and human rights. Over the last few months, factory workers for Zara were reportedly sewing tags into clothing items, fostering awareness about the unfair conditions and practices occurring as a result of the environment created by fast fashion as well as the insufficient record

set for upholding human rights and standards.

This brings me back to the initial point around the role of clothing in our daily lives. Perhaps at an individual level it is nothing more than identity, empowerment, and culture. All of these aspects are very important at their own level, but as we have seen from the events surrounding Zara — and perhaps many more companies — there is more to it than that. It is a divisive line and a social struggle that divides people. And this line is blurred by operating on the desire to consume in order to feel a sense of belonging and individuality.

Dressing up every day should represent a symbol of identity, but this does not mean it has to adversely affect another’s human rights or the environment.

Clothing can be authentic and representative of taste, while serving as a political and environmental statement grounded on sustainability and equality.

As conscious consumers, we need to change the narrative behind the clothing we own. This means using our voices to curb the consumer demands of these fast fashion companies and challenging the process of clothing manufacturing. Production can be challenged by refusing to endorse fast fashion companies and purchasing thrifted clothing or supporting companies who use materials that are sustainable for the environment while also maintaining human rights.

We can intervene as consumers by being wary of the marketing of clothes that urge you to buy more, and more often.

Street in front of Zara Inline (Flare).

While these alternatives may seem daunting or redu-

360 degrees eco-friendly (Shopify).

ndant in the face of such a large industry, it all starts with an exercise in challenging the “taken-for-granted” or normalized things in our lives. With the advance of globalization, even the most seemingly mundane activities such as dressing up in the morning are becoming increasingly consequential. Nowadays a shirt should no longer simply be a garment because, as the factory workers in the Zara scandal have demonstrated, it now represents someone’s political and social struggle in a system that is consistently denying them what many of us take for granted.

Julia Dragos is a third-year student at St. Mike’s majoring in Sociology and double minoring in Classics and English. Whenever she’s not buried in books, you can catch her at a shoreline clean-up!

The 2018 Oscars: In Brief

Off without a hitch, but not without some milestones Samantha De Gregorio CONTRIBUTOR And the Oscar for Best Picture goes to… La La Land…

Just kidding. Let’s not relive the biggest mishap to ever take place in Oscar history. It’s time to turn the page because guess what! The correct envelopes were handed out to the presenters at the 90th annual Academy Awards hosted by Jimmy Kimmel this past Sunday.

Leading the pack with the most Academy Awards this year is The Shape of Water, with four wins. Not too far behind is the film Dunkirk, which received three wins, and tied with a total of two wins apiece are the films Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri, Darkest Hour, Blade Runner 2049 and Coco. Notable, yet not so surprising winners include Allison Janney for Best Supporting Actress in I, Tonya, Sam Rockwell for Best Supporting Actor in Three Billboards, Gary Oldman for Best Actor in Darkest Hour and Frances McDormand in Three Billboards.

As a Torontonian I was so proud that our city was recognized by those who worked on and were nominated for their work in The Shape of Water. The Best Picture winner was filmed in Toronto and Hamilton and it didn’t go unnoticed during designer Paul Austerberry and set decorators Jeffrey Melvin and Shane Vieau’s acceptance speech. Toronto producer J. Miles Dale who worked with Director Guillermo del Toro on this project said this win was a “watershed moment” for

Toronto’s film industry. Way to go Toronto, we made it to the big league!

Given the heightened conversations surrounding the need for positive change in the film industry, there were many nomination and award winning milestones worth mentioning. Recognized for her film Lady Bird, Greta Gerwig was a nominee for both Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. It has been eight years since a woman has been nominated for Best Director when Kathryn Bigelow won for The Hurt Locker.

Acknowledging her Oscar nod Gerwig told The New York Times, “The academy recognized a new generation – authors, filmmakers, actors, storytellers – in such a beautiful way. It’s unfathomable in some ways.”

Gerwig’s comment sheds light on the bountifulness of storytelling as an art form, as well as the diversity of the role of an artist. Also making history in the category for Best Director is Jordan Peele, as he becomes the fifth African American to be nominated in the category for Best Director and the first African American to win Best Original Screenplay for his film Get Out. In his acceptance speech Peele dedicated his Academy Award to the people who raised his voice and let him make his film.

There was one moment during the four-hour award show that gave me goose bumps, and as you can probably guess, it was Frances McDormand asking all

of the female nominees to stand with her during her acceptance speech. Seeing the camera pan around the room to showcase all of the female nominees was a triumphant moment and a foot forward in the right direction for gender equity. In her speech McDormand said, “Look around, ladies and gentlemen, because we all have stories to tell and projects we need financed.” McDormand added that she wants women to be respectfully invited into the offices of those working in the entertainment industry as a means to have all stories told.

Overall, it was nice to wake up the morning after the Oscars and not have to read about wardrobe malfunctions, embarrassing trips and falls while walking on stage or having the wrong winners called out. Oh and to Phantom Thread’s costume designer Mark Bridges, who won the jet ski for the shortest speech: You sir, enjoy riding that baby during the sunset with dame Helen Mirren.

Samantha De Gregorio is a fourth-year student at St. Mike’s double majoring in English & Books and Media Studies. She is interning at The Social, Bell Media through the Books and Media Studies program.

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LOGOS

Logos Editor Francesco Rampino logos@readthemike.com

The Imagination and Catholic Spirituality Colloquium Essays: Part 2 Maryrose Doucette CONTRIBUTOR The practice of the imagination in the development of the Catholic Church has been extensive, creative, and fruitful, but also risky and vulnerable to abuse.

If we think of the imagination (and I’m backed up by Merriam-Webster in this definition) as something that helps us understand and express concepts that are not present to the senses, then it’s clear that there is a place for the imagination in religious expression. But the question is not just whether or not the imagination has a role in the Church, as much as what exactly that role is. The Catholic Church is an extremely diverse institution, and it contains an immense range of spiritualities, approaches to God, and ways of expressing worship. This range of spiritualities tends to be broken down into what we might call “charismatic” or “traditional,” and I’ll go into more detail about what exactly I mean by those terms later on, but the existence of this diversity of spiritualities is central to an understanding of the role of the imagination in the Church.

So, then, what I have explored in preparing this paper has been the role of the imagination so far in creating this diversity of expression, and secondly, how that development process has formed the Church’s idea of what exactly the role of the imagination is, what it’s useful for, and what its limits need to be. In order to do this, I’d first like to clarify some terms, and then I am going to examine two chunks of time in particular in the Church’s history: first, will be the very first few decades of the Christian Church under Peter and Paul, and second will be the Montanist charismatic movement a few centuries later. While both of these events were relatively early on, I’d like to show why they were so crucial in forming the parameters around the use of the imagination that the Church upholds today.

So, to define terms. First of all, “imagination” is a word that can be used with many meanings and connotations, but this paper will be talking about two senses of the word in particular.

Firstly, there is what could be called the imagination of understanding: the need that we have to use the imagination in order to take beliefs or concepts that are abstract (as Merriam-Webster says, “not present to the senses”) and boil them down to make them concrete, accessible, and understandable. But secondly, there is what could be called the imagination of expression, which plays a role in the opposite direction. The imagination of expression moves from the concrete and accessible to the abstract, by creating ways for humans as limited and physical beings with only five senses, to express their worship of the divine, whether it be through different ways of praying, writing music for worship, designing and building churches, or other forms of creative imagination. And the distinction between these two “directions” or applications of the imagination, between understanding and expression, are worth distinguishing, as we’ll see with the Montanists later on.

Now, it is also helpful to clarify what I mean here when I say “charismatic” and “traditional.” “Charismatic” in this sense I would associate with any form of worship that is more spontaneous or unstructured. “Charismatic” Masses would usually be where the congregation has time to pray out loud spontaneously, or even just the music including less traditional instruments like guitar or percussion. “Traditional,” on the other hand, is typically used to describe communities or forms of worship that are more solemn, ritualized, and structured. For example, Masses where the music leans toward chant or organ, the Mass being celebrated in Latin, or praying the Rosary.

With all of this in mind, then, I’m going to move on

to an example of the development of these different spiritualities: the very first few decades after Jesus.

John Drane writes in Introducing the New Testament that, “At the very beginning the Christians met together every day, and their worship was spontaneous… when Paul describes how a church meeting should proceed he depicts a Spirit-led participation in worship by many, if not all, members of the church.” The Acts of the Apostles speak of a community in which “many wonders and signs were being done” (Acts 2:43). This description is clearly of a charismatic community, yet a glance forward to about a thousand years later would show a Church that was much more formalized, standardized, and regulated. This shift in practice was largely due to a shift in the imagination of the early Christians regarding the second coming of Christ, or the Parousia.

forms of Christian worship were also becoming less open and spontaneous than they had been.” They started to realize that over time, too much room for the imagination and its creativity in belief and practice could weaken the Church, and so the development of rituals and routine were natural responses. This is how the use of the imagination caused the structures that we now term “traditional” to come about, but it was not a rejection of the practices of charismatic expression in themselves. It was a recognition that “because of excess and abuse, the charismatic ideal no longer seemed to be a practical way forward.” Over the centuries, then, while traditional structures developed, various groups still desired to maintain aspects of this “charismatic ideal,” but the way to do that without upsetting the unity of the Church took some trial and error.

For the first few decades of the Church, Christians, led by Paul himself, tended to imagine the Parousia as being imminent, at least within their lifetimes. Paul’s writings during this time are radically expectant; he talks about how “the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who have wives be as if they had none… those who buy as if they had no possessions… for the present form of this world is passing away” (1 Cor 7:29-31). In Paul’s mind, if the Parousia was so soon, they didn’t have any need to plan for future generations of the Church, so in that context, the description of their charismatic and unregulated worship during this time makes sense; it reflects the intensity and fervour of the imminent end of the world that they were all imagining.

My second example, then, is the Montanist movement in the second century. They were a very charismatic movement, but originally their imagination in the expressive sense was nothing to have been condemned in itself; it was a revival of what had been good in the early Church, in the hopes that it was still possible.

But the Montanists grew to value the imagination of understanding, and the resulting phenomena of visions and revelation, so much that the Church authorities felt that they let their imagination “get away on them,” so to speak, when it came to the charismatic gifts of visions and revelation. At one point, a Montanist author, speaking about the interpretation of these visions, wrote that “the more recent times should be considered the greater, being later than those of old,” and he quoted Scripture, saying, “In the last days, God declares, I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh, and their sons and daughters shall prophesy… and the young men shall see visions and the old men shall dream dreams.” But this was a use of the imagination to interpret scripture that began to undermine the authority of scripture itself. This hierarchy of new revelation over the old lead to some of Paul’s teachings being changed by the Montanists, simply on the basis that their revelation was more recent, therefore truer. As Diarmaid MacCulloch says of the Montanists in A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years, “It was not so much the content of these messages that worried the existing Christian leadership of the area as the challenge which they posed to their authority,” and authority was necessary for unity. The use of the imagination had formed the Montanists’ religious expression in a largely positive way originally, but they refused to submit their interpretive imagination, or the imagination of understanding, to the ultimate authority of the Church, and so for the sake of unity, the Catholic Church authorities of the time deemed Montanism a heresy.

GETTY IMAGES.

Time wore on, though, and generations of people started to die without the Parousia having happened yet. Paul, and consequently the growing Church, started to realize that maybe the second coming of Christ would not be as soon as they had expected it to be. They realized that if they were to be passing on their faith to future generations, and if it was going to continue growing in members and expanding across the world, measures would have to be taken to establish consistency, and structures created to maintain unity. John Drane explains, “At a time when there were significant debates about the nature of the Christian faith, there was the constant danger that those who were out of harmony with the church’s accepted beliefs and outlook would use this freedom [of charismatic expression] to undermine the faith of the community. Because of this it became necessary to ensure that those who led the church’s worship could be relied upon to be faithful to the gospel as it had been delivered by Jesus and the apostles. By the end of the first century a fixed form of service was in place for the celebration of the eucharist, and other

There is wide space for the imagination in the Catholic Church’s religious expression, that is, in whether they pray spontaneously or whether they pray the Rosary, for example. But practically, for the Church to be able to embrace this variety and still maintain unity, the imagination’s role in understanding, in the interpretation of scripture or personal revelation, must be grounded in certain unchangeable beliefs and practices, among these being submission to the structures and authorities of the Church. The wide creative potential for the imagination is shown in the first few decades of the Church’s development, but as seen in the example of the Montanist movement, the view of the role of the imagination that the Catholic Church proposes and upholds is this: that the power and potential of the imagination are not simply in its being free and unrestricted; but are better found in imagination that is consciously rooted in unchanging truth.

SCIENCE & TECH

Science & Tech Editor Jiaxing Huang science@readthemike.com

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Innovation, Invention, and Industry The Canadian superclusters supported by U of T Jiaxing Huang SCIENCE & TECH EDITOR Navdeep Bains, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development of Canada, recently revealed a $950 million budget to fund two superclusters in downtown Toronto in collaboration with the University of Toronto (U of T).

Superclusters are groups of companies, research institutes, and academies that work closely together so that new innovations in laboratories can be quickly commercialized and entered into the market. Not only will this benefit consumers, but it will also give Canadian companies a chance to become pioneers in emerging fields of technology.

Eventually, this will boost the reputation of Canada as a centre for innovation.

Furthermore, the establishment of superclusters also provides opportunities for talents around the world to come to Canada to realize their potential, especially now when the USA under the Trump administration is cutting back on public funds to support research and development. These superclusters will seem attractive to scientific minds from the south of the border.

The first supercluster is known as Next Generation Manufacturing Canada.

It is led by Toronto’s MaRS Discovery District and Waterloo’s Communitech Corporation. It will bring together more than 100 partner organizations to position Canadian manufacturers as the ultimate tech integrators. This supercluster focuses on areas such as electric and/or autonomous vehicles, wearable electronics, and advanced biomedical devices. It will require manufacturers to adopt new solutions that scale production, speed consumer adoption, and improve efficiency.

The main part of the supercluster that U of T is involved in is the Toronto Institute of Advanced Manufacturing (TIAM) from the Faculty of Engineering. This institute is one of the world leaders in innovation, research, and education in advanced materials (nanomaterials, multifunctional composites, optoelectronics), advanced processes and systems (additive manufacturing, nanostructuring), and knowledge-based manufacturing (predictive models, data-driven supply chains). It draws on the expertise and facilities available in

other multidisciplinary institutes, such as the Ontario Centre for the Characterization of Advanced Materials and the Centre for Advanced Coating Technologies.

The second supercluster is known as the AI-Powered Supply Chains Supercluster. It will empower Canada as a leading exporter and bolster Canadian leadership in artificial intelligence and data science to profoundly impact the retail, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. Artificial intelligence and big data are all emerging areas of great importance, which is why Canada has to establish itself firmly as one of the leaders in the field.

This supercluster is supported by various multidisciplinary centres at U of T. However, the most important is the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence from the Faculty of Engineering. U of T researchers are drawing critical insight and information from mass data by marrying emerging techniques in deep learning, neural networks, and artificial intelligence to establish expertise in operations research, decision-making,

and optimization. Such research can be applied to improve the flow of traffic across a crowded city or enhance national transportation networks. It can also be applied to other fields, such as enhancing the delivery of health care.

In conclusion, the establishment of superclusters is just one way in which Canada is developing itself in the technology sector. After all, we are now living in a world where countries no longer compete based on weapons stockpiles (the hard power). Rather, countries now compete with their soft power, in areas such as science, technology, and the arts. Although Canada is a young nation, it has come through a lot in the years since the Confederation. It had made tremendous achievements in the past and will continue to do so in the future. However, that requires constant innovation from within. As one of the best universities in Canada, U of T must bear the responsibility to be the innovation centre of the country so that it and Canada itself can capitalize on new technologies.

Outer Space: Closer Than It Seems?

What the launch of Falcon Heavy means for the future of space exploration Ninan Zhao CONTRIBUTOR “The Earth is the cradle of humanity, but mankind cannot stay in the cradle forever.”

— Konstantin Tsiolkovsky Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, the author of the above quote, was a Russian scientist who was regarded as one of the pioneers of the space age. Humanity has looked to the sky since the beginning of recorded history and has always been fascinated by the wonders it must contain. Many major historical civilizations left documents concerning the study of stars, constellations, and more, while all the major world religions have attempted to explain the heavens above.

However, only since the start of the Scientific Revolution in the 16th century did scientists finally give a more rational explanation about space, one that is based on empirical evidence. Only in the 20th century did mankind finally take its “giant leap” forward in space exploration.

Space exploration would obviously not be possible without the invention of the rocket. Although an early prototype was flown in China 1,000 years ago, it was not until World War II when a rocket was produced that was powerful enough to reach the outer atmosphere: the infamous V2 rocket, a ballistic missile invented in Nazi Germany. Its chief designer was Wernher von Braun who

would go on to design the Saturn V rocket for the Apollo mission.

Although the Apollo mission eventually placed Neil Armstrong on the moon, and thus proved the capability of what mankind can achieve, its original objective was not purely scientific. In fact, one of the main reasons why we can achieve so much in space exploration today was due to the Cold War. The clash of ideologies and political rivalry between the USA and the USSR was reflected in competition in space exploration, otherwise known as the “Space Race.”

However, this type of space exploration was unsustainable. Both the USA and the USSR planned their space missions mainly through political motivations and did not consider the cost of each exploration. The Saturn V, built for the Apollo mission, cost $185 million US in 1969– 71 dollars ($1.16 billion in 2018). If this project happened today, people may question whether it would be worth the cost to send a man to the moon. Given the competitive Cold War atmosphere back then, the financial cost was not considered.

Yet, when the Cold War ended with the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, people in the USA immediately realized how unsustainable it was to continue

spending on space exploration. Since then, the budget of NASA has significantly decreased when compared to the height of the Cold War. This is not to say that mankind has lost their desire to explore space. Rather, the final frontier has been put on the backburner as the space budget goes down and the price of rocket launches goes up.

As a result of this shift in governmental priorities, private space exploration companies such as SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, and the United Launch Alliance, have begun to spring up across the world to provide commercial space flight services. Unlike during the Cold

War when space flight was monopolized by governmental agencies, space flight may open to everyone in the future. Even though these private spaceflight companies are currently quite small when compared with governmental agencies such as NASA, big things are in store in their future. In fact, the successful launch of SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket proved that private space companies can also achieve great things in the field of space exploration, and they can do it in a more cost-effective way. That is why I am confident that with the growth of such private space companies, the second wave of space exploration is on the horizon.

Elon Musk and SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy (Tom McKay / GIZMODO).

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SPORTS

Sports Editor Ben Denomme sports@readthemike.com

A Euro Half-Step in the Right Direction A recap of NBA All-Star Weekend 2018 Charlie Mitchell STAFF COLUMNIST The National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star Weekend consists of festivities that showcase the talents of the best players in the NBA. However, this year was memorable in many respects, whether it be the young talent that shocked the world or the revamping of the All-Star Game. Although the All-Star Weekend officially began with the celebrity game on Friday evening, I’m going to pretend it started with the Rising Stars Game that night since only so much analysis can be devoted to Jamie Foxx’s antics and watching out-of-shape ex-NBA players get their yearly workouts in.

The Rising Stars Game was a very entertaining game that showcased a very exciting future for the NBA. The high-flying acts of Donovan Mitchell, John Collins, and Jaylen Brown were a sight to behold. In the first two minutes, Mitchell showed us why he is a candidate for rookie of the year with a monstrous one-handed jam off the glass. However, some other lesser known players showed off their abilities in this game as well.

To the average NBA fan, the Sacramento Kings are the definition of dysfunction and boredom. However, their young guard duo of Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic led the way for Team World past Team US. They combined for 12 three-pointers in the shootout, with Bogdanovic winning the MVP award after a Steph Curry-like performance shooting, knocking down deep bomb after deep bomb from the All-Star logo. Keep an eye out for the underrated Kings as they continue to develop their young talent!

NBA All-Star Saturday night continued to be unremarkable overall, as no actual all-stars chose to participate in the festivities, following the same trend as prior years. The Skills Challenge featured

a different bracket for forwards and guards which I think added a little more diversity to the contest.

However, it was basically an extension of the Rising Stars challenge with participants like Joel Embiid and Chicago’s Lauri Markkanen being prominent in this contest. At least the Brooklyn Nets can say they won something this year with their emerging point guard, Spencer Dinwiddie, winning the contest.

The three-point contest may have been the highlight of the evening with Devin Booker putting up an astounding 28 points. With Tobias Harris beginning both rounds so hot, many thought he was the guaranteed winner. However, what proved to be his downfall was his inefficient shot mechanics. Being a three-point specialist myself, it is deceptively fatiguing to shoot 50 three-pointers in such quick succession.

Since Harris jumps so high off the ground on his jump shots, the fatigue of the contest affected him much more than his competitors, ultimately leading to his loss. Unsurprisingly, the Toronto Raptors representative, Kyle Lowry, came up small under the bright lights.

The slam dunk contest consisted of the typical shenanigans where players put more of their creativity into costume changes than their actual dunks. From Larry Nance putting on his dad’s jersey and mimicking every Dwight Howard dunk with a lesser degree of difficulty or Victor Oladipo wearing the Black Panther mask for an underwhelming double-clutch finish, the creativity left something to be desired. However, one bright spot was in the Utah Jazz emerging star and ultimate champion, Donovan Mitchell, who displayed the type of intensity and swagger anticipated from the best dunkers in the game. However, his final dunk

summarized the evening as he merely changed into a Vince Carter jersey and copied one of his legendary dunks.

The much awaited All-Star Game capped off the weekend on Sunday night as the league and fans eagerly awaited the result of their new decision to have a playground style draft with Team LeBron vs.

Team Steph in contrast to the typical East vs. West format. To everybody’s delight, the format change was an overall success. Aside from Stephen Curry deciding to turn the 3rd quarter into a popcorn eating contest, the game maintained a very good balance of competition and showmanship spurred in the first three minutes by guys actually playing defense and plays — like LeBron throwing a bounce pass alley-oop to Anthony Davis. The game had a very competitive ending with Team LeBron coming back from a 13-point deficit with five minutes left to beat Team Steph, capping the game with LeBron locking down Steph on the final possession. Perhaps next year, Steph will take the game seriously like LeBron.

I feel compelled to at least mention the music performances considering the controversy. Unlike others, I thought Fergie put a nice touch on the national anthem, giving it some personal zest. She was simply an artist being an artist. The half time show

by N.E.R.D. was extremely underrated in my opinion, exceeding my expectations far more than the Super Bowl performance by Justin Timberlake.

Overall, I thought the weekend was a step in the right direction for the league and fans began to show increased interest in the only recently competitive weekend.

Lewandowski Leaving the Bundesliga?

The Bundesliga’s top scorer ready to move on, but Bayern may not agree Mara Ng CONTRIBUTOR The Bundesliga is at the top of the German football league system, as well as one of the top leagues in the world behind La Liga and the Premier League. This should come as no surprise as the German national football team won the 20th FIFA World Cup in 2014.

With such strong competition among clubs in the Bundesliga, the league has attracted and acquired remarkable talent from all parts of the world. Looking simply at FC Bayern Munich, you have players from different countries like Thiago (Spain), Arturo Vidal (Chile), and Robert Lewandowski (Poland) as part of the roster.

Bayern Munich has consistently been at the top of the league in the past six years, winning the German championship every year since the 2012–13 season.

Having such great players on the roster, Bayern is again currently dominating the Bundesliga with 60 points, ahead of the rest of the teams in the league.

The club second to them in the table is FC Schalke 04 with only 43 points compared to Munich’s 60, though the rest follow in close succession.

A key element to this current success is in the club’s leading goal scorer, Robert Lewandowski.

The 29-year-old striker has been named the all-time top scorer for Poland, been ranked as the fifth-best

footballer on the planet by the Guardian in 2015, and been a regular contender for the Ballon d’Or in recent years. He first began playing for Bayern after a transfer from a rival Bundesliga club, Borussia Dortmund, in 2014. Currently, Lewandowski’s success mirrors that of his club as he presently leads the league with 20 goals, with the next highest scorer, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund, behind him with 13.

Noting his role in the club’s success, recent speculation of Lewandowski’s desire to transfer out of the Bundesliga into either the Premier League or La Liga comes as a notable move in European football.

Many attribute this possible transfer to his desire to win the Champions League, which Real Madrid has won consecutively in the past two years. Some believe that his recent separation from his previous agent, Cezary Kucharski, is a major factor. This is because he recently appointed Pini Zahavi, a famed dealmaker known for his involvement in Neymar’s world-record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain last year, as his new representative. Many believe that this is a sign of his strengthened efforts to part with the team.

Furthermore, news of a recent spat during a training match between Lewandowski and teammate Mats Hummels, who also previously played for Borussia Dortmund, has fueled the rumours of his transfer.

Multiple reports suggest that he may move to Manchester United FC of the Premier League or Real Madrid CF in La Liga. However, there are many reasons why this move may be unlikely. First, Lewandowski is under contract with Bayern Munich until 2021. Former German defender, Christoph Metzelder, also recently weighed in on the situation, saying that a Lewandowski transfer would not be considered by Bayern as he is a key player on the team without any suitable replacements available. He also notes Bayern’s history of retaining its top players as the club has enough money to avoid the need to transfer a top player.

While his current team may not want this star player to leave, according to Sky Germany, Lewandowski has rejected a new deal with Bayern, instead opening talks with Real. If Lewandowski ends up with another team, the state of European football will clearly undergo a transformation. This may alter the competition within the Bundesliga, giving other clubs a greater chance at winning the German championship over Bayern.

Additionally, if a transfer to Real goes through, this may lead to the club dominating both La Liga and the Champions League. Regardless of what happens, the final results of these rumours will continue to hold fans of European football in great anticipation.

FEATURES

Features Editor Téana Graziani features@readthemike.com

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What We Call Home

One holiday we should all celebrate Joy Fan CONTRIBUTOR With Family Day just having passed recently, it’s nice to look back and see what family really means to us. This year has been the first year where I didn’t get to spend the holiday with my family.

So, what does the holiday mean to me?

It means you are given time to properly enjoy the company of your loved ones, no excuses. We get so caught up with our own busy lives, yet we make time for other things. We make time to watch another YouTube video, go out with friends, go to a party, see a movie. So why don’t we make time for family?

Looking back, I realize that I didn’t utilize the time I got on Family Day properly, and now that I’m in a new city, it’s become clear as to just how much impact my family had on my life. Family is like a safety net that we take for granted. We just assume it’s there because it always has been, but what are we doing to maintain it? It took this Family Day for me to realize that I haven’t been calling my mom enough recently. She’s always there for me. When I

call, she picks up. But in return, she’ll go days without a simple text from her daughter who is across the country (I’m from Vancouver), to let her know that she’s doing fine. She’ll have to ask and call multiple times before I answer my phone because I’m tired, or busy, or hungry. She’ll have to wait because I’m out with friends or because I’ve left my phone somewhere, trying not to have it near me while studying (yet I still respond nearly instantaneously to Facebook messages). Spending Family Day without the home-cooked meal I took for granted made me realize that I had taken family in general for granted.

I am extremely close with my mom.

She’s the one who influences my values and principles. She pushes me out of my comfort zone, and I went from being a painfully shy child to a rambunctious, outgoing chatterbox (who is maybe a little too extroverted now).

She is the one who watched episodes of Berenstain Bears and whatever other shows I loved with me, and I grew to watching the evening news with her.

She’s the person who made me fall in love with politics and current events.

She’s the one who taught me to love my heritage and culture. She’s the reason I’m in Toronto (it’s a pretty funny story, but let’s save it for another time). She’s the person I’ve cried the most in front of, the person I’ve burdened the most with sorrow. And yet, she is still here for me, and always reminds me how much I am loved. It’s only when we take time to reflect on what the people around us have done for us, and what they mean to us, that we can truly appreciate just how much they’ve impacted our lives.

But apart from the people who raised us, it’s also about the people we meet along the way, those that make us, shape us, and help us grow from the foundations we’ve built. I was lucky enough to come into university knowing some people from high school already, but I was still worried about making new friends. People who I live with at Loretto, who I see at dinner, who ask me how I’ve been doing, friends who

make me cry from laughter and make me laugh when I feel like crying. They say that blood is thicker than water, but the original quotation was actually, “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.” It’s not just about the people we were born to, it’s about the people we were born to meet as well. My brother and I were very close when we were young, but with our huge age difference (he’s 10 years older than I), we grew apart with age. Only recently, when I was applying to university, did we start talking more and become close again. Now, we frequently share memes and dog videos with each other. My brother, now more than ever, feels like family.

Family doesn’t have to be limited to a single definition, nor can it be taken for granted. Family Day this year has passed but take some time out of your day to spend time with your family anyway. Just remember to mark your calendars for next year!

What is My Clothing Aesthetic?

A simple guide to developing your own signature style Michael Calamia CONTRIBUTOR The term “style” is used when referring to a lot of different things. It can be used in sentences such as, “That’s not my style,” or, “I like that style of pants,” and even, “He has a good sense of style.” However, in order to provide some measure of clarity, when referring to your own personal style, it’s better to use the term “aesthetic.”

An aesthetic is a common element of appearance in one’s wardrobe. It is coherent in most, if not all, items of a man’s wardrobe. For example, if my wardrobe consists mostly of oxford button-downs, chinos, and brown loafers, my aesthetic is “preppy.” Or if it consists mostly of various pairs of jeans, flannel shirts, and hard-wearing boots, my aesthetic is “rugged.” All clothing has an aesthetic, and when curated into a single entity, that person takes on the aesthetic.

You might be asking yourself, what are the different clothing aesthetics? I have already mentioned two of them, “preppy” and “rugged.” The last aesthetic is “street,” which is often referred to as “urban.” These are the three major aesthetics that are most frequently seen amongst men. There are probably more, but for simplicity reasons, I’ll stick to these three.

The “preppy” aesthetic consists of inspiration from British and Italian styles of clothing. While the most formal garment of a “preppy” wardrobe is a navy suit, we probably don’t wear suits on

a daily basis. I’d say the daily outfit consists of chinos with brown casual leather shoes, and either a polo shirt or a casual button-up shirt. Other items include v-neck or crew neck sweaters, Chelsea boots, wool outerwear, and a smart-looking watch. The key to preppy style is sleek lines that, like Cary Grant once wrote, “should attract attention to the best lines of a man’s figure and distract from the worst.”

graphic tees, oversized sweatshirts, distinct outerwear, and footwear ranging from sneakers to boots. The key to a street style wardrobe is flair. This aesthetic likes to play with proportions and usually offers some sort of contrast between the upper and lower halves of the body. Also, staying trendy is the strength of this aesthetic and you will always feel in tune with the latest and greatest that fashion has to offer.

The “rugged” aesthetic is quite different but it can also overlap with preppy.

It is usually inspired by the clothing of an outdoorsman or a blue collar worker.

A rugged wardrobe consists of different types of jeans, long sleeve henleys, flannel shirts, chukka or combat boots, and a leather or denim jacket. Some other items in a rugged wardrobe are chunky knit sweaters, shawl collar cardigans, a suede jacket, and utility shirts.

The key to a rugged wardrobe is functionality. Your clothing should protect you from the elements and make you feel like a man that isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty.

The “street” or “urban” aesthetic is probably the most difficult to categorize since it adopts elements from all aesthetics but manages to make it unique. It draws inspiration from different decades such as the ‘50s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. While every urban individual has his own style, the common elements amongst their wardrobes are super slim, highly distressed denim, joggers or chino joggers, long line t-shirts,

If you’re not sure what your individual aesthetic is, the easiest way to narrow it down is figuring out your taste. Look at different Instagram pages or Pinterest boards. What appeals to you and what do you like to wear? If you like to wear

chinos with a polo and enjoy the finer things in life, you are preppy. If you are a guy that likes to wear denim or leather and enjoys the outdoors, you are rugged. Finally, if you are constantly looking at the latest Instagram pictures from Kanye West and like to wear joggers over everything, you are street. If you’re still unsure because you like elements from every aesthetic, don’t worry because that’s a good thing. Being able to incorporate different elements into your base foundation is an important step in developing your signature style. These are the first steps to having a basic understanding of the different aesthetics, and you have begun to take the first step in your style journey.

Alexandre Ost / AdobeStock.

16

FEATURES

Features Editor Téana Graziani features@readthemike.com

Students of St. Mike’s, V6.0:

Katie Pullella & Alessia Colavecchia Katie Pullella is a fourth-year student in Health and Disease, and Alessia Colavecchia is a fourth-year student in Sociology and Religion.

What do you love most about the University of St. Michael’s College (USMC) community and how did that affect you in terms of getting involved?

Alessia (A): My favourite part of the USMC community is its unique capability of making people feel at home. Since my first year, I always returned to the USMC campus during my breaks, to eat lunch, or to hang out with friends. Aside from the fact that St. Mike’s is one of the larger colleges on campus, I always felt that “warm and welcoming” feeling.

One of the benefits of attending a large college as such, is the diverse group of people that I’ve met over the past four years. Everyone has different talents, interests, and personalities and I truly have come to appreciate that everyone’s talent is what constitutes what a spectacular college this is.

Katie (K): For me, I love the inviting and welcoming atmosphere at St. Mike’s.

From the first moment I moved onto residence in my first year, I felt like I was a part of a larger community. That special feeling doesn’t leave, every time

Alessia Colavecchia (Pran Sathiy / THE MIKE).

I’m on campus I get that same feeling, like I’m home. It’s the community itself that made me want to give back. I hope that my contributions help others get that same feeling of welcome, so they too can find comfort in “being home.”

What are your plans after graduation?

A: After graduation, I hope to attend the Ontario Institute for Studies Education (OISE) for the Master’s of Education program. I hope to have endless opportunities to travel and continue to experience the distinct cultures around the world. I am very passionate about education and the liberal arts and so I hope wherever my future takes me, I am somehow able to continue my contributions to this college for the future student experiences at St. Mike’s.

K: After graduation, I hope to continue my education at the University of Toronto (U of T) through working toward a Master’s of Science. I would also like to spend more time doing research. In my personal life, I would love to do a medical relief trip!

What advice can you provide to individuals interested in becoming Orientation Coordinators (OCs)?

A: My advice to anyone interested in taking on the role as an OC is to be welcoming, inviting, and don’t take the process too seriously but rather make sure to enjoy every moment. Something that my co-coordinator (Katie Pullella) and I really ensured we did this year was that we enjoyed this experience as much as we could and did not get overwhelmed or stressed out by the responsibilities that are associated with this role. As much fun as it should be for the incoming class and staff members of Orientation, it should also be an enjoyable experience for yourselves. Seeing your

Pran Sathiy STAFF WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER

work pay off, and having the first-year students enjoy their first week on campus was one of the most rewarding experiences!

K: My time as an OC (with my co-coordinator Alessia Colavecchia) was honestly one of the most memorable experiences I have had in my life. A piece of advice I would give the next OCs is to not stress the small stuff and enjoy the process. Planning Orientation provides a unique opportunity for personal growth and encourages everyone to step out of their comfort zone a little bit, embrace that. It’s also super important to have fun! Alessia and I made sure to enjoy what we were doing, from the logistics planning, to events during Orientation Week itself, which really makes the difference! The more you enjoy the process, the more rewarding it can be to see your hard work pay off. There is no better feeling than the day the firstyears arrive and knowing that you will impact that initial community they feel when they step onto St. Mike’s!

If you could tell your first-year self any piece of advice and wisdom, what might that be?

A: My advice to my first-year self would be that you don’t always need to know what your next three steps are. It’s okay to not always have a plan and feel a sense of uncertainty. As long as you set goals for yourself (whether small or large), sometimes the greatest reward is in the spontaneity of how you achieve them, and many times in my experiences, that doesn’t come in having things planned out and in the know.

K: If I could give my first-year self any piece of advice it would be to step out of your comfort zone earlier! My time at St. Mike’s has taught me that you learn the most about yourself when you do

something new. Additionally, I would remind myself that everything happens for a reason and it is ok for things not to go according to plan sometimes. There is a beauty (and an art) to being comfortable with spontaneity!

Katie Pullella (Pran Sathiy / THE MIKE).

What is your greatest accomplishment to you in your undergrad?

A: My greatest accomplishment in undergrad is not a physical or tangible one. My greatest reward is stepping out of my comfort zone and getting involved in roles and positions that I never would have imagined I could in high school. In doing so, I have learned an immense amount about the person I am, and what my interests and passions are going forward.

K: I think my biggest accomplishment during my time as an undergrad is the growth that I have seen in who I am as a person. Getting involved taught me more about who I was and who I would like to be. I have been lucky enough to have had role models who inspired and challenged me. From the mentorship program to OC, my roles have taught me about what I value and will help better prepare me for the future.

The Lenten Promise

A Catholic tradition: Why we fast Jessica Frascà STAFF COLUMNIST Lent begins every year on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days up until Easter Sunday. For Catholics, they commit to fasting as well as giving up something in order to replicate the same type of sacrifice Jesus committed in the desert. Some of the well-known things that people give up during this time include sweets, social media, chips, swearing, alcohol, coffee, etc. Some other ideas are to give up online shopping, smoking, complaining, going to the pub, gaming, or binge-watching Netflix. Similar to New Year’s resolutions, some people use Lenten season to give up something they want to leave in the past.

Mardi Gras, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is known as a celebration on the

day before the fasting and religious obligations begin with the penitential season of Lent. On “Fat Tuesday,” people indulge in all the different things that they will give up for the Lenten season.

Traditionally during Lent, not only do people give up something, but they are also expected to fast. On Ash Wednesday and every Friday during this time, people refrain from eating meat.

While the practice of giving things up during Lent is not required, voluntarily choosing to give up something does in fact strengthen your faith during this time. Although you are told that you should give up something, they also say you can add on an extra good habit.

Therefore, the priest recommends saying an extra prayer or going to church

twice a week, reading a biblical scripture, or even saying the rosary every day. Some people even volunteer at a soup kitchen or give money or food to the poor. Even if you are not Catholic, this time could be a period in which people can choose to better themselves and their hearts.

This year, the Lenten season began on Valentine’s Day and will end on April Fools’, which means for a lot of couples that celebrated Valentine’s Day, there probably wasn’t any alcohol or chocolates exchanged.

This is my fifth year giving up coffee during Lent, so you can imagine on Shrove Tuesday the amount of caffeine that I drank. I wish I could say it gets

easier each year, but I find as a university student it’s the norm to drink coffee everyday – especially during midterm season and to stay awake and attentive in class. Every year it perplexes me that Tim Hortons’ Roll Up the Rim always happens during the Lenten season. I think it’s safe to say that the company can’t afford interruptions in its profit because it knows people might use Lent to stop drinking its coffee. Not only does Tim Hortons have a promotion going on, but so does McDonald’s with its $1 dollar, any-size coffee happening in February. I wish I could say tea or hot chocolate could do the same trick as coffee, but unfortunately they can’t. The rewarding experience will be on Easter Sunday when I will be sipping many cups of coffee!