The Mike - Feb 10, 2016

THE MIKE renovate

WEDNESDAY february 10, 2016 ISSUE 12

verb

to make changes and repairs to (an old house, building, room, etc.) so that it is back in good condition

The Grand SMC Renovation

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Editorial

I wrote this introduction to the seventh issue of the Mike in an environment that, although not the most creatively stimulating, was certainly the most necessary: The third floor of Kelly Library. There, spread out across my desk, were books from my latest Robarts run, two cans of Red Bull—one empty, one full—piles of notes and my “stress candy.” I admit that balanced eating matters less to me than my caffeine and fructose intake during periods of stress, but I had a number of assignments to work on as I’m sure most of you currently do.

Also, like most of you, I’m sure the upcoming Reading Week will come as a welcome recess from long hours at the library, and for those more similar to me, a break from bad eating habits.

Take this issue of the Mike as a destressing reader for the break. It is filled with a variety of interesting and timely stories that will certainly prove to be a delightful relief from the cacophony of school. This issue features a fantastic breadth of stories— From a questioning of why we value the Oscars in the face of #OcarsSoWhite—to the La Loche Community High School shooting and the value of indigenous lives—to a profile of Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neigbourhood and its gastronomic delights.

In the spirit of relaxation and renewal that comes with Reading Week and the approaching Spring, the feature for this issue looks at the renovations coming to the SMCSU Office to make it more student-friendly and accessible. Our Faith section features personal accounts from this year’s New York Encounter, a three-day, multifaceted cultural event in Manhattan whilst our Sports Editor, Alex Wichert, explores the prominence of EA’s NHL Hockey gaming franchise. The Living sections gives us a second installment of an “old-timer’s” presentday university experiences as well as some expert beauty tips in time for Valentine’s Day. We hope that you enjoy the stories we’ve gathered for you in this issue while you take your time off to refresh, relax and reconnect. We’ll return after the break, renewed and ready to cover the stories that interest and matter to you.

And, as usual if you have a comment, question or if there’s a story you like to share contact us at editorinchief@readthemike.com Happy Reading Week!

Salena Barry MANAGING EDITOR

Palakh Chhabria Editor-in-Chief

Salena Barry Managing Editor

Alex Wichert Sports Editor

Lia Kim Arts Editor

Elizabeth McDermott Faith Editor

Keenan Gibson Photography Editor

Anah Mirza Opinions Editor

Elizaveta Mironva Design Manager

Christina Bezerra Living Editor

Denys Matvyeyev Business Manager Emily Johnpulle Senior Copyeditor

OPINIONS are the new Black.

Write or Edit for us editorinchief@themike.com The Mike is the Official Bi-weekly Student Newspaper of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto, publishing since 1947. The Mike has a circulation of 2000, delivered to over 40 newsstands across the University of Toronto: St. George Campus and is published by The Mike Publications Inc. The Mike is printed by MasterWeb Inc on recycled newsprint stock and is a member of Canadian University Press. Copyright: 2012 The Mike Publications Inc. All Rights Reserved. All editorial inquires should be sent to editorinchief@readthemike.com. The Mike reserves the right to edit all submissions

faith & thought

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‘Longing for the Sea, Yet Not Afraid’ Elisabeth Beauchamp CONTRIBUTOR The beginning of this new semester has been a pretty stressful time for me. I am finishing my degree, and have to figure out what I will be doing in the next year. In the midst of this period of confusion and anxiety, some friends proposed that I attend an event called the New York Encounter. The New York Encounter is a cultural festival held every year in Manhattan. Speakers of different backgrounds—from astrophysicists to lawyers to former inmates—are invited to come and discuss the relationship between their faith and their life. Every year, the event is built around a theme. This year’s was a modified line from one of Edgar Lee Masters’s poems: “longing for the sea, yet (not) afraid.”

This phrase immediately attracted me: I’m longing for such great things in my studies, within this semester and the years to come, but I always seem to be paralyzed by fear—fear of not being good enough, fear of making the wrong choices.

Going to the New York Encounter, I kept this question in mind: what does this claim, “yet not afraid,” have to do with the circumstances that I’m living and with my studies? What allows me to be free from all my anxiety?

One of the talks that I was really looking forward to was an interview with the astronaut Tom Jones. I was very struck when he spoke of how, when he was in space, he was moved looking at the Earth, and he was in awe in front of such beauty. I was struck because this is true: only being in awe in front of something so much greater than yourself can make you forget about your preoccupations! However, it did not take very long before I had an objection. I don’t have the luxury to travel to space. So, is there something capable of moving me that much in my daily circumstances and in my studies?

The last day of the New York Encounter was a Sunday, and Mass was celebrated. At the end of the Mass, all 1,200 of the participants of the Encounter sung the final song together. I was so moved that I started crying.

It was very apparent to me that all these people and I were truly together only because we were in front of something, of someone so much greater than us. Only a belonging to Christ is capable of moving me and allows me to be surprised, to not be restrained by my fear, to long for Him in everything I do, and to be driven by my desire for greatness in my studies and in my life.

“The ‘I’ finds itself again when it encounters a presence that brings this announcement: ‘What your heart is made for does exist!’” (L. Giussani)

An encounter with Christians in the Middle East.

CONTRIBUTOR When ISIS invaded Mosul in June 2014, thousands of Christians had to leave their homes. Now these same people are stuck in Jordan, living in refugee camps or facilities made available by the Catholic Church in Jordan, waiting for visas to emigrate and start a new life.

“Who are these people who left everything to not give up on their faith? How are they facing these difficult circumstances? What is faith for them, and does faith sustain them in this situation?”

Driven by these questions, Marta, a journalist born in Jerusalem and currently living in Canada, got in contact with Emil Nona, bishop of the Caldean Catholic Church of Mosul now in exile in Australia.

She was so surprised by his faith that she decided to go to Amman and meet the Iraqi refugees. Before leaving, she asked some friends, myself included, to help her prepare an exhibit for New York Encounter 2016 with the material she would collect in Jordan.

“A people, a face, a newness in everyday rubble: an encounter with Christians in the Middle East” is the title of that exhibit. While going through the material Marta collected, we found the stories of the refugees impressive: their faith, so simple, allows them to be free and to forgive. As in the case of Ikhlas, a mother, who said: “If we didn’t have this faith we would have stayed and compromised. [Because under ISIS the Christians in Iraq

have to pay a tax and be subjected to Islamic law.] But we trusted in God. We do have moments of discomfort and we complain, but God always gives us hope”. Or like Zaina: “I even forgive ISIS: they don’t know what they’re doing. I can say that it helped me because now I have a relationship with God (...) Before I had everything, now I have nothing and I’m joyful. This is not just talk.

But I know that He did not leave me, because He told me He takes care of the bird that needs to eat, so why would He not take care of me? The simplest example is that I couldn’t afford to put my kids in school, and He sent me people that help me put them in school this year”. (Last year the Italian Conference of Bishops collected enough money to send to school all the children of the Christian Iraqi families hosted in Jordan as refugees).

The encounter with these people, whom now I can call friends, the possibility of seeing their joyful faces in “everyday rubble”, makes me grateful and accompanies me in my days. In particular after the attacks in Paris I cannot help asking: how is it possible to forgive, as Zeina does every day? I do not see any way other than following them in their faith and looking for people who are like them, glad and free where it seems impossible. “And you shall seek out day by day the faces of the saints, in order that you may rest upon their words”: this is also possible for us everyday.

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ARTS

Lily Song CONTRIBUTOR

Lia Kim ARTS EDITOR

Alan Rickman’s unexpected passing last month hit me hard.

Many people recognized him as the actor who played the iconic role of Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter film series.

He played the “villain” up until the last installment, when the truth about his character was finally revealed to audiences.

But I wonder, apart from Snape, do people know Alan Rickman—the man?

Founded in September 2011, Dumbledore’s Army (DA) at Victoria College—an adaptation of the fictional student organization in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series—was the initiative of Vic One alumnae Rachel Campbell and Samantha Summers.

The DA is presently run by Corina Apostu, Ana De Castro, Maria Moradas, Madison Laithwaite, and Hana Nikcevic.

The initial purpose of the group, according to Campbell, “was to connect with other fans [of the series], but we soon decided to use our love of Harry Potter to positively impact our community.”

Rickman was born to a working-class family in Acton, London. A master of calligraphy and watercolour painting, he attended the Chelsea College of Art and Design and then the Royal College of Art. After graduation, Rickman requested an audition with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, wherein he studied Shakespeare from 1972 until 1974. Naturally, he moved on to work with the Royal Shakespeare Company as well as the BBC.

Not to be mistaken for the Harry Potter Alliance at UTSC, the DA is a Vic-specific, fan-based charity group that advocates for Toronto’s West Neighbourhood House and the UK’s Children in Crisis—both of which aim to support adults and children to read and write.

“The DA in the [Harry Potter] books was fighting for what they thought was right,” emphasizes Apostu. “And in our own way, we do the same thing through fundraisers—[in lieu of] learning how to duel.”

Photo of Victoria College’s Dumbledore’s Army members 2015-2016, image courtesy of Dumbledore’s Army

Rickman received wide accolades in his starring role in the 1985 production of Christopher Hampton’s adaptation of Les Liaisons Dangereuses. The Broadway version of which, had earned him a Tony Award nomination and a Drama Desk Award nomination for his performance.

His role as “the villain” can be traced back to his character, Hans Gruber, in Die Hard (1988) and the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991). These were the roles that cemented his reputation as one of the best actors to portray a villain in films, according to CNN’s 2016 list of the “Top 10 British Villains.”

The series’ themes of “sacrifice and dedication to one’s community” are especially noteworthy to Campbell as are “general principles of doing good,” which she says are manifested through “the gifts and abilities [that one has].”

In her recitation of J.K. Rowling’s 2008 commencement speech at Harvard University, Apostu stresses: “We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.”

The DA’s most well-attended events include their movie nights and bake sales. The latter is held at Caffiends, a studentrun, volunteer-operated café at Victoria College, which the group transforms into the “Three Broomsticks,” a tavern in the fictitious wizarding village of Hogsmeade. By popular demand, bake sales typically provide homemade chocolate frogs, “house”-inspired cupcakes, licorice wands, and Rice Krispie treats in the shape of a “snitch.”

Arguably, it is his portrayal of Severus Snape, the potions master in the Harry Potter series, which will be the most remembered. It is also worth mentioning here that Rickman accepted this role, largely due to a personal request made by the author of the books, J.K. Rowling.

Eventually, he would become the only other person—apart from Rowling—to be made privy to highly coveted, unpublished insight into the meaning behind the reverberating word: “Always.”

Additionally, Rickman played Rasputin the “mad monk” in the HBO biopic, Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny (1996), for which he won a Golden Globe and an Emmy.

An active patron of the research foundation, Saving Faces, Rickman also became the honourary president of the International Performers’ Aid Trust—a charity that helps to fight poverty amongst performing artists all over the world.

On the death of British actor Alan Rickman, best known for his performance as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter films, Apostu states: “This man was the epitome of my childhood.

Yes, he was the bad guy, but he was such a powerful character.

[It was] such a memorable role by Alan Rickman; his Snape was perfect. It was so odd thinking that he was no longer on this earth. He’s one of those people you think will never die.”

Mimicking the words of the group’s namesake, Professor Dumbledore, Apostu goes on to say: “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

Photo of Alan Rickman Memorial

Shortly after his passing, J.K. Rowling tweeted: “There are no words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman’s death. He was a magnificent actor and a wonderful man.”

In a touching tribute, Rickman’s Harry Potter co-star, Daniel Radcliffe, stated: “Alan Rickman is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors I will ever work with… I will carry the lessons he taught me for the rest of my life and career.

Film sets and theatre stages are all far poorer for the loss of this great actor and man.”

Indeed.

Alan Rickman: 1946-Always.

Such is the basic philosophy of the DA. “We believe the DA embodies the spirit of Vic,” says Campbell. “[We endeavour] to learn voraciously and [to] use that learning to improve our communities.”

Mischief Managed.

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ARTs

Elizaveta Mironova DESIGN MANAGER

As it turns out, Hell’s Kitchen is actually the name of a New York City neighbourhood west of 8th Avenue, between 34th Street and 59th Street. The area is also referred to as Clinton, but the former name is more prominent because of the violent historical events of the region. In the 1850s, Manhattan was experiencing an industrial boom, which attracted an abundance of Irish and German immigrants. They were paid very low wages and were forced to settle in tenements, ultimately leading to the creation of a community run by violent gangs.

“Battle Row” and “House of the Blazes” were common nicknames for a couple of the roughest spots.

Photo courtesy of conexaomundo.com

When I hear the phrase “Hell’s Kitchen,” the first thing that pops into my head is a picture of Gordon Ramsay running around a lavish kitchen, swearing at amateur chefs who have been slaving away, trying to prepare the most phenomenal meal they could possibly dream up.

Yet, last weekend—while on a girls’ weekend in New York City—I was walking towards Central Park on 10th Avenue, astonished to see almost every restaurant’s name followed by “Hell’s Kitchen.” I automatically thought to myself: “Gordon Ramsay can’t possibly be the main chef at all these restaurants, especially considering the fact that they range from authentic Brazilian to up-scale Italian.”

A small investigation was to be conducted en route to my final destination: Pure Thai Cookhouse.

There are two theories as to why Hell’s Kitchen stuck as a name. First off, according to New York Times reporter, John Strausbaugh, it was the name of a “particularly scurrilous tenement,” as well as the name of the gang that dominated the region, and simply remained as the trademark. The second supposition is a little bit more comical and witty, known as the “Dutch Fred the Cop” story. As described by the historian, Mary Clarke, a policeman and his partner had been watching a routinely riot; one of them remarked, “This place is hell itself,” to which the other replied, “Hell’s a mild climate. This is hell’s kitchen.”

In the present day, many of the tenement buildings have been renovated, and the ground floors transformed into charming cafes, luxurious restaurants, and bars.

Glancing up at the buildings, you can still see the original architecture in place—with its idiosyncratic fire escapes— but the ambience is more modern and savvy than it is violent or dangerous. Walking through Hell’s Kitchen in 2016 resembles a trip around the world—perhaps all the better because you never know what country or culture you will encounter next.

The savoury and sweet flavours of Asia are what I experienced after my journey through one of New York’s oldest neighbourhoods. The Pure Thai Cookhouse is a small, narrow restaurant with a very authentic feel, which serves a variety of delicious and flavourful dishes.

I ordered the most basic combination, consisting of vegetable spring rolls, chicken dumplings, and shrimp Pad Thai. The perfectly contrasting hints of lime and peanuts as well as fresh vegetables, delighted me to the fullest. The spices flared and impressed my palate, and I was eager to come back the next day.

Transcending through time, Hell’s Kitchen remains a dangerous place for the average human being. Once it lures you in, you are set to spend all of your time and money exploring it!

Photo courtesy of Flickr, Dave Cook

Louis Train SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR

A few weeks ago, on the front page of the website of the New York Times, I saw four different articles about the lack of diversity among the then-recently announced Oscar nominees. And frankly, all I could think was, who cares?

To be clear, I care a lot about diversity, and I agree that any list that purports to honour American cinema, but only celebrates white artists, is probably way off its mark. I just don’t give a damn about the Oscars.

In 1927, 36 actors, lawyers, producers, and their friends had dinner at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, California. By the next morning, they were all founders of the Academy of Arts and Science, which is not an actual academy of any kind. Their club was meant to solve labour disputes, which they did—a little—in the early days, and to promote the film industry as a whole.

This, they’ve been doing spectacularly well ever since, through publications, outreach programs, and especially a televised, professionally produced, annual repetition of their first get-together in 1927 called the Academy Awards (now the Oscars).

The Academy’s membership, which is nomination-only, is made up of actors, producers, designers, and technicians.

It’s probably fair to say that they know a lot about their respective technical and artistic fields, but it’s careless to assume that when they vote, they vote for excellence.

Since its founding, the Academy has been an institution of self-promotion, halfway between a mutual benefit society and a PR firm. The awards are used to push ticket sales, rights sales, and merchandising. Nothing is compelling the Academy to vote for the best, and it’s stupid of us to assume that they will.

So why do we?

When the Oscars announce a slate of racially uniform nominees, following a year of excellent performances by “people of colour,” it’s obvious that the process is flawed.

That should be the moment we shrug our shoulders and say, “I guess they don’t know what they’re talking about,” and then find something else to watch. It is in fact the critics of the ceremony who are responsible for perpetuating its poor taste.

People only protest things that are worth protesting. If you’re outraged by the nominees, you are acknowledging on some level that the Oscars are worth your time and indignation.

When a person makes a bad decision, common sense dictates that their judgement is poor. We should find someone else to make the decisions. When the Academy makes a bad decision, (or a decade of them), they are encouraged to try again, as if there is no one else to listen to. Every columnist, essayist, pundit, editorialist, and blogger who has called out the Academy for their nomination process, has generously validated the necessity of an institution that is not, and has never been, really worth listening to.

If you want to know which actors other actors love, watch the SAG Awards (where Idris Elba recently cleaned up); if you want an international perspective, check out the Golden Globes, which is run by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. If you want a show, watch the Tony Awards. If you want movie recommendations, find a critic whose opinion you trust (maybe in these pages) or just ask your friends.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

What the $120,000 renovation means for students at St. Michael’s College Christina Bezerra LIVING EDITOR

Over the past five years I have spent countless hours in the St. Michael’s College Student Union (SMCSU) office, both as a member and a visitor. For some, this office is intimidating and unchartered territory, but for me it has been a large part of my university experience. Over the years the office has gone through many changes from moving around furniture to frosting, and later defrosting, the windows. These changes have both been accepted and refused by the students as the office once again began to become a stark area for incoming students. In 2016, Duane Rendle, Dean of Students, Johnathan Warda, Manager of Housing Operations, Stefan Sistilli-Sguazzin, President of SMCSU, and Joseph Crimi, Vice-President of SMCSU, have taken charge in recreating Brennan Lounge and the student group offices into something both inviting and functional for past and present students. The $120,000 rebuild will include new flooring, furniture, and an additional kitchenette space.

The St. Michael’s College Brennan lounge and student office space renovation was long overdue, according to Joseph Crimi who sat down with The Mike earlier this week to discuss the changes. The vision of the new space arose at the beginning of his term when the old high reception desks were removed from the office to create an open space. “The old space was not conductive to a welcoming environment for students. We are hoping to create an open and approachable space where anyone feels comfortable walking in and sitting down,” said Crimi on the choice to open up the office as a more welcoming environment.

The office itself costs roughly $55, 000 out of the project budget. The revamped office will include a kitchenette with a sink, microwave, and fridge. This major improvement was introduced with the intention of allowing students to warm up their food, fill up a mug with hot water, or even clean their Tupperware containers before heading home or to class.

The kitchenette space will also be of use to student group and clubs who are hosting events within in the lounge as they will now have access to a kitchen, which will hopefully enhance their events. Another large addition to the new office will be a boardroom. “We wanted to eliminate the dead space in the office by adding something that we can use to host our monthly meetings, committee meetings, and to host meetings with clubs and other members of the college,” responded Crimi. As of right now, many student groups do not have their own space within the college; the board room will provide a quiet place to meet that is both professional and functional.

Along with the SMCSU office, a portion of the renovation budget is dedicated to modernising and improving the offices of student groups in Brennan. Our office at The Mike received brand new carpet and will be receiving new furniture in the coming weeks. Crimi states that the clubs were actively consulted and engaged throughout the planning process and were given all opportunities to provide feedback on what they really wanted in their spaces.

You may be questioning where all this money came from? Well, St. Michael’s College has a student improvement fund which is used to obviously better the lives of students within the community. The renovation for clubs and the student union is only the beginning of this transition. Brennan Lounge will also be receiving a facelift with brand new upholstery for the benches, new couches, and new coffee tables. “All of these additions are commercial grade furniture and are meant to last longer than the old furniture which was residential grade,” Crimi stated. With this difference of residential to commercial, one questioned the aesthetics and comfort of the furniture being provided. Both the administration and student council have taken the time to survey the St. Michael’s population about the current furniture, and based their purchasing decisions on the students’ likes and dislikes. “A popular comment we received when deciding on changes to the lounge was “comfort.” There was consensus among students that the sectionals should be as homely and “sinkable” as the existing couches. So of course we looked into the feasibility of ordering our furniture to please the aesthetic and comfort demands of our peers,” said Crimi, making it clear that students were at the forefront of all decisions made during the renovation.

The planning for this renovation began in early May 2015, which has made the project something to look forward to, especially since major changes are finally coming to fruition and can be clearly seen by students. The final product is slowly coming together piece by piece. The SMCSU office, student club offices, and lounge are estimated to be completed by the end of February or early March. “Any project of this magnitude takes time—time to plan, time to order, and time to execute. With time, I believe this will be something to enhance our time spent at this college and university,” Crimi added when speaking about finalizing the space.

This renovation is something extremely exciting for the St. Michael’s College community.

The idea of a few new couches or a small kitchen may sound amusing, but it will change the overall comfort and university experience for students. Brennan Lounge has been my home for the past five years, just like it has for many students both past and present. The couches are ones that have seen many SMCSU events, and it was even where I met my best friend. It’s important to create an inviting space. In a University with such a large amount of students, it’s important to take time to appreciate the little things like a couch that feels like home or even a warm meal in the middle of a busy day.

Thank you to Joseph Crimi for taking the time to speak with The Mike as well as Stefan SIstilliSguazzin for his support with the article. Photos provided by Keenan Gibson, Photography Editor for The Mike.

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OpINIONS

Briana Armson STAFF WRITER

Chinese artist and political activist Ai Weiwei has closed his exhibition in Denmark to protest a new Danish law regarding the reception of refugees. As of late January, Danish authorities will be able to seize the assets of migrants fleeing crises in their home countries and travelling to Europe for salvation. This law is a response to the refugee crisis currently taking hold of the globe, causing many countries to revamp their immigration policies or create new ones. Upon landing in Denmark, refugees will be subject to a full-body search and all non-essential objects worth over 10,000 kroner (equivalent to just over CAD $2000) will be confiscated. Danish officials have stated that the law is in place to fund the cost of the asylum system and is akin to Denmark’s welfare system, but many people don’t see it this way. In order to receive benefits, Danes on welfare must relinquish their savings. Unlike the refugees, however, they are not required to undergo a physical search and are allowed to hold on to their valuables. Many human rights organizations are appalled at Denmark’s decision, while the UN has also spoken out about its disappointment with the approach.

that the image of the child should be enough in itself. While Ai’s work doesn’t compare to the original photograph in terms of emotional impact, I commend the artist for maintaining a constant dialogue about the crisis, as well as his commitment to shedding light on the issue. Some have described Ai’s photo as a publicity stunt, but even if it is, it is capturing worldwide attention, getting significant media coverage, and keeping the severity of the crisis at the fore of discussion. As haunting as the photo of Alan Kurdi is, people tend to move onto the next catastrophe fairly quickly. Ai Weiwei’s presence in Lesbos and commemoration to Kurdi depict that much work remains and that issues surrounding the refugee crisis are ongoing.

Ai Weiwei has also publicly stated his opinion on the matter. No stranger to speaking his mind, Ai is China’s most notorious artist and activist, using social media and artistic projects to voice political concerns and uncover government corruption. Ai has been a prominent figure in refugee activism and has set up a studio on the Greek island of Lesbos, one of the main landing sites for migrants seeking refuge in Europe. By posting footage online of refugees arriving to the island and producing artworks inspired by the injustices faced by migrants, Ai seeks to raise public awareness about the crisis and garner international support. After the law passed last month, the artist removed his exhibition, “Ruptures,” from the Faurschou Foundation in Copenhagen. He stated that it was a “personal act… an artist trying not just to watch events but to act.”

This month, Ai is attracting attention for his latest work featured in India Today magazine. The piece is a photograph in which Ai lays face down on the beach with palms upturned, mimicking the pose of Alan Kurdi, the Syrian child whose body washed ashore last year and was photographed laying lifeless on the sand. The Kurdi family had been attempting to migrate to Europe when their boat capsized. Ai’s recreation has received mixed reviews—some believe it’s powerful while others find it offensive, arguing

Photo courtesy of Instagram, @AIWW

Joshua F. Rossetti CONTRIBUTOR

The Liberals’ ambitious election promise to resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees by the new year—announced in the throes of the election campaign to general lauding and accompanied by a highly effective attack on the Conservatives comparably apathetic policy—remains unfulfilled. Entering the second month of 2016, the Trudeau government remains 10,000 refugees short of their initial goal. While the oft-mentioned “change in tone” and the sense of urgency the Liberals projected during the election in response to what continues to be one of the defining tragedies of these early years of the 21st century was wholly meritorious of all the encomiums it received, whether or not it was prudent for the Liberal party to work around self-manufactured deadlines in rushing Syrian refugees out of camps in Jordan and Lebanon remains in question.

The Trudeau government’s hurried effort to fulfill their promise has led to an imperfect outcome for many of the refugees. Over the past month, a number of articles have hit the press describing the conditions government-sponsored Syrian refugees have faced upon their arrival in Canada. One refugee, currently living with her family out of a discount hotel on the outskirts of Toronto likened their experience to being “trapped in a prison.” Feelings of isolation and frustration are certainly not sentiments we would hope to be attached to the refugees’ first weeks in their new country. The fact that similar sentiments have been expressed by recent arrivals in Vancouver raises the question: is this a universal experience for our refugees? Have they been left behind in the rush to meet the Liberals’ arbitrary deadlines?

For the most part, the Liberals’ “sunny” and well-intentioned enthusiasm in bringing refugees to safety has been met by similarly eager Syrians who are thankful for the Canadian government’s efforts and are looking forward to a new life in a safe country.

But the support cannot end at the airport. The Trudeau-led government must understand—and work to allay—the natural anxieties of the people who now find themselves in a new country far away from home, with an unfamiliar language and culture, and ensure that their first few weeks in Canada are smooth. They must work to ensure that the Syrian refugees arrive with the necessary mechanisms in place for them to begin to rebuild their lives in a country.

I’m not trying to suggest that the Liberals are unaware of these problems or that they underestimate their importance, but the fact that refugees are expressing regret over their decision to leave the camps in Lebanon and Jordan suggests that somewhere in the rushed process there has been a gross oversight. The Trudeau brain trust must not forget what must be at the core of its policy. They must forget about the deadlines and focus on the people—not the numbers.

Photo Courtesy of The National Post

9

OPINIONS

Mariam Jammal STAFF WRITER

School shootings, it’s sad to say, have become increasingly common, yet they never fail to shock and stun us. Like clockwork, every school shooting sends chilling terror over the masses as tensions rise and fear sets in. Over the past few years, we’ve become accustomed to these school shootings—and more broadly mass shootings in general—taking place in an unsuspecting community in the USA. Naturally, it floats to the forefront of international consciousness as the entire world tries to understand why this has happened and what has motivated the killer’s actions. If so much attention is paid to events happening across borders, countless kilometres away, why do we not show the same concern when our own are targeted?

A little over two weeks ago, Canada experienced its own unfortunate event. The community of La Loche in northern Saskatchewan became riddled with insecurity as a shooter walked into La Loche Community School and left four people dead. It took hours before there was any news coverage of the fatal event. When news finally emerged and the victims were identified, the highlight of the articles was the one white male victim who had happened to move to La Loche from Ontario to teach. At this point it’s important to note that La Loche, Saskatchewan is home to a large Aboriginal population.

As is the case with many Aboriginal communities, there is rampant unemployment and isolation from the Canadian mainstream. This has also been the first school shooting in the country since 1999 making it for all intents and purposes a very big deal. So why wasn’t it treated as such?

At this point, two weeks later, it is time to speculate. Do we undervalue the lives of Aboriginal Canadians? Are we simply less concerned about

Photo of La Loche Community School, Courtesy of The National Observer

communities that are isolated from our major metropolises? Is it a subconscious racially fuelled combination of both? The fact is that we were entirely unconcerned about a horrific school shooting committed by a disturbed student within our borders. We distance ourselves from the realities of Aboriginal Canadians because it’s easier than facing Canada’s own race problem and the subsequent issues it creates. In our

effort to celebrate our multiculturalism and tolerance, we’ve become willfully ignorant of the inequalities and discrimination faced by a sizable and essential demographic of our population to the point where even the most dreadful tragedies has been spared only a cursory glance.

Peter Paul CONTRIBUTER

You’ve probably seen the barrage of humorous and not-so-humorous impressions of our free-falling dollar; the $8 cauliflower still makes the social media rounds. Pundits claim a 65 cent dollar by the middle of this year, so it’s not over yet. This isn’t the first time the dollar’s taken a tumble, and it won’t be the last. Perhaps there’s more comfort in a weaker dollar than you might believe and more to learn than how it’s doing against the US dollar.

seeking investment safe haven. The greenback is the “go-to” currency whenever uncertainty or crisis are front-and-centre; the Canadian dollar not so much. The USA is still the biggest military bully in the global schoolyard. For the rest of us, we can either be bullied by others or pay the biggest bully to be our bodyguard. And you don’t pay off the bully in Canadian Tire money.

Canada’s weathered one of the worst world-wide economic recessions in history. That says a lot for current prudent fiscal and economic policy and even more about solid legislation and belt-tightening done 30 years ago to prevent those 20% loan rates that many of us still painfully remember. We haven’t seen a sudden 90% drop in real estate prices as the USA did back in 2008, and all that equity found itself suddenly annihilated.

Nor have we seen the cost of living/inflation go into the double digits as it did (and still does) for numerous other countries. So I do empathize for people who find it way more expensive to travel or live outside of Canada with a weak dollar. But that’s not most of us.

To steal a line from a pop song: “It’s all about the rate, ‘bout the rate, not exchange.”

Gas is cheap once more. It only cost $40 to fill my entire tank just outside of St. Catharine’s two weekends ago; I still remember $70 for the privilege. If only businesses would react as quickly the pumps have: airlines and delivery services have yet to reduce or eliminate the fuel surcharges even though it’s over a year since oil prices plummeted— those locked-in “contracts” must be finished by now, Air Canada? I guess it’s also a coincidence that you made record earnings in 2015? Maybe it’s an incentive to take a nice, long drive and spend our dollars locally in Canada.

Canada continues to be a resource-dependent economy with our collective wealth and dollar still tied heavily to natural resources like oil and lumber. Rampant speculation drove the price of gold up to over $1,900 an ounce in 2011 and when that bubble burst, the very same investors and traders turned their attention to crude oil. When that oil bubble burst in 2014, guess who was left holding the hot potato? Certainly not the speculators. So now Alberta’s decades-long free ride has finally ended. Worse things have happened. Maybe we should turn our attention to protecting our water before it’s too late.

The US dollar is stronger for other reasons. In times of economic uncertainty especially with the Chinese economy cooling off, financial markets roller-coasting, Putin’s saberrattling, and the seemingly never-ending threat of terrorism investors are constantly

Photo Courtesy of CBC

10

Living

Emily Mais SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR

Christina Bezzerra LIVING EDITOR

Five years ago I made the vow to stay away from the r-word. You’re probably wondering what the r-word is, and, although it pains me to even write it, the r-word is the derogatory use of “retard.” The word makes something inside of me twist and turn, and although I understand not everyone intends their use of the word to be derogatory, the word itself has become extremely dirty and unwanted in my mind.

All this began in my final year of high school (five short years ago) when I began working at a day program for adults with developmental disabilities.

My days were spent going on adventures with the participants of the program. A large group of my students and I would go to public places like malls, parks, and even grocery stores to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Within the first few months of these outings, I heard it. A grown man was pointing and laughing at one of my students, who had now become a friend, saying, “What a retard!” Although my student couldn’t tell that he was being made fun of, I felt it. It stung to think the word was being used to make fun of a person who I cared so much about and who would not even think twice about helping a stranger. After that encounter, I began to see it more and more. After, the stares and comments from onlookers, my job quickly turned from teaching to protecting, and my students could feel the change.

I never wanted my use of the r-word to make someone feel like they are being put down or belittled. For five years I have strayed away from the word, mostly because there are so many other ways to describe the people that I work with. For example I prefer to call them intelligent and beautiful; their disability is simply something they have rather than something they are. Everyday when I go to work I am reminded that my students are so much more than their disabilities. Although today I work with children who have autism, I am still so afraid that one day they will have to feel the pain of a derogatory term from an ignorant onlooker.

Like many other initiatives that involve advocating for people with developmental disabilities, there is so much information available to those who question whether their words can hurt others. R-word.org has been vital in my own learning and spreading the word about ending the use of retard as a derogatory term. With over 580,000 people pledging to join the conversation about the r-word and big organizations like Best Buddies and the Special Olympics, it is clear that people are recognizing how their words hurt and removing the r-word from their vocabulary.

Images of Kylie Jenner courtesy of Getty, Other images courtesy of Emily Mais

I am fully aware that I will make every guy reading this roll his eyes and most likely hyperventilate, but Valentine’s Day is literally right around the corner. Obviously school and life probably feel more insane than ever, so I wanted to show two easy looks that don’t require contouring, winged liner, or anything else that increases anxiety levels. Feel free to skip this article if Valentine’s Day (or Kendall Jenner) stresses you out, but for those of you (like me) who love her low-key “it girl” beauty and style, keep reading!

The first look is the quintessential red lip Valentine’s Day look. The messy pony makes it lowkey, and the makeup is easy to recreate with any low or high-end products.

For both looks, I started with the basics: a medium coverage foundation, corrector (optional), concealer (applied in an upside down triangle for better coverage), a setting powder, and lots of lip balm. The eyes are the easiest part—I used a cream-coloured shadow for the base of my lids and a highlight under my brow bone. I then used my bronzer for the crease to give my eyes definition. I love using one product for two purposes! I then used a black kohl liner to softly line my upper lash line and tight line (underneath my top lashes). I used lengthening mascara for my lashes (no falsies)! For my brows, I just used a clear mascara to make them look clean. One of the reasons why I love doing Kendall looks is that they are so much simpler than her sisters’ looks. She still looks amazing, but she uses a lot less product. I used a powdered highlighter on my cheeks, since she still had more of a matte rather than a dewy glow. I then used an apricot-coloured blush to add a touch of color.

For the lips, I used a coral-red lipstick and applied it straight on my lips. If you were to line them, I would use a nude-coloured liner just to make the lip area stand out more. I used a bit of concealer right above my upper lip to clean the edges up. Applying red lipstick can be scary, but just apply it with a light hand to gradually build the colour.

The best thing about the next look is that we are only swapping out a few items for new ones.

The foundation and concealer routine stays exactly the same. For the eyes, I applied a gold shadow on my lids and a rose gold at the middle-corner of my lid, blending it upwards into my crease. I used a brown pencil liner for the top lash line only. I added a touch of bronzer below my cheekbones and around my temples. I then added a golden powdered highlighter that doubled as a blush. For lips, I used a rich nude lipstick with a light pink gloss on top.

I hope you guys enjoyed reading and are inspired to try out these looks!

Judith Laus CONTRIBUTOR

So I was registered, armed with an ID card, passwords, etc., and it was time to pick my courses. Let’s start by trying to find the academic calendar. I know I must access the Portal— notice how it’s always in caps like the Death Star! Several frustrating tries go by. Back to the registrar’s office for help and voila! I am registered in Medieval Society, Women in Antiquity (no cracks please), and, for pure pleasure, Detective Fiction. I can’t wait to get to the reading lists, and this time I’m smart enough not to wait at the mailbox. A young man in the office tells me it’s on the Blackboard—here we go again, which black board? I must have looked crazed when he explained where it was. Now I have a brain wave—I have two nieces just graduated from university, so, with the promise of lasagna and wine, I get excellent technical help and a series of icons on my computer. It’s like finding El Dorado, Shangri-La, and The Grail all at the same time.

I know that online means efficiency, time saving, easier communication, and less tree killing; I know it, I appreciate it, but I just can’t handle it. I print everything from the syllabus to the reading lists to the weekly lecture schedule and slides. I apologize to the universe, but I feel so much better.

How are my courses? How was my first term? I am loving every minute, and I cannot wipe the smile from my face. I learn something new from each class, from each person I meet—it’s like the same energy and excitement from the first time I came to St. Mike’s but with a lot less pressure. Not that there isn’t pressure and stress but I seem to be able to handle it better—perhaps maturity? Perhaps perspective? Someone asked me how things are different and what things are the same. For me, the same is the passion for learning that I find all around me in teachers and students alike. After eavesdropping on conversations in various coffee shops, I’m recalling having the same intense talks so many years ago.

Of course the biggest change is the computer. I’m sure it’s a great help and wonderful tool but it can also be an obstacle and hindrance. In one class I sit behind someone who watches TV during the lectures. I can’t figure her out, and believe me it’s all I can do not to step into “mum” mode and tell her off. In other classes, there seems to be no engagement with the professor as all eyes are on screens—whatever works, I guess?!

I survived the first term—my ego took a few hits but for the most part it was great. I continue to be challenged by online materials but at least I’ve stopped crying and swearing. I did well on both my half-courses and have signed up for two more. This will give me three of my four credits before summer starts. I am hoping to graduate in November.

Well, that’s it for now…I’ll check-in again closer to term’s end.

11

SPORTS

Alex Wichert SPORTS EDITOR

It’s a world in which you can go an entire game without making a pass and still be praised by your coach, provided you score a few goals. It’s a world in which a player will step off for a line change even when on the verge of a two-on-one. And, perhaps most importantly, it’s a world in which you can trade Nazem Kadri and a first round pick for Steven Stamkos.

This is the world of the EA Sports NHL Franchise, and it’s quite the world indeed.

Ask a question about the games and you’ll find a procession of fans, in either direction, with heated opinions about the series. The majority praise the video games for their realistic approach to the sport and their dedication to atmosphere and storyline immersion. Some, on the other hand, will grumble about the present-day state of virtual hockey. They’ll cite the seemingly-paradoxical claim that the series lacks innovation and is content to reproduce, assembly-line style, the same basic experience every year with updated – or not-so updated, if players switch allegiances after August – rosters for its squads.

Regardless of one’s perspective or unfulfilled wishlist for the games, it’s quite clear that EA has experienced unparalleled success over the last twenty-five years. What’s the reason? Is it the essential monopoly the company has had over the realm of hockey video games? That’s definitely a factor, but it must also be stated that a large reason why said monopoly has been created and cultivated is because rival series, so fleeting in their respective existences, just haven’t presented the same kind of fun.

Taha Zulfiqar CONTRIBUTOR

Unfair or not, the NHL has been getting schtick for the lack of appeal in their AllStar games. Unlike Major League Baseball with their all-star game having massive implications on home field advantage in the World Series, the NHL All-Star game in the grand scheme of things is relatively meaningless.

The NHL All-Star game is essentially a friendly match with the best athletes the sport has to offer - which sounds terrific in theory - but the lack of competitive nature in these games can make them a chore to watch. Players more often or not are likely told by their management team to play in a manner to avoid injuries.

Fans that tuned into Sunday’s game will tell you the game was far from meaningless and the star that stole the show isn’t even listed on an active NHL roster - that player is John Scott. His All-Star experience is something that only could’ve been written in a fairy-tale.

So what’s the reason for the continued popularity? I’d argue that the essence of the video games, and the reason for their longevity, can be accurately summed up through this fact: In NHL 16, players now grow Playoff Beards during the Postseason.

Talk about throwing you, the reader, a curveball. What do a few hairy NHL players on a television screen have to do with unparalleled success? Sure, it’s a minute addition to the video games but it also represents EA’s willing spirit to go that proverbial extra mile. Sports fans get excited about niche, seemingly-trivial details which other people wouldn’t even acknowledge. For many fans, though, these small choices amount to meaningful depth as they play. Perhaps the fan-to-franchise loyalty of the NHL games stems from the company’s foundational dedication to this symbiotic relationship. It’s one thing to be the armchair General Manager of a sports club and have the option to trade for players; it’s another thing, however, to also manage your team’s collective and individual chemistry levels, delegate tasks to other staff members, and view statistics of your legacy as you progress. Every mode offers more than just a “play now” option but I don’t think this is simply enough to satisfy fans. Rather, I’m suggesting it’s the fact that these tweaks have largely come from public suggestions that makes people feel so fiercely loyal.

Before it appears that I’m gushing just for the sake of brand-endorsement, hear this disclaimer: I do not buy every year’s NHL game. I’m still currently playing NHL 14. The small changes each game makes can definitely be viewed as a lazy way to repackage and redistribute a carbon copy of last year’s product. However, I’ll also be a little more altruistic and note that, while the series can be accused of wanting innovation, there is an excellent rapport between both sides. Fans are fortunate that the company with which they have aligned is accountable enough to actually listen, should the conversation reach a certain level of reverberation.

This will ensure that fans are game for a long time to come.

Photo of John Scott in a pre-game skate with his two daughters, Courtesy of Don Smith/NHLI via Getty Images

Hockey fans online rallied together on voting in the grizzled enforcer into the AllStar game via the online vote on NHL.com. Scott was officially named to the AllStar team, but in the days leading up to the game, he was traded from the Arizona Coyotes to the Montreal Canadiens – and then he was immediately waived from the Canadiens roster. In his article, A Guy Like Me from the Player’s Tribune, Scott implied that an NHL league official was pressuring him into not playing, especially when he was personally asked “Do you think this is something your kids would be proud of?”

Scott, father of two daughters, proceeded to captain his team, scored two goals and was named MVP - leading Team Pacific to victory. To say he made his daughters proud is a massive understatement. He received multiple standing ovations and fellow players were practically begging coach Darryl Sutter to have shifts alongside him.

It’s quite a sight to see the NHL’s top talent play together in an exhibition match, but it’s the human emotion related to sport that is often undervalued. This is what made hockey rally around Scott, even though Scott’s talent pales in comparison to the other all-stars - with all due respect, it is fair to assume that there are hundreds of NHL players more naturally talented than Scott. The overwhelming support he received from fans and players gives a massive reminder that these professional athletes are human too and that sport is far more enjoyable when there is a rootable figure involved.

And to think, the NHL practically wanted nothing to do with Scott at the AllStar game - as if it were an embarrassing representation of the league. Scott’s involvement at the game provided the most entertaining All-Star game in years and gave a reminder that emotion is a necessity in all aspects of life - especially sports.

Image courtesy of Bussinesswire.com

Mr. Scott, you did hockey a massive favour. Enjoy this moment!

12

This work depicts a portrait of Henri Bourassa which was created for my final high school portrait and communications learning assignment. The portrait was made using string wrapping around nails. The use of a diverse medium allowed me to portray his features in a unique fashion.

Henri Bourassa Portrait

This is a Visual representation of a Drake using only the words “1-800-HOTLINEBLING” in Helvetica from the cover of his current biggest single “Hotline Bling.”

Andi Bordt SELECTED ARTIST Additional works by Andi Bordt can be found online at http:// behance.net/Bordt, and on Instagram at @andibordt TypeFace “Drake HotlineBling”