The Mike, Issue 1 (2018-19)

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

Volume LXXI, Issue 1 October 5, 2018 readthemike.com

NEWS

FEATURES

OPINIONS

SPORTS

U of T’s mandatory leave of absence policy, explained (page 3) Ontario’s new sex-ed curriculum: perpetuating ignorance (page 11)

The free speech crisis plaguing North America (8 and 9) Why Colin Kaepernick is the civil rights hero America needs (page 14)

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NEWS

News Editor: Emily Barber news@readthemike.com

U of T to Implement New Free Speech Policy by 2019

Post-secondary schools must create a new free speech policy or face funding cuts Chiara Greco ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR With a new year approaching, the University of Toronto (U of T), as well as other Ontario colleges and universities, faces the task of implementing and mandating a new freedom of speech policy in accordance with the Ontario government.

During the 2018 spring election, Doug Ford made a statement that Ontario colleges and universities must develop a new free speech policy or face funding cuts. These new policies must be laid out and implemented by January 1, 2019.

It is now U of T’s responsibility to develop and implement the new free speech policy, one which will differ from its previous free speech statement curated 26 years ago. The new government prescribed policy will, according to Global News, “adhere to principles based on the University of Chicago Statement on Principles of Free Expression.”

So, what exactly is changing in regards to U of T’s policy? Well, students can expect a change in the definition of free speech. As of right now, The University’s Statement on Freedom of Speech maintains that the university may limit the right to free speech in accordance with the Criminal Code of Canada.

The University of Chicago standard differs slightly from the current U of T statement. According to a CBC article, “[University of Chicago standard] precludes shielding students from ideas they might disagree with or find offensive.” Ford has warned institutions that funding cuts will be initiated if they fail to adopt these policies.

According to the Globe and Mail, the University of Chicago standard also “defend[s] controversial speakers

on campus.” This standard will become the main blueprint for all Ontario universities.

This standard will still leave a gray area in what is considered a violation of free speech. After all, respectful debate is essential to university life, and to limit debate could constitute a limit to the exercise of free speech. It therefore seems that the current conception of what free speech is at U of T will be under scrutiny. With major debate and argument surrounding free speech at universities, the government is turning to these new policies in hopes of initiating a change.

Concerns with this new policy include speculation that the government’s standard could potentially blur the lines between free speech and hateful speech. This concern may be the main reason as to why it is so important to outline what does or does not constitute as free speech practice. Defining what free speech is helps to control potentially threating, unsafe spaces, which many Ontario universities have been at the forefront of.

The main concern following in accordance is that of safety. How will this new mandated policy affect principles that some believe to be at odds with free speech — like that of equity, diversity, inclusion? It is still maintained, as U of T’s President points out in an article by The Varsity, that the right to freedom of speech is enabled by “an environment that values respect, diversity, and inclusion.” This will not change with this new policy. However, the safety of marginalized groups must be considered, as well as protection against hateful speech and its difference to legal hate speech.

If it does occur that a student chooses to contravene the policies, they would be subjected to the existing campus discipline measures U of T has in place. As far as non-compliance by student unions, institutions are being directed to withhold their funds. As with anything, though, there is controversy regarding many of the decisions around the implementation of this new policy. Most of this controversy is surrounding the blurred lines it may incite between hateful speech, legal hate speech, and free speech.

If it is the case that the government is issuing a veiled threat to universities, colleges, and student unions, then what is the motive behind this? Students will have to wait for the new year to truly see the change these policies will establish in everyday practice at U of T.

Reactions to this policy come from a Facebook post

Volume LXXI By students, for students.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Aaron Panciera editorinchief@readthemike.com

OPINIONS EDITOR Iulia Dragos opinions@readthemike.com

MANAGING EDITOR Téana Graziani managingeditor@readthemike.com

ASSOCIATE OPINIONS EDITORa Chiara Brum Bozzi, Taylor Medeiros

BUSINESS MANAGER Rhonda Rathburn business@readthemike.com

by the Arts & Science Student Union (ASSU), stating that they hope the “administration upholds the principles that are present within [the current] Statement of Equity, Diversity, and Excellence and will not fall to the whims of those who seek to use freedom of speech as a vehicle to harm marginalized students on campus.”

FEATURES EDITOR Sara Alonzi features@readthemike.com

SPORTS EDITOR Michael Levin sports@readthemike.com PHOTO EDITOR Nazifa Tabassum ILLUSTRATION EDITOR Mathew Simoes COPY EDITORS M. Kalaczynski, Marie-Rose Domenichini, Mara Ng WEBSITE EDITOR Lucia Calcagno SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Noor Hasan OUTREACH DIRECTOR Josh Simpson

MANAGING ONLINE EDITOR Emily So

ARTS EDITOR Isabel Armiento arts@readthemike.com

SENIOR COPY EDITOR Jamie Stalcup

ASSOCIATE ARTS EDITOR Sana Mohsin

DELIVERY MANAGER Shane Beal

NEWS EDITOR Emily Barber news@readthemike.com

LOGOS EDITOR Natalia Bodnik logos@readthemike.com

ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITORS Amaial Mullick, Chiara Greco

SCIENCE & TECH EDITOR Jaron Goldin science@readthemike.com

CONTRIBUTORS Aloysius Wong, Stephanie Jensen, Hootan Ghaffarisaravi, Nicholas Poulimenakos, Samantha Parmasar, Sara Imran, Thandi Myers, Alexis Motschall, Alessandra Imbrogno, Owen Brady, Bardia Besharat

DESIGN MANAGER Maya Bahoshy

FACULTY ADVISOR Randy Boyagoda COVER IMAGE Nazifa Tabassum VACANCIES Video Editor (1) The Mike has been the official student newspaper of the University of St. Michael’s College (USMC) since 1947. It is published bi-weekly, 12 times a year, with a circulation of 2,000, delivered to over 40 newsstands across U of T’s St. George campus.

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The Mike is published by The Mike Publications Inc. and printed by Master Web 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.

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NEWS

Website: readthemike.com Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: @readthemike

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Major Change in U of T Mental Health Policy A look at the controversial mandatory leave of absence policy Emily Barber NEWS EDITOR

Fall 2018 marks the beginning of a full school year under the University of Toronto’s (U of T) new mandatory leave of absence policy. As such, it is necessary to explore what this policy is, and the controversial 18-month journey it took to become a reality.

What is the policy?

On June 27, 2018, the revised policy was approved

by U of T’s Governing Council and was implemented immediately. This latest version of the mandatory leave of absence policy is intended as a last-resort measure for students who — due to extreme cases of mental illness — are at risk of harming themselves and/or others, or whose studies are being negatively impacted by mental illness.

“The policy states that a regulated health professional will be consulted as part of the consideration of a mandated leave of absence,” writes U of T Media Relations Interim Director Elizabeth Church. “[The policy] is to be applied in rare cases, only after accommodative measures have been unsuccessful, or the student has declined those measures.” These measures include an option for students to take a voluntary leave of absence.

Church further elaborated on the intent of the policy.

“It is designed to give the University a way to respond that is not punitive to concerning behaviour that is believed to be a result of serious mental health or other issues,” she maintains. “The policy emphasizes that the mandated leave of absence is not to be punitive.”

Use of the policy is at the discretion of the university-appointed administrator known as the Vice-Provost.

The decision to put a student on mandatory leave is in consultation with the head of the student’s faculty, an appointed Student Case Manager, a regulated mental health professional, and a Student Support Team. This Support Team can include student service representatives, registrational personnel, additional medical professionals, academic administrators, equity officers, campus safety personnel, and Campus Police.

In urgent cases such as those involving serious threats or violent behaviour, the Vice-Provost can immediately remove the student from the university without going through the normal process of securing a mandated leave of absence. Such an action can be effective for up to five business days.

According to the official version of the policy published by the Governing Council, “the goal of the University is that the student can resume academic activities safely and with a reasonable prospect of engaging in the basic activities required to pursue an education at the University.”

The controversy explained There has been much debate surrounding the installation of this policy and its potential consequences.

The policy took 18 months of revisions and consultations, and concerns are still being raised about how it will affect students.

On January 29, 2018, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) strongly recommended that the policy not be allowed to go through in the form it was in at the time. A letter from Chief Commissioner Renu Mandhane was sent to the Chair of the Governing Council pointing to numerous issues and potential human rights concerns that arose from the policy at the time.

Among those concerns was, under the old policy, de-

cisions were made by university administrators with no special training in human rights or risk assessment instead of experts specifically trained in human rights, risk assessment, or mental illness.

“The risk assessment must be based on objective evidence (such as a medical assessment) and cannot be based on subjective views (that may be informed by stereotype),” Mandhane writes. “Ultimately, the decision to exclude a student from school due to alleged health and safety risk without sufficient objective evidence, and without meeting the undue hardship standard set out in the Code, may constitute discrimination.”

Another key concern highlighted by Mandhane was the lack of assistance the policy had for students that pose a threat to themselves or others. “The policy appears to allow the University to immediately put the student on leave and withdraw essential services (housing, health, and counselling services) at a time when the student is in crisis and most in need of support,” he writes. “This approach is not consistent with the policy’s intent of preventing harm.”

One day after the OHRC letter was sent, recommendation of the policy was withdrawn from the agenda of the University Affairs Board according to the policy timeline released by the Governing Council.

Student concerns and comments The Scarborough Campus Students’ Union (SCSU) were among those that raised issues with the draft of the policy that has been approved. On May 15, 2018, a letter to the Vice-Provost Students Office detailed a number of problems SCSU still saw in the policy despite its OHRC-recommended revisions. Notably, SCSU saw the current version as still limiting the role of medical professionals.

“The proposed policy allows for these important assessments and decisions to be made by the administration who do not have the necessary training,” SCSU writes. “As outlined by the OHRC, this is problematic because it discredits the importance of medical expertise in a policy rooted in perceived good health.”

Another issue SCSU identified was the effect on students outside of education. “There is no guarantee of a students’ access to resources including, but not limited to, campus healthcare services, emergency housing, and work-study positions,” SCSU writes.

“Access to healthcare, housing, and employment are key social determinants of health which can be jeopardized by the implementation and invocation of this policy.”

An online student consultation platform that ran from April 26 to May 16, 2018, revealed mixed views on the policy. According to a feedback report from the Governing Council, a number of students “feel strongly that such a policy is not necessary and rather greater resources should be put into campus support

services.” Comments were also received regarding a “perceived lack of consultation and the limited time to provide comments in the latest round.”

The revised version was re-introduced to the University Affairs Board on May 24, 2018, for recommendation.

When the revised policy was approved by the Governing Council on June 27, 2018, The Varsity reported that the signing of the policy prompted demonstrations by students from all three U of T campuses, Ryerson University, and York University. Nour Alideeb, Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Student– Ontario (CFS–Ontario), was also in attendance.

In the same article, The Varsity references U of T’s 2018–19 operating budget. “The $1.5 million allocations [for mental health services] make up approximately 0.06 percent of the university’s $2.68 billion budget.”

Another article from The Varsity published September 10, 2018, recounts one student’s mental health struggles, the misgivings they have about the effectiveness of the policy, and the potential for abuse of power on the university’s part.

One particular concern this student had was the policy’s stipulation that in order to get off mandatory leave, a student has to apply 30 days before the start of the semester. Failure to do so may result in the university terminating the student’s registration. The student pointed out that in their case, 30 days before the start of the semester would have been too far in advance to determine their readiness, and, had the policy been in place at the time, could have jeopardized their degree.

Looking forward University spokesman Liz Church addressed the use of the policy in 2018.

“Because the policy went into effect recently, we don’t have statistics to share,” she says. “But out of more than 90,000 students at U of T, we expect the policy to be used a few times a year.”

Church maintains that the installation of the policy has not stopped the conversation about its use. “We are going to continue to meet with student leaders, to talk about the policy, to work together on this issue, and to make sure we do everything we can to support students who are going through serious health, mental health, or personal issues.”

The current version of the policy does address the flaws pointed out by the Ontario Human Rights Commission, and attempts to meet the concerns brought up by students. Use of the policy this year will determine whether these revisions will be sufficient in meeting student needs as well as avoiding discrimination and human rights violations.

The University of Toronto’s Governing Council boardroom. U of T.

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Editor-in-Chief Aaron Panciera editorinchief@readthemike.com

Issue 1 At A Glance...

For our main feature this issue, Editor-in-Chief Aaron Panciera details the rise of “hate speech” in North American society and explains why universities must take a stand against the innacuracies inherent in this form of expression (pages 8 and 9).

In News, we cover U of T’s newly approved mandatory leave of absence policy (page 3), U of T’s mandate to develop a new freedom of speech policy (page 2), and a Hart House panel on Doug Ford’s first 100 days as Premier of Ontario (page 5).

In Arts, you’ll find a review of Heathers: The Musical at Hart House and the 2018 Emmy Awards (page 6), as well as the top five movies shown at TIFF this year (page 7).

Our Opinions section contains a Letter from the Editor (page 10), how the new sex-ed curriculum fails students (page 10), and an article on our society’s misuse of time (page 10).

In Logos, a contributor writes about her experience participating in the Padre Pio pilgrimage (page 12). In Science & Tech, we have an article exploring the mysteries of dark matter (page 13). In Sports, we update you on 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garropolo’s injury (page 14).

In Features, we give readers our tips for first-year students (page 15), along with an international student’s guide to Toronto (page 16).

Find all this and more, inside!

Calling all USMC students!

As you may have read in our paper, on readthemike.com, or on newsstands around campus, The Mike is by students and for students. We want this paper to represent you, and be your voice at our university.

We offer Staff Columnist tags to any USMC student who contributes to three of our 12 issues this year. Columnist status entitles you to voting rights in next year’s masthead elections and will even net you a CCR credit!

No prior newspaper writing experience is required, and there’s no application to fill out. All you need to do is email either opinions@readthemike.com or editorinchief@readthemike.com and tell us what’s on your mind; we’d be happy to hear from you. If you’ve got something to say, just speak into The Mike.

EDITORIAL

The Ford Clause

Mathew Simoes ILLUSTRATION EDITOR

NEWS

News Editor Emily Barber news@readthemike.com

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Ford’s First 100 Days Hart House debate raises questions of City Council, education, income Aloysius Wong CONTRIBUTOR The Hart House Debates and Dialogue Committee hosted a recent debate on the first 100 days since Premier Doug Ford and his government took office.

It featured a packed audience and a qualified panel: Deb Matthews, Former Deputy Premier; Kory Teneycke, Campaign Manager for the Progressive Conservatives; Jaime Watt, an expert in government relations and public affairs; and Tiffany Gooch, a public affairs consultant. Natasha Yard moderated the debate.

Compared to its predecessor last year — which discussed Trudeau hitting the halfway mark of his term — this debate was much livelier and had more diversity on stage, both of identity and of opinion. While the consensus on last year’s panel was of lukewarm support for Trudeau, opinions about Ford and his cabinet were much more distinct.

Matthews — a former Liberal campaign co-chair — largely emphasized the negatives of these first few weeks. She pointed out that this is the most homogeneous cabinet Ontario has seen in years. In terms of Ford himself, she outlined how he canceled reforms on how much and how we teach Indigenous history and culture, the new sex-ed curriculum, the abandoning of the Universal Basic Income (UBI) pilot project, and partnerships to sponsor refugees.

Watt had a very different outlook; in fact, cross-talk between him and Matthews took up much of the event. He directly argued against Matthews’ points about the UBI pilot, alluding to its im-

plementation and failure in Venezuela and how providing such a supplement would incentivize laziness. Matthews responded with the evidence-based work that has reduced poverty, particularly among youth, and defended the people who were promised the funds but had now “[had] the rug pulled under them again.” She also added that the idea was first put forward by Conservative Senator Hugh Segal as a way to create a better society where everyone can have the same base quality of life. Teneycke and Gooch chimed in periodically about such policy changes, but comparatively less than Watt and Matthews.

Questions about the government’s response to the environment — particularly cutting the cap and trade system — were much more varied. Gooch and Matthews argued that it was irresponsible for the government to repeal a system that reduced emissions, regulated the market, and created jobs without implementing an alternative. Meanwhile, Teneycke and Watt defended the decision — or at least accepted it as a rational one — stating that it was

blogTO

unclear how effective cap and trade was at reducing emissions and how many jobs could actually be attributed to it.

The controversial use of the notwithstanding clause for slashing City Council was another primary topic of the debate. Divisions here were along similar lines as the climate change question.

Watt argued that City Council takes a long time to make decisions, so the notwithstanding clause could be of positive use, while Teneycke pointed out that it was a legitimate and legal use of the constitution although unconventional. However, Teneycke did disavow patriarchal and misogynistic attacks against people such as Caroline Mulroney. Gooch particularly emphasized how some women who were running in the municipal elections may now face barriers from doing so because of the new ward divisions the clause would entail.

to defend the decision, stating that new discussions are underway that includes educators, researchers, and parents.

However, the reality for this academic year, at least, is that the curriculum is a return to the 1998 version.

Overall, this year’s debate was refreshing. There was noticeably more moderating from the Yard, to the point of actually cutting speakers and the questions short when they rambled. For instance, Gooch barely skimmed the surface about the reasons why she agreed with the privatization of cannabis — because, to paraphrase, she doesn’t trust the government to sell weed.

Regardless of opinion, Matthews put it succinctly: Ford’s new government has definitely shaken Ontarians out of their complacency.

During the question and answer session, one particularly poignant question drew attention to a paradoxical dichotomy concerning the Ontario education system. Under Ford, the government has implemented new free speech legislation that prevents censorship from post-secondary institutions at the risk of potentially creating platforms that are explicitly discriminatory to marginalized groups, despite the discomfort of many. Meanwhile, because of discomfort from groups of parents, it also repealed the recent sex-ed curriculum created by the Liberals. Watt attempted

U of T Professors Enact Laptop Ban Restrictions on electronics raise mixed opinions among student body Recently, many University of Toronto (U of T) professors have begun to enact electronics bans in their classes. Such bans are mostly targeted toward, but not limited to, laptops and placed at the discretion of the professor. Many students and organizations have actively expressed dissatisfaction with this new policy, on the grounds of how it affects their learning experience and that of others within the school. A number of questions raised regarding the no-electronics approach include how it may impede learning, the ramifications for accessibility, and if in truth it will facilitate a superior environment for learning.

The University of Toronto Students’ Union has even gone so far as to collect virtual feedback from students, encouraging them to join the pushback against these electronics bans. If you are an ac-

tive participant of the U of T community on social media, you may even see the occasional #SayNotoLaptopBan. Now that it is becoming a campus-wide debate, let us delve into the issues.

It is no surprise that there is a reliance on electronics within our generation, prevalent amongst all ages of students.

The norm in any given classroom has become students fiddling to place their laptops, rather than turning pages of a notebook. While some do remain fans of the orthodox note-taking method, most students have superseded this structure. They find that the use of electronics is an aid, especially when dealing with a number of various professors who have their own styles of teaching and pace.

Those who are for the ban have stated

Amaial Mullick ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR

that many times, students will use their laptops for entertainment while sitting in a lecture, therefore becoming a distraction for those around them. While this may be a reality, every student is entitled to choose what works for them, and those abusing this privilege should not be the reason for revocation. A student in a fourth-year economics course, Faizan Anjum, recounted the difficulties students who are not used to writing notes are facing due to the professor’s electronics ban, where he publicly calls out students due to the small class size.

Another worry is that of accessibilities, as there are many students who require electronics and the features they provide to not only take notes efficiently but to keep up with the class. While there are provisions made for students who have accessibilities, there are those

who have not been able to get these resources due to the university’s lag within Accessibility Services.

Additionally, there are other methods that professors can monitor student activity within class without denying students a resource which many rely upon.

One instance is a lecture where TAs were placed around the hall to observe if students were paying attention. While this may not be feasible for many professors, there are many options to be explored beyond taking laptops away from students, which may be seen as jeopardizing the acquisition of knowledge that the professors are aiming to promote in the first place.

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ARTS

Arts Editor Isabel Armiento arts@readthemike.com

2018 Emmy Awards: The Good, The Bad & The Awkward Not everybody was a winner at this year’s Emmy Awards Stephanie Jensen CONTRIBUTOR

The 70th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards premiered on September 17th. It was an eventful show, celebrating the best that TV has to offer. Here is a breakdown of the show into the good, the bad, and the just plain awkward.

Awkward: Opening Number The Monday night award show kicked off with an opening number about… something? The song titled, “We Solved It,” seemed unsure if it was social commentary about how far Hollywood still needs to go with regards to inclusion and workplace harassment or if it was mocking those very movements. Can a musical number be self-aware and still offensive at the same time? I’d say this one was. One redeeming quality: the lackluster hosts were left out of the intro.

Speaking of which…

Bad: The Hosts If I could sum up hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che in one word it would be: unmemorable. While there was not anything inherently wrong with them perse, they just were not particularly interesting, and their opening monologue read more like a throwaway “Weekend Update” SNL sketch than a celebration of TV’s most glamourous night. They also didn’t have the charm or edge to keep the crowd, or the energy to maintain the home audience’s attention throughout the (long) night.

Good: Onstage Proposal

repeat the sketch twice more. Yikes.

The award for most heartfelt moment goes to Glenn Weiss, who proposed to his girlfriend Jan Svendsen while taking the stage for the Outstanding Director for a Variety Special award. Not only did he shock her, but the audience as well, who alternated between loud gasps and gaping mouths (same, Leslie Jones), before erupting in applause and joyful tears when she took the stage with him and said, “Yes.”

Awkward: Diversity…?

Good: Betty White’s Standing Ovation There is a reason why Betty White is considered the First Lady of Television. She was present at the very first Emmy Awards back in 1948, so it is about time she was finally honoured! Her career has landed her eight Emmy Awards of her own, and made her a TV icon for decades. The standing ovation she received when she walked on stage was to be expected, but was heartwarming all the same.

Bad: Maya Rudolph & Fred Armisen Sketch What happens when you take a mundane SNL sketch and stick it in the middle of an award show? Apparently, this mess. Rudolph and Armisen are some of the best comedians active today, so I’m going to have to blame this one on the writers who subjected them to this sketch. The duo awkwardly delivered bits of Emmy Awards history (for which they were totall unprepared) making us all cringe, and then went on to

The show proudly celebrated the fact that this was the most diverse year ever for Emmy nominees. And they were right — which made it all the more awkward when the awards were handed out one by one to almost entirely white winners. Even James Corden commented on it when it was his turn to present, joking, “Let’s get it trending: #EmmysSoWhite.” Of course, there were a few diverse nominees who won, like Regina King for Seven Seconds and Thandie Newton for Westworld.

But maybe next time they should check the winner’s list before patting themselves on the back.

Good: First Time Winners Hollywood tends to be a fairly biased business, especially when it comes to awards; once you’ve won once, it is very likely that you will again (and again... and again). That made it so refreshing to see so many first time winners take the stage. From Matthew Rhys finally getting recognition for his work on The Americans, to Claire Foy getting some love for The Crown for her final season, to Darren Criss scoring his first nomination and win in the same night for his work on American Crime Story; it was admirable to see the Emmy Awards honour new and exciting talent.

Heathers: The Musical— a Night of Music, Mystery, and Murder The Hart House cast killed it with their first production of the 2018–19 season Isabel Armiento ARTS EDITOR Hart House’s rendition of Heathers: The Musical is a dazzling blend of feel-good teen drama and high-octane thriller that leaves the audience reeling. While the musical lacks the movie’s cool sultriness, injecting Heathers’ edginess with a shot of Broadway adrenaline, the Hart House cast manages to lend the show tunes a raw, gritty power to complement the over-the-top musical theatre humour.

For those seeking a night of pure feminine energy with a bit of murder sprinkled in, Heathers: The Musical is where you want to be.

Emma Sangalli, playing Veronica Sawyer, proves to be a powerhouse, carrying the show with her belting vibrato voice that can seemingly hit every conceivable note. Justan Myers, playing J.D., adds a much-needed dose of dangerous dreaminess, mixing suave with psychopath in a way that leaves the audience feeling vaguely worried about their attraction to the problematic character. Despite the leads’ spellbinding performances, it is

Mary Bowden who steals the show as ’80s icon Heather Chandler, with her honeyed soprano voice, impossibly long legs, impeccable queen-bee smirk, and uncanny ability to cast evil in a glamourous light.

Scott Gorman / Hart House

Heathers: The Musical buzzes with the thrill of femininity from the moment the Heathers strut onstage, the silhouettes of their colour-coordinated outfits dramatically cloaked in

smoke. Between Heather Chandler’s cutting one-liners responsible for her reputation of “mythic bitch” — “I’m like oxygen, I’m everywhere” — and Veronica’s epic seduction of J.D. to the tune of “Dead Girl Walking” — the audience is blessed with a rare portrayal of a girl losing her virginity while remaining fiercely dominant — Heathers: The Musical will awaken your inner queen, albeit in a somewhat disturbing way. Though the show is heavy on high-intensity drama, there is also a dark humour that winds its way through the script. The audience whooped with laughter throughout songs such as “My Dead Gay Son,” a strangely upbeat ditty that culminates in an ensemble of dancers dressed like the Village People, a waving rainbow flag, and a steamy makeout scene between the play’s two biggest homophobes.

In addition to stellar singing and acting, the show’s production value is truly impressive. The live band adds a haunting beauty to the music

and sound-mixing under Jonathan Corkal’s musical directing, and the choreography is effortlessly fabulous.

The set is mesmerizing; a series of crisply made staircases in shades of bright purple and red frame the backdrop, a large screen that changes with the scene’s tone. There is a frenzy of wildly changing fluorescent colours when Veronica has a self-revelatory moment, and a blue screen of static with video game-esque text that reads, “Game Over,” during an especially nihilistic J.D. scene. If your mood this fall is something along the lines of, “Well, fuck me gently with a chainsaw,” Hart House’s Heathers: The Musical will be perfect for you.

Heathers: The Musical is playing at Hart House Theatre from September 21st to October 6th. Tickets are $15 for students and only $12 on Wednesday evenings.

ARTS

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The Top Five Films from TIFF 2018 A guide to the highlights of this year’s TIFF Nicholas Poulimenakos CONTRIBUTOR The 2018 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has come and gone, but this year’s festival showcased some truly spectacular films. The biggest festival of its nature in North America has established itself as one of the major highlights of the movie-going calendar and has become a definite forerunner for awards season. TIFF welcomed films of all kinds from across the globe, but now that the dust has settled, who emerged at the top of the pack? Read on to see The Mike’s picks for TIFF 2018’s five best films!

for an Oscar nomination. The chemistry between the two leads is unimpeachable, and the way Cooper and his writers translated the natural emotions encompassed through each character onto the screen is incredible. 2018’s A Star Is Born is clearly the best of the story’s cinematic adaptations and offers an intense emotional journey from start to finish.

2. First Man From director Damien Chazelle and screenwriter Josh Singer comes the biopic for the man who embarked on the most dangerous mission in human history — Neil Armstrong. What makes this film stand apart from the rest is that it is less concerned with delivering a heroic portrayal of the 1969 moon landing and instead chronicles the tale of the man the way he saw himself. Going to the moon was not glamourous. Chazelle viciously showcases the horrors that came with the USA taking on this mission, drawing attention to how Neil often had to deal with friends dying at the hands of NASA’s trials. While the audience already knows the film’s ending, Chazelle is constantly pushing the envelope, forcing you to ask, “Was it worth it?” In the eyes of Neil, who accomplished the mission, yes it was — it was a defining and beautiful moment in Earth’s history. We see that America did land on the moon, but First Man makes sure that we respect the journey it took to get there.

5. Roma Just before it premiered to Toronto audiences, director Alfonso Cuarón’s semi-autobiographical drama Roma won the Venice Film Festival’s top prize — the Golden Lion. The Netflix feature found comparable levels of eagerness from TIFF critics, with the black-and-white drama inspired by Cuarón’s own childhood being named a runner-up in the festival’s Grolsch People’s Choice Awards. Cuarón wrote, directed, and acted as cinematographer for Roma, and the film was clearly Netflix’s standout at the festival, signalling Netflix’s breakthrough to the path of Hollywood legitimacy as it stakes its claim for the 2019 Academy Awards.

Roma. TIFF Press Centre.

A Star is Born. TIFF Press Centre.

3. Widows Widows marks 12 Years a Slave-director Steve McQueen’s first film in five years. The film, which he co-wrote with Gone Girl’s Gillian Flynn, is a psychosomatically multifaceted thriller that balances several genre elements with a beautifully fleshed out cast. It is a film that is in no way lacking action and brutal violence, but where McQueen’s feature shines is through its titular widows, who suffer deep emotional turmoil but set out on the film’s voyage together. With themes of loss, treachery, and consequence being prevalent throughout, the film builds upon layer after layer, exploiting the heist genre as a way to deeply observe fragmented relationships. McQueen created a film in Widows that illustrates why movie-goers fell in love with thrillers, but also manages to subvert expectations, allowing for the story to evolve beyond what audiences expect to see.

First Man. TIFF Press Centre.

1. Beautiful Boy Without a doubt my favourite film from TIFF, Beautiful Boy is both a heartbreaking and imperative viewing experience.

Chronicling the life of a meth addict and the impact it has on his family, the film acts as a message to all who are suffering: you are not alone. There are moments when you sympathize with both Nic (the addict) and his father David, who wants only to help his son through this pain. This is a story that transcends cinema, achieving a truly relatable feeling.

At some point in most people’s lives, they will experience the power of addiction and Beautiful Boy does not shy away from anything. With powerful performances, incredible set design, and a story that will tug on every heartstring, Beautiful Boy ranks as the best film to come out of TIFF 2018.

4. A Star Is Born Not only was it one of the most talked about films at the festival, it also went on to become one of the most acclaimed.

Bradley Cooper’s reboot of the classic Hollywood story, A Star Is Born, came to TIFF straight off a surreal debut at the Venice Film Festival. Arriving in Toronto, the film proved to be enticing to many and cemented Cooper’s standing as a versatile actor and an aspiring director. The film’s true star, however, proved to be Lady Gaga, who garnered universal acclaim in her debut role, with some critics calling

Windows. TIFF Press Centre.

How a Napkin Can Inspire a Building The history of the ROM’s modern architecture Hootan Ghaffarisaravi CONTRIBUTOR It was a warm Saturday in June 2007 when our city’s largest museum had a street party to unveil its latest architectural innovation. High-ranking political officials and idols from Canadian pop culture attended the bright event to mark the beginning of the Royal Ontario Museum’s (ROM) Crystal Age. This era was dedicated to the newly constructed series of interlocking geometric crystals that form a massive portion of the museum. Against the backdrop of Toronto’s cityscape, the Michael Lee-Chin crystal became the newest addition to Toronto’s architectural history.

ROM Café where Daniel Libeskind, the crystal’s architect, toured the exhibits in the building. Shortly after, Libeskind sketched away on a napkin, outlining the design that would serve as the inspiration for the structure today. He was quoted later as saying, “Why should one expect the new addition to the ROM to be ‘business as usual’? Architecture in our time is no longer an introvert’s business. On the contrary, the creation of communicative, stunning, and unexpected architecture signals a bold re-awakening of the civic life of the museum and the city.”

With the ROM being North America’s fifth largest museum, its new modernized design truly made it look the part. Made of 25% glass and 75% metal, the structure became a downtown Toronto icon.

The skeleton was formed from 3,500 tons of steel and 38 tons of bolts, and cement was poured into it to hold the shape. Prior to the grand opening, Libeskind said in an interview that, “Architecture at its deepest sense is about creating space that has never been there, and giving people a kind of vista… as if one would see the city in a different way through this new space.”

In 1914, before the ROM had those famous giant crystals growing out of it, people went to the museum only to experience dark halls and hidden treasures inside a massive stone building. While there were renovations that took place up until 2002, nothing truly connected the museum to the quickly modernizing city or offered easy access between its exhibits. The old building was arguably more popular for the weddings held inside it than the spirit of the museum itself. Yet, it was a family wedding that took place in the 2000s at the

The message behind this napkin was clear to him from the start. By pushing boundaries and connecting people to the city through accessible walkways and magnificent shapes, Toronto’s museum was kept in the spotlight. Such innovation came to fruition after Michael Lee-Chin, a philanthropist with a love for arts and history, donated $30 million to the ROM. This earned him a place in the city’s history as the namesake for the famous Michael Lee-Chin Crystal.

Out of 50 firms that were interested in designing the ROM’s new look, the former musician-turnedarchitect whose napkin drawing became the massive crystal structure that we know today was chosen to handle a $30-million donation from a rich lover of history and arts. In this way, even though it was Michael Lee-Chin’s name and funds that gave rise to the structures, it was Libeskind’s café napkin and his skillful imagination that truly brought such a project to life.

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FEATURE

Editor-in-Chief Aaron Panciera editorinchief@readthemike.com

Higher Education’s Free Speech Crisis Why universities can and must stop the spread of mainstream hate speech Aaron Panciera EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Universities are facing a free-speech crisis.

Since the Vietnam War era, when students at universities such as the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) championed their right to speak their minds, the freedom we have known to be our birthright has transformed into something our grandparents could have never fathomed. It has led to the rise of public intellectuals such as Ben Shapiro, Richard Spencer, and, to a certain degree, David Duke. We are now living in the era of free speech versus hate speech.

I’d rather beat you in a debate hall than a this reason. This test essentially states that wrestling ring. But you did this to yourselves, freedom of speech should be curtailed if and you deserve what’s coming.” it poses a clear and immediate danger to others. Yiannopoulos’ use of America’s Hate speech is not a new phenomenon in First Amendment poses a clear and often Western civilization. Joseph McCarthy used immediate danger. It is also necessary to this tactic to gain political favour during make the distinction between public and the Red Scare, and the Klu Klux Klan (KKK) private speech. What is said in private has been practicing hate speech for over conversation can rarely be determined as a century now. David Duke, the infamous posing a clear and immediate danger. Public KKK Grand Wizard, was so popular that he statements, however, are a different story. won a seat on the Louisiana State House of One cannot control the audience of public Representatives. However, Western liberal statements. This is especially the case since democracy has never seen a hate speech we now live in the internet era, where the movement with anywhere near the national primary platform of mainstream intellectual support such as is the case today in the discourse is social media.

Trump era. Donald Trump has proven that hate speech can be utilized by even the most incompetent and underqualified of men as a leverage to uncompromising power. Internet personalities such as Yiannopoulos, Coulter, and now Jordan Peterson, have ridden this wave of hate speech popularized and perfected by Trump to newfound celebrity.

While none of these individuals are President of the United States, power lies in one’s ability to influence a population. Yiannopoulos, Coulter, and Peterson are doing exactly that: influencing a population.

Perhaps the most prominent purveyor of hate speech on campus in 2018 is Milo Yiannopoulos, former Senior Editor at the alt-right publication Breitbart and selfproclaimed “most fabulous supervillain on the internet.” In the fall of 2017, Yiannopoulos was to headline an event known as “Free Speech Week” on the UC Berkeley campus, organized by right-wing campus publication the Berkeley Patriot. While this event was canceled due to poor organization on behalf of the Berkeley Patriot and a lack of commitment from key speakers such as Steve Bannon and Ann Coulter, this was not Yiannopoulos’ only endeavour to fight free speech, or more specifically, to use freedom of speech as a tool to incite violence against However, the line between hate speech and those who disagree with him. free speech is incredibly vague. In fact, all Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. Wiki those who have made a living off of hate speech would argue that they are in fact protecting a fundamental North American The nature of public rhetoric in the internet age value: free speech. gives these public figures an unprecedented platform not just for the spread of ideas, but The truth is that Yiannopoulos is right — the for public feedback, support, and rejection rhetoric he drives is, at its fundamental core, of such ideas. Social media promotes free speech. Freedom of speech, according groupthink usually reserved for incredibly to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is simply “the unique situations. History has seen this type The Daily Dot legal right to express one’s opinions freely.” of groupthink before in fascist Italy and Nazi This right is protected under both the Bill of Germany following the disproportionate Yiannopoulos’ most lasting impact, however, Rights in the United States and the Charter of effects of the Great Depression on these lies not in his commitment to the intellectual Rights and Freedoms in Canada. At its core, two nations. However, these economic movement against the suppression of free hate speech is free speech. This is inherently factors do not apply to North American speech but instead in his role in the Capital problematic, as it muddies the line between society today. While economic and social Gazette shooting in Annapolis, Maryland, on an unpopular opinion and hate speech that anxiety are absolutely prevalent in today’s June 28, 2018. While he himself played no is detrimental to public discourse. Examples society, Canada and the United States are direct role in the shooting, his brand had an such as those from Yiannopoulos are pretty not ravaged by war or depression. While undeniably visible impact on the psyche of clear cases of hate speech, as he explicitly equality movements do disrupt the historical the assailant. Two days before the shooting, calls for violence against a group of people, power dynamics of North American society he spoke to a journalist at The New York in this case against “progressives,” as a — the world is being dominated by white Observer, saying, “I can’t wait for the means to an end. In the case of personalities males less and less — these conditions are vigilante squads to start gunning journalists such as Peterson, however, this distinction gradual and do not incite the same extreme down on sight.” He then doubled down on becomes significantly less clear. desperation as does starvation and war. his call to murder journalists, telling Mediaite, “If journalists keep lying, deceiving, and If hate speech is inherently free speech, at Taking all of these factors, or lack thereof, manipulating the public, then they will reap what point does this speech necessitate into consideration, it is logical to conclude the same hatred they are sowing against censoring? Former American Supreme Court that the onus of the rise in the popularity [President Donald] Trump and his voters. Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. established of hate speech is on social media. Before Truthfully I take no pleasure in the prospect: the ‘clear and present danger’ test for exactly the invention and the exponential rise in

FEATURE popularity of social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, the ability for one’s statement to reach millions of people within days was reserved to a select few. American Presidents and Canadian Prime Ministers held this platform, but the speeches they gave that reached these audiences were carefully crafted and proofread by writers and aides. Public statements, in essence, were reserved for those who understood the gravity of their words.

This is no longer the case. Children can now carry this platform. Shortly after winning the presidential election, Trump retweeted a post reading, “Pathetic — you have no sufficient evidence that Donald Trump did not suffer from voter fraud, shame! Bad reporter.” The account of which this was originally posted was that of a 16-year-old kid from Beverly Hills, and after Trump retweeted this, his tweet was seen by Trump’s 10s of millions of followers, as well as anyone who regularly follows the news. If Twitter gave a high school student the platform to reach that many people, what can it do for a much more socially and politically adept adult such as Jordan Peterson?

Before Peterson became an internet personality, and, in the words of The New York Times columnist David Brooks, “the most influential public intellectual in the Western world right now,” he was known almost exclusively in the academic world as an accomplished psychologist. Then, in 2016, he became an overnight celebrity with his YouTube video concerning the lack of legitimacy regarding special gender pronouns, among other similar topics. While this video was incredibly controversial at the time, it was conventional in the sense that this was not a new argument, and YouTube at this point had become a pretty typical medium for academics to express opinions that were unrelated to their field of study.

How Peterson’s internet personality evolved, however, was anything but.

Website: readthemike.com Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: @readthemike

(really) who celebrated the shutdown of our Ryerson talk: studying business…” along with a link to the student’s Facebook profile. At least one of these students was the target of considerable harassment at the hands of Peterson’s “fans.”

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this speech does not present a clear and immediate danger, and therefore passes.

But is it not still wrong? Many would argue that this discourse is incredibly dangerous to the rights of women, including the fundamental right to life and liberty. More importantly, This presented a clear and immediate danger however, is that this statement is completely to this student’s well-being, and Peterson devoid of fact. is directly responsible. By branding these students as enemies of his movement, and Universities, historically, have been vital to consequently posting links to their Facebook understanding each citizen’s right to free pages, he left these students to the mercy speech. The onus is now on universities of those that will listen to his every word, to make sure that ideas that stem from those whose anger he effectively cultivated this speech have used factual evidence into a movement. Actions such as these to support the argument. We cannot stifle should result in legal consequences for the opinions. What we can do is point out the offending party. inaccuracies in those arguments that we see as harmful to society.

However, this example of speech that clearly does not pass the ‘clear and present danger’ However, this has already been done. test is rare. What separates Peterson from Many publications, politicians, and informed peers such as Yiannopoulos is that, while citizens have attempted to use fact and what he says is clearly hateful and often reason in vain. The problem is not in the derogatory, it is unclear if this presents argument, but who says the argument. It immediate danger. is easy to dismiss publications as being “fake news,” politics as being biased, and individuals as being ignorant. However, universities foster an influence like no other entity in North American society. Universities provide some of the most groundbreaking research in every academic discipline. The public intellectuals we chastise tend to have university degrees. These individuals have been, and still are, shaped by universities in a way they are not by other people or organizations.

For too long, universities have been neutral on debates regarding free speech for fear of stifling their students’, faculty’s, and staff’s right to free speech. While it is not the university’s place to speak out on Wiki ideologies, it is the university’s place to speak out on factual inaccuracies in these In April, Alek Minassian killed 10 people arguments. When Peterson says that the lack by intentionally hitting them with his van. of a girlfriend or wife in a man’s life leads to He was part of a group calling themselves acts of violence, the university should point “incels,” short for “involuntary celibates,” to reports that almost half of all murdered who believe women should be viewed as women are killed by their partners. When Jordan Peterson’s rise to internet stardom sexual objects. Following this, Peterson Peterson condemns and doxxes student evolved significantly after a video railing advocated for “forced monogamy” because, protesters, the university needs to take a against political correctness went viral. If as he believed, this attack could have been public stance that student protests are also anything, his public ideology has become prevented if Minassian had a partner. a form of free speech. more controversial, and in turn has diminished the quality of the public discourse he intends “He was angry at God because women Hate speech is difficult to define, and even to moderate. He has abandoned legitimate were rejecting him,” Peterson told The New more difficult to prosecute. Fact, however, academic arguments for debating, and York Times. “The cure for that is enforced holds imminent truth. The answer to this attacking, “weak-minded” liberals. monogamy. That’s actually why monogamy rise in hate speech is not restrictions on free emerges.” speech. Dissonance should instead come Some of his speech constitutes a clear from where the idea of free speech as a and immediate danger to those he directs This statement is clearly erroneous and fundamental right was popularized. It should it toward. In October 2017, Peterson untrue; the terrorist attack is not the fault of be pronounced from the one institution posted links to the Facebook profiles of women refusing to have sex with Minassian, North America deems to be the purveyor of two students who were instrumental in and women do not enter into monogamous fact and truth. Universities need to condemn organizing a protest against an event at relationships to prevent violence from men. ignorance to fact. Universities need to Ryerson University called “The Stifling of These statements contribute to the toxic condemn hate speech.

Free Speech on University Campuses,” at masculinity, and the belief that being born which Peterson was scheduled to speak. male entitles you to anything, which has The event was canceled in August 2017. One eroded equality movements and women’s of his tweets read, “One of the communists general right to well-being. However,

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OPINIONS

Opinions Editor Iulia Dragos opinions@readthemike.com

Editorial:

St. Mike’s Must Take Action New year, same problems. Going into my third year at the University of St. Michael’s College (USMC), this has been one of the few consistencies throughout my time here.

With this space, I was hoping to reflect upon the revival of the St. Michael’s College Student Union (SMCSU) and the fantastic year we had at The Mike last year.

Sadly, recent events have proved to be a more vital use of this letter than patting ourselves on the back.

During my first year, USMC students witnessed as it’s student union faced abrogation following Islamophobic snapchat videos by former SMCSU Vice-President Kevin Vando. The videos featured former SMCSU Councilor Sara Gonsalves reading from Islam for Dummies and singing “would you be my Muslim boy.”

During my second year, then-President David Mulroney made some highly questionable statements to the World Catholic Association for Communication at a conference in Québec City. At the conference, Mulroney described USMC as having a degenerate culture centred around partying and binge drinking. This was followed by an open letter, signed by 22 USMC professors, librarians, and administrators, which accused Mulroney of using the conference to “stigmatize” students.

The 2017-2018 school year had begun with the recent revelation that Registrarial Assistant Philip HicksMalloy has been using his social media to propagate hateful ideology of women and Muslims, among oth-

ers. While everyone has the right to their own personal opinions and, to a greater extent, their own personal life separate from their work, this recent news is both disheartening and embarrassing. It is one thing to disagree with Kathleen Wynne’s policies. It is another to call her a “whore bitch” on a platform accessible and viewable by all students.

By posting on a public social media page, your comments are no longer private. By posting on social media, your comments follow you through all aspects of your life, including work. This is a man tasked with assisting all USMC students. Muslims and women at USMC are part of this student body. These comments make me question whether Hicks-Malloy is up to the task of giving fair and equal treatment to everyone in our student body.

Frankly, I do not know whether his personal beliefs affect his work. That in itself is a problem. As tuitionpaying USMC students, we need to know for certain that all faculty and staff at the college will treat all students equally.

While USMC officials have been quick to condemn Hicks-Malloy’s comments, they have been publicly inactive regarding Hicks-Malloy’s status as a USMC employee. In a statement to The Varsity, USMC President David Sylvester said, “St. Michael’s takes seriously its responsibilities to ensure that all USMC community members conduct themselves professionally at all times.”

However, actions speak louder than words, and USMC needs to take action. USMC has been silent on the matter since The Varsity article was published in mid-September, and Hicks-Malloy is still listed as an employee under the USMC staff directory. The administration need to be clear with their student body about what their plan of action is and why they are taking such action.

Our students deserve better. Our students cannot wonder whether their regsitrar is going to treat them fairly; they need to be confident that college services will not discriminate against them based on gender, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. The only way to instill this confidence in the student body is by dismissing Hicks-Malloy as a USMC employee, as well as all those who publicly use this disgusting language.

In his last Annual Report to Collegium, former USMC President David Mulroney stressed hiring employees that will “take USMC into the future.” It is now up to the administration to determine if Hicks-Malloy is the type of employee that will take USMC into the future.

Yours truly, your 2018-2019 Editor-in-Chief, Aaron Panciera

Calling all USMC Students!

As you may have read in our paper, on readthemike.com, or on newsstands around campus, The Mike is by students and for students. We want this paper to respresent you, and be your voice at our university.

Our Opinions section is the perfect way to get your voice heard. We’re always welcoming of students who want a platform to discuss the issues important to them.

Do you think Stranger Things doesn’t deserve all the hype it gets? Want to defend your new raw vegan diet? Are you disillusioned with your department’s diminishing career options? Tells us about it, and we’ll tell everyone we can.

We offer Staff Columnist tags to any USMC student who contributes to three of our issues this year. Columnist status entitles you to voting rights in next year’s masthead elections and will even net you a CCR credit!

No prior writing experience is required, and there’s no application to fill out. All you need to do is email either opinions@readthemike.com or editorinchief@readthemike. com and tell us what’s on your mind; we’d be happy to hear from you.

If you’ve got something to say, just speak into The Mike

Volume LXXI By students, for students.

OPINIONS

Website: readthemike.com Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: @readthemike

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Time to Think

A look into the ways time is being used and abused today Chiara Brum Bozzi ASSOCIATE OPINIONS EDITOR

Time management. A phrase likely drilled into every university student’s head by the time their foot passes the threshold of any lecture room. Balancing schoolwork, readings, exercise, work, sleep, and the golden hours: free time. This free time, hours within which our individuality, happiness, and escapes reside, is now flooded with the use of electronics and apps that often make us less happy. As everyday life seems to be moving faster due to our technological age, the use of time has gone beyond its initial function as a tool of survival (when to harvest crops, when to get ready for winter) and is now a means to an end: money.

Everyone knows the saying, “Time is money,” but I’m not entirely sure everyone understands how erroneous it is to equate the two. This saying implies that time and money are equally valuable things, with time being an accessory of the money-making process, and not as something indisputably more valuable in itself. As people work more, albeit in higher-paying jobs, they lose their free time. It becomes a constant cycle of losing time to make money and later using that money to enjoy free time. This isn’t the reality for everyone, though. Some people, or rather millions of people all over the world, must work hours that would be highly illegal in North America, every day of their lives to barely stay afloat.

In the business world, the maximum amount of output in the minimum amount of time is ideal. However, this ideal isn’t exactly reflected in the lives of those at the bottom of the chain. They must work fast of course, yielding a high amount of product, but they don’t stop.

They don’t get breaks or free time. In 2010, controver-

sy arose surrounding Chinese production companies connected to Apple. You’ll notice on the back of every iPhone, the inscription “Made in China.” The workers in these factories in China are forced to put parts together at a high speed, and must do so without error.

Failing to do so often results in public humiliation. As a result of these high-stress conditions, a reported 18 employees attempted suicide that year. The threats of suicide became so many that the factory belonging to the company Foxconn installed nets, so as to catch anyone attempting to jump from the building.

The products these people make for a fraction of the retail price later invade our homes, disrupt our relationships, and rob us of our free time. The time that would be so precious to those plagued with constant labour, we look for ways to waste and ‘kill.’

Dion Boucicault, an Irish playwright and actor cleverly puts it this way: “Men talk of killing time, while time quietly kills you.”

I don’t mention this to shame Apple-product owners. I am one, too. I simply wish to cast light on the different ways in which these same products create a spectrum of disappointment and sadness. In China, people suffer such emotional pain that they decide to end their lives. In North America, we allow these devices to take away the time we could be using to enrich ourselves, thus making ourselves unhappy. It comes full circle.

Upon looking for a way to explain this practically without mentioning platitudes such as, “Do what makes you happy,” or, “Money can’t buy happiness,” I intend to show you. I came across a TED talk offered by Adam

Alter in 2017, wherein he talks about the effect screens have on our happiness. He asked people how they felt using apps that generally enrich our lives, including: relaxation, exercise, weather, reading, education, and health. They had positive reviews. Then, he asked about apps that often flood our brains with useless information: dating, social networking, gaming, entertainment, news, and web browsing. They held negative feelings. What he found was astounding: people spend an average of three times as much time on the apps that make them less happy than the ones that make them happy. This is where time management comes in.

It can be extremely exhausting just looking at a schedule and mustering the motivation to create one and stick to it. Motivational speakers and even articles such as this one can make it seem like you’re not a wellbalanced person if you don’t reserve time for physical activity, work, school, meal preparation, or do your laundry when you’re supposed to. This is not what I’m trying to say. Finding time for all that is great, but what really extends your amount of time on Earth, Psychologist Susan Pinker found, is social integration. Actual social integration. Not false positivity, not scheduling every hour of your day, definitely not spending all your free time on social media, but real social integration, doing the things you love with the people you love.

While Nike, a company that uses the same production techniques I mentioned above that I refuse to endorse, has at least one thing right, their slogan; “Just do it.”

Why the Provincial Government Has Failed Students Ontario youth resist Ford’s rollback of the sex-ed curriculum Iulia Dragos OPINIONS EDITOR

In a press release this summer, Premier Doug Ford said the following in regards to the creation of the “snitch line” for those teachers who defied the rollback of the sex-ed curriculum: “We will not tolerate anybody using our children as pawns for grandstanding and political games. And, make no mistake, if we find somebody failing to do their job, we will act.”

to keep children in a bubble. Now more than ever, there is less of a filter as to what children can view. For example, earlier last year there was a surge in YouTube parody videos which used popular cartoon shows as clickbait for younger kids. These seemingly innocuous videos displayed gruesome themes that were clearly inappropriate for child audiences.

The biggest mistake that Ford made in saying this is underestimating that the children of today are in fact involved in the political environment — much to his dismay and aggressive denial of reality. Indeed, students all over Ontario mobilized just over a week ago in efforts to protest the rollback of the Ontario sex-ed curriculum as well as for the lack of education on Indigenous issues in schools. This demonstrates that the youth of today are not as innocent and passive as Ford would like to believe.

With the increase of access to content on the internet, Ford’s argument of protecting children from sensitive content is redundant and hollow since the exposure to anything online is inevitable, which begs the question as to what he is really trying to “protect.” Instead of repression, young people today should be taught things that will suit the society and times they live in.

Ultimately, the image of conservative childhood innocence stands as a ploy to isolate and silence the voices trying to initiate systemic social change regarding sexuality and race/ethnicity. This is why it is within itself hypocritical of Ford to say that children should not be used as “pawns in political games” since the ideology that pervades this motion has political and social implications. Not teaching children about healthy consensual relationships, reproductive health, sexting,

Another of the flaws in all of this is that the Tory government is criticizing the modernized curriculum for introducing sensitive topics to children at an early age.

However, with the vast spread of technology and easy access to information through the internet, it is harder

The Regis cyber-bullying, and the acceptance of different gender identities is intrinsically a political tactic.

This ideology of a preservation of innocence that the Tory government is trying to operate under is not only harmful in perpetuating ignorance but it is insulting to the youths of today who are informed, involved, and invested in progressing toward a better future.

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LOGOS

Logos Editor Natalia Bodnik logos@readthemike.com

The Padre Pio Pilgrimage A spiritual experience like no other Alessandra Imbrogno CONTRIBUTOR

On Sunday, September 16, 2018, many Catholic followers gathered at the shrine of Our Lady of Grace in King City, Ontario, to celebrate the feast day of an Italian saint by the name of Padre Pio. He is known to many devotees as a charismatic and generous leader, but also as someone who was strictly devoted to the Catholic faith. However, Padre Pio is primarily known as the saint who received the stigmata, otherwise known as the Christ-like wounds. After receiving the stigmata, he was constantly under fire by the Vatican where he was accused of committing acts of treason within the church and engaging in affairs with women.

Due to these accusations, Padre Pio was banned from saying mass and practicing the act of confession. The legacy that this man left behind involved a lot of controversy, tension between devotees, and unanswered questions about the Catholic faith. However, his presence provided his followers guidance on how to pray to God, how to avoid temptation, and, most importantly, his life story initiated one of the biggest pilgrimages that still continues on to this day.

The moment one partakes in a pilgrimage, a different setting with different feelings and emotions is entered.

This was the case for the followers who participated in the celebration of Padre Pio. The whole pilgrimage experience involves something more than merely a religious or spiritual connection — it is beyond that.

The focus is more on the purpose of your actions during these events and what exactly they signify.

For example, during the initial blessing by the priest in honour of Padre Pio, many followers were placing their household items or previously purchased relics (rosaries, bibles, statues, rings, etc.) near the statue. Why? These objects were given sacredness and constituted the presence of Padre Pio. His value as a saint was transmitted to these ordinary objects as if

he was physically there to connect with the community through materiality.

Allesandra Imbrogno / The Mike When coming together to participate in the procession for Padre Pio, it’s not a simple process as an onlooker may describe it to be. The main focus of the event is on the saint. Therefore, most of the followers are eager to situate themselves right beside the statue, as if it was the real Padre Pio. The way the devotees (including myself) were positioned during the procession created two different feelings. According to Anthropologist Victor Turner, when a congregation is united and everyone is of equal status and level, communitas is created. On the other hand, when there is tension created between followers or communities, indifference is highlighted and contestation is present. In this specific pilgrimage, Catholic followers were gathered together to celebrate the feast of Padre Pio (communitas). However, during the proces-

sion, the main focus was still on the saint, but tension was created because each of the devotees wanted to have their own special connection with divinity.

People that were chosen to walk near the statue felt closer than those who were not given the opportunity.

For them, the pilgrimage was a lot more authentic and real. The connection became elevated.

Our actions speak louder than our words and why we do the things we do. This is especially prominent when it comes to religious events like processions or pilgrimages that can awaken new perspectives and connections on how to interpret these actions. It is evident that the main focus during these spiritual experiences is to pray and connect to God. However, the way Catholics (and other religious groups as well) do this should be considered and analyzed. Participating in the feast day of Padre Pio provided me something more than a spiritual experience. There was more to learn and connect to than just religion. There were certain concepts and ideas that needed to be reflected on, such as: Who was Padre Pio? Were the relics aiding or hindering my understanding of who this saint was? Did the materiality add significance to my understanding of Padre Pio? What kind of experience did each devotee have if some were not chosen to walk near the statue? Did everyone have a similar spiritual connection? When taking part in spiritual journeys one must consider more than just the religious significance. One must think about the critical aspect as well and how this perspective heightens one’s connection with divinity. The next time you participate in a pilgrimage or any religious event (Catholic or not) try to look from an onlooker’s point of view and observe the actions of the devotees and the clergy. Ask yourself what these specific actions signify and how it elevates the experience of a true religious pilgrimage.

He Knows My Heart

How trusting in the Lord helped prepare me for a study abroad

Alexis Motschall CONTRIBUTOR “Find your delight in the LORD who will give you your heart’s desire” (Psalm 37:4). These words from scripture are printed on a plaque that my sister gave me as a little girl. I always loved this plaque for the reminder of my sweet sister, the delicate cursive font, and the printed flowers outlining the words, but the meaning of this psalm became clearer to me as I worked on trusting in Jesus and surrendering my fears over to Him during my preparation to study abroad.

It was around October of last year when a friend and I went to the Centre for International Experience (CIE) to find more information about the University of Toronto’s study abroad program for her studies. I knew I wanted to study abroad at some point in university, but held off asking for the details for my own program when we went. As we were leaving Cumberland House that day, I felt like I was leaving something behind. The idea of studying abroad would not budge from my mind, and I decided to go back to the CIE a few weeks later. Upon finding out that there was a wide list of schools abroad that I could study at during my third year, I spent hours excitedly researching the universities on the list and the cities they were located in.

From the initial step of applying to the exchange program through the process of waiting for my accep-

tance, naming fears in prayer and handing them over to Jesus was helpful in communicating with Him. In making a conscious effort to sit in the chapel a few times a week, whether five minutes in between classes or an hour in the afternoon, each moment in prayer was a stepping stone in developing a closer relationship with Christ. Allocating space in a busy schedule to sit with Jesus throughout the week can help with calming thoughts of uncertainty. Whether sitting in silence, singing hymns with a friend, or praying alone, spending time with Jesus throughout the week is a way to “delight” in Him. Just as friends grow closer with one another the more time they spend sharing the more vulnerable parts of their lives, I gradually became more trusting in the way the Lord was working when I continually surrendered my fears over and didn’t let them fester in my head.

Taking a journal to chapel is a helpful support in personal prayer. Writing down all of the reservations I had for traveling as well as the things I was hoping to accomplish by studying abroad was a natural way for me to gather my thoughts. Transferring thoughts from head to paper can be a reminder to recognize the blessings in the current situation and give thanks.

There was so much freedom in knowing that once I had put all the work in I could, there was a point

in which I had to lay down my uncertainties and turn to Him in prayer in the times of both excitement and of fear. By continually spending time with Jesus and trusting in His plans, no matter what the outcome is, you are not alone in your fears. In all of the emotions I felt during the application process, He was right there with me.

Alexis Motschall / The Mike As I sit in Dublin, Ireland, studying across the sea, I am so thankful for the ways in which I was able to grow in my trust with Jesus. I have a long way to go in building trust, but I know that no matter where I am, when we seek to develop a greater love and relationship with Him, He continually reminds us of His knowledge of the desires of our hearts.

SCIENCE & TECH

Science & Tech Editor Jaron Goldin science@readthemike.com

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The Deadliest Disease in History Not a figment of the past, but our current reality

Jaron Goldin SCIENCE & TECH EDITOR Most of us have heard about or studied the period known in our history as the Black Death, the Great Plague, the Black or Bubonic Plague, or simply just, the Plague. Most likely in grade school, we came across the period in medieval history when we learned how our ancestors were viciously ravaged by a rat that killed an estimated 60% of Europe’s population during the 1300s. This also spread to the Middle East, killing about 40% of Egypt’s population, and causing the Great Plague of London, in which 1 in 5 residents perished.

This was during an era when society’s basic standard for hygiene was lacking. The bacterial disease and the animals that carried it originated in Asia, and the disease was spread throughout the continent by war and traveling the legendary Silk Road. Because of these particularly dirty rats and insects, the entire world’s population went from 450 million to 350–375 million. That is a lot of people dying in horrible, blacktinged, tumorous suffering. The effects of the disease included coughing and vomiting blood, fever, and death usually two to seven days after infection.

tant, as a drug-resistant bacterium of the plague was found recently in Madagascar in 1995.

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Is the Plague something that we need to worry about today? Unfortunately, yes. Many people do not know that this same plague exists today in 2018. In fact, about 150 years ago in 1855, 10 million people died in India due to the Black Death.

So why is this important? The Plague is currently a huge issue in Africa, especially Madagascar, causing people to worry about it spreading to other countries.

Madagascar has experienced two Bubonic Plague outbreaks in the 21st century. In 2014, 40 people died, and last year in 2017, a staggering 202 people died. According to the Madagascar Ministry of Public Health, 2,348 people were infected in 2017. One could only imagine what would happen if we did not have the modern technologies and healthcare that we do today. Madagascar had to put millions of dollars into preventing this plague from spreading further, resulting in having to take serious cuts to their tourism industry and business.

Scientists fear that the Plague will become drug-resis-

In 2006, the Democratic Republic of the Congo suf-

fered at least 50 deaths due to the bacterium. Other countries with confirmed cases and fatalities of the Plague in recent years are China, India, Vietnam, Mongolia, and the United States. That is rather close to home. Fatality by the plague is preventable through use of antibiotics, so if you feel or see any symptoms of “buboes” (large tumour-like bumps full of blood) on the groin, neck, and armpits, along with a fever, please visit a healthcare practitioner.

Thankfully, here in Canada we are relatively safe from the dangers of bacterium spread from unkempt, rat-infested abodes. It is quite astonishing that this force of nature has lasted thousands of years, and that it caused such a large shift in the economy, politics, and religion of that era.

CNN

New Galaxy Discovered Creates More Mystery What is dark matter, and is it as scary as it sounds?

Owen Brady CONTRIBUTOR There is an ominous quality to the night sky. Its sheer size has the ability to evoke both wonderment and dread in the minds of observers. The longer you gaze up at the stars, the less significant you might start to feel — it is quite easy to lose touch with your ego when beholding millions of light-years and an inconceivable amount of unexplored empty space.

However, do not be nihilistic, because it still is one of the greatest known sources of mystery, discovery, and exploration. Astrophysicists at the University of Valparaíso, Chile, discovered unusual patterns in the high speeds and sporadic movement of stars in the Cosmic Seagull galaxy. The Milky Way’s closest neighbour is the Andromeda galaxy, at an astonishing 2.5 million light-years away. To put this into perspective, the Cosmic Seagull strays nearly 45,000 times further, at 11.3 billion light-years away.

This challenges a previously upheld belief that such dense clusters of stars would not contain so much dark matter.

Jason Jennings / Cosmicphotos What is dark matter? Depending on the speed, dis-

placement, and vibration of particles in a specific area, matter takes and transitions into categorizable states. However, when matter is active in an undetectable state, yet still exerts physical effects, it and its respective energy are referred to as “dark.” Dark matter has never been seen, nor directly observed by physicists; it is a theorized explanation for a star’s gravitational hold. The force of gravity we observe that maintains a star’s placement within a galaxy, for example, is not measurably adequate to hold it in place or attract an orbit. Dark matter, however, is the proposed source of gravitational leverage, and its presence is nearly four times as common in the known universe as physical matter. In contrast to this discovery made by Verónica Motta, galaxies such as NGC 1052-DF2 have been hypothesized to contain extremely little-to-no dark matter. The “Missing Mass” that we refer to as dark matter was first proposed by Swiss astrophysicist Fritz Zwicky in 1933, an era of academic enlightening concerning our understanding of space, time, energy, and their intertwined relations (although mostly due to its incentives for warfare). It was theorized by Zwicky that within the bleak emptiness of space lies energy and constant momentum undetectable in a visual sense, but observable in its consequences on physical matter and energy.

The subject of dark matter — one of astrophysics’

National Geographic greatest mysteries — has been given a substantial resurgence in investigative material. It seems as though that throughout the course of the century, our collective intrigue in the physical boundaries of space has dwindled. Gone are the days of international attention brought to a broadcast of humans making touch with the lunar surface, or the launch of a probe bound to the farthest edges of our solar system. Instead, it appears that our curiosity is now more focused on the mere mathematical truths that uncover how and why space exists.

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SPORTS

Sports Editor Michael Levin sports@readthemike.com

Colin Kaepernick: Civil Rights Hero A comment on Kaepernick’s protest Michael Levin SPORTS EDITOR Ask someone today about Colin Kaepernick and his exploits over the last two or three years and you would probably hear something positive about him — about how he is a hero to not only stand up for the rights of oppressed minorities living in America, but also how he sacrificed his potential for a future in the National Football League (NFL) to continue to fight for what he kneeled for.

Despite his success in the NFL, Kaepernick is arguably most famous for kneeling during the pre-game national anthem to protest police brutality against African-Americans in America.

Of course, for every person that agrees with Kaepernick’s actions, there is someone who disagrees. Some believe that his actions are greatly disrespectful and unpatriotic, and they were appalled by his kneeling. The second sentiment, while unsurprisingly still popular among the population, was far more prevalent two years ago, but with Nike’s newest ad campaign using the statement, “Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything,” it seems like we have finally laid to rest any notion of Kaepernick being unpatriotic.

Without a doubt, the United States has one of the most complex and horrifying histories when it comes to race, oppression, and discrimination among its citizens. The Civil War in the 1860s was a defining moment in history when the North beat the South to abolish slavery. While slavery was finally gone, life for African-Americans did not severely improve. Racism and oppression was still common throughout the country, and until the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and ’60s, nothing had really changed.

In fact, what we’re witnessing now with Colin Kaepernick is very reminiscent of what Ali did half a century ago. While what Ali did was under much different circumstances and in a different era of racism, Kaepernick set aside his livelihood to stand by his ideals and not budge until there was a change.

Politics and sports have been intertwined since the beginning, and as long as athletes can transcend the sports world and become larger than life, we can and should expect them to stand for their beliefs that reflect the opinion of the public. As novelist and social critic James Baldwin once said, “I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.”

The New Republic In fact, one of the more polarizing figures of the Civil Rights Movement was a different African-American athlete, Muhammad Ali. Ali refused to serve in the armed forces in the Vietnam War in the 1960s, after which his boxing license and passport were stripped away. Refusing to step away from his convictions, Ali continued to fight for his right to not have to serve, saying, “Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go 10,000 miles from home and drop bombs and bullets on brown people in Vietnam while so-called

Thearon W. Henderson/ Getty Images

Negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs and denied simple human rights?” Backed by the likes of Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., and many other civil rights activists, Ali transcended his status as just an athlete and became a public figure, fighting for the rights of the millions of oppressed African-Americans living in the United States.

Nike’s new ad campaign. BBC

Jimmy Garoppolo Out for the Season Why Garoppolo’s torn ACL is bad news for the 49ers Bardia Besharat CONTRIBUTOR

On September 23’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a torn ACL in his left knee.

He sustained the injury while completing a 13-yard run. During the tackle, Garoppolo planted his left leg, and his left knee appeared to buckle. He was carted off the field shortly after. Results were released indicating the 26-year-old quarterback would not return for the rest of the season. With this news, a once hopeful season for the San Francisco 49ers turned into another inevitable losing record.

Garoppolo was signed to San Francisco on a fiveyear, $137 million deal in February 2018. He showed great potential last season with the New England Patriots while substituting for a suspended Tom Brady. Garoppolo was supposed to be the saviour of this once great franchise, going into the season with a 6–1 record as a 49er. However, his injury means the 49ers will have to rely on second-string quarterback C.J. Beathard, who is, to put it nicely, not the best quarterback in the league. With more career interceptions than touchdowns thrown, the

new starting quarterback spells certain doom for San Francisco and the rest of its season.

In addition to Garoppolo’s injury, the 49ers lost their starting running back Jerick McKinnon, who also sustained a torn ACL in the preseason, and their cornerback Richard Sherman, who sustained a strained calf and is expected to miss a couple weeks.

However, while these other injuries hurt, there is nothing more devastating for a team than losing its quarterback. The quarterback is the most important position in football. Besides the fact that every play on offence starts with the quarterback, he is often also the one calling offensive plays, reading defenses, and making audibles. A quarterback is akin to an on-field coach.

Winning teams tend to have good quarterbacks, just as losing teams are often lacking at the position. For example, the team with the best record in the league last year, the New England Patriots, have arguably the best quarterback in the NFL in Tom Brady. To contrast, the worst team in the league last year, the Cleveland

Browns, went through multiple starters at the position.

Every quarterback the Browns played last year, such as Kevin Hogan and Cody Kessler, were career backups.

Losing the starting quarterback has not boded well for teams in the past, and this will most likely be the case for the 49ers this season. Expect a bumpy road for the 49ers as they attempt to navigate the next 12 games with a backup quarterback.

Sports Illustrated

FEATURES

Features Editor Sara Alonzi features@readthemike.com

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A Whole New World

Tips you will need to survive your first year at U of T Samantha Parmasar CONTRIBUTOR My transition to university was no simple task, but it allowed me to be more prepared (kind of) to face the next three years ahead. I’ve learnt a lot about how to navigate my life at the University of Toronto (U of T) from my first-year experience, whether it be finding a place on campus to study, eating healthy, making new friends, or how to de-stress during not-so-peaceful times of the semester. Here are some of my tips to help you make your transition to university life a bit smoother!

Make friends, but still find time to call home! Sitting next to different people in your classes by simply saying hi, joining clubs on campus, and going to events held by your college/residence are great ways to meet new people. This can help you start friendships and create a new support system for yourself. However, if you’ve left your home to come live on residence, the feeling of homesickness can hit hard sometimes, especially if you’ve moved from another country and you’ve left your main support system behind. Call home whenever you get the chance, so you can catch up with your parents and friends. In times of homesickness, a FaceTime call can make distance disappear.

can definitely find one related to your interests! Being an active part of your community whether it be at your residence, college, faculty, or in clubs will feel rewarding and can really help with making U of T feel more like your home.

The Freshman 15 is REAL. It’s easy to reach for unhealthy snacks during a late night studying session or buy fast food when you didn’t get a chance to have lunch at home. To avoid developing unhealthy eating habits while studying, try keeping healthier snacks in your room such as trail mix, hummus and crackers, fruit such as blueberries (great brain food), apples, bananas, cereal, or even oatmeal. Also, try to grab a fruit to snack on during the day before you leave residence or your house. Better eating habits combined with exercising can help you avoid gaining that unwanted 15 pounds and will also help you concentrate better in class, not to mention improve your mood! Exercising is a great way to relieve stress, increase your energy levels, and recharge your brain for your next study session.

Get involved! For some people, the university workload can be intimidating and can make you feel like you won’t have enough time for both studying and extracurricular activities. This isn’t true! There are so many clubs and things to do on campus that aren’t extremely time-consuming and may even be something that you find really fun and relaxing. It’s also an awesome way to make friends and new connections.

There are an infinite number of clubs at U of T, so you

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De-stress! Some people are naturals when it comes to having a balance between schoolwork and doing fun things, but for others — like myself — this can sometimes be a challenge. U of T has so many recreational activities taking place every day so it’s hard not finding something fun to do. Even if you’re not on campus, go out for coffee, take a walk with a friend, or check out the latest events happening in Toronto. It’s important to create a balanced lifestyle for yourself while at university, as it’ll play an important part in your overall wellness and emotional state. As for me, I love going to drop-in fitness sessions at Hart House and exercising at the gym after a long day of classes or grabbing food with a friend.

Academics. Don’t be discouraged by failure or if some things don’t work out exactly the way you planned.

University can be tough sometimes, but it helps to remember your long-term goals and the bigger picture.

It’s important to remember that this is part of the process and there are alternative routes you can take to reach your success. For instance, not doing as well as you hoped to do in a class or dropping a course because of a not-so-great grade can feel defeating and discouraging, but giving it a second try can help you establish a better foundation for your future courses!

No one wants to experience failure, but from failure we learn how to be better in the future.

I hope these tips are useful and help you have your best university experience. Have an awesome first year at U of T and good luck. Most importantly, remember to make every day count!

Summer Days on St. Vincent and the Grenadines A journey to the hidden gem of the Caribbean Thandi Myers CONTRIBUTOR This summer, I journeyed just over five hours to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

It was a time of great joy and excitement as I was once again greeted with the familiarity of home. It was great to be back, reunited once again with my family and friends. To be able to feel the warm tropical breeze and the shining sun felt like a reunion with a long-lost buddy!

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a multi-island state in the southern Caribbean. On arrival, I was directly on the mainland of St. Vincent. There are 32 surrounding islands and cays that offer many opportunities for eco-adventures, historical and architectural sites, cuisine delights, cultural festivals, and even the Botanic Gardens — one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere!

I had arrived home just in time for the nation’s biggest national festival called Vincy Mas. Vincentians from all over the country, members of the diaspora, and visitors from neighbouring Caribbean islands and other countries around the world experience approximately 10 days of non-stop fun. I was able to take in great steel pan music and watch what is known as Mardi Gras, a street parade of masqueraders decked in beautiful

costumes, dancing to the sounds of soca and calypso music coming from booming music trucks. The parade was a show of high energy and non-stop fun.

I also took the time to meet up with friends at various beaches such as Buccament Bay and Villa Beach on mainland St. Vincent. On another occasion, we took a two-minute ferry ride to a tiny island resort near mainland St. Vincent by the name of Young Island. It was a well-deserved opportunity to unwind after a long school year while drinking my favorite piña colada!

through the rural areas and the mountainous terrain of mainland St. Vincent.

We visited one of the most popular tourism sites, Dark View Falls, in the northwest of the island. To see the waterfalls, one has to cross a bamboo bridge over a river. The tallest waterfall was stunning. It was truly a hidden gem off the beaten path.

On another day, I went on an early morning hike up to the highest point on the island, the La Soufrière volcano. While it was tiring and seemed never-ending,

the journey was worth it. The view of the neighbouring towns and villages from above and the volcano’s crater was spectacular to say the least. The journey down the mountain was just as fun and adventurous as it rained periodically.

My summer vacation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the place I call home, was great fun and a period of reunion and relaxation. I look forward to the next one... whenever that may be. Until next time, farewell Hairouna!

My trip would have been incomplete if I did not journey to one of the Grenadine Islands. I made the time to take an hour ferry ride to the largest inhabited Grenadines island, Bequia. A popular tourist destination boasting turquoise sailing waters, it has a very popular Easter Regatta, and a variety of restaurants and bars, most of which have a perfect ocean view. I spent the day at a beach picnic on the Princess Margaret Beach with some friends — a day well-spent, packed with fun and laughter and a journey back to mainland before sunset.

My family and I went on long drives

World Travel Guide

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FEATURES

Features Editor Sara Alonzi features@readthemike.com

Disoriented in the 6ix?

An international student’s guide to Toronto When I moved to Toronto in 2016, I was initially overwhelmed by the plethora of places to visit and things to do. An international student’s guide to the city would have been very useful at the time, and so I’m hoping this one will help some of you who are new and trying to adjust to the city. The great thing about Toronto is that there are always events going on, so there is something for everybody! Here are some of my favourite things to do in the city:

you do end up going, remember to bring your student ID with you. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, Snakes & Lattes is a fun place to go with friends. It has almost every board game you can think of as well as a variety of food and beverages!

Sara Imran CONTRIBUTOR books, posters, records, DVDs, and various other items at a fraction of the price of anywhere else.

Food: This is (arguably) the most important part of this guide! There are innumerable places to dine in the city — so many that you could live here for four years and still not visit even half of them! Since the city is so multicultural, there are many kinds of diverse cuisines available. However, my two favourite places to eat at are The Big Chill and Sushi on Bloor. The Big Chill is an old-fashioned retro ice cream parlour located on Manning Avenue, and it really reminds me of Pop’s Chock-lit Shoppe from Riverdale! Not only are The Big Chill’s gelato flavours, milkshakes, and sundaes absolutely divine, it also has an arcade situated at the back. However, it is strictly cash-only so remember to carry some change with you if you do end up going. Sushi on Bloor is located on Bloor Street West (as the name suggests). What differentiates this great sushi spot from the surrounding ones is not only great taste but also great price. As a student, it can be hard to find reasonably priced dining options in Toronto.

However, Sushi on Bloor occasionally offers deals where you can have salad, miso soup, sushi rolls, and ice cream all for under $10!

What to do on a Friday night: If you’re bored on a Friday night, not to worry — the options are unlimited. If you’re in the mood for clubbing, The Dance Cave is a great place to go. Not only is it located extremely close to campus, it is also free for students! The only con — you have to be 19+. If

Mom Who Runs

Festivals:

Some of Toronto’s festivals are a must-see for newcomers to the city. Nuit Blanche (which was on September 29 this year) is a city-wide arts festival that runs from sunset to sunrise and is a wonderful way to explore creative pursuits from various local artists.

Visiting the Christmas Market located in the Distillery Historic District during winter is a fantastic way to get into the holiday spirit. The market has quaint stalls and shops that sell various souvenirs and holiday items, entertaining performances, delicious food, and beautiful lighting. Plus, you can get a picture with Santa! The Toronto Light Fest is another must-see: it takes place in spring, also in the Distillery Historic District, and has beautiful works made out of (you guessed it) lights!

Shopping: I always recommend BMV Books to everyone I meet.

Situated minutes away from campus on Bloor, this bookstore is a treasure. You can find novels, comic

Nuit Blance. Tourism Toronto Other entertainment: The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is an essential visit for every newcomer to the city. It is the largest museum in Canada and has collections of fossils, minerals, costumes, and much more. There are always new and interesting exhibits being featured so be sure to keep an eye out. The ROM is located practically on campus and is free for students on Tuesdays. Another go-to place is Graffiti Alley, located in the trendy neighbourhood of Queen Street West. You haven’t really been to Toronto unless you’ve taken pictures with a backdrop of cool graffiti!

I hope this guide was useful — get ready to have a blast exploring this exciting cosmopolitan city!

Not Your Typical Caramel Macchiato The top three local coffee shops in Toronto Taylor Medeiros ASSOCIATE OPINIONS EDITOR Students worldwide turn to coffee and tea in times of stress, exhaustion, relaxation, and as a social activity. A hot coffee is like a warm hug — there for you in the middle of midterms when you need one more than anything. Typically, coffee shops are the best place to write papers, study, or in my case, write articles. Because of this, I have carefully curated a list of the three best local coffee shops to get your daily dose of caffeine.

buds tingle. Decorated like a true European café, sitting in the restaurant whisks you away to a relaxing state.

The second best coffee shop, located at Bay and Wellesley, has a large menu filled with baked goods, lattes, and coffee. Known for having coffee beans from across the world, Coffee Island can make you an espresso using coffee beans of your choice.

www.lespressobarmercurio.com The third best coffee shop, found at Bloor and St. George, serves a variety of hot beverages, pastries, and brunchstyle grub. L’Espresso Bar Mercurio makes my heart melt and my taste

Yelp The absolute best coffee shop, hidden

in the Junior Common Room (JCR) at University College, has a more intimate feel than the aforementioned coffee shops. Playing indie music and making delicious drinks, the baristas truly know how to brighten anyone’s mood.

In the middle of midterm season, being served by fellow students who know the struggle and can relate makes all the difference. The beverages and pastries are genuine — tea lattes made with tea bags instead of powder, baked goods like your grandma would make.

They offer Fair Trade coffee and have vegan, vegetarian, and organic options. Diabolos Coffee Bar makes me want to spend all day in the comfortable JCR, chatting with the baristas and sipping on fairly priced cappuccinos.

Supporting local coffee shops helps fulfill dreams of those who run them.

Competing with the big names such as the Starbucks and Tim Hortons of the world is no walk in the park. However, the above coffee shops definitely give chains a run for their money. The

valiant efforts given by L’Espresso Bar Mercurio, Coffee Island, and Diabolos Coffee Bar to keep up with the big names should be rewarded and celebrated. Even though they may not be on every corner, a short walk out of the way can open up a new and better study spot. The money spent not only aids the small business owners, but definitely tastes and feels better.

L’Espresso Bar Mercurio, Coffee Island, and Diabolos Coffee Bar are all well worth trying. All within five minutes from campus, you can enjoy any of these top three coffee shops!

Life At U of T