Talon Times Vol 27 Winter Issue 2017

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 2 WINTER 2017 PAGE 2

Advice

Index Advice

p2

Glenforest

p3

p5

Lifestyle

p6

Culture

p8

Science

p11

What's Justin Trudeau been up to?

Exposure to terror in the media: what can you do about it?

Tips for making the most out of your winter break Easy last-minute DIY Christmas presents Taking care of your mental health should be your top priority

The stranger, the better!

Top 5 television shows to watch over the break Reputation: Taylor Swift's past, present, and album A Silent Voice: a film review

Glenforest

I’m in grade 12 and recently, my mom has been really stressed out with money for university so I wanted to start looking for a part-time job. But I am extremely busy with school and extracurriculars and am only available for 2 days for a maximum of 3 hours each day. My mom tells me to focus on my education and not worry about money but I know that she would benefit from some financial support. I just don’t know where to find the time! Help!

"Lest We Forget": a day for remembrance Glenforest's bomb threat drill Kathleen Wynne visits Glenforest Humans of Glenforest: the newest Gryphons

Editorial

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 2 WINTER 2017 PAGE 3

- Conflicted

T

hanks for reaching out, it sounds like a very difficult situation but it’s really sweet that you want to help out your mom like that!

You’ll need to set your priority - do you want to focus on work or school? If you really want to manage them both, then you have to establish a plan in order to balance both work and school.

First, I would recommend looking at your extracurriculars and continuing only with the ones you are genuinely interested in as opposed to the ones you aren’t so passionate about. This should clear out some time and will leave room for some more hours that you could potentially spend working - either on schoolwork or at a job.

Second, be sure that you don’t procrastinate! Completing tasks efficiently is the key to handling work on top of school assignments. Think of it as moving down as a checklist: you want to cross off each to-do as quickly as you can to ensure you finish everything you need to finish. If you can get all your schoolwork finished promptly without getting lured away by social media, I guarantee that you will be able to eke out time for a part-time job.

Essentially, the key tip I would give is to prioritize while not wasting time to make room for both in your life. All in all, I think that it is great that you want to help your mom out and I hope that you’re able to work things out!

A bite out of Apple

National

As you may have realized, Christmas is around the corner and I have yet to get my friend a present. I know that this person likes makeup and perfume, but I have no idea what to get them. Keep in mind that I want to go the extra mile and incorporate those interests in a creative way. Any suggestions?

p12

Ontario's 37 day college strike ends

Global

p13

Horoscopes

p15

Comics

p16

After Weinstein: the Hollywood sexual misconduct scandals Net neutrality The war massacre on drugs The crisis in Yemen

Credits T

Teacher Supervisors

Mr. Gordon & Ms. Axon

Editors in Chief

Michelle Wei Rana Al-Fayez Evelyn Ku

Copy Editors

Srushti Patel Emi Lillian Zeest Kadri Valerie Molodtsova Aamna Ashfaq Anushka Goyal Albert Zhu

Layout Designers

Rebecca Lee Jaziba Azher Kim Nguyen Shree Murugesan Hunnain Atif Emily Nguyen Eric Zhang

Photographers

Kim Nguyen Annie Zou Pranav Sairam Saleha Ansari Pujita Verma Gobishan Vijikaran Siane Sahdra

Cover Designer Rebecca Lee

- Lovely he first thing you want to think about is how long or how well have you’ve known this person. If you have only known this friend for a few weeks, or you just don’t feel close enough to the person to send something as personal, I think something like a box of chocolate and perfumes with a letter will do perfectly fine. However, if you have known this person for a relatively long time, or you two have really gotten close in the short period you have known each other, you may want to broaden your thinking just a bit, and lay out how you want to convey your appreciation for them.

Now for gifts, I have organized two examples that still convey the same message to the person, one being more budget friendly.

You stated that your friend likes fashion and makeup, so you may want to get them something that is not in their closet or vanity.

Recently, the singer and celebrity Robyn Rihanna Fenty, has released a makeup line, called Fenty Beauty. This makeup line incorporates a variety of products that is friendly to people of all skin tones and shades. If your friend is someone who is bold and dramatic, I would personally recommend the Trophy Wife highlighter, as it gives a fierce look but with a subtle touch. If your friend is more on the fashion side of things, I would also recommend on looking into new clothing lines that have gained popularity for the quality of their products. As a recommendation, I would opt to buy clothing from people who try to use their platform as a way of bringing more awareness of Mental Health and Self worth. For example, two youtubers who go by the name of Nathan Zed and Demetrius Harmon (also known as meechonmars), have released merchandise that reflect their growth in the past year, specifically regarding their mental state and emotional stability. They have titled their pieces with phrases like “Good Enough” or “You Matter” to show youth out there that their life should be cherished, and teens should love themselves for who they are. By getting meaningful clothing pieces like this, it would not only show the person that you value them, but you will also be bringing more awareness to teen depression and mental illness, as it is extremely prevalent at this time of our life.

So, if you’ve read the previous ideas and didn’t think that they are within in your budget, I have also collected a few alternatives that still have the same value but with a smaller price. For the makeup fanatic side of your friend, instead of buying them a bunch of makeup products, you could make a box full of skincare products for them to use. During high school, many of us may be inclined towards makeup and facial enhancement, however, we seem to forget to realize that our bodies are still growing and our skin is one of the most delicate parts of our body. To combat acne scars and pimples, you could try to fill a box with a set of face masks and creams from Walmart or The Face Shop, which cost $3-10, depending on where you go and the specific face mask that you choose.

Along with the face mask collection, you could add in a small poem or letter, telling them that they are beautiful in their own way, both with and without makeup. The makeup industry is notorious for convincing people to use makeup to hide their natural looks and create this artificial beauty. Having a letter that reminds someone that they shouldn't be pressured to wear makeup in order to be beautiful is something that is very meaningful and creative. For the fashion side of your friend, you could also prepare a box of small but very essential pieces that are a staple for a look. Examples of these can be earrings, rings, necklaces, nail polish, patterned socks, headbands, hats, scarves, etc.

Overall, the definition of the best gift is completely subjective and opinionated. If you already had an idea of what you wanted to get this person, but weren’t if it was good enough, just go ahead and follow your heart. If this person is as close of a friend as you described them to be, they will truly appreciate your efforts and value your gift. Even the small gesture of writing a text or letter to them is very thoughtful and should and will be appreciated by them. So, don’t be discouraged and follow your heart!

Photo: Yearbook Committee

“Lest We Forget”: a day for remembrance By: Michelle Wei

T

he Remembrance Day preparations began in the last week of October, just as Halloween costume prices launched their final, desperate spike. Boxes of poppies appeared on store counters accompanied by donation bins and bus signs flashing “Lest we forget”. Amidst this, Glenforest Secondary School also started to prepare for their annual Remembrance Day Assembly.

Organized by Ms. Luke, this year’s Remembrance Day Assembly commemorated Canada’s 150th anniversary and marked the 100th year since the Battle of Vimy Ridge, in which Canada established itself as an

independent nation.

Students were serenaded into the auditorium with a rendition of ‘As Summer’ by the Wind Ensemble, led

by Ms. Pierson. After an instrumental arrangement of ‘O Canada’, Ms. Luke’s junior drama class followed up with a heart wrenching performance that narrated the life of a soldier from the beginning to the bitter end. Each year, Ms. Luke involves her drama classes in the Remembrance Day assembly as a way of reiterating the importance of war. “As students and staff,” she said, “we need to be acknowledging what soldiers did and continue to do [in fighting] for our freedom.”

A short three-minute BBC clip, edited by Mr. Roscoe, contextualised the history of Vimy Ridge – a new twist to the assembly in honor of the battle’s 100th anniversary.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a turning point in World War I as the first major allied victory and Canada’s first step into sovereignty.

Next, the assembly cut back to the stage, where Ms. Luke’s senior drama class made clever use of shadow theatre to emphasise the effect of war on soldiers. In the ghostly smoke, the pop of a balloon turned into the bang of a machine gun. Ms. Luke was inspired to address Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in

soldiers after she ran a conference for drama teachers on using theatre to address mental illness and mental health.

“I think it’s still something that we don’t speak enough about and I think there’s still stigma associated with it,” she mused.

“We’re seeing more and more people struggling today with, not only PTSD, but all kind of mental illnesses and it’s something that we need to be talking about and helping people with. So, I thought this year, why not focus on mental illness.”

After the theatre performance, Mr. Vitols’ Acapella Team, accompanied by Ms. Pierson on the flute, sang ‘One Tin Soldier’ – a powerful song

about greed, war, and the true value of peace. As the last chords rang out, drama students lined themselves down the aisles of the auditorium holding candles. They recited a long list of past and ongoing wars since World War I into the somber silence, as candles flickered out in the darkened room.

The candle performance included conflicts from World War II and the Holocaust, to the ongoing Syrian Civil War. Moreover, Ms. Luke is also an outspoken advocate for Holocaust education. Each year, Glenforest invites a Holocaust survivor to speak during Holocaust Education Week; this October, Anita Ekstein shared

her story. For Ms. Luke, Holocaust education as well as the Remembrance Day assembly are ways to encourage compassion in young people. “It’s to encourage them to have empathy for others and to think beyond themselves,” she says.

To conclude the assembly, the Wind Ensemble played ‘Imagine’ as the wreaths were laid out, and Shivani Baldeo performed the “Last Post” followed by a moment of silence.

The Wind Ensemble’s music trailed students back to class as the assembly came to an end.

Glenforest’s bomb threat drill By: Mateja Perc

M

ost students may remember experiencing their first bomb threat drill at Glenforest on November 8th, 2017. During fifth period, students heard a troubling announcement:“Initiate emergency school inspection.”

This was followed by teachers awkwardly looking around the classroom; a drawn out period of sitting, waiting for the unex-

pected. It was the first drill of its kind to ever be held at the school, leaving many scratching their heads and wondering its cause.

The bomb threat drill is a new addition to the Peel District School Board’s range of required safety drills. It was put into place as a requirement by the Ministry of Education in order to develop procedures for suspicious situations, including any unsafe substances

or devices. In fact, it is more formally referred to as the “Bomb Threat, Suspicious Device/Substance Procedure”, a drill for both teachers and students to inspect their classrooms for any strange objects that may be a source of harm.

Glenforest’s vice principals - Ms. Kajganich and Ms. Seegobin, are also required to check the video surveillance of all entrances. Any hint of suspicion would entail imme-

diate evacuation and calling of emergency services.

There is a question as to why this drill is new. Was there ever a bomb threat previous to this school year? In the past, if there was the smallest suspicion of a bomb, students were immediately evacuated from the building, identical to a fire drill. This new drill can be seen as a buffer between complete evacuation and business as usual, helping to weed

out false bomb threats. The drill was actually requested by emergency services, who were wasting precious time and money coming to schools in which false bomb threats were called, usually in order to evade responsibilities such as exams. As to the frequency of these drills, we’ve had two so far this year, and probably won’t have anymore, as there is a only one mandatory drill required by the board per

year.

Despite the many drills that take place, and however boring they may be for students, one thing is for sure: they are making our schools and community safer. Ensuring that we do not waste the time of emergency services by adding additional safety precautions into our routines we can continue to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and staff.

VOLUME 27 , ISSUE 2 WINTER 2017 PAGE 4

Glenforest

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 2 WINTER 2017 PAGE 5

Editorial

Photo: IMDb

What's Justin Trudeau been up to?

By: Safwaan Shaikh

T Photo: Government of Ontario

Kathleen Wynne visits Glenforest By: Rana Al-Fayez

O

n Wednesday, November 8th, Premier Kathleen Wynne and post-secondary Minister Deb Matthews visited Glenforest Secondary School to announce the launch of OSAP applications.

In a campaign-style event, the two touted the province’s ‘free tuition’ plan, which has been implemented four months earlier.

The visit was the buzz of the school hallways. Students speculated wildly on the presence of officials dressed in

sharp suits positioned strategically outside the school and in the front foyer. Teachers frantically distributed poppies and prepared the Learning Commons for the morning of the upcoming visit. A select number of senior classes came prepared in formal attire to attend the event, which comprised of a press-release and formal Q & A period where students and journalists alike had the opportunity to ask the Premier and post-secondary Minister questions.

“We made some changes a few years ago to make sure

that a student could go on to college or university based on their ability to do the work — not based on how much money their families made,” Wynne told the Glenforest students. She went on to speak extensively about the new changes made regarding Ontario’s financial aid plan, in which low-income students could receive a ‘free’ tuition through government-funded bursaries and grants. The government has also previously announced that students won’t have to repay their loans until they are earning at least

$35,000 a year - news that relieved many a twelfth graders in the crowd.

“Through free tuition, by providing more upfront grants and by giving young people more time to pay-back their loans, we are building a fairer post-secondary system for everyone,” Wynne told the onlookers. “Money […] shouldn’t be [a barrier] anymore because of the changes that we’ve made,” added Matthews, who is the minister of advanced education and skills development. According to the government, more than

210,000 full-time university and college students are receiving free tuition this year through the program’s non-repayable grants.

Students who wished to ask hard-hitting questions on current political affairs were sorely disappointed however, as questions were limited to post-secondary education and were carefully pre-screened by teachers and the visiting politicians’ teams. The visit by Premier Kathleen Wynne and post-secondary Minister Deb Matthews came as the Ontario Colleges strike closed in on 3

By: Najib Guiti

A

s the season changes from fall to winter, the school year melts away. For our older graduating students, this signals the end of their high school career, but for our new Gryphons, their journey is just beginning. Now four months since the beginning of the school year, let’s see how the newest Gryphons are adjusting to life at Glenforest.

Tell me a bit about yourself?

My name is Keya and I am a grade 9 MYP student. I

If you were to give one piece of advice to a someone who is joining the school next year, what would it be?

Take as many leadership roles as you can, for example, joining clubs. You want to get What's your take on school involved in grade 9 and 10 spirit as of right now? when there is still time.

Honestly, I think they are kind of spirited. The SAC-or- If you could be a fruit, which ganized activities and Spirit fruit would it be?

Day were nice, many people I would want to be a came out and enjoyed it and cherry, because they are kind there are many people par- of scary to eat. They could be taking in fundraisers. But sour, bitter or sweet - you nevwhat happened with Cap- er know. ture doesn’t really follow the trend. reminding everyone that the printers aren’t working, that would be sooooo helpful. It’s really hard to think of something else, the school is pretty good so far.

as men in the cabinet, and the main selling point for many voters: Trudeau would lower taxes for the middle and working classes by increasing taxes for the higher income brackets.

So far, he’s kept more promises than he’s broken, but the magnitude of each of these promises are up for interpretation. A few notable actions that he’s made include bringing a higher number of women into the cabinet, making a new

tax bracket for incomes above $200 000, increasing student loans by up to 50%, investing the amount he’d promised into infrastructure, and investing into youth development exponentially. On the flipside of course, he’s fallen short in helping the development of smaller businesses, immediate health care investment and his deficits were much larger than expected.

Up until this point, these have been simple facts, but

the most important thing in determining the success and failures of any political issue, is how citizens are affected in their day to day lives. This determining factor of failure or success is why Justin Trudeau hasn’t been on the limelight of the news, as he hasn’t done anything that has noticeably hurt Canadian citizens. Having been Prime Minister for only two years, Trudeau still has half of his term ahead of him.

It is most definitely encouraged to keep an eye out for Canadian politics, and all that Trudeau is up to. Even the smallest things can have a huge impact, and Trudeau’s actions are those that will attempt to make our country strive. All things considered, it might be sensible that he is not bringing attention to himself, but as for how he’s performing as a Prime Minister, is up to you to decide.

weeks. Questions on the topic flung by the press were avoided or given a simple, “No comment.”

Student questions ranged from the arts to the importance of accessibility in education. The Glenforest STEM team also had the opportunity to welcome Premier Wynne and formally invite her to visit Glenforest again in the future. It was an illuminating experience for the school and exciting in its implications for future university hopefuls.

Humans of Glenforest: the newest Gryphons am very passionate about so- and advice. Everyone has such portunities to get involved and they are student run which is cial justice, science and a little an amazing energy. really good. bit of politics. I love learning, What do you think is the bigreading, sleeping and music.

My favourite shows are Grey’s gest difference between mid- If you could change one thing Anatomy and Sherlock. My dle school and high school so about the school, what would it be? goal is to become an advo- far?

Well, better working cate for global health issues There is a lot more homeprinters and easier/quicker and workplace equality in the work, it’s not like it’s hard, ways to get from one end of the medical field. there is just a lot of it and school to the other. Or more there are days where there is printers so there are backup What is your favorite thing no homework at all, and then ones in case the ones in the about the school? there are days where there is library break The printers are I think the people that I a lot of homework in a limitsomething that everyone relies am surrounded by. They are ed time period. That was a big just so nice, funny and they are shock to be honest. And there on, and it's just really inconvereally relatable. The older kids is definitely more pressure nient if the library is closed or have also been so wonderful to join clubs - which is really if the printers aren’t working. and welcoming, offering help nice. There are so many op- If there were announcements

here are many different issues, concerns, and people who come to mind when thinking about politics, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to look past the prominent figure monopolizing all forms of media. The consistent controversy surrounding Trump's politics, attributed to many different factors and for many reasons, can be justified but has also allowed American

issues to overshadow Canadian politics. Just what, exactly, has Justin Trudeau been up to?

Justin Trudeau: Prime Minister of Canada. Just over 2 years ago, he was elected in result of his primarily streamlined appeals to the middle class and showing the flaws in our political system. He started by explaining how he would double the spending on infrastructure in our economy, seeing to have as many women

Photo: CNBC

Exposure to terror in the media: what can you do about it?

By: Zeest Kadri

A

s 2017 slowly draws to a close, it’s always a good feeling to take a break from the constant hustle of assignments, school work, and our lives in general, to reflect on the good and the bad. We saw many great humanitarian accomplishments this year, such as the recent marriage equality in Australia. Yet it’s so hard to look at all the good when there is so many devastating events happening around the world.

2017 marked the year of the Manchester attack, the Las

Vegas shooting, the Rohingya Muslim Crisis, the Charlottesville terror, the Flint Water Crisis, famines, and unfortunately, the list goes on.

With access to news at our fingertips, through social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, we are instantly notified about global occurrences. Many times, it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed, which is completely normal.

However other times, reactions to terror around the world are also desensitizing us; we don’t seem to care as much as before, or care at all. We are

numb to calamities occurring around us. Truth be told, what can we realistically do if something devastating occurs halfway across the world?

In a digital age, abandoning technology completely is an unrealistic endeavor, as it is unrealistic to make ourselves vulnerable to feelings that we wouldn’t like to feel. The internet is essential in keeping us aware about world events; we are able to pull up the latest headlines and get updates within seconds, giving us an overload of information that we crave.

However, an effective strategy to counter this would be to balance time on the internet in terms of the information we receive and share with others. Namely, appointing specific times to channel towards the news is an effective way to manage feelings of uneasiness, as it can have an effect on our physical and mental well-being. In addition, write down the emotions you are feeling. Start conversations about issues and emphasize the significance of the atrocities happening around the world - although they do not

affect us directly, they affect us through the aftermath.

“I am a strong believer in the idea [that] we can’t always change or control the things that happen around us, but we can choose how we think about the events and therefore how we respond,” says Dr. Mary McNaughton-Cassill, a professor of psychology at the University of Texas, who is a leading researcher on the connection between news and anxiety.

It is also important to remember that however important it is to address our own

feelings, we don’t want to completely internalize a horrific tragedy directly to ourselves, and still keep in mind the people that are directly affected by it. To end on a happier note, it’s important to notice all the positive things in our world, and become a source of joy and goodness for others.

“Courage.

Kindness.

Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.”

-R.J. Palacio, Wonder

VOLUME 27 , ISSUE 2 WINTER 2017 PAGE 6

Lifestyle

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 2 WINTER 2017 PAGE 7

Lifestyle

Photo: Seawolf Living

Tips for making the most out of your winter break By: Aamna Ashfaq

W

inter Break is two weeks of no school, it’s like heaven on earth, nothing can be better. It is a time of celebration and winter fun. However, with school lingering around the corner, one must preserve one's will and motivation to study while simultaneously making the most of the holidays. It might seem next to impossible, but staying on track with your studies and balancing time with friends and family can be a piece of cake.

To begin, ensure that the Winter Break is spent on ac-

tivities worth your time. The best thing one can possibly do is sleep in! Take advantage of this time and get all the ZZZs you can handle. Little things like staying home with family are worthwhile because it is easy to overlook the value in a relaxing and comfortable environment when constantly stressing about homework.

While in the house, try to help your parents by doing some chores, or maybe even remodel your room for fun. Try some new paint colours and décor - there are so many ways to reinvent your space and get your creative mind working.

Perhaps even try to get your-

self into the habit of working out because who doesn’t want to maintain a healthy lifestyle?

This way, you will stay one step ahead of the game and be able to mark that resolution as complete by the New Year while everyone else will still be trying to eat healthier. Finally, attempt some winter activities, because it is “Winter Break” after all. Embrace the cold weather that Canada is known for and go skiing or skating. As you are heading out, get your friends to tag along with you - who wouldn’t miss seeing them after so long?

Incorporating the above into your winter break while

also studying might not be what you had in mind for the break, but everything is feasible with a little inspiration and organization! Track your studies so far and create a schedule to keep yourself caught up. Include time for what you need to learn and revise, but at the same time be sure to schedule in some time to relax or hang out with your friends and family. Don’t hesitate to readjust your schedule if something unexpected occurs, but don’t make it a habit as you don’t want to fall behind. A great way to motivate oneself is to go out and grab a nice warm gingerbread cookie with hot

chocolate once in awhile. This is the best time to invite a friend along so you can catch up. You might even end up motivating each other! Work collaboratively with your friends and classmates to understand your course material better and also stay engaged with your work. While outside, don’t forget your volunteering responsibilities! Participating in hands-on activities is a good way to forget about your homework for a day or two while still being productive. Furthermore, remember to minimize distractions when studying, so there is space for more productivity and con-

centration. After the satisfying feeling of completing your tasks, you can enjoy your free time with no worries.

Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to balance education and the holidays in the span of two weeks. Staying motivated and having a good time don’t need to be contradictory; instead, you can balance the two to enjoy the ultimate Winter Break. At the end of the day, the Winter Break is meant to help you catch up on on your studies, but also with family and friends too. So be sure to make the most of it.

Easy last-minute DIY Christmas presents By: Anushka Goyal

I

a thoughtful present.

2. Cityscape in a Jar All you need for this present is some cardboard, a clear glass jar, and some salt or icing sugar. Draw and cut out a few buildings and/or houses on the cardboard. Place a layer of salt or icing sugar, whichever one you plan to use, on the bottom of the jar. Later, stick it in the cardboard cutouts.

Make sure the layer at the bottom of the jar is thick enough to ensure that the cardboard is able to stand. To take this project to the next level, use icing sugar, candy canes and fresh 1.

Inspirational Photo gingerbread cookies in place Frame of the cardboard cutouts for a This idea is really simple tasty topping and a beautiful and can be made by even the skyline. most basic DIY beginner. All you need for this handmade 3. Customized Mug present is a picture frame (one This DIY is perfect for from Dollarama can work absolutely anybody! No mattoo), some cardstock, and a ter how much you have procouple of markers. Look up crastinated on buying Christa meaningful inspirational mas presents, you’ll never be quote that the person would too late for this one. Just buy love, and write it out on the a plain white mug (one from cardstock. If you are one of Dollarama works too) and those people who do not pos- grab a black Sharpie. Draw sess the power of calligraphy, some cute patterns, write out edit the design on your com- an inspirational quote, or even puter and print it out. Then, a short, heartfelt message onto just slide the cardstock into the cup, and ta-da - you’re the frame, and voila: you have done! A gift to pour some hot t’s finally December! Winter break is almost here, which means Christmas is closer than ever. With teachers still giving out assignments and handing out projects to complete over the holidays, it can become quite easy to get sidetracked from your main goal - getting your loved ones a holiday gift! Don’t have the perfect gift for every person on your list? Don’t stress - here are some easy last-minute and budget-friendly presents that you can make:

cocoa in for the cold nights.

4. Framed Zany Newspaper Article This one takes a little more time and effort, but hey, isn’t giving time to family and friends what Christmas is all about? All you need for this DIY is a picture frame (again, one from Dollarama is perfectly fine) and a little bit of imagination. Write a wacky article about your dad or uncle being identified by scientists as Santa’s closest relative, or just about anything that you know will put a smile on this special person’s face.

Photo: Inliv

Taking care of your mental health should be your top priority By: Khyathi Rao

Y

ou are part of the school basketball team, swim team and you are a straight-A student. What more could you ask for? Studies conducted by various organizations and government agencies such as the Mental Health Commission of Canada indicate that around 1.2 million Canadian youth are at risk for being diagnosed with a serious mental health issue. From an increase in stress-levels to unachievable societal expectations, there were many factors in causing students to feel psychological distress. What was most alarming was the fact that only 20% of affected teens reached out for help. One of the main reasons behind the disparity between youth affected and

youth who voiced their troubles is the stigma or lack of adequate knowledge about mental health.

In a fast paced world brimming with competitive youth, where being the best and doing the best is constantly a priority, the importance of mental health is often forgotten. Personal wellbeing and health falls low on many teens’ priority list. Amidst the struggle to juggle schoolwork, social life, extracurriculars and family, a healthy mind does not seem to fit anywhere in the lives of teens. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) claims that about 34 per cent of Ontario teens are likely to have severe depression and anxiety disorders due to high levels of stress, body image issues and bullying, and

changes need to be made before the numbers start to soar higher. Here are a few ways to ensure that you are taking care of your mental health: Set aside time for yourself: One way to prevent mental illnesses is by keeping time out of your busy schedule for yourself. It can be anything from half an hour a day to weekly self-treats. During this treasured time, do what you enjoy - anything that will give you satisfaction upon completion. Although binge-watching Netflix or passing time on social media may cross your mind, it is essential that you do something productive, such as pursuing a hobby or spending quality time with friends and family. Doing so not only makes you feel happy and pro-

week: plan ahead by identifying weekly goals and designated times for each. It is surprising to see how advantageous it is to spend 10 minutes daily and plan out your day rather than waste hours doing unproManage your time: Probably the most re- ductive tasks! peated and well known tip is to efficiently manage your time. Find positive spaces and Although this might seem like block out the negativity: There are many safe a herculean task, it is quite simple. Try to start tasks the day spaces in Glenforest and in you receive them. Do bits of it the community for youth to over the course of time until it express how they are feeling is due. Not only will this help and connect with similar inyou to think clearer, but it also dividuals. Some examples of boosts your productivity and mental health awareness clubs leaves plenty of time for other include jack.org and BOSS. tasks. To begin with, create a Attending general meetings personal schedule tailored for not only helps you to share your lifestyle, however try not thoughts with accepting peers to create monthly plans as the and take part in eye-opening scope is larger than necessary. activities, but it also expands The ideal planning period is a your knowledge of mental ductive, it also helps you focus on the good parts of your life and worry less about the many responsibilities that you might have.

health. By being aware of the root causes of mental illnesses, you can try preventing negative emotions from interfering with your life, as well as the lives of those around you. In addition, being inclusive towards others creates a positive atmosphere for youth to be themselves, and not feel constrained to behave in a certain manner.

In the end, it depends on you to make a change in your lifestyle and ensure that you are mentally healthy and happy. Talk to your loved ones, connect with your passions and find time for yourselves; after all, you are the most valuable part of your life.

The holiday time can be really hectic, so use these DIY tips to create meaningful presents for your loved ones. They would appreciate a handmade present much more than a store-bought one, and with these easy-to-make presents, there is absolutely no reason as to why there shouldn’t be a wide smile on their face. But keep in mind, that Christmas is not about the tangible presents around any tree - it is truly about spending close and memorable moments with those around you.

Photo: Lily and Val Blog

Photo: Intentional Moms

VOLUME 27 , ISSUE 2 WINTER 2017 PAGE 8

Culture

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 2 WINTER 2017 PAGE 9

Culture

Photo: Netflix

Top 5 television shows to watch over the break

The stranger, the better!

By: Rehana Lalani **Spoilers! Read at your own risk.

O

n October 27th, 2017, 15.8 million Netflix-users cuddled up to binge-watch the most tweeted show in history Stranger Things 2. The Netflix Original incorporates sci-fi, horror, and fantasy into a total of nine new episodes for fans to enjoy. This acclaimed series also touches upon crucial themes including the lasting effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, the importance of being true to who you are, and the positive impact of loving friends and family.

Throughout the series, Will, a young boy previously trapped in an alternate

dimension, is told that he is experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. Although this is not entirely the case, his symptoms are portrayed in a manner similar to that of a victim undergoing PTSD. Accompanied with his hallucinations, he is often seen with distressed expressions while experiencing the ‘anniversary effect.’ Stranger Things 2 has been praised for its accurate representation of PTSD and illustrates to the audience the terrifying effects of trauma.

However, the importance of friends and family interweaves with the frightening effects of PTSD, as the individuals close to Will are ultimately the reason he survives his horrifying trauma.

The theme of being true

to yourself is constantly portrayed throughout the series, as many of the characters are on either side of the social spectrum. Jonathan Byers, a loner at Hawkins High School, often tells his younger brother Will that, “you shouldn’t like things because people tell you you’re supposed to.” This message has a positive impact on the audience, as they are able to realize the true importance of being themselves and not worrying about being judged by others. One of the series’ main focuses is to portray teenagers as individuals who are just learning about adulthood, yet are often pushed into difficult situations which they may not be comfortable in. These situations are what help create one’s identity and

develop decision-making skills that an adolescent audience can better connect to.

Stranger Things 2 was also able to improve character development magnificently, and we can see this through Steve Harrington: the “obnoxious boyfriend” who finally steps up to become a better version of himself and aid certain characters through their trials and tribulations. He makes it a point to share his magnificent hair tips (boys - use Farrah Fawcett spray!) with young Dustin who looks up to Harrington as a role-model. Season Two also introduces new characters who are just as loveable as the familiar faces from Season One. Many viewers commented on Bob Newby – an origi-

Photo: Oprah

By: Emi Lillian Roni

nally boring middle-aged man obsessed with technology and Kenny Rogers music, whose role throughout the storyline becomes increasingly important as he saves the inhabitants of Hawkins many times.

The producers of Stranger Things along with the amazing cast have gained a tremendous amount of recognition and attention. The series has accumulated 95 award nominations and has won 23 out of the list - the most recognized being Outstanding Casting for Drama Series and Outstanding Main Title Design. The young actors and actresses, including Finn Wolfhard and Millie Bobby Brown, have been shown an immense amount of appreciation on social media for their on-screen chemistry

and endearing love story.

Overall, the significant character development along with the essential themes portrayed is what makes Stranger Things 2 a prevalently favoured second season over the original. Thanks to the Duffer brothers, viewers are left with a strong attachment to the characters, the meaning and importance of friendship and family, and the motivation to appreciate their idiosyncrasies. As it is best put by Jonathan Byers, “Nobody normal ever accomplished anything meaningful in this world.”.

taining, quick and are being franchise for both the storecommended from personal ryline and characters - many he holiday break signals experience: of which reappear or make the period where you cameos in later incarnations of drown in eggnog and cookies, 1) Stranger Things the show. In fact, the current have your playlist belt out carIf you haven’t been living principal of Degrassi Commuols, and hit “next episode” on under a rock, you’ve probably nity School is none other than Netflix for the 79 208 536th heard of Stranger Things. Trust Snake, who was first introtime. Although it may seem me, it is a must-watch for ev- duced in Degrassi Junior High as if you’ve exhausted your ery single person out there.

30 years ago! Don’t forget to list of “must-watch” shows keep an eye out for Drake or and movies, you don’t have 2) The Degrassi Franchise Nina Dobrev, both starring in to worry; this list will have all A Canadian favourite this cherished series! your binge-watching needs for decades, Degrassi follows covered. Below is a compila- the lives of teens growing up 3) Bates Motel tion of the best shows to watch in Toronto. I definitely recThis one’s for the people over the break - they’re enter- ommend watching the whole who have a tough stomach. A

T

prequel to Hitchcock’s Psycho movies, Bates Motel is a dark, psychological drama that follows the life of young Norman Bates. The series is well-written with dimensional characters and an interesting plot filled with twists and turns.

4) The Good Place Ever wondered what happens after you die? The Good Place offers a unique theory of the afterlife – an eccentric town where spirits live in specially designed neighbourhoods. The show follows Elea-

Photo: Netflix

Photo: Netflix

Photo: Netflix

Photo: A&E

tiple “dead” people who have returned.

Other favourites include Friends, How I Met Your Mother, Pretty Little Liars, iZombie, That 70s Show, 5) Between Freaks and Geeks and Secret Another Canadian pro- Life of an American Teenduction, this show is a science ager, so grab some popfiction drama in which a dis- corn and get your binge on! ease has killed all inhabitants of small-town Pretty Lake under the age of 22. If you liked this one, I also recommend checking out Returned, based on a French series that chronicles the stories of mulnor Shellstrop as she’s wrongly brought to the good place. It’s funny and light-hearted, and better yet, the second season is airing right now!

Photo: Wikipedia

Photo: NBC

Photo: Sidereel

VOLUME 27 , ISSUE 2 WINTER 2017 PAGE 10

Culture

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 2 WINTER 2017 PAGE 11

Science

Photo: ValueWalk

Photo: Fonts in Use

Reputation: Taylor Swift's past, present and album By: Tehreem Iqbal

Y

ou may recall back in the summer of 2016 when snake emojis flooded Taylor Swift’s Instagram and #TaylorSwiftIsOverParty trended on Twitter. In fact, Swift was pretty much out of the spotlight after she mysteriously “ghosted” on all her social media platforms by deleting her posts and tweets. She then posted a series of odd videos over a period of a few days which later revealed a hissing snake. The ten-time Grammy winner had managed to mock her haters with a comeback better than any other and this time she wasn’t exactly shaking it off; she was shedding her reputation, dropping her image and showing who’s boss (and she wasn’t playing).

Late August 2017, Taylor Swift announced via Insta-

gram that she would be dropping her sixth studio album, reputation, on November 10th 2017. Based on her previous records, Red and 1989, Swift’s fans (more fondly known as Swifties) expected her to announce album releases via livestream; however, reputation’s different approach to promotion wasn’t at all disappointing. Music fanatics around the world were eagerly waiting for a new album whether they admitted it or not. After all, Swift lost her streak of dropping an album in the fall every other year when she didn’t release music in 2016 after being on a break following her extremely successful 1989 World Tour. But all of that didn’t matter because she was finally back with new music.

Taylor Swift released her lead single, Look What You

Made Me Do, from the new album and it was an immediate success. Although Swift had only recently reconciled with Spotify after previously pulling out of the streaming service to stand up for other artists, her new single scored the most Spotify streams in 24 hours and set a record as the best global and US Spotify debut. It became the mostviewed lyric video in 24 hours with 19 million views, soaring past the 9 million previously set by The Chainsmokers’ Something Just Like This. The accompanying music video, directed by Joseph Kahn, has earned her many other record-breaking titles. The video topped the most-viewed music video in 24 hours with a whopping 42.3 million views, overtaking Hello by Adele for the Vevo 24-hour record and surpassing the most-viewed

music video in 24 hours of all time, Gangnam Style by Psy. Furthermore, Look What You Made Me Do also became the fast number-one on US iTunes by a female artist and got the most streams by a female artist by a total of 84.4 million.

In the weeks leading up to the album release, Swift dropped three more additional promotional singles: ...Ready For It?, Gorgeous, and Call It What You Want. She also released a music video for ...Ready For It? and performed a new song, New Year’s Day, in a fan performance for ABC Television Network. She returned to her social media with gusto, liking, commenting, reposting, and watching fans’ livestreams on her Instagram and Tumblr. In fact, istayontumblr.com was created so fans knew whether she had been active recently. Three

days before the album release, Swift released the tracklist, revealing that the album included a collaboration with Future and Ed Sheeran on track two, End Game, creating even more excitement.

On Friday, November 10th, reputation was released through Big Machine Records as Taylor Swift’s sixth studio album. There were also two different magazines, exclusive to Target in the United States and Walmart for Canada, filled with poems and paintings by Swift along with never-seen-before photos. The album had 400 000 pre-orders, double the pre-orders she had for previous albums, and it sold over one million copies in just a few days. For comparison, 1989 hit one million in a week. reputation has become Target’s most-sold album in a pre-sale, had the best opening

week for an album this year, and was named this year’s top-selling album. In fact, reputation became Taylor Swift’s fourth album to exceed one million sales in the first week; she reached that milestone before with Speak Now, Red, and 1989.

In conclusion, there is no doubt that Taylor Swift is a phenomenon in the music industry like no other. She’s constantly breaking her own set records and topping herself on the charts. Swift has managed to shed her reputation from a country musician to a pop sensation with another record-breaking album. It looks like the #TaylorSwiftIsOverParty is cancelled. Look what you made her do.

A bite out of Apple By: Valerie Molodtsova

T

hroughout the years, Samsung has not hesitated to point out the multiple flaws in Apple designed technology, despite receiving harsh backlash each time. However just recently, Samsung released a minute-long advertisement that left even Apple users speechless.

The first time Samsung challenged Apple was in 2015, through the commercial titled “The Next Big Thing.” This advertisement noted Apple's short-life battery and small, compressed screen by comparing it to the new release of Samsung's Galaxy S2 which

had a wider range of functions, better battery life and a larger screen. This is around the time that Apple opted out the 16GB storage on its entry level iPhone models, opening up many new features. It is noted that Samsung's attempt to ward off Apple actually improved their designs and increased the chance of Apple's future generations.

It is evident that Apple is a very strong and successful company, selling millions of their electronics each year from the very first iPhone to the X - which came out at the beginning of November this year. As the iPhone evolved, thoughts and opinions

emerged from many corners, all coming together in the humorous and truthful commercial Samsung released to show that iOS should step up their game in order to compete with what Android has in mind.

The commercial, titled “Growing Up”, features a man opening the box for the very first iPhone in 2007, then fast-forward into 2010, where he attempts to take a picture, only to see that his storage is full - a huge disadvantage when compared to Samsung's free add-on storage. We continue into 2013, where we see the man with a newer version of the iPhone, old one forgotten, as he comments on

a woman's Samsung with its large screen and notepad feature. Come 2015 and the same man purchases yet another generation of iPhone - a scene that continues to address the issue of continuous releases.

2016: the man and woman run to take a picture from a dock, however when both get drenched in water, the Galaxy Phone manages to stay functioning, while the man resorts to throwing his iPhone into some rice; Samsung’s way of mocking Apple not-so-subtly for being incapable of waterproofing its phones. We then see this year's iPhone 7 being purchased along with the headphone adapter, a feature

the man is clearly unhappy with after seeing Samsung's upgrade to a wireless charging system. The commercial concludes with the man purchasing his long-awaited Samsung and passing a lineup of hungry Apple users waiting for the iPhone X's arrival.

This commercial stirs up the talk of Apple constantly releasing new phones while the multiple improvements aren't quite as successful as if to forcibly push forward with the multitude of adjustments and changes. By releasing this ad, Samsung brings up the controversy and inflicts a lot of damage on Apple's future sales. On the flip side, Apple

will improve their products with this new insight, making sales increase.

Ridiculing Apple might have increased Android's chances with their upcoming Galaxy Note 8, seeing as many customers have reviewed the product as a much better alternative to the iPhone X. Once Apple regains its composure however, Samsung might end up paying in one way or another for the mockery that they’ve dealt Apple. Until then, we wish both companies the best; for Samsung, hopefully the Apple won't fall far from the tree.

A Silent Voice: A Film Review By: Albert Zhu

A

Silent Voice is a Japanese animated feature film directed by Naoko Yamada, and is based off of the manga by the same name. It tells the story of Shoya Ishida and his interactions with a deaf girl, Shoko Nishimiya. When they first meet, Shoya is abrasive and inflicts upon her a great deal of emotional anguish.

However, when they meet again years later, Shoya is filled with regret and is a social reject for the way he treated her in the past - symbolized by the blue Xs plastered over everyone’s faces. A Silent Voice is a story about love and redemption magnificently illustrated in animated form, and is widely viewed as one of the greatest animated films of 2017.

A Silent Voice is a beautifully animated movie with a diverse yet suitable colour palette that brings the film to life, accompanied by a heartfelt message about bullying and its consequences. The clear,

crisp, hand-drawn cell animation manages to give the visual aspect of the film a sense of tranquility, even during the more emotional scenes that deal with suicide and depression - a quality enhanced by the moving soundtrack, masterfully composed by veteran musician Kensuke Ushio. If anything, the animation style blends well with the film’s narrative, resulting in a meaningful story told in a gentle and mature way - something that has attracted positive reception worldwide, even from naysayers of Japanese animation.

Another reason why A Silent Voice is universally acclaimed by both fans and critics alike is because of its very unconventional way of incorporating the theme of bullying into its narrative; rather than focusing on the victim, the film tells a story about the perpetrator’s regret and struggle to find forgiveness and redemption. As a result, Shoya is a very three-dimensional and

emotionally engaging protagonist that the audience can get behind, despite having seen all of the horrible things he had done to Shoko in the past. The film also benefits from a wide supporting cast who provide great contrast between them and the film’s two main characters, as well as a profound anti-bullying message found in their interactions throughout the movie. The film does a good job of balancing its themes, visuals and narrative while also managing to be an interesting and emotionally investing movie - earning quite a lot of praise from critics, and rightfully so.

With that being said, A Silent Voice is not without its problems. The way that the film’s story is told to the audience is unorthodox to the point of jarring, as a result, the aforementioned emotional immersion could potentially be affected somewhat for some viewers. Additionally, while Shoya and Shoko are humanized quite well, the film

does very little to build upon its rather large supporting cast. As a result, although their presence in the film provides great contrast between their actions and Shoya’s - addressing the prominently societal issue that contributes to bullying - many of them aren’t very memorable and sequences that predominantly feature these side characters feel like they only serve to drag the film’s runtime. However, these are mostly nitpicky flaws and don’t detract too much from the overall viewing experience.

Final verdict: A Silent Voice gets an 8/10. Although it falls a little short in some respects - especially in its supporting cast and narrative the film does a lot more things right than it does wrong. Ultimately, much like its protagonist, the movie starts off a little rough around the edges but manages to redeem itself along the way, and rightfully earns our respect and adoration at last.

Photo: The Verge

Photo: Campaign Asia

VOLUME 27 , ISSUE 2 WINTER 2017 PAGE 12

National

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 2 WINTER 2017 PAGE 13

Global

Photo: Rolling Stone

After Weinstein: The Hollywood sexual misconduct scandals By: Rana Al-Fayez

I

Ontario's 37 day college strike ends By: Katarina Dearlove

O

n Tuesday, November 21st, 2017, college classes finally started up again, signifying the end to the gruelling five weeks of faculty strike that plagued collegiate institutes across Ontario. Even though having the students back on campus may be seen as a win for the college system, many members of affected parties feel dismay regarding returning after such a long and frustrating break.

Beginning October 16th, 2017, the Ontario College Faculty decided to go on strike

due to failed negotiations between the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and the College Employer Council. The OPSEU, which represents the 12,000 professors, instructors, counsellors and librarians who are employed at Ontario colleges, have wanted to increase the current number of full-time professors. The majority of teachers currently work parttime, meaning that many do not receive benefits and full pay.

The College Employer Council, which represents Ontario’s 24 colleges, had rejected

the OPSEU’s demands; they deemed the terms too costly as it could lead to the loss of thousands of contract teaching positions. Over the course of the strike’s five weeks, there were multiple offers made by the College Employer Council to the OPSEU, each of which was rejected almost unanimously by the members. After allowing the strike to continue for five weeks, Kathleen Wynne's government decided to take action, passing back-towork legislation and simply forcing the faculty to resume teaching.

But where does forcing

the college professors to resume their teaching after such a long gap leave the college system? Colleges are left with nothing resolved while the delay has proven infuriating for both the faculty and students.

Some college students may not be allowed to participate in the co-op portion of their degree or in career entrance exams due to the strike which prevented them from learning all required material. This is truly frustrating to the students as they feel the strike has robbed precious opportunities from them. Ontario’s New Democratic Party’s MPP Peg-

gy Sattler states that “[s]ome students wishing to write their paralegal entrance exam with the law society won’t be finished in time for the February exam putting students behind by at least six months.”

Regarding college faculty, members are outraged at the legislation as none of their demands have been met. NDP’s leader Andrea Horwath says, “We still have a broken college system to deal with where 70 per cent of the faculty are not earning decent wages. In other words, 70 per cent are working part-time and contract work, which is not the best

Photo: CrowdH

for students in terms of their quality of education. Passing the legislation does not aid in eliminating the issues that had influenced the teachers to participate in the strike; instead it acts as some sort of instrument to silence the voices of the ones who educate the young leaders of tomorrow.”

t's only been a month since the sexual assault allegations against media mogul Harvey Weinstein exploded into public view. The controversy has sparked an international conversation on sexual harassment – from companies taking a second look at their sexual harassment policies to the tide of #MeToo stories flooding social media. Since then, there have been new allegations made against other powerful men, including recognizable Hollywood A-listers, in various industries seemingly al-

most every day.

More than 70 women, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Rose McGowan and Angelina Jolie have accused the former studio head Weinstein of sexual harassment or assault. In the wake of the allegations, Weinstein’s precipitous fall has been stunning, if not a long time coming. He was fired from his own company, ostracized by friends, family and collaborators in the entertainment industry and expelled by the Television Academy. His wife of 10 years also left him.

The codemnation of this once-celebrated personality,

who enjoyed a position as one of the most powerful figures in media, is a sign that the old methods that stars and top executives used to cover up their sins isn't working. Their praetorian watchguard of legal advisors and spin-makers, their affinity for paying hush money to victims and forcefully influencing them to sign draconian nondisclosure agreements that prevent them from approach the media, can no longer buy silence.

Hollywood’s veil of secrecy has been pierced, and the complicity and enabling of the Weinstein-era may no lon-

ger be tolerated in an industry with a legacy protecting its own.

The list of men who've been accused of sexual harassment is undoubtedly incomplete. As the days and weeks go on, this list will keep growing. Among them are Harvey Weinstein, Louis CK, Kevin Spacey, Jeffrey Tambor, Steven Seagal, George Takei, Woody Allen, Russell Simmons, Andy Dick, Brett Ratner, and Ed Westwick.

As the chorus of accusers grows daily and Weinstein finds himself isolated and abandoned by the A-list stars

and directors he once claimed as friends, the conversation in Hollywood is pointing to a major shift. The hope in the industry is that the alleged abhorrent behavior by Weinstein and the other perpetrators will trigger some genuine changes across the entertainment business and beyond.

Rather than simply inspiring big names in the industry to release generic statements that are light on substance and heavy on synonyms for deplorable, there’s a deeper urge to have a more significant conversation on how to improve what is considered

acceptable in Hollywood. The hope is that the recent events will prove shocking enough such that the climate and culture in Hollywood experiences a shift that leads to important structural changes, such that whistle-blowers are supported and predators aren’t rewarded with corner offices, private planes and a license to operate with impunity.

Photo: VICE

Net neutrality By: Annie Zou

I

Photo: The Globe and Mail

n the United States, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) is making its latest grab at net neutrality.

For internet users, this is dire news indeed. An end to net neutrality would mean internet service providers (ISPs) such as Verizon and Comcast could charge companies to send their content to consumers faster, allowing them to buy into a “fast lane”, a price smaller companies may not be able to pay.

Should Canadians care?

As it turns out, Canadian net neutrality isn’t even protected by law. According to Huffington Post Canada, it is instead “protected in multiple decisions by a federal regulator rather than in specific sections of either the Broadcast or Telecommunications acts, which govern the internet and communication services.” So what exactly is net neutrality and why are cable companies lobbying so hard to overrule it?

Simply put, net neutrality means that the internet is a level playing field; large multinational corporations and

small startups have their data processed equally. When customers buy internet packages from service providers, they are paying for overall internet speed. However without net neutrality, ISPs are able to choose which websites get to be in the “fast lane” and which websites will remain in the “slow lane”. The determining factor? How much money each site can cough up.

It’s a cash grab and a display of blatant extortion in a capitalistic society with a government that is increasingly controlled by corporations. In

fact, Verizon has already sued the US government while lobbying for an end to net neutrality.

An end to net neutrality would mean the cable company oligopoly; a market which is shared by a number of small companies, will become more powerful as companies increase their monopoly power.

The cable company would be able to control which producers create content and influence the prices that customers would be forced to pay for it.

Services like Netflix may be forced to pay premium: costs

that not only discriminate smaller businesses with less resources, but are ultimately passed down to the customer. Although these companies promise that shift in policy will not purposely slow down websites to squeeze out more money, history says otherwise.

In particular, when Netflix was negotiating with Comcast back in 2014 about a “tax” to ensure their users receive good service, their download speeds plummeted until Netflix finally capitulated and agreed to Comcast’s terms.

As for Canada, if the FCC

were to let go of net neutrality, Canadians would also be inevitably affected since, unfortunately, most internet services are American: Netflix, Amazon, Gmail, Google, Bing, Youtube, Reddit, Facebook, Twitter, and iTunes, to list a few. If an ISP charges these companies for full-speed access, the consequent blowback on consumers would inevitably affect Canadians as well.

VOLUME 27 , ISSUE 2 WINTER 2017 PAGE 14

Global

Photo: CNN

The war massacre on drugs By: Michelle Wei

A

ll the world’s a drug den and all the countries merely users – but there is no rehabilitation in sight. While the United States wrestle with opium and Canada courts marijuana, the Philippines wages a brutal war on shabu that has so far left thousands dead in its wake.

The election of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in June 2016 brought with it a drastic change to law enforcement in the island country. Duterte, who had been elected on a campaign of hard justice, promised to take care of his country’s drug problem and crush the illicit market for methamphetamines known as shabu. According to the 2011 UN Drug Report, the Philippines has the highest abuse rate for shabu in East Asia.

However, there is a hard line between steadfast leadership and extremism and Duterte blows right past it. “Hitler

massacred three million Jews … there’s three million drug addicts. There are. I’d be happy to slaughter them,” Duterte had announced after taking office.

Duterte’s crusade did not target the root of the problem by arresting high-level drug dealers or addressing the poverty that often motivates shabu users, but rather sought to eliminate street-level dealers and casual drug users. Under Duterte, police have been granted the right to use excessive force and permission to kill for minor offenses. The president also actively endorses extrajudicial killings and encourages citizens to “Go ahead and kill [any addicts you know] as getting their parents to do it would be too painful.”

As a result, the slums of Manila have become a war zone where it is common to find bodies gunned down on the street or with their heads wrapped in packing tape – a

trademark of vigilantes acting outside of the law who took Duterte’s call to “slaughter them all” too seriously. Often times, the dead aren’t even the guilty; citizens suspected of drug use or trafficking are just as likely to be killed as those convicted, and bystanders are often caught in the crossfire.

The campaign racked up a death toll ranging from official police reports of 3,900 to the Human Rights Watch’s estimate of over 12,000. From those statistics, most were poor, urban citizens and at least 54 people were under the age of 18.

Despite the violence and brutality, Duterte’s image has remained consistently positive in the Philippines. He won the 2016 election in a landslide victory with 6.2 million more votes than his closest rival and his anti-drug efforts receive support from over three-quarters of Filipinos. He began his presidential term with an 82 per cent approval rating that

has dipped by one or two percent over the year he spent in office, a Pulse Asia survey revealed in October 2017.

Oddly, Pulse’s results contradicted those of another well-respected poll service, Social Weather Stations. In this survey, released at around the same time, only 35 percent of adult Filipinos expect Duterte to fulfil most, if not all, of his promises compared to the initial 63 percent in June 2016.

The findings were attributed to a series of demonstrations in September 2017 protesting the police killings of three teenagers in Duterte’s drug war. Video evidence of police executions that contradicted official reports sparked some of the largest protests against Duterte in his career.

As the former mayor of Davao, Duterte was suspected of leading an unofficial death squad in a city in the southern Philippines.

The protests centered

around 17-year-old student Kian delos Santos who was found shot, twice in the head and once in the back, after being taken from his home and brought into an alleyway by two plainclothes police officers in August 2017. Official reports justify his execution by claiming that he pulled a gun on the officers during the arrest; in the video, however, Kian is held in a headlock as he is led away. Public outcry intensified after the killings of two other teenagers in September 2017: 19-year-old Carl Arnaiz and most hauntingly, 14-year-old Reynaldo de Guzman.

Duterte’s war on drugs has attracted fierce criticism internationally from various governments and humanitarian groups. Donald Trump is not one of them, having praised Duterte on “the unbelievable job on the drug problem.”

After 15 months of violence, Duterte finally halted

The crisis in Yemen By: Srushti Patel

C

ertainly everyone who remembers the 1996 sitcom, Friends, will most likely remember the joke where Chandler, in his attempts to evade his on-and-off girlfriend, tells her that he is transferring to Yemen. The joke, in the context of the show, works as it is the furthest and most irrelevant place that Chandler can think of where she cannot follow him. However, Joey, the dunce of the show, doesn’t understand the joke and says, “Yemen, that actually sounds like a real country!”

This joke made in 1996 is still relevant today – most Americans, along with the rest of the world, have forgotten about Yemen and its ongoing crisis. One of the poorest countries in the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen is lesser known to the world due to its minimal resources and lack of contribution to the wealth of the

Peninsula.

The famine in Yemen is the result of the raging civil war which started in 2015 when the Houthi rebels drove president Hadi’s government from Sana’a, forcing him to flee to the city of Aden. Now, a Sunni coalition led by Saudi Arabia is fighting the Houthi rebels in Yemen where they have placed a blockade on the entire nation that prevents all resources from entering. This blockade was tightened by Saudi Arabia as a response to the missile attack led by the Houthi rebels fired at Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia and its financial hub. However, the missile was intercepted but left all of Saudi Arabia shocked as they closed all access into Yemen by ground, air, and sea.

This blockade has hindered all humanitarian groups from entering and bringing resources to fight the growing crisis of famine, malnutrition, and outbreak of cholera. As of No-

vember 2017, it is believed that not a single UN or MSF (Medecins sans Frontier) organization has been able to enter Yemen.

The famine crisis has only been predicted to worsen as the lack of food will lead to a whole new range of medical complications due to the fact that starving bodies have reduced ability to fight off infections, respiratory tract problems, and other common illnesses. The UN says that two-thirds of Yemen’s 28 million population faces shortages of food and clean water leading to a cholera epidemic.

The number of cholera cases have rapidly increased since the sewer system in Sana’a stopped working in April 27, 2017. The blockade and destruction of most infrastructures in Yemen, such as hospitals, schools, and roads, has resulted in a cut-off of essential health care and daily life products.

Despite these atrocities, no one in America is talking about the Yemen crisis which has been going on for more than 2 years. The media has created a vacuum heavily controlled by the UK, USA, and Saudi Arabia where international journalists are not allowed access into Yemen, resulting in their articles being destroyed before being published. It is believed that the US and UK are actively aiding and encouraging Saudi Arabia by providing them with ammunition, weapons, and even intelligence and logical assistance for air strikes against the Houthis. Only recently, have more news articles and devastating pictures of the condition in Yemen surfaced, depicting the growing catastrophe of the war.

Horoscopes

Zodiac signs: Santa's reindeer

MAR 20 - APR 19

his controversial drug war.

On October 13, 2017, Duterte ordered all police to end all operations and disbanded police anti-drug units. From now on, he claims that the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) will handle all drug related crimes. The move comes weeks before the Philippines has to host the ASEAN economic summit and will face international scrutiny from the world leaders present.

Photojournalist Daniel Berehulak, who documented the slaughter in his photography series ‘They Are Slaughtering Us Like Animals’, describes his horror in a New York Times publication. “What I experienced in the Philippines felt like a new level of ruthlessness […] turning much of the country into a macabre house of mourning.”

In truth, it’s as simple as this: People who should not be dying are dying. What more is there to say?

Photo: ICRC

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 2 WINTER 2017 PAGE 15

APR 20 - MAY 20

Aries: Dasher

Libra: Cupid

As an Aries, you are adventurous, quick-witted and always on the go. Your enthusiasm for life is comparable to Dasher's enthusiasm for his annual holiday dance. Take care to stop and smell the mistletoe every once in awhile, your fast-paced lifestyle may not be for everyone.

As a Libra, you are introspective, a people-pleaser and are a hopeless romantic, much like Cupid. Often, It can be hard getting past your ice-cold exterior, but when somebody does, you embrace them whole-heartedly.

SEPT 22 - OCT 23

Taurus: Dancer

Scorpio: Vixen

As a Taurus, you are determined, focused. You have a calm and reserved nature, but close friends will know that you can be the life of the party. You embody the spirit of Dancer, a true hero on the dance floor and an inspiration to anyone who needs the courage to just be themselves.

As a Scorpio you are the most passionate of the signs, much like flirty lil' Vixen. You turn heads when you walk into rooms, and your laugh is like the tinkling of sleigh bells. Your obsession with being perfect can be blinding; what you're looking for may well be right under your nose.

OCT 24 - NOV 21

Sagittarius: Comet

Gemini: Vixen

MAY 21 - JUNE 20

JUNE 21 - JULY 22

JULY 23 - AUG 22

AUG 23 - SEPT 21

Zodiac symbols from I follow Islands...

As a Gemini, you are opinionated, passionate and have strong mood swings. One second you could be singing along to Christmas music, the next sobbing to a holiday romantic comedy. Take some time to relax and unwind this month with a warm cup of hot-cocoa and fuzzy socks.

As a Sagittarius, you're adventurous and optimistic.

You aim high, just like Comet, and strut into life with a smile on your face and a spring in your step!

You are not afraid to take risks, which may or may not work in your favour this month.

NOV 22 - DEC 21

Cancer: Comet

Capricorn: Donner

As a Cancer, your laid-back and chill nature makes you a great friend to have.You are out of this worldliterally. Much like Comet, you are ever so charming, and people find your presence calming and comfortable. Your easy going attitude can be deceiving. If not fed copious amounts of Christmas cookies, you can get quite cranky.

As a Capricorn, you are a trendsetter. Like Donner, you're not afraid to take the dance floor by storm and throw yourself onto it - metaphorically, but also physically. Just be careful and don't hurt yourself, please.

DEC 22 - JAN 19

Leo: Rudolph

Aquarius: Rudolph

You are a natural leader, and as radiant as Rudolph’s bright red nose. Your Spotify playlists are the on fire, and friends turn to you for a lit time and bright memories that will last forever. Don’t be afraid to take time to care for yourself; being a leader can be exhausting.

As an Aquarius, you are adventurous, sociable and have a flair for the dramatic. As a natural leader, your friends turn to you to organize fun outings and events. Although you love grand gestures, your outgoing nature can sometimes be a shield hiding deeper incescuirites.

JAN 20 - FEB 18

Virgo: Prancer

Pisces: Blitzen

Virgos have a very confident, determined nature.

You are much like Prancer, and will work hard to find the perfect Secret Santa gift, no matter how long it takes to get there. You are goofy and love being in the center of attention.

As a Pisces, you are sensitive and mysterious. Like Blitzen, you draw people in simply with your personality, as you fill the world with wonder and artistry. You are the best gift-giver in Secret Santa because you always choose thoughtfully and are great at keeping secrets.

FEB 19 - MAR 20

Comics

By: Diego Soriano

By: Victoria Shyshkin

By: Sophia Naveed

By: Rania Wali

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 2 WINTER 2017 PAGE 16