the mike, october 10, 2012
DESCRIPTION
The Official Newspaper of St. Michael's College at the University of TorontoTRANSCRIPT
4 10 1512
On October fifth, the Faculty of Theology at St. Mike’s ratified a new collective agreement with the administration, ending the threat of a strike which would have affected Theology students. Had the new deal not been ratified, the Faculty of Theology would have been in legal strike position by October 8th. Alternatively, the St. Mike’s administration could have locked-out the Faculty of Theology by this date also.
The faculty, which represents approximately 20 professors and librarians, held a ”good faith agreement” with the college until 2010. The majority of University of Toronto faculty are unionized, but a few fragments of employees like the Faculty of Theology did not unionize in 1974 like the rest—they were operated by the St. Michael’s College directly.
The good faith agreement began to break down in 2010, with the faculty being denied a pay raise by the St. Michael’s administration. A new agreement was needed, and faculty decided that unionizing was their best option in their situation. The faculty formed their collective bargaining organization, called the University of Toronto Faculty Association, or UTFA.
UTFA had been the voice of the faculty of Theology since they decided to abandon their good faith agreement. It took time to become certified, but now it fully represents the 20 members of the faculty.
UTFA had been negotiating their collective bargaining agreement with the St. Mike’s administration for some time, and negotiations were ongoing. A strike seemed imminent for October 8th (although being in a strike position does not necessarily mean there will be a strike). How it would have affected students is pure speculation—would classes be cancelled? Money refunded? Would it have lasted a long time? Neither the administration nor faculty of Theology would give a solid idea of what would have happened.
Luckily for Theology students, they will not need to create their own scenarios. Before the Thanksgiving long weekend, after extensive bargaining a deal was reached and ratified by the UTFA members. This means as you read this the faculty of Theology is business as usual (as far as students can tell), and you will not find your Theology professor picketing in front of Brennan Hall.
Theology strike avertedCam anderson | News editor
3THE MIKE
NorThErN MExIco
The body of Heriberto Lazcano, leader of the Los Zetas drug cartel, was stolen from a funeral parlour by a gang of armed men. In the past 6 years 50,000 people have been killed as a result of gang violence in Mexico.
GuIldford The British university of Surrey has been approved for a 55 million dollar grant to research the next generation of mobile internet. Dubbed “5G” it is expected to be launched in 2020 and revolutionize current mobile internet.
KarachI A rare brain-eating amoeba has put the Pakistani city on alert, as 10 people have died as a result of the parasite. It is believed it may be in the city water supply, so more chlorine has been added.
NEw ENGlaNd Maine Republicans have questioned a Democratic candidate about how fit she is for office after it was revealed she plays World of Warcraft. Her tactics in the game include back-stabbing and poisoning, and Republicans question how that will reflect her actions in office if elected.
caIro New Egyptian president Mohammed Mursi revealed on Facebook that he will pardon all those arrested during last year’s revolution, which would lead to the release of thousands of people currently held for supporting the outing of former president Mubarak.
Cam anderson | News editor
ADvENTurE TrAvEL DAyoctober 11
408 King Street west
Come and talk about travel, speak to others about their experiences in the wider world. Explore the world without leaving Toronto.
CoMMuTEr APPrECIATIoNoctober 10-11
Brennan hall
Skip breakfast on Wednesday and Thursday and sleep in that extra half an hour. Pancakes 2-5pm on Wednesday October 10th, and Cereal 11am – 2pm Thursday October 10th. Feel appreciated St. Mikes!
LoCk ouT PArTyoctober 11
Brunswick house
The perfect solution to chase away those NHL blues. The Lockout Party at the Brunny with free cover before 12, if you wear your sports jersey inside out or black out the team logo! Just because the NHL are party poopers doesn’t mean you have to be.
THE SkI BC CHALLENGEoctober 13
commerce court Bay and King
Get yourself into practice for this upcoming ski season by showing other Torontonians whose boss in a virtual ski race. All the glory is yours to keep.
ToroNTo GArLIC FESTIvAL october 13-14
Evergreen Brick works 550 Bayview
Two day festival focussed on teaching you about the science of cooking with garlic and exploration of the different tastes the vampire repellent has to offer.
For My FrIEND’S BAkE SALE october 16
Sidney Smith hall, 10-4pm
Bake sale in support of early childhood education for children in Lima, Peru. Delicious bake goods and charity all in one? Fantastic.
ToroNTo DIGIFESToctober 17-21
Various Venues
The Toronto Digifest celebrates the best of the digital arts through a Video gamefest, and other digital arts demonstrations.
MASSAGE MoNDAyS Mondays
hart house
Monday blue? Moaning and groaning? Muscle pain and meniscus issues? Free massages at Hart House from now until the end of term.
News2 THE MIKE
Editorial Staff
Editor-in-chiefMicah [email protected]
features [email protected]
News EditorCameron [email protected]
arts EditorLucy [email protected]
opinions EditorOksana [email protected]
living EditorAnnum [email protected]
Sports EditorSofia Rizzo (interm)[email protected]
Production ManagerAlekzia Hosein
Senior copy EditorChelsea Misquith
Illustrations EditorBelinda [email protected]
web EditorNora Agha
Photos EditorYouNa Kim
writersMia Rose Yugo, Marsha Malcolm Mark Matich, Victoria Marshall, Catherine Bredin
copy EditorsEllen O'Malley, Michelle Conklin, Najla Popel,Jo-Anna Pluchino, Jaclyn Didiano, Ramina Ghassemi, Josephine Tong, Christine Zelezny
Business Staff
Business ManagerYasir [email protected]
ad ExecsVacant
Board of directors
Bod Student reps.Adriano MarcheseNicole RochaDennis AmoakoheneChristopher Sivry
Bod alumni rep.Andy Lubinsky
Bod college rep.Steve Hoselton
Masthead
LOOKING TO CONTRIBUTE?DROP US A LINE!
416-926-7272 • 81 ST. MARY ST. • TORONTO ON • M5S 1J4 •
The Mike is the Official Bi-weekly Student Newspaper of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto, publishing since 1947. The Mike has a circulation of 2000, delivered to over 40 newsstands across the University of Toronto: St. George Campus and is published by The Mike Publications Inc. The Mike is printed by MasterWeb Inc on recycled newsprint stock and is a member of Canadian University Press. Copyright: 2012 The Mike Publications Inc. All Rights Reserved. All editorial inquires should be sent to [email protected]. The Mike reserves the right to edit all submissions
Letter from the Editor-in-Chief
@readthemike
I don’t believe that all things happen for a reason. Some things are just awful. Other things make absolutely no sense. But that certainly doesn’t mean that things that appear unfortunate can’t turn out to be blessings in disguise.
Take this issue of The Mike for instance. For all the planning in the world, sometimes things don’t work out. For this issue the not-working-out came as a doozy, when our planned centerfold fell through. So at the last minute we were stuck rummaging for something to fill the void while our planned feature took a little more time to come to fruition.
In this case we decided to crack the archives. For The Mike, the archives
are a stack of dusty boxes that rarely get touched. Cracking these boxes gave us the opportunity to enjoy some of SMC’s storied history. But choosing what to share with you was a challenge. There were many entertaining reads, from the dated ‘Is it worth the upgrade to windows 95’ and ‘Internet, intershmet’, to the serious ‘Computers stolen from Kelly Library’. Ultimately we chose to share something familiar, but years removed: the frosh experience back in 1995. Hopefully you enjoy the time warp as much as I did (page 9). And if you do, who knows, maybe we will visit the past more often here at The Mike.
Mirroring our look backwards,
we also have some exciting future plans unfolding in this issue. We are preparing to run an election for a sports editor and a features editor who will help lead The Mike for the rest of this year, and potentially onwards. The features position in particular is exciting because it is brand new. Introducing the position is part of my plan to increase the amount of exciting, exclusive, original content that we deliver to our readers. Whoever ends up holding the position will be in charge of coordinating what goes on our front page and in our centerfold, as well as our other ‘features’ – think big, flashy, exciting articles. We are introducing the position right now both so we can
run the election along with the sports position, and because we finally have the ability and space to run crazy colour centerfolds to our hearts content. If either of these positions interest you, please direct your eyes downwards to below this letter and contact us.
Hopefully our new editors are reading this right now (you!) and for everyone else, enjoy the issue!.
miCah Gold-UttinG Editor-in-ChiEf
Wondering where we were? or where we're going?The Mike goes back (and) to the future!
Editorial
The Mike is holding elections
we are looking for a features editor and a sports editor
• Features coordinates covers and centerfolds
• Sports coordinates all athletic coverage
Neither position requires prior experience with the paper
If interested contact [email protected]
On September 29th, Omar Khadr, one of the most polarizing figures in recent Canadian (and international) history, was repatriated and is back on Canadian soil.
It's hard to believe that it's already been ten years since Khadr first came into the public eye. A Canadian citizen from Scarborough, ON, Khadr spent much of his childhood moving back and forth between Canada and Pakistan. He is the second youngest son of Ahmed Khadr, who according to U.S. officials had close ties to Osama bin Laden. In 2002, at the age of fifteen, Khadr was found buried in rubble after a battle with American troops. Video tapes were also found at the site that showed Khadr holding detonation cords while other men were assembling explosives, and planting landmines, appearing to joke around with the camera man.
Shortly after, he was arrested and subsequently transferred to Guantanamo Bay, the controversial detention and interrogation camp in Cuba, to face charges of terrorism and war crimes. In 2010, Khadr pleaded guilty before a Guantanamo military commission to five war crimes, including throwing a hand grenade that killed U.S Special Forces Sgt. Christopher Speer during the 2002 battle. This was part of the pre-trial agreement, where in exchange for a guilty plea his sentence was reduced from the suggested forty years to eight, with the possibility of a transfer to Canada after one year. Khadr applied
in April 2012 for repatriation. Khadr had been the last remaining
Western citizen at Guantanamo, and despite the urging of organizations such as Amnesty International and UNICEF, had refused the possibility of extradition for a long time. In 2010 the Canadian government brought the case before the Supreme Court of Canada, after the Federal Court ruled that under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Khadr should be brought back to Canada as soon as possible. The Supreme Court, while ruling that Khadr's constitutional rights had been violated, did not order Khadr's return to Canada.
The Canadian government has been criticized by many over the whole affair, especially for not acknowledging his juvenile status (despite being a minor at the initial time of his transfer to Guantanamo, he was treated as an adult prisoner) or repeated claims of serious abuse during interrogations.
According to Foreign Minister John Baird, Canada didn't have much of a choice in the matter of Khadr's repatriation: "He's a Canadian citizen, he has a right to come back." Baird also acknowledged that the whole process was sped up by Guantanamo's impending closure.
However, much tension still surrounds the entire case. Public Safety Minister Vic Toews has called Khadr a "known supporter of the al-Qaeda terrorist network and a convicted terrorist." While Toews said that Khadr is no threat to Canadian society, he also
cited his worry that Khadr might have difficulty reintegrating into Canadian society, not only because of his limited contact with Canadian society, but also as a member of a family that continues to praise terrorist activities. Others, including prominent Liberal leader Bob Rae, continue to maintain that Khadr was a "child soldier" and is being demonized.
Khadr will be eligible for parole in 2013, and will be released no later than 2018.
555THE MIKESports
Fall is here. The leaves are changing colour, and so are our wardrobes. Out come the coats and jackets, the Uggs and the high-heeled boots, and my personal favorite, the leather gloves. As the temperature drops and the landscape eventually becomes a grey and white concrete jungle, we at The Mike decided to bring a little more colour into your lives. Featuring our first ever edition of the sartorialist, we will pick one person on campus to showcase their killer style and trendsetting abilities. In this edition, we have Biochemistry major Ifra Jamil.
We decided to ask her some questions about her awesome look, along with a few about her personal style.
AR: “Who would you say is your celebrity style inspiration?”
IJ: “I would say that it’s a cross between Rachel Bilson and Leighton Meester. I like the way they dress and make putting together an amazing outfit look completely effortless.”
AR: How would you describe your style?IJ: [At this she laughs shyly and mulls it
over, and then says,] “I would have to say Modern Chic, because most of the clothes I get are contemporary while still having a classical vibe to them.”
AR: What is the one item in your closet that you just can’t live without?
IJ: I have a colourblock black-and-white blazer that I just can’t do without. Blazers in general are my wardrobe staples.
Ifra wears:Pants: Dynamite. Wearing this year’s hottest
trend- the colored pants- in a light mustard colour, Ifra transitions this look into the fall season.
Nautical Sweater: Forever 21. She balances the brightness of the pants with a classic striped black and white sweater.
Leather bag: Coach and knee-high boots from Forever 21: Adding the equestrian trend of the season in a subtle yet effective way.
Think you, or someone you know has a good sense of style? Send in your nominations to [email protected]!
What to eat this fallQuick and easy meals for hungry students
4 THE MIKE News
annUm roshan | LiviNg editor
The SartorialistThe best dressed from across campus
Rising food prices got you down? Have no fear. The Mike's got you covered. Check out these quick and easy fall recipes for students with tight and very tight budgets.
First up we have an Allrecipes.com Alfredo special. With its creamy rich sauce, Alfredo pasta is a quick, delicious, but slightly luxurious student recipe. Perfect for students who crave the satisfaction of a homemade meal. (If you're looking for something cheaper, skip ahead to the second paragraph). Here's what you need: 1/2 cup butter, two cups of milk, some Parmesan, one (8 ounce) package of cream cheese, two teaspoons garlic powder and a hint of ground black pepper. How do you actually make the sauce? Easy. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the cream cheese and garlic powder, stirring until it's nice and smooth. Then add milk, a little at a time, whisking to smooth out lumps. Add the pepper and parmesan and voila! Homemade Alfredo sauce ready to go. (Remember to thin it with milk if you cook it too long!).
If Alfredo's not your style or if the price of ingredients is too steep, here are two of my personal egg favourites, which also happen to be quick, easy and probably the most deliciously inexpensive meals you can make. The first recipe is for "Mediterranean Sailor's Eggs" (not to be confused with North American Sailor's Eggs which use toast.) The ingredients are as
follows: two spoons of olive oil, one small to medium-sized onion (depending on your appetite!), three large juicy tomatoes, 5 eggs and a hint of pepper, parsley, oregano and of course, salt. Dice up the onion and the three tomatoes. Then get out your frying pan, turn on medium heat, pour in the two spoons of olive oil and throw on only the onions. Wait until the colour turns yellow (not black or brown!), then add the tomatoes and put the lid on so it doesn't spray. Wait a bit, then stir. If the tomatoes don't look juicy enough, add a 1/4 cup water. Depending on the quality of your tomatoes, you should fry for 15 minutes. If the tomatoes are harder than average, it'll take 20 minutes and if softer, then 12 minutes could do it. After you determine that the tomato frying
is finished (interpret "finished" to mean soft and mushy), throw on the 5 eggs and add the salt and pepper whilst stirring. In 3-5 minutes, you'll have Mediterranean Sailor's Eggs ready to go. Add the parsley and oregano before serving. All this in less than 30 minutes! Mmm, mmm, goooood.
If you like this, you can do the same and simpler with just green pepper or mushrooms instead of tomatoes. For the green peppers, you don't even need the onion but for the mushroom, you probably do. Otherwise, it won't be tasty enough. Slice and dice and follow the same procedure. Don't forget the herbs and spices! Remember, eggs are an excellent low-budget protein source, perfect for cash-strapped, stressed out and hungry students.
mia rose YUGo | staff writer
Maybe we should- go to bed, that is; as recent findings in the Canadian Medical Association Journal have found that poor sleep and poor sleeping habits in adolescents may be associated with increased health risks. The McCrindle Lab at SickKids Hospital has clearly outlined that adolescents who don’t receive the recommended 9 hours of sleep a night put themselves at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. I don’t remember the last time I got 9 hours of sleep, but I think it was on a Tuesday in 1996. In the study, over 4000 students in the Niagara region were asked about their sleeping habits, quality of sleep, energy levels throughout the day, and their diet. The results were quite clear; we need to go to bed, and we need to stay there. Almost 20% of students reported poor sleep quality throughout the week, and slept only 7.9 hours versus the recommended 9, and 6% were on a prescribed sleeping medication. Interestingly on the weekend average hours of sleep increased to 9.4 hours and only 10% of students cited poor sleep during those nights. The researchers then looked into the diet quality of the students. An astonishing 72% of students claimed to have had at least 1 cup of coffee a day, with 18% citing more than one. Students claiming poor sleeping habits were also recorded as having a higher than average Body Mass Index, larger waist size, higher non HDL cholesterol (i.e. bad cholesterol), increased hypertension, were found to in take more junk food, and fried
foods than those who were reporting better sleeping habits. Those with shorter sleeping routines were also less physically active than their snoozing comrades. In the end, this all ties into each other. Kids not getting enough sleep are tired during the day, pound back a coffee or two to get them going, and are too tired to go for a jog or engage in any sort of physical activity outside of school. The result, lack of sleep, although not a cause of cardiovascular disease, is strongly associated with risk factors of heart disease such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and poor physical activity. We’ve all been there, it doesn’t seem as if there is time to sleep when you’re trying to study for 7 midterms, 3 labs, 4 seminars, 5 essays, and also still make time to write articles for The Mike. So what can we do? Take a break, a breather, cinque minuti, and relax. Take half hour to an hour a day and go for a walk, jog, play some ball or hockey. Make sure what you’re eating doesn’t start with the words “deep fried” and end in “cheese bars with bacon sauce”. High quality of health isn’t something you gain by short-term fixes; it’s a long term commitment to living right, even if it means getting an extra hour of sleep a day.
But I don’t wanna go to bed! The simple things you can do to keep yourself in tuneJoe manGiapane | CoNtributor
‘High quality of health isn’t something you gain by short-term fixes; it’s a long term commitment...’
Guantan-no-moreOmar Khadr brings guantanamo controversy back to the spotlightCatherine Bredin | staff Writer
Earlier in September of this year, Toronto’s city councilors began expressing an interest in finding a bid to sell or lease the city-owned Toronto Zoo. The committee in charge of evaluating applications expects those interested to submit a proposal to the city by the 26th of November. Mayor Rob Ford is supportive of the action in an interest of increasing city profits and decreasing expenditures, as Toronto currently subsidizes the zoo by approximately $11 million each year. Councillor Glenn de Baeremaeker, in consideration of private enterprise’s interest in increasing profits, expressed concerns of receiving market value for the nearly 300
hectares of land, should a private body propose interest in purchasing or leasing the zoo. Councillor Gloria Lindsay Luby has also expressed fears that the zoo may become an entertainment centre, rather than one of an educational and conservatory nature, should the zoo be sold or leased to such a business.
Submissions of interest in the zoo will have to address five issues regarding the zoo. Applicants will have to submit a rationale for the site’s operation, should their proposal be considered, and propose a functional model of governance that meets the needs of stakeholders in the zoo. They will also have to present an “appropriate” business model, outline methods of making the zoo financially self-sufficient, and conceptualize how the attraction
will be a “vibrant and exciting place to visit.” Additionally, expressions of interest in the Scarborough site of the attraction must have models of future plans for operation and expansion, improvement to transportation to and around the site, activities, and other such issues. Any proposal expressing interest in the zoo will be subject to review by a committee consisting of city staff, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority staff, as well as representatives from Parks Canada. Although interest is expected to come from private businesses, such as Disneyland and Marineland, a proposed model provides conditions where a non-profit foundation could take over the zoo, and the zoo board itself may also express interest in the sale.
‘...interest is expected to come from private businesses, such as Disneyland and Marineland...’
Let's go to the zoo!City councillors begin to consider proposals to sell the zoo
maxim nossevitCh | ContriBUtor
‘Khadr had been the last remaining Western citizen at Guantanamo...’
trUthoUt.orG / fliCkr
treGaskes / fliCkr
thomas hUston/ fliCkr
vanCitYallie / fliCkr
7THE MIKESports6 THE MIKE Living
Nfl The Falcons extended their winning record this past weekend to 5-0. The team crushed the Washington Red-skins, and caused Richard Griffin III to leave the game with a mild concussion. After a tough week for the Colts, their rookie quarter-back Andrew Luck inspired their team to a surprise win over the Green Bay Packers (30-27). The rookie threw a four-yard pass to find Reggie Wayne for the 13th time in the game, and put his team ahead with just 35 seconds left. The Colts coach, Chuck Pagano, was diagnosed and hospital with Leukemia earlier in the week.
Nhl After cancelling the first two weeks of the season, the owners and players held a surprise meeting last week. At this point in time there is no resolution, but secondary issues have been agreed upon.
MlB The playoffs have started! The Orioles beat the Rangers 5-1 in the AL Wildcard Game, and are now playing against the Yankees. The Cardinals defeated the Braves 6-3 in the NL Wildcard Game and are now playing their first series against the Nationals. The As are taking on the Tigers and the Reds are pitted against the Giants. Second round of playoffs commences October 13th and the World Series starts on October 24th.
NBa Raptors rookie Jonas Valanciunas is likely to make his official NBA debut during Wednesday’s pre-season game. The Lithuanian youngster started for his national team during the olympics sat out Mondays’ game with calf strain.
ThE hoT corNEr
1. 1. The NFL is in the midst of its breast cancer awareness month. The league adds pink touches to the games.
2. 2. Steven Gerrard says the EPL title race is no longer a 4-team race. He cites that the influx of money into teams such as Manchester City and Spurs has blown the league wide open.
3. 3. Despite a semi-disasterous year for the Blue Jays, their general manager John Farrell is a wanted man. The Boston red Socks have named the manager as their ideal candidate for their recently opened posi-tion, after they fired Bobby Valentine.
4. 4. TFC’s current season is officially the third worse in MLS history. The team has had an injury ridden sea-son and have been playing people from the reserve team and their youth academy as their first team. Their current record stands at 5 – 20 – 7.
miCah Gold-UttinG | editor-iN-Chief
As a university student it’s extremely tough to watch your health with our demanding schedules that never seem to give us a break. When in between classes we opt to grab a bite to eat at the food trucks on St. George because they’re cheaper than U of T’s dine in alternatives. In our spare time we have to study, make notes, finish assignments, and occasionally rest up because we didn’t get a good amount of sleep the previous night. We shine a spotlight on those students who lead by example and take charge of their health. For each issue, we select a candidate from the SMC community that exemplifies an “active and healthy lifestyle” the ideal balance between academia and fitness.
After reading a muscle/fitness magazine, Vincent Anthony Rago was convinced that he wanted to become a body builder. His journey began five years ago, weighing in at a measly 140lbs. Today, you can find Vince at Hart House preparing for his next competition, after having much success this summer participating in the International Drug Free annual fitness competition held in Toronto. Starting in grade 10 Vince was going to the gym 3 times a week, and was completely blown away by
the dedication and perseverance the other athletes showed in their strive for physical perfection. This inspired Vince to do the same. After graduating high school he noticed the considerable amount of muscle he had put on and realized that bodybuilding was his thing. Now at the University of Toronto, Vince has found a second home and family at Hart House Gym, working out 4 times a week at the University’s workout facility.
Like other students Vince juggles a hectic school schedule. “Like most students at UofT, I have a pretty unbalanced life as it is. But when I do receive my schedule, I’m always looking for an opportunity to squeeze in a workout; especially in those two hour breaks between classes. It’s tough sometimes because there are
instances where you find yourself in situations where you need to take the time off to finish an assignment.” Acknowledging that it is tough to balance both Vince emphasizes the importance of making time in your day to take part in physical activities of any kind.
With the dream of one day being Mr. Olympia, Vince got his feet wet this summer at the IDFA fitness competition held here in Toronto, an amazing experience for one of Canada’s upcoming body-building stars. “It was something that I’ve never done before which was tough. I cut out all my carbs, no potatoes, no bread, and no pasta. I also did cardio every night and made 5 trips to the gym in a week. Luckily, I had my buddies to help me get through it.” A lot of hard work and
sacrifice are fundamental in Vince’s success, adhering to a strict diet and workout regime to ensure that he is going to perform at his best consistently. However, the camaraderie and brotherhoods formed as well from engaging in activities outside of school work is something that he values all the more.
Being physically active has more elements than just improving health, it also is a way to socialize, make new friends, and form stronger bonds between old friends. Vince has definitely displayed himself as one of UofT’s role models when it comes to living a physically active lifestyle, while still excelling in academia as well.
“It’s imperative that you have a goal. You need to know what you’re after.” – Vince Rago
Bodybuilding and school?Vince Rago shares the art of balancing a schedule to pursue two dreams.
Creativity at its finest: Not an artist, but still like to be creative or use technology to create something cool? Bomomo.com is a website that has over a dozen tools and pattern options to create a cool looking design. On this white palette, you choose a pattern and drag your mouse in any direction for a three-dimensional looking image. This site is awesome for those who don’t like holding a paintbrush by hand, but still enjoy experimenting with design. It’s a great way to get your mind off things too! Try to make a unique card or invitation! By the end of your masterpiece, you’ll surely feel like a pro.
Next, http://punchfork.com is a library of recipes for those who love to be innovative in the kitchen and indulge in unique taste of food. There are endless numbers of recipes with ratings, most liked, trending and top rated, that you’ll never have to buy a cookbook again! You can choose from a variety of diets, including recipes for Vegetarians, Vegans, Gluten free or Paleo specific diets. This
website gathers its recipes from popular sites like 101 Cookbooks, allrecipes.com, and Simply Recipes for a collective recipe website. Need a recipe for your leftovers, but not sure how to combine the tastes? All you need to do is input the ingredients into the search tab and recipes will come up just for you! Best part about this site is you can upload your recipe and share it with everyone.
This website is the one you have all been waiting for! Wondering what to drink to a particular album? Here’s your chance to make a drink that matches that artist! With http://drinkify.org all you have to do is write the name of the artist you are listening to and a specific drink will come up that even tells you how to serve it. For example, if you want a drink to Mumford and Sons, this website suggests: 4oz Sipsmith Gin and 4oz coffee served in a high glass. Give it a shot!
Buy and Sell items you own on this global marketplace! On http://www.etsy.com you can create an account and post a collection you own or would like a brand that you have created
to grow. There’s fifteen million buyers on this website, so you can imagine the amount of eyes checking out your line! You can also buy from others. You can find anything from bags to furniture, to needlecraft, or vintage! This buy and sell website really features a unique spectrum of products for you to check out or start your own brand and make it available to the public.
Are you interested in industrial design, photography, graphic design, advertisement and more? This site is definitely for you. http://www.demilked.com is where you’ll find what talented people have come up with in an array of different design techniques. It’s specifically a design magazine that showcases the most creative products, thoughts, and designs from around the world. Don’t be afraid to share your design in this magazine and get involved in Demilked if you think you’ve got something crazy good to share with other fellow artists and the public.
What's on the web?Five quirky websites you may not know
‘I also did cardio every night and made 5 trips to the gym in a week. Luckily, I had my buddies to help me get through it.’
It seems our friendly relationship with the United States was forgotten at last years World Team Championship.
Unfortunately, an ugly side of sport prevailed as 20 year old speed skater Simon Cho, an Olympian competing for the United States, was allegedly pressured into tampering with fellow competitor and rival, Canadian Olivier Jean’s, skates.
According to Cho, who spoke out for the first time on the incident in early October, his coach and fellow South Korean, Jae Su Chun, was “aggressive” and “intimidating,” and demanded he tamper Jean’s skates.
The incident, which occurred at the 2011 World Championship in Poland after Cho had been eliminated from contention, led to Canada’s inability to compete for a gold or silver medal. Despite the sabotage, Canada was able to attain the bronze medal.
It appears that Cho’s coach, Chun, was angry and convinced the Canadians had a hand in the elimination of the American team by somehow assisting another team. Cho said the tampering was quick and done with a blade bender – an
instrument normally used to ensure a skater’s blade follows the appropriate radius of the short track.
Cho has stated his embarrassment and regret calling his decision the “biggest mistake of my life.” Cho has also since apologized to Jean over a telephone conversation.
Speed Skating Canada’s chief executive, Ian Moss, issued a statement saying: “Simon Cho showed respect and humility today in admitting to his mistake, and Speed Skating Canada appreciates that he has come forward and that he apologized to Olivier last night in a phone call.”
Cho’s confession has confirmed much speculation and several allegations about his coach who has been accused of hostile behavior prior to this incident. Chun has previously been accused by a dozen national team members of "unchecked" verbal, psychological and physical abuse. Chun has denied any misconduct but has since been suspended.
In a statement emailed to The Associated Press on the morning of October 5th, Patrick Sandusky, a spokesman for the U.S. Olympic Committee, said: "The conduct at issue is repugnant and antithetical to the values of the Olympic Movement
and inconsistent with Team USA's commitment to fair play…We regret that an American athlete was involved, and intend to actively engage with US Speed Skating to ensure that appropriate action is taken.”
U.S. Speed Skating has scheduled a press conference for Friday October 5th to address the findings and provide further information regarding an independent investigation on Chun.
This disappointing incident is undoubtedly a black cloud over American sport internationally and sheds light on the pressures some young athletes unfortunately and regrettably are encountered with. If there is a bright side to this tale, attention has now been placed upon the immense influence coaches have over their athletes and how some coaches exploit their authority. All organizations and leagues should consider this incident and pay closer attention to how their coaches interact with their athletes.
Athletes don’t play sports to get bullied; they compete because of the passion they have for the game. Coaches like Chun undermine this notion and, in my opinion, have no place in the world of sports.
Honesty off the iceSimon Cho comes clean over tampering incidentstephanie posoCCo | staff Writer
‘Simon Cho showed respect and humility today in admitting to his mistake...’
markkoeBer / fliCkr
Christine ZeleZnY | CoNtributor
Joe manGiapane and franCo reCChia | ContriBUtors
September has come to an end! Let's see how SMC spent the first month 17 years ago.
10 THE MIKE 11THE MIKEArtsSports
The Washington Nationals are in the playoffs. Not since the 1993 season, back when they were known as the Montreal Expos, have the Nationals played past September. With the best regular season record in baseball, a powerful slugger in LaRoche, and a deep bullpen, it would seem this year is finally Washington's year to take home a World Series title. That's why the move by the Ted Lerner and the rest of the Nationals front office to bench ace right-hander Stephen Strasburg has caused so much confusion in baseball fans across the continent.
The reasoning, on the surface at least, seems sound: they are benching Strasburg to protect both his future as one of the most naturally talented pitchers in the game today, and the future of the Washington Nationals organization. It is true that Strasburg already sat out the better part of two years thanks to Tommy John surgery, and the Nationals ownership understandably don't want to put him in harm’s way if they don't have to. No need to look further than Kyle Drabek, the Toronto Blue Jays starter who is out for a second round of Tommy John. Who knows
how long it will take Drabek to get back to form this time. But is that justification for potentially losing a shot at a title that only a handful of the thousands of baseball players ever get to claim? Strasburg and the Nationals may never reach this point again. Shouldn't they take the shot while they have it?
It's a difficult choice, to be sure. I wouldn't want to have to make it. However, the Nationals ownership should be commended for demonstrating this level of concern for a player's safety. With sports injuries coming to the forefront in football and hockey (see: Sidney Crosby), it is admirable that they are going such lengths to try to ensure that Strasburg stays healthy for years to come. But if Strasburg wants to play, they should let him play. He's earned it. He didn't go through painful surgery and many months of rehab just to miss out on what is a real shot at the World Series. And finally having a banner to brandish in Nationals Park certainly wouldn't hurt Washington’s image either. At this point, the choice has to be Strasburg’s. With the series currently tied at one apiece, there is still time to bring Strasburg back into the rotation. But not much.
trent tUmmon simmons | CoNtributor
Strasburg still sitsWashington looks to make the world series without its ace
The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) has most of the things you'd expect a hockey league to have: rinks, teams, players, money and the best thing about hockey, hockey. However it lacks one important facet: a fantasy league. With the uncertainty about whether or not my friends and I could carry out our dreams as armchair General Managers for fantasy hockey in the National Hockey League (NHL), we decided to jump ship to the United Kingdom's premier hockey league.
So on the opening day of the EIHL season two friends of mine: Marshall Thomas and Bryce Works from St. Albert, Alberta and Belmont, NS respectively created the first annual EIHL Fantasy Hockey League. With team names like "Five for Tea Time" (Marshall), "London Silly Nannies" (Bryce), and the "Titty Ho Express" (myself) we dived head first into the world of English hockey. Titty Ho is an actual town name in England. Google it.
How were our teams selected? We each get to choose two goalies (standard) but the forwards and defence get a bit trickier. We picked six forwards and four defencemen and tracked their point totals. Since the league is apparently full of players who like to beat the crap out of each other (this year's leader in penalty minutes through five games is American Hockey League dropout Benn Olson with 99), we also picked an additional three forwards and two defencemen to score points based solely on penalty minutes, with players gaining a point for every five penalty minutes.
The EIHL has no big name talent. Heck, games are on weekends and the players hold down part-time jobs in the week. Regardless I developed a solid system for selecting my players. I was happy to take Stuart MacRae
from Sydney, Nova Scotia who played with the Devils. These Devils weren't from New Jersey, they are from Cardiff. I also selected a forward to count penalty minutes who happened too be named Jeff Hutchins, only because his name sort of resembled Geoff Hutchinson, my co-worker at The Argosy last year.
I also picked Sylvain Cloutier based on the fact that he is related to former Vancouver Canucks goaltender Dan Cloutier. One also can't forget the Israeli superstar Maxim Birbraer who is currently the only player from the Middle Eastern country to be drafted in the NHL (the New Jersey Devils drafted him sixty-seventh overall in 2000.) The steal of the draft went to Marshall as he randomly discovered that former Moncton Wildcats goaltender Nicola Riopel signed with the Dundee Stars.
Of course this league isn't perfect and my lack of knowledge on the league made my team suffer. My top defenceman, Jeff Mason was supposed to carry my defensive core. Nope, turns out he's playing in Switzerland this year, whoops.
Are we crazy? Maybe, but we need our fantasy hockey fix. Lockout or no lockout, we are going to satisfy our our fantasy hockey craving. The powers that be can take away our hockey but just like in 2004-05 we will find alternatives.
Instead of watching the Washington Capitals we'll watch the Edinburgh Capitals, the Florida Panthers become the Nottingham Panthers, and the Philadelphia Flyers become the Fife Flyers. It's as simple as that. Over there, players aren't doing it for the money — some of them are even coaches.
I think this is just the beginning for EIHL Fantasy hockey. All aboard the Titty Ho Express!
a Strasburg-less pitching rotation
1. GIo GoNzalEz2. JordaN zIMMErMaNN3. EdwIN JacKSoN4. roSS dETwIlEr
Finding my fantasy hockey fixroBert mUrraY | CuP sPorts editor (saCkviLLe)
al Goold / fliCkr
‘The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) has most of the things you'd expect a hockey league to have: rinks, teams, players, money and the best thing about hockey, hockey.’
1) “You Make My Dreams Come True” by Daryl Hall and John Oates: This dynamic duo’s song may possess you to get your footwork on as you roam the streets, half-expecting a giant crowd to follow with synchronized dance moves. It didn’t stop Tom, Joseph-Gordon Levitt’s character, in the film (500) Days of Summer. High knees and skipping encouraged.
2) “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen: Since there is an 80s dance music pattern going on, how can we forget “the Boss”? I crank this tune up as I’m running on the treadmill, and soon I’m running and flailing like there’s no tomorrow.
3) “Dancing Shoes” by The Arctic Monkeys: Disregard what many modern clubbers claim; it is extremely possible to dance to alternative music. The Arctic Monkeys are the proof. Lead vocalist Alex Turner orders us to “Get on our dancing shoes” and we are in no position to resist.
4) “Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap: This song resembles a time machine; it transports you into another world and may cause animated jolting and knee trembling. Picture Danny’s reaction in the film Grease when Sandy makes her grand entrance at the carnival…”It’s electrifying!”
5) “I Can’t Get Next To You” by The Temptations: Kickin’ it old school with some Motown, one can’t help imitating the members’ different vocal expressions. Whether you’re a bass like Melvin Franklin or have mastered Eddie Kendricks’ screeching falsetto, it’s your time to shine. I call it dancing karaoke.
Five Songs that make you want to “Shake Your Tail Feather”
Dancing in the dark
You know that one song that just has you swerving in your seat? Below are five songs that will take your grooving to the next level. Do not contain yourselves.
Everyone remembers their first day of high school. The crowded hallways swarming with burly jocks, preppy cheerleaders, and awkward nerds, the hostile cafeteria divided like a war zone by cliques, and the various teachers ranging from uncaring bullies to inspirational mentors. Oh, wait, that wasn’t my high school but the one I saw in all those movies. It seems like Hollywood has recycled this idea of
high school to the point where we’re forced to adopt it as our own. Unfortunately, this stereotype is not broken in director and writer Stephen Chbosky’s “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” where high school is just another playground for misunderstood characters.
The film is narrated by Charlie (Logan Lerman), a timid freshman with a troubled past. After going through a hard period of
depression, he enters high school with no friends until he meets Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller), two seniors who accept him into their misfit group. In the time frame of a school year they have their ups and downs discovering more about themselves in the process. Yet, this scope was way too large for an hour and thirty minutes of screen time. There were plot lines that were left unresolved, characters that made
too brief and insignificant an appearance. In many ways, I felt that Chbosky was trying to do what many directors do with a high school setting—too much at once. An endless number of issues flooded the plot—homophobia, depression, drugs, and more—in an attempt to reach greater audiences that only created an inconsistency within the plot. In the end, the novel seems like the better medium Chbonsky’s story.
The film had a few redeeming qualities, particularly its soundtrack. The music selection for “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” includes The Smiths, Drexy’s Midnight Runner’s, New Order, and David Bowie. The music catered perfectly to the film, adding a sparkle that was otherwise missing. Music played a major role amongst the characters as well, it was often a basis of bonding and set in ’91 there were constantly mixed tapes being passed around as gifts. One of the most iconic scenes of the entire film was when Sam would stand at the back of Patrick’s pickup truck, arms spread wide, as it raced down a tunnel with a song blasting from the radio. Quirky little things like this made the Charlie, Sam, and Patrick endearing and original. In the end it was the characters and their interaction with each other made this film worth watching. They were clever and relatable and their strong group dynamic was delightful and heartfelt.
In the end, while “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” had its flaws, Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller delivered performances that gave the film its entertainment factor. While it may not be a groundbreaking masterpiece it was still an enjoyable hour and a half.
The banalities of being a wallflowerThe Perks of Being a Wallflower tries to cram too much misunderstanding in so little time
fiona kovaCaJ | CoNtributor
alexandra Beamish | CoNtributor
12 THE MIKE Arts
There has been a lot of speculation as to whether Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film The Master is a thinly veiled “attack” on Scientology. The polarizing movie certainly has that edge to its plot, which involves a returning Naval veteran (Joaquin Phoenix) stumbling into participation in a murky, pseudo-scientific social movement called The Cause, which is the brainchild of one Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman in an Oscar-worthy turn).
Regardless of what is, as I just said, a pretty obvious jab at L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology (there’s really no getting around this), the best way to look at The Master is as another in the director’s line of ensemble pieces about human nature. Each of the films in Paul Thomas Anderson’s oeuvre has gotten darker and darker as he matures as a filmmaker, from the exuberant Boogie Nights to his last epic of personality There Will Be Blood. That film ended on an unremittingly bleak yet comic note. The Master offers some hope at its conclusion but is also the most densely disturbing and perceptive offering by Anderson so far. He has reached the point where after a series of films that appropriate a well-worn long-take style with lots of lateral moving camera effectively, he now uses artifices like this to his complete advantage as a storyteller and artist.
A great example of his application of the moving camera is a tracking shot through the department store Phoenix’s character Freddie works at before enlisting with The Cause. The camera twists around pillars, almost as if intentionally avoiding the belligerent photographer Freddie as he fights with a customer/subject out of embarrassment for his animal-like behaviour. Later, camera positioning is used to show Freddie’s supposed conversion from lout to enlightened Cause member, photographing his “a-ha” moment
f r o m below and
with a halo of light around his face. More
than ever before, Anderson employs visual techniques with an incredibly acuity in terms of relating narrative events and character psychology; the instances abound beyond these two and are present in almost every scene.
The writing and acting is equally electric. Anderson takes us through the slave-master friendship (it is as bizarre as it sounds, but also strangely endearing) between Freddie and Lancaster Dodd, surveying how the aimless Freddie is consumed by his lustful urges in dialogue that can be called “frank” even in today’s movie miasma of bad language—consumed, that is, until he meets the cultivated, uber-intelligent and tragically phony Dodd. Philip Seymour Hoffman uncannily recalls Orson Welles as Charles Foster Kane in a performance that is more note-for-note perfect than many of his other, somewhat overrated performances. Phoenix is great as well as his foil, and his expressive, one could almost say Expressionist style of acting counterbalances Hoffman’s measured intonations.
Calling the film an attack on any religion is like calling Citizen Kane an attack on William Randolph Hearst. In both cases hysteria of this kind glosses over the artistry of each work. The Master seems to be more than anything else another relatively detached and cold (and thus chilling) look at a quintessentially American search for a greater set of values, a reconstruction, or, as Dodd calls it “a return to our natural state of perfect.” His bad grammar and bad behaviour in the film underline the hypocrisy of his movement, whereas we find Freddie most happy back in his natural state—a slovenly but ultimately innocent human being who doesn’t conceal or coerce in the ways the corrupt Dodd does, and who upliftingly embraces his natural state: imperfect. The film itself is like a force of nature. See it.
The Master:A mastery of film form by Paul Thomas Andersonmark matiCh | staff writer
Despite the fact that his video has been viewed over 30 million times on YouTube, Graydon Sheppard is not easily distinguishable from the teeming crowds of his hometown, Toronto. Sheppard looks simply “like a boy,” he says with a laugh. A scruffy beard and short messy hair make up his everyday look but, on camera, he stands out as ditzy brunette girl, star of the viral video “Shit Girls Say.”
Dressed in drag and a long brown wig, 29-year-old Sheppard squeals nuanced catchphrases, uttered often by members of the fairer sex. “Do you want to split a cookie?” “Do you know anything about computers?”
Despite his knack for one-liners, Sheppard and his partner Kyle Humphrey are no one-hit wonders. The fourth and final installment of their “Shit Girls Say” video franchise was viewed by more than online comedy lovers — it was a feature video of the Short Cuts Canada program at this year's Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Unlike the over-the-top lead character from “Shit Girls Say,” Sheppard is soft-spoken and shy when speaking from his ninth floor room in the Ace Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. After graduating from Ryerson’s photography program in 2005, he has been directing regularly, heading up all kinds of projects from commercials to music videos. He also did the graphic design for Feist’s 2011 album Metals.
A fun little side project and a few simple tweets starting in April 2011 put him on another tangent. He and Humphrey started the Twitter account @shitgirlssay. Promoting it through his contacts in film and music, they quickly garnered a following that now exceeds 1.6 million.
“Cameron Bailey, TIFF’s artistic director, had followed ‘Shit Girls Say’ on Twitter,” Sheppard says. “At one point, someone sent us a tweet that he had written saying, ‘hope someone is making this into a movie.’” Little did Bailey know that the films were already in the works, and that actress Juliette Lewis, perhaps best known for playing alongside Woody Harrelson in Natural Born Killers, had already filmed a cameo appearance for the “Shit Girls Say” videos.
Once the webisodes were released online, Sheppard and Humphrey were asked to submit videos for Packaged Goods, a showcase for short filmmaking at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. The pair credit the smart use of social media, namely Twitter and YouTube, for elevating their web videos into mainstream conversations. Countless variations of the meme have also struck niche audiences, but the original has brought Sheppard and Humphrey to the next level.
Having TIFF on your resumé is a huge push for any young filmmaker.
“It gives you that cachet so you can be recognized and make more films,” Sheppard says. It is also a big boost when asking for grants, like those used toward the development of the newly released Shit Girls Say book.
Though “Shit Girls Say” has quickly grown from Twitter and YouTube to theatres and bookstores, Sheppard isn’t worried about being typecast in the same role or cornered in one-line comedy writing.
“I’m not pigeonholed,” he says. “More opportunities are coming up than ever before.”
'Shit Girls Say' goes from Twitter to TIFFTorontonian turns YouTube fame into short film success
GraYdon sheppard
aaron hUtChins | the ryersoNiaN (ryersoN uNiversity)
“Do you want to split a cookie?”
“Do you know anything about computers?”
14 THE MIKE 15THE MIKEOpinions
On September 27th, Chapters bookstores nationwide opened their doors at 7 a.m. (3 hours earlier than usual) in celebration of a book released by the most treasured children’s author of our generation. This book, however, would appeal to a very different audience, and as far as I could tell, that made all the difference.
The Casual Vacancy, J.K. Rowling’s new detective fiction novel, is certainly the most anticipated book of the year, so why haven’t there been queues of fans lining the sidewalks outside of our local bookstores? You might even find, when asking peers and colleagues if they’re excited for Rowling’s new release, that they won’t have the slightest idea of what you’re talking about. This is exactly what happened to me, even though the people I spoke with are devoted fans of the beloved Harry Potter series.
It’s true that The Casual Vacancy is unlike any of the author’s previous works. Instead of appealing to a younger audience, Rowling’s new novel is aimed towards more mature readers, though targeting a specific age grouping has never barred Rowling from attracting a wider-
than-anticipated audience. Vacancy opens 19 years after the marriage of Barry Fairbrother and his wife, Mary. As any respectable Rowling fan knows, 19 years is exactly the span of time that passes when we last glimpse into the life of the bespectacled hero of the Harry Potter series. The resemblance, as far as I’m aware, stops there.
Although her preceding works have identified several issues – poverty, caste division, and discrimination, to name a few – Rowling’s new work mainly observes socioeconomic standpoints and the construction of family and relational instabilities which emerge after the unanticipated death of an admired Pagford councilman. Perhaps like Potter, the characters and their motivations are built so firmly that they become true embodiments of personalities we may know and have ourselves. Even so, each character demonstrates that they are much more than a person; people are often predictable and naive, while the nature of citizens in Pagford is all but stagnant. The reader may easily observe a character’s actions in the beginning of the novel only to pick out something that person does several pages later
and find that they have become a very different character.
As for the likelihood of Vacancy adapting as a film, well, the author isn’t convinced. In a recent interview, Rowling admitted that the book isn’t “filmable”. She continues to share that film isn’t the appropriate medium to convey personal developments that the characters endure, which is all well and good, though it hasn’t discouraged media outlets from producing premature casting speculations for Rowling’s novel.
With such high expectations for the author’s new book comes an even greater amount of pressure that no standalone novel could ever live up to. J.K. Rowling has proven through her previous work that she possesses a skill for writing, which will undoubtedly shine through in any work that follows Potter. Although The Casual Vacancy is vastly different from her children’s fantasy, loyal readers who took a liking to Rowling’s sharp and inventive prose should take a chance by picking up a copy of Vacancy and decide for themselves if the magic has truly gone or if we’ve only been challenged to find it again.
Who doesn’t love being shaken in an airplane due to turbulence, as a baby whales in your ear, and the six year old toddler throws peanuts in your hair and kicks your chair, while you are so high off the ground.
Well we know Air Asia, a budget airline in Southeast Asia, has had enough of it, and will be introducing a "Quiet Zone" in February. This forces all passengers under the age of 12, and their families to the back of the plane, near the lavatories for the comfort of the rest of the passengers weary of screaming youngsters. The first seven rows of the economy section of these flights would be reserved for fliers 12 years of age or older.
If I were to have the option to travel in the “Quiet zone”, I would. However, that is only because I have the worst luck of ending up in front of a child who seems to be trying
out for a soccer team, and has mistaken my chair as a ball. Besides that, I do not think it is worth making families feel guilty for wanting to travel because they have a baby, who seems to cry, just like we all once did and sometimes still do, while being in a big, enclosed space extremely far above the ground.
However, just because these seats are a few rows back from yours, does not mean it is sound proof. What will happen if the child has the lungs of a lion, and roars throughout the whole trip? I mean you could always plug in your earphones, and laugh at the latest episode of The Big Bang Theory, but then what is the point of the “Quiet Zone”?
Apparently Canadians do see the point to the “Quiet Zone.”Surprisingly, according to CBC’s reader’s responses, 423 out of 477 Canadian voters claimed that they would travel in a kid-free zone if they had the option. This is alarming. Due to so many voters accepting
the “Quiet Zone”, I will not be surprised if Air Canada joins in on the movement, especially if Air Asia has positive feedback.
Remember that on Air Asia you cannot select your seat for free; to pick a specific seat you have to pay, so let’s just go ahead and point fingers and state what this really is, a marketing scheme. You may be a few rows ahead of the screaming babies, but you still might have an obnoxious, workaholic adult beside you chattering away, or dabbing their fingers on their keyboards on a late night flight. They most certainly cannot wake up the loudly snoring man, and ask him to take a seat beside the baby who seems to be practising for the opera.
Looks like to me that the airline is not getting enough revenue from just charging the passengers five dollars for a chocolate bar, but need more income from a game of musical chairs.
A casual book launchThe Casual Vacancy asks where all the Potter fans have gone?patriCk BUCCi | CoNtributor
natalie krikorian | CoNtributor
When babies fly, they tend to cry Air Asia experiments with seating to try and stop children from bothering other passengers
Opinions
For many of us, this time of year marks the return of our favourite television shows. Though we may have forgotten the specific details of a given season finale, the chance to reunite with some of our favourite characters provides us with a much needed distraction from the shorter days and longer nights marking the coming of winter. Sadly, for many new shows debuting this fall, very few will survive to the next year. With “65% of new series” failing to be renewed before the end of season, according to ScreenRant.com, it comes as no surprise why viewership numbers matter all the more in the early stages of a show’s lifespan.
Unfortunately for the television viewing public that means a standard formula, often devoid of originality is used to ensure a ratings success. The character of Philip J. Fry from the sci-fi cartoon Futurama sums
it up best when realizing “TV audiences don’t want anything original. They wanna see the same thing they’ve seen a thousand times before.” Luckily for those of us adhering to such an ideology this autumn’s offerings from ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX respectively don’t stray too far from established TV norms. Take NBC’s latest crack at the 18-49 age demographic, through its latest sitcom, Guys with Kids, which is about three men raising
their children. Though I’m hoping the geniuses over at NBC didn’t spend too much time coming up with that title, I can’t help but feel sorry for the peacock network as they’re reshuffling their entire comedy lineup to preemptively compensate for the loss of 30 Rock and The Office. With Community banished to Friday nights, NBC must now take a chance on such promising “comic gems” as Animal Practice, which features Justin Kirk from
Weeds acting alongside a monkey. With any luck, Kirk’s signature sardonic wit will offset the show’s borderline ridiculous premise.
Hopefully FOX has better success with its new sitcom, The Mindy Project featuring Mindy Kaling portraying a cross between America Ferrera in Ugly Betty and a less nerdy version of Mayim Bialik in Blossom. Though New Girl was a hit for FOX, it remains doubtful whether they can deliver another Golden Globe nominated sitcom which has as its premise a dorky girl trying to find love in a shallow world. ABC may not fare any better with its new sci-fi comedy The Neighbors, which is based on a family of four relocating to a gated suburb community inhabited by aliens. Though such a premise is slightly original, I doubt this series will gain a wide enough audience to “live long and prosper”.
It’s at this point that I find myself yearning for a slice of quality television. Though CBS can usually give me my fix through such shows
as the Big Bang Theory, Person of Interest and even Mike and Molly, on occasion, I doubt their new TV offerings will last past Christmas. The new CBS legal drama, Made in Jersey is rife with tedious characters and predictably bland plot lines. Though it’s understandable why hot lawyers in miniskirts makes for good television, if I wanted credible legal banter and any semblance of comedic timing I’d watch reruns of Ally McBeal. I’m hoping CBS’s Sherlock Holmes based drama Elementary, can counteract the banality of Made in Jersey with proper character development. While cable television has brought us such shows as AMC’s Mad Men, HBO’s Game of Thrones and Showtime’s Dexter, I still believe the big four networks are capable of providing quality programming. Though they have to contend with the likes of HBO and Showtime, I’m sure we’ll see another Friends or Seinfeld from them again.
Hot lawyers, miniskirts make for good televisionWhat is worth watching during the coming television year
stefano tesoro |Staff WritEr
Many of us are familiar with the Coors Light ad campaign of August 2009 advertising Coors as a beer “Colder than most people from Toronto”. It’s not news that perceptions of Torontonians from those living in eastern and western Canada and even northern Ontario are far from positive. We are often viewed as a group of elitists, too busy with our own lives than to be interested in anyone but ourselves. The question is, are these perceptions true? Are we really just a bunch of snobs who cheer for some of the least successful teams in professional sports and have a mayor more controversial than Lady Gaga?
Before we make a decision on the truth of these perceptions, we should first aim to take the point of view of a Canadian living outside of Toronto. If I lived outside Toronto I’d hate Torontonians too; they have all the fun. Toronto’s the home to Canada’s only MLB Franchise and one of the world’s largest film festivals. I don’t think Torontonians mean to be cold or snobby but I guess when you live in the largest city in Canada it’s inevitable that you’re going to come across that way.
Unfortunately I haven’t had the opportunity to travel to eastern or western Canada but on various vacations I have met individuals from both coasts. What I have realized after these encounters is that once I introduce myself as someone from Toronto I automatically
have to work 3 times harder to gain their favour. Saying you’re from Toronto is kind of like getting the best grade out of all your friends on a final. After everyone announces their marks and then ask you about yours, it can tend to be a little uncomfortable if not embarrassing to tell them you got the highest grade. However, at the end of the day most people would rather be embarrassed with the highest mark than resentful with the lowest. Now do I think that Toronto is a better city than others, absolutely but I do not think that means that I believe I’m better than anyone else. I’d like to think that people would stray from the generalizations but that’s a different article for a different day. For now I’m just going to have to accept the fact that, like it or not, haters gonna hate.
I’ve lived in Toronto my entire life and I have come to realize that in Toronto, as is the case with any place in the world, if you are nice to people they’ll be nice to you. In fact, Torontonians are some of the greatest people on the planet. Our population is both dynamic and diverse with a culture that is constantly changing to become increasingly inclusive. And frankly, I don’t see how such a population could be considered cold. Then again I don’t know what it’s like to live on a farm, however, I’m sure it’s wonderful, and I am certainly thankful for all farmers’ hard work.
Torontonians: are we really that bad?A look at how we are perceived by those outside the city
John Castellarin | CoNtributor
kUster & WildhaBer photoGraphY / fliCkr
‘Are we really just a bunch of snobs who cheer for some of the least successful teams in professional sports and have a mayor more controversial than Lady Gaga?’
karim reZk / fliCkr
libra | September 23 - october 22
one time, there was a dead bird outside my front door. By one time, I mean right now. What do I do? All I can think about is how fragile life is. Treasure it, because one day you could be flying along, minding your own business, and then BAM. You fly into a window.
Scorpio | october 23 - November 22
october is great time of year for fall activities. When did apple-bobbing go out of fashion? I’ve never tried it, but I bet I’d be good. Consider throwing some kind of Halloween Festival in your home, and invite me so that I can apple-bob and tell you all about myself.
Sagittarius | November 23 - december 22
I think it is the dream of every child to have a nickname that is cool, but you can’t do that for yourself. you need someone to nickname you. So, if you want to be nicknamed something cool, like Dragon, do something dangerous (don’t though, I don’t advocate danger). If you want a snappy nickname, like Whiz, start making witty comments. If you are unable to do either of those things, your default nickname is probably Dude or Pal or whatev-er the kids are saying nowadays.
capricorn | december 23 - January 22
Have you noticed the inconsis-tent lengths of these horoscopes? That is because I am unwilling to standardize their length. BuT,
you know what is consistent? My pointless inconsistency. Always stick to your principles Capri-corn, even when they’re stupid.
aquarius | January 23 - february 22
What do you honestly want to find when you read horo-scopes? Love is in your future! Also death! Also problems! Also an opportunity or something! You want more than that? Well, fortune-telling isn’t free. Poorly written personal opinions are, however, complimentary.
Pisces | february 23 - March 22
As we return from our Thanks-giving holidays, take a moment to remember how lucky you are to be here. really. u of T, despite its massive size, intense grading system, and lack of spirit, is a fan-tastic school full of opportunities. When stuff happens, pick yourself up and keep going. It happens to all of us, and unless you’re dead, it’s not the end of the world.
aries | March 21 - april 19
I’ve been instructed not to use expletives here, so I am giving you full poetic license to say whatever stupid stuff you want. It’s only cool while you’re young. Soon it’ll just be angry and scary so enjoy it while it lasts.
Taurus | april 20 - May 20
All of the potted plants in your future will turn out great. Just keep working at it and I’m sure you’ll be a phenomenal gardener one day. on an unrelated note,
this is the second horoscope I’ve written that involves gardening. I don’t have any interest in botany, so I really can’t tell you why.
Gemini | May 21 - June 21
Its haircut season, which means you, like everyone else, are wondering WHAT sort of bob is going to be hip next. While you wait, consider learning more about the solar system, or that thing where you make gold out of non-gold stuff.
cancer | June 22 - July 22
With the Winter Olympics only two years away, stop reminisc-ing about vancouver 2010, and start thinking about taking up a winter sport! Ice fishing, curling, and snow shoeing are some of the most popular options. Winter running would also be great, but only because you would have the added obstacle of trying not to slip. Someone tell the olympics that they should try it.
leo | July 23 - august 22
To prevent too much pride (or “confidence”) when you are really proud of something, you should show it to other people without telling them it’s yours, and then when they insult it, you’ll be humbled.
Virgo | august 23 - September 22
you want a real horoscope? Go do something with your life.
16THEMocK
Crossword
Comic Corner horosCopes
(CUP) — Puzzles provided by BestCrosswords.com. Used with permission.
Across1- It's a wrap; 6- Snack in a shell; 10- Drinks (as a cat); 14- HI hi; 15- Poet Pound; 16- A dish with many ingredients; 17- Extra-terrestrial being; 18- It's got you covered; 19- Commendably; 20- Seaport in S Crimea; 22- Be of one mind; 23- Heating fuel; 24- Historic county in E Scotland; 26- Actress Peeples; 29- Switch ending; 31- Genetic material; 32- Aries or Taurus; 33- Depilatory brand; 34- Cash in; 38- Eastern nanny; 40- Become an ex-parrot?; 42- Canadian gas brand; 43- Flowering; 46- Goddess and sister of Ares in Greek mythology; 49- Loss leader?; 50- CD forerunners; 51- Sled; 52- Charged particle;
53- Small fish; 57- Voting-pattern predictor; 59- Commerce; 60- Gus McRae's occupation in "Lonesome Dove"; 65- Architect Saarinen; 66- Prefix with meter; 67- Angry; 68- Again; 69- Defense grp. since 1949; 70- Taboos; 71- Mend with rows of stitches; 72- Ollie's partner; 73- Huge;
Down1- Swedish auto; 2- _ breve; 3- Agitate; 4- Lots; 5- Durable yellow fabric; 6- Resembling a monster; 7- Northern arm of the Black Sea; 8- Frog sound; 9- Bumbler; 10- C or D, for example; 11- Olds model; 12- Heaps; 13- Mends a shoe;
21- Zhivago's love; 22- Actress Heche; 25- Discount rack abbr.; 26- Final Four org.; 27- Metrical foot; 28- Asian sea; 30- Bay window; 35- Actor Morales; 36- This, in Tijuana; 37- Complain; 39- Limitation; 41- Outburst; 44- Mayberry moppet; 45- AOL alternative; 47- _ Rhythm; 48- Marketing; 53- Lieu; 54- Boxing venue; 55- Less common; 56- Acclaim; 58- Vive _ !; 61- Kofi _ Annan; 62- "Give that _ cigar!"; 63- Lots and lots; 64- Hotbed; 66- Ques. response;
viCtoria marshall futurE SEEr
JaCoB samUel | the Peak (simoN fraser uNiversity)
waNT uS To fEaTurE your arT? SENd PoEMS, Pho-ToS aNd drawINGS To [email protected]