Where is your money going?2 THE MIKE

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LOOKING TO CONTRIBUTE?DROP US A LINE!

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

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As a student at the University of Toronto there are dozens of services and societies to which we are all entitled to and a part of. Included in the ever increasing tuition this institution makes us pay are a series of what are called “compulsory non-academic fees” that grant us access to these services. These fees are not used towards things like courses or academic programs but I like to think they can play a big role in our education. If you are a St. Michael’s student one of the fees you’ll find on your ROSI invoice is labeled St. Michael’s College Student Union.

Known by most as SMCSU the Student Union here at SMC is known best for throwing some of the biggest and best parties on the St. George Campus, but that is not all they do. SMCSU boasts one of the lowest compulsorily fees of all the college student societies. Requiring full time students to pay $14 per semester they attempt to positively affect the student experience through a variety of events and advocacy. Organized into 7 different commissions SMCSU focuses its efforts into these following areas which I will briefly outline.

Arts: Promotes visual, theatrical, musical and literary art. Produces an annual musical, this year they have chosen to produce Fiddler on the Roof.

Athletics: Serves as a liaison between SMC students and U of T intramurals. Hosts sporting events and encourages physical fitness.

Communications: Responsible for the promotion of events and information and produces annual journal of the arts, The Grammateion.

Campus Life Commission: Once known as the Commuter Life Commission these guys make SMC a big happy family. Look for their Halloween, Christmas, and St Patrick’s day celebrations as well as their carnival and free food.

Double Blue: The social commission. Throw parties, the annual formal and all events which foster social environments.

Education and Government: Grants club recognition and funding. They are also concerned with student advocacy and academic integrity.

Religious and Community Affairs: Known as the philanthropic arm of SMCSU. Hosts the bachelor/bachelorette auction and serves as liaison with archdiocese of Toronto.

Over this past weekend SMCSU held its annual budget meeting to determine how to allocate student funding. While the budget will be made public SMCSU will currently be operating with a $120,000 budget. This budget includes items such as $18,000 for the annual musical, a series of parties ranging from $6,800- $3,000, $7,500 on professional development and a new $1,400 imac for the office. This year SMCSU has recognised and funded

18 clubs for a total of $28,000. SMC will see returning clubs such as UTICA, Trek for Teens, SMC Improv, Pair-a-dice gaming continue to thrive alongside program specific student groups like the SMC Concurrent Teacher Education Program Student Association and the Medieval Studies Undergraduate Society. Be sure to keep a look out for new clubs such as SMC Finance and Students for change.

Remember that every St. Michael’s student has the ability to make suggestions and constructive criticisms. Every SMCSU meeting is open to the public where comments and thoughts will be

able to be considered in a professional setting and on record. Also be sure to attend future town hall meetings and add your voice towards how your resources are being spent. You might even consider running in SMCSUs upcoming by-elections this fall. For more information be sure to check out www.SMCSU.com and find SMCSU on facebook, twitter and instagram.

Editor's note: The University of Toronto Student Union (UTSU) hosts its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Oct 29 in the OISE Auditorium. Every full-time student pays $34.50 to be a "member" of UTSU.

Alex ZAppone| Contributor

SMC Clubs approved for funding 2014-2015Medieval Studies Undergraduate Society (MSUS)Celtic Studies Undergraduate Society (CSUS)Students for Change (woman empowerment in 3rd world)University of Toronto Italian Canadian Association (UTICA)Trek for Teens (Homeless youth charity) SMC Improv SMC Troubadours (new name for St Genesius, arts club) Pair-a-dice (board games club)Communion and Liberation (catholic lay movement) St. Mike's Concurrent Teacher Edcation Program Student Association

(SMC CTEPSA, teaching program)University of Toronto Portuguese Association (UTPA)Political Debate ClubCroatian Student Association Finance ClubUniversity of Toronto Sports and Business Association (UTSB)Italian Undergraduate Student Cultural AssociationUniversity of Toronto Students for Life (UTSFL, pro-life group)University of Toronto Chinese Catholic Community (UTCCC)Rabanus (Christianity and culture club)

Approved, funding pendingProject Fun (charity to ghana)

SMC 46TH ANNUAL BOOZER BROWNOctober 25,12pm

Trinity College Playing Field

Come cheer on fellow St. Michael's students at the college's oldest sporting tradition, a student-alumni battle for touch-football victory. Players and fans alike are invited to gather after the game at Gabby's (192 Bloor St. W.) to celebrate the winners.

FRIENDS OF THE KELLY LIBRARY ANNUAL BOOK SALEOctober 28 - November 1

Kelly Library

If you want to expand your personal library on a student budget, check out this book sale. Even if you already have enough books, you can probably find a Christmas gift for the bibliophile in your life. Proceeds benefit the Kelly Library.

UTSU ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGOctober 29, 6pm

OISE Auditorium

Do you know that as a full-time student, you pay $34.50 to be a member of the University of Toronto's Student Union. What does UTSU do with your money? Can't make it? Proxy your vote. The decisions made at this annual event affect almost all undergrad students.

SMCSU PRESENTS: THE REAL NIGHTMARE ON PETER ST.October 30, 10pm-2am

Time Nightclub

It's a Halloween-themed club night. Buy tickets from the SMCSU office for $5 or pay $15 at the door. All-ages with 19+ wristband policy. For more info, read the interview with Joseph Crimi on the back page (page 12) of this issue!

3THE MIKENewsNews

The man who killed a soldier at the National War Memorial was angry about failing to get a passport and struggled with drug addiction, say those who knew him at the men’s shelters where he spent his final weeks.

Michael Zehaf Bibeau so angered some of the men at the Ottawa Mission because of his complaints about Canada that there was almost a fight in recent days, said Norman LeBlanc, a 60-year-old former truck driver who frequents the shelter.

“He went on for more than an hour about how much this country sucked and how he wanted to get out of here, and he was furious about the passport,” LeBlanc said Thursday outside the mission.

“That made a lot of the others guys mad, and they were going to take him out back and give him a beating.”

Hours after the shooting Wednesday, police descended upon the mission, removing a hockey bag from Zehaf Bibeau’s locker that was so heavy it required two men to haul it outside into an armoured vehicle, LeBlanc added.

Police refused to elaborate on the contents of the bag.

Zehaf Bibeau often prayed with two Somali men in the shelter in an east-facing window in accordance with the Muslim faith, LeBlanc said.

One of them, Abdel Kareem Abubakrr, denied his new friend’s actions had anything to do with his faith.

“He was a crackhead, I think,” he said.Despite his recent struggles, however, those

who knew Zehaf Bibeau as a younger man say he showed promise only a few years ago.

He attended exclusive, private high schools in the 1990s in Montreal and the nearby city of

Laval. Today, tuition at two of the academies ranges from $3,000 to $4,500 per year.

The principal of College Laval said Zehaf Bibeau studied there from 1995 until the middle of the 1998-99 academic year, when his parents removed him without explanation.

The mere fact Zehaf Bibeau studied at College Laval suggests he had a bright future, Michel Baillargeon told The Canadian Press.

“If this young man was with us for a couple of years, that means he had good grades,” said Baillargeon, who described Zehaf Bibeau’s record as nondescript.

He was also remembered fondly by someone at another local high school he attended. That person paid homage to “Mike” in a blurb published in the Saint-Maxime high school yearbook, according to the Laval Courrier newspaper.

The undated write-up described Zehaf Bibeau as a friendly guy, a new kid who barely had any friends at the school when he first arrived in the middle of Grade 10.

“He didn’t know very many people, but in a short time everyone knew him,” said the short message authored by the unidentified friend. It was published Thursday by the Laval Courrier.

“Mike is a sociable and intelligent guy. He likes to laugh and his smile makes girls crack up. He will go far in life. He will surely be a business man in the near future.

“Follow your heart. Take care of yourself. I adore you.”

A former acquaintance of Zehaf Bibeau’s father said he believes the young man’s path would eventually take him to Libya.

The ex-owner of a Laval coffee shop where Bulgasem Zehaf was a regular customer said the father told him how he brought his son to live with him in Libya for a while around 10 or 15 years ago. The move, the man added, followed Bulgasem Zehaf ’s divorce from Bibeau.

The man, who spoke to The Canadian Press on the condition his name not be published for fear of recriminations from the community, said Bulgasem Zehaf used to buy used cars in the Montreal area, fix them up and ship them to Libya, where he sold them.

He remembered how much Bulgasem Zehaf would glow when he talked about his son.

“He loved his son very, very much,” said the former cafe owner. “He loved him because he was his only child, I believe.”

The man also recalled how the proud father used to call his son Abdallah, not Michael.

At a news conference Thursday in Ottawa, RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson said Zehaf Bibeau’s passport application had not been denied, but was still being processed.

“It was in the process of being evaluated,” Paulson said. “He didn’t have it, but the investigation into whether he would have it was ongoing.”

At the shelter, Abubakrr said Zehaf Bibeau told the men that he had left Vancouver for Ottawa in an attempt to obtain a passport. The Somali man said his new prayer-mate wanted to leave Canada to get treatment for his addiction because he didn’t feel he could get help in Canada.

Three days ago, Abubakkr said, Zehaf Bibeau began taking drugs again and started espousing “extremist ideas” — Abubakkr wouldn’t elaborate — because he was frustrated about his failure to obtain a passport.

“He was a good guy, he was talkative, a very lovely person, but he was a drug addict,” Abubakrr said. “In the last three days, he shifted.”

Zehaf Bibeau had a criminal record for petty crimes in both B.C. and Quebec. He visited a mosque in Burnaby, east of Vancouver, for several months in 2011 until he was told not to return, said Aasim Rashid of the B.C. Muslim Association.

“He did float in and out of the mosque,” said Rashid.

“He’s described as somebody who didn’t have a very stable life. He was moving in and out of places, in and out of cities, and he was looking for a job. He was described as someone who was a little rough around the edges.”

Rashid said Zehaf Bibeau approached administrators to complain that the mosque was too liberal.

“He had some objections against the

mosque administration for their openness and their being so inclusive,” he said.

“So they sat him down and explained to him that this is how the mosque runs, and they didn’t really hear anything of that nature again.”

Zehaf Bibeau’s mother, Susan Bibeau, released a statement on Thursday apologizing for her son’s actions.

“I am mad at our son; I don’t understand and part of me wants to hate him at this time,” the statement said.

“(He) was lost and did not fit in. I, his mother, spoke with him last week over lunch; I had not seen him for over five years before that. So I have very little insight to offer.”

Another man at the mission, Tom Wilson, said Zehaf Bibeau slept in the bunk beneath him on his first night at the Ottawa shelter after they checked in together two weeks ago.

“He had this big hockey bag that he put down on the ground and it sounded like it was really heavy so I asked him, just as a joke: ‘What, have you got a body in there? What the hell is in there?”’ said Wilson.

“This past Sunday, I saw him down in the lobby all irritated about something, saying: ‘I gotta get out of here.”’

A man at a Vancouver shelter, who would only be identified by his first name, Steve, said he knew Zehaf Bibeau as a man who wanted to go to Libya, his father’s birthplace, and spent money on crack and heroin.

“He had some problem with his passport and he wanted to get that sorted out so he could go to Libya,” Steve said. “He hitchhiked from here some time in September to get to Ottawa.”

- With files from James Keller in Vancouver

Gunman angry about passport denial, had drug issues, say shelter mateslee-Anne GoodmAn | ottawa this artiCle was originally pub-lished on ipolitiCs and is reprinted here with permission as part of the partnership between ipolitiCs and the Canadian university press

4 THE MIKE Living

J'adore MontréalA trip to another big city doesn't require a big budget

With midterms winding down, we’re beginning to enter the last half of the fall semester. That means fall break is fast approaching, and winter break isn’t far off either. With all this free time, students have an opportunity to get out of the city and visit somewhere new. However, for many of us, our budget doesn’t permit any fancy vacations in Florida or the Bahamas. That being said there are definitely alternatives that are still a good time and a little more wallet friendly.

Only 4 hours away, you could easily spend a weekend in Montreal and get a break from all the stresses at home. If you don’t have a car, there are plenty of ways to get there, but the train or the bus are probably your best bet. Although prices vary, as of publishing, if you were to book today a round-trip with Via Rail should be well under $200 for a trip from Friday to Monday during the November break. Buses are even cheaper and should be closer to $100 round-trip if you take Megabus. Once you get there, the downtown core isn’t very large so you have a lot of flexibility in terms of hotels. Hotwire is a great website to use, and should allow you to find something in the $100-$120 range with a good rating in a good area.

For things to do, during the day you can shop on Ste. Catherine, check out old Montreal and walk the cobblestone streets, or head up Mont Royal and see a great view of downtown. At night, St. Laurent and St. Denis are always

active streets filled with people and bars. Remember in Quebec drinking age is only 18 so if you’re in first year looking for somewhere to drink responsibly (maybe for new year’s

eve), it’s a great place to visit. Plus last call’s at 3am, but who’s really keeping track?

So, if you’re looking to escape the city and have a couple hundred bucks, head over to

Montreal with your friends and to enjoy everything the city has to offer. Bon voyage!

John CAstellArin | living editor

What ever happened to old-fashioned love?ChristinA BeZerrA | Contributor

If you didn’t lock down the classic high school sweetheart relationship and are still roaming around in single life purgatory, then you’ll definitely agree with the fact that being single is a lot harder than it was for our parents. With the endless amounts of relationship tools like Tinder and OkCupid you’d think it would be impossible to not meet “the one”.

Our generation is now taking “swipe right” as the greatest compliment. Being recently single and avidly looking for the next Prince Charming, I can’t help but running into a few disappointing characters. Not to group all the eggs into one basket, but seriously where are the good guys?

We’ve been taken into the new culture called “hook-up” culture. Relationships have become so 90’s and one-night stands are the latest fad. I say that in hopes that it will be a fad. The best compliment that I have received from a man in the last month of being single, is that “I’d look good in his bed”. Seriously? You couldn’t compliment my beautifully done hair or the expensive dress I foolishly bought for this date?

Being a student in a university that has over 67,000 undergraduate students how can you not fall in love? It’s pretty difficult considering that the fact that social media has taken over

personal interactions. If I want to talk to the cute guy in my English class I’ll have to follow his Instagram, like his Facebook profile picture, and hopefully he’ll give me his number where I’ll obviously be texting him because who calls people now a days?

All joking aside, being single can be a good time to focus on yourself and your friends, which I am slowly learning. To be completely honest when the time is right “the one” will surely be knocking on your door. And not to take away from the successful relationships that have come from social media, but old-fashioned human interaction would still be the ideal start to a relationship.

5THE MIKE 5

Costume criteriaCreative costumes at a low cost

This time of year, any newspaper or blog lists dozens of Halloween costume ideas, but here at the Mike we aren’t like everyone else. You’re in university now and can do your own research. It doesn’t take a genius to look for ideas online, but it does take some brains to determine if the ideas are any good.

Anyone can dress up, but what you want to ensure is that your costume is going to be a hit wherever you go. As someone who considers himself an expert on everything, below I’ve outlined some criteria you can use to pick the best possible costume when you inevitably start searching/panicking October 30th.

First, be original. Don’t be that person that dresses up as Dracula or a cop. What’s the fun of showing up to a Halloween party and not having a cool/interesting costume? If you’re going to dress as something cliché at least put a spin on it. Think Dracula wearing a bathsuit with his cape and fangs: Dracula at the beach! It doesn’t have to make complete sense, but don’t show up at a party as just another bozo with fake fangs and a cape.

Along the note of originality, put in some effort. If you think you’re being smart by wearing a dress shirt and wearing your real 3D glasses you got from watching the 3D Lego movie and popping out the lenses, guess what? You aren’t. Everyone knows you put your outfit together in 4 minutes. Also, if you’re thinking about going to a party wearing your Kessel Jersey and saying you're Phil the Thrill, just go home! Not only is it disrespectful to #81, but it’s insulting to everyone who actually

celebrates the scariest day of the year.Just a personal preference: don’t wear a

costume you wore as a kid. Wow breaking news! You grew up and can’t fit into the same costume as when you were 13! Hilarious. You wouldn’t go to a regular party wearing your favourite shirt when you were a kid so I can’t see why Halloween should be any different.

Finally, on a more practical note, dress as something where you can actually enjoy the party while dressed. This means avoiding wearing masks, dressing in heat prone costumes, and wearing a bulky outfit that’s going to force you to say ‘excuse me’ all evening. There’s no point dressing up if you’re just going to have to take it off to be able to

enjoy yourself. If you follow these tips, and use these

criteria to evaluate costumes you find online or in store, you’re definitely setting yourself up for success on October 31st. Have a great time and all thank you cards/candy can be left for me to pick up at the Mike office in Brennan. Happy Halloween!

John CAstellArin | living editor

Living

Flu fighters

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you may have heard of something called Ebola, a deadly virus rampant in western Africa, and beginning to spread. Despite concerns, as of now the likelihood of anyone contracting the disease in North America is extremely slim, so no need to panic just yet. So instead of going crazy trying avoid the Ebola virus, take a deep breath and focus your attention on a disease much much harder to avoid: the flu! That’s right, flu season is around the corner and in preparation here’s a list of ways to stay healthy in the months ahead:

1) Wash your hands!Obvious I know, but do it. Remember,

certified hand washing experts suggest washing your hands with soap for as long as it takes to sing happy birthday. Actually.

2) Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth

Honestly don’t shove your fingers in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Not only are you going to get sick but you’re disgusting habits are making everyone else sick a well.

3) Dress warm

Sure, just because you’re cold doesn’t mean you’re going to get one, but think: The more energy your body has to spend to stay warm because you decided to wear shorts in November like a tool, the less energy it has to keep you healthy.

4) Get a flu shotA great way to avoid the flu is to get

vaccinated. Visit http://healthservice.utoronto.ca/main.htm, to get information on how to get the shot on campus.

5) Don’t eat snacks with people who double dip

If you share munchies with habitual double dippers, set some ground rules or make new friends. Keeping a double dipper around isn’t

worth getting sick, especially with Halloween parties around the corner.

With these tips in mind, hopefully you’ll be able to stay flu-free and spend your fall/winter enjoying yourself rather than spending it all in bed.

John CAstellArin | living editor

Keeping in good health when it seems like everyone is getting sick

6

Remarkable RoyalsWith their remarkable postseason run, Kansas City Royals emerging from decades of futility

During the course of the 2014 MLB playoffs, fans been treated to a surprising run by the Kansas City Royals- overturning all expectations, including ‘Sabermetrics’ experts. Not only have the Royals reached the World Series (which they will be playing against the San Francisco Giants), but have yet to lose a game, sweeping both the LA Angels and Baltimore Orioles, the teams with the top records in the American League. No matter the outcome of the 2014 World Series, the Royals have emerged from nearly three decades of misery, using an unconventional approach and an unconventional set of players. In doing so, the Royals have improved their prospects for the future.

Considering their abysmal franchise history since 1985, not many would have predicted that the Royals would even make the postseason. Since their last appearance and last World Series win in 1985, the Royals have been absent from postseason play for the past 29 years. After nearly three decades, most fans in KC would not be remiss in giving up all hope for the team. Until this year, the only other team with such a lengthy drought was the Toronto Blue Jays (who themselves looked capable of turning things around as recently as June). This extended period of irrelevancy was a combination of many elements including being a small-market club, and having pitching

or some great hitters but never at the same time. Many things had to come together for the team to compete, as they have this year to become what some are calling the ‘team of destiny.’

The most important aspect in this sudden reversal of fortunes for the Royals has been their roster and style of play. In an era that favours the long ball and with teams increasing their payrolls exponentially, the Royal’s approach and style of play has stood out in sharp contrast. The team has stuck to a particular mantra: ‘Put the ball in play, run like crazy and catch everything in the field.’ So while the team carries a league-average payroll and finished last in homeruns hit, they have been anything but mediocre in the field,

dazzled with timely hitting, exceptional base running, late-and-extra inning heroics and dazzling defense, not to mention a fearsome bullpen. The best part of this has been that the Royals’ success has been a result of true team work, with a different hero every game, ranging from Lorenzo Cain to Greg Holland as closer. All the while, these players have endeared themselves to the public imagination with stories such as players celebrating by picking up tabs at a local bar for an hour.

As a result, the future, at least at the moment looks optimistic. The postseason run of 2014 has brought the Kansas City Royals into the national limelight, while shedding their label as afterthoughts. While they will likely not be able to resign their ace

James Shield or splash exorbitant amounts of money like franchises in larger markets can, the attention they are receiving and the success they are achieving will convince their core group of players (Hosmer, Moustakas, Davis, Cain, etc.) that that this is the start of something sustainable. This in turn will spread to the general manager and ownership, who upon seeing the revenue generated from their playoff appearance, will invest further into the team budget rather than simply cashing in. One can only hope that Rogers sees the euphoria surrounding the Royals, and finally make a true investment in the Blue Jays so that the city of Toronto has something to cheer about as well.

Andrew GulA | Contributor

Clean up in Isle oneHow the New York Islanders have turned their team around

It wasn’t that long ago that the Islanders, having been awarded the first overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft, mulled over their decision and caused angst amongst many of their fans. Whom to take? The options were the superstar forward, John Tavares, or the allstar defenceman, Victor Hedman. New York management eventually selected Tavares and the puzzle piece around which the entire squad would be built around was secured. Flash forward several years: The Islanders are now leading the Metropolitan Division. It’s still early, to be sure, but the team has been fast, the young players have improved, and the new additions have been proving their worth. At the time of writing, they’re also tied with Montreal and San Jose for the highest Goals For total in the league at 20.

“It’s by far the deepest team [I’ve been on],” Frans Nielsen, the longest-tenured Islander, said. “We’ve got so many different players here. If it’s not your day, you’ve just got to dig in defensively because you know someone else is going to step up. With all of this talent, someone is going to step up every night… It doesn’t just have to be Johnny [Tavares] or Okie [Okposo] every night. We’ve got guys to step up.”

Nielsen’s right about the bevvy of talent his squad has. Besides the aforementioned Tavares and Kyle Okposo, the Islanders’ top lines

contain a solid mix of speed, skill, and grit. Cory Conacher, Nikolai Kulemin, Brock Nelson, and Ryan Strome are all young players who have proven, early on, that they can contribute in multiple ways. Playing with Nielsen, Josh Bailey and the heat-seeking missile that is Cal Clutterbuck form an imposing third line. Matt Martin, Casey Cizikas, and Colin McDonald create a fourth line that is invaluable in the NHL: a trio that can play tough, shutdown hockey in addition to chipping in offensively.

On the backend, new additions Nick Leddy and Johnny Boychuk are providing production and leadership. Coming through a three-way trade with Chicago and Boston respectively, the two have been looked at as leaders in the early going of the 2014-2015 season. Jaroslav Halak, while frustrated at times with his play, has been an important factor in the team’s success thus far. He has proven that he can be a big game goaltender, too, with his performance for the Montreal Canadiens on their near-Cinderella run to the Cup a few years back.

What this mixture of quickness and ability means for the Islanders is that they are competitive. Despite the fact that Mikhail Grabovski, Michael Grabner, Matt Carkner, and Lubomir Visnovsky are all currently injured for the team, the rest of the crew have had an impressive run. Once these key figures return to the lineup and begin contributing like they have in the past, New York will be even more of a threat than they are now.

General Manager Garth Snow, after his Thomas Vanek blunder at last year’s Trade Deadline, has certainly redeemed himself with the moves made this offseason. Snow has made it abundantly clear that he is tired of icing a losing product. This season, it appears that his lack of patience has extended right to behind the bench. Head coach Jack Capuano, too, recognizes that his group is close to attaining a new level and that they are better equipped for this forthcoming journey.

“I think we have a more mature group,” Capuano explained. “What I like about the team, and I said this in training camp, it’s about accountability. It starts with them. The great teams have that in the locker room. It starts with them as an individual, then with their teammates and then the coaching staff. I like the fact that when we’re not playing the way we’re supposed to play we’ve got guys stepping

up. It’s tough to give your teammate a little kick in the butt there and I’m seeing more of that.”

Playing in the Metropolitan has not slowed the Islanders down but it remains likely that they will meet some speed bumps in the near future. Calling teams such as Washington, Pittsburgh, Columbus, the New York Rangers, and New Jersey division rivals is not something that a team can do and expect to cruise through the season. Regardless of their challenging foes, the Islanders look to be a team on the rise and will always bring as much electricity to their game as their goal song does. Throughout this year, New York will be looking to have fewer long faces on Long Island.

Alex wiChert | staff writer

7

Early assessment of the 2014-2015 Toronto Maple LeafsSome predictions about the upcoming season

It’s probably a bit early to fairly assess which direction the Maple Leafs are heading in this season, but it is Toronto, a city where everyone acts prematurely. Just last year, Tim Leiweke planned a Stanley Cup parade route before a game had been played, Toronto FC –now eliminated from the playoffs – was dubbed a “bloody big deal” because they signed two European league players, and two Leafs fans have thrown jerseys on the ice despite it only being five games into the season.

So how good is this team? They’re not bad enough to have their jersey thrown onto the ice but they’re not good enough to make the playoffs. Even if they were bad enough, they don’t know how to tank properly for the first overall pick – the lowest pick they had in recent memory was second overall, and they traded it to Boston as part of the Phil Kessel deal. Heading into the season, that’s where I thought they would be. They did not make drastic improvements on the offseason, and largely kept the core from last season’s team that finished eighth-last.

The biggest changes they made were off the ice. The Leafs were historically one of the worst defensive teams, allowing an average of 36 shots per game. The main reason they won most of their games was because their goaltenders bailed them out, and their offense was able to score their way out of trouble. From October to February, it seemed to work. But anyone who followed the team last year knew that it wasn’t sustainable, and the team’s defensive problems were exposed when both Bernier and Reimer got injured towards March. One group of naysayers all season long last year were the online advanced stats community. They would continue to bring up numbers like Corsi, Fenwick, and PDO. I can’t say I know what those numbers mean,

but they suggested the Leafs would suffer a regression at some point in the season. The Leafs defied analytics for much of the season, but when they collapsed out of the playoffs, the advanced stats community let out a collective “I told you so.” In response, the Leafs hired plenty of people who are experts of advanced stats from Kyle Dubas, former GM of OHL’s Sault-Ste. Marie, Cam Charron, and the founder of the site Extraskater. And while the extension of Randy Carlyle came under heavy criticism, they took away his two assistant coaches – including the defensive co-ordinator – and hired Peter Horachek and Steve Spott, the latter being the former coach of the Marlies.

These new hires translated well in the off-season, as the Leafs got rid of Colton Orr and Frazer McLaren, and replaced them with a real fourth line. The closest thing they have to an enforcer is Leo Komarov, but he is a valuable asset. For one, he is a great penalty killer, and he knows how to agitate opposing players without having to get into a fight. Komarov has mostly been playing with David Clarkson this season, who scored 11 points and got signed to one of the worst contracts in the

NHL. However, alongside Komarov, they have become a shut-down line that opposing players are scared to play against.

Defensively, Stuart Percy has been a diamond in the rough, who has played his way up the ranks and has even played over newly-signed Jake Gardiner early on. He has shown no signs of slowing down, and having him and Morgan Reilly as two young defensemen who have a high ceiling show great signs for the future. As a group, they still have the same problems that were evident last season. Through their first five games, they have given up an average of 34 shots and have been outshot in four of those games. The one outlier was when they outshot the Colorado Avalanche 40-24 who, just like the Leafs, were one of the worst teams defensively and had to rely on Vezina-nominee goaltending from Varlamov. A lot of fans like to blame Phaneuf since he’s the captain and gets the most ice-time on the team, but in truth, players like Robidas and Polak have looked far worse. It is also not Bernier’s fault despite giving up some shaky goals. The team has to play better in front of him, and offensively, they should not have to rely on their top line in order to have a good game.

As for the fans throwing their jerseys on the ice, take a page from Aaron Rodgers’ book and R-E-L-A-X. It’s only five games into the season, and if you keep throwing your jersey on the ice after a loss, it’s going to be a long season. Don’t prolong the game by doing something stupid and money-wasting. The team is fully aware that they played poorly and it is up to them to play better. You are not the coach of this team, and you shouldn’t be telling them how to play. There is still plenty of time for the Leafs to look like a playoff team, but they do not have what it takes yet. They can turn it around, but they don’t need something as idiotic as a jersey thrown on the ice in order to spark it. As Leaf fans know full well by now, it takes patience.

dAvid rouBen |Contributor

Well it is that time of year again, when everyone is heads over heels for the NHL season to begin. The beginning of the NHL season is a year all sports fans look forward to, because it sparks a fresh start. For those teams that had a disappointing season they can now look past it and focus on a new year.

With this in mind, I deem that it is essential to focus on how to turn around a frustrating year so that it is not replicated yet again. A case that I would like to make that seems obvious, yet I don’t believe is used enough as a plan when approaching a game is defense equals offense. This of course may not sound radical, but if you think about it, it is. Let's look at the Montreal Canadians as an example. I think it is fair to say that they surprised everyone last season. I also think everybody forgets how great Carey Price is as a goalie. There is a

reason he was the goalie for Team Canada in the 2014 Olympics. So I must articulate that with players like Max Pacioretty who put up great numbers in the 2013/2014 season with 39 goals, 21 assists for a total of 60 points.

In addition, with P.K. Subban as a number one defenseman for the Habs, they were destined to make the playoffs and they inevitably surpassed the Boston Bruins in the first round of the playoffs. By looking at this, I understand many teams don’t have goalies as great as Carey Price, but they have average goalies. For example, Corey Crawford. Why is it that he has decent numbers? Well blatantly, it is because he has a great team in front of him. He doesn’t have to face 40 shots a game like Jonathan Bernier or James Reimer.

As a Leafs fan I can admit that last year the Leafs team had nothing going for them in terms of defense. So in the off-season, I think it is beneficial that they picked up some key pieces to their puzzle. Adding Roman Polak

was a definite step in the right direction. He is tough, and he gets people talking by the way he moves around the ice, by controlling the puck and the neutral zone.

In regards to teamwork, there are always those teams that have the dynamic duos for example, stepping aside from hockey for a second, The Toronto Raptors with Kyle Lowry and Demar Derozan. Together they flourish as the leaders of the team. Well the same thing is applicable in terms of defense. For the Blackhawks, Duncan Keith and Brett Seabrook maintain a chemistry through their defensive plays. For teams like The LA Kings, and The Chicago Blackhawks, they are inevitably always guaranteed to stand out, because they have the mentality set into their game that good defense makes good offense.

vAnessA serrAo | Contributor

Defense is just as important as offense

8 THE MIKE Sports

NFL Electric wide-receiver Percy Harvin was traded to the New York Jets for a conditional draft pick in 2015 (either a fourth or sixth round selection). Seattle recently admitted that if the trade hadn’t been completed, cutting Harvin from the team was a definite possibility.

MLB The Kansas City Royals, who are undefeated in post-season play, take on The battle-tested San Fransisco Gi-ants in the World Series which commences on Tuesday October 21st featuring the game 1 pitching matchup of Madison Bumgarner and ‘Big Game’ James Shields.

NBA Multiple-time champion, Kobe Bryant, made his displeasure known after being dubbed the 40th best player in the NBA by ESPN, by calling the experts a ‘bunch of idiots.’ Blake Griffin says that he ‘will probably retaliate’ if he continues to be fouled hard by opposing players. This coming after his scuffle with Jazz Forward Trevor Booker in a pre-season game.

NHL As of the afternoon of October the 19th, The San Jose Sharks, Nashville Predators, Chicago Blackhawks, and Washington Capitals are the only remaining teams to have not suffered a loss in regulation time to start the season.

SOCCER As of late, there has been a plethora of occasions where players have missed wide-open opportunities at point blank range. Add Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli to the list, as he could have notched his first for Liverpool midway through the first half against QPR but sailed his attempt over the bar.

peter GAlkA | sports editor

Eastern Conference PreviewThe big three contenders

Is anyone else as pumped as I am for the Raptors season to start? It’s reached the point that I find myself closely following preseason games and analyzing box scores – something I could never be bothered to care about in any other sport. After all, the games don’t matter and are in zero ways an indicator of regular season success.

But, there’s something special happening with the boys in Toronto this year. For the first time maybe ever, we’re looking like contenders. Not just middle of the pack playoff contenders (see: the CB4 era), but legit contenders to take the East. And it’s sick.

Who else in the East matches or surpasses the Raptors’ potential?

Lebron and the Cavs obviously are looking like the powerhouse team in the East this year. While I do think they’ll put it together at some point this season, let’s not forget that it might take these guys a little while to gel. It might not happen at all, in fact. Remember the Lakers’ starting five in 2012/2013? They were absolute money on paper, but didn’t mesh. If the Heat do mesh, it’s going to take a little while to figure out – there are only a limited number of touches to go between three legit star players, and how to most efficiently allocate those touches remains to be seen. Even the big three in Miami were far from a lock for the Eastern Conference Champions in any of Lebron’s years there. So don’t go giving it to the Cavaliers too quickly.

The Bulls are revamped. They, too, look good. But, I’m not nearly sold on them yet. The most obvious question is Derrick Rose’s knees. Regardless, he likely won’t be able to play at an intensity he was able to prior to his injury

issues – either for fear of reinjuring himself or an actual loss of physical ability brought on by his health issues. I will admit that I’m excited to see Chicago’s frontcourt in action. Pau and Noah? Delicious. Regardless of how any one individual player performs, Tom Thibodeau will turn the Bulls into a top defensive team. Whether or not their offense can lean on an aging Pau Gasol and the human question mark Derrick Rose is what will determine their success this year.

Rounding out the three true contenders in the East this year, I have the Toronto Raptors. Here’s the thing I like about the Raptors compared to the first two teams I’ve mentioned. They are, in the truest sense of the word, a team. The Cavs and the Bulls look nothing like they did last year. While the star power is there, the stars are new faces, and new faces mean chemistry must be forged. But the Raptors are the epitome of chemistry. They exude it, and they depend on it. They fought together last year. The only difference this year is that their bench has been shored up with legit contributors in Lou Williams and James Johnson (See ya later Dwight Buycks).

I’m a real believer that teamwork and defense beats star power when your goal is winning championships. Look no further than Gregg Popovich’s Spurs for concrete evidence of that. So I think, and hope, that the Raptors actually are contenders this year. I think that the East is a lot more wide open than many are leading on this season.

BrendAn Forrest | Contributor

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10 THE MIKE Opinions

Hong Kong stands strongDespite government's heavy-handed measures , protestors continue their peaceful protest

“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” This quote by Mark Twain concisely captures the essence of the ongoing protests in Hong Kong. Over the past few weeks, Hong Kong has been drenched in its first large-scale student-led protest for democracy in any Chinese city since the crackdown at Tiananmen Square in 1989. Hong Kong’s current Umbrella Movement is similar to the Tiananmen Square incident in many ways, but in many ways it is not. The main parallel drawn is the struggle for democracy in their land, but given the fact that it is a quarter century after Tiananmen Square, the protestors today have a technological edge. More generally, the international relations between countries today are much different from back in 1989. I believe the future is bright for Hong Kong and if they keep doing what they are doing, Hong Kong has the potential to become a beacon for democracy in the corrupt Chinese Communist Party rule.

Social media has played a key role in the mostly student-led protests in Hong Kong. From holding up lights in their cell phones as a sign of solidarity to using Instagram and Weibo (their version of Twitter) to coordinate their activities, social media has added a whole new dimension to the nature of protests in China. The government banned Instagram across the country and blocked their Weibo hashtag (#OccupyCentral). While these setbacks might

have hampered the protestors attempts at bringing democracy to their country, the use of social media was vital in amassing widespread support for the protest. Within days, the number rose from a few students led by Joshua Wong (a 17 year old student in Hong Kong) to thousands of protesters blockading the streets of Hong Kong and bringing transport and commerce to a standstill. With all the support the protestors were able to muster, the protests in Hong Kong are simply too large to ignore. This has led to unprecedented international attention, which can very well work in the favour of the people of Hong Kong.

The protestors copied the gesture used in Ferguson, Missouri of “Don’t Shoot”

as a symbol of how connected they still are to the rest of the world, and to symbolize the fight against police violence and, in turn, democracy. Despite the government’s blatant disregard for a human being’s right of freedom of expression, the protestors have demonstrated they are still in contact with the outside world. As mentioned earlier, the world today is not the same as it was in 1989. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, many Eastern European countries found prosperity by following the democratic model of government. However, those countries had considerable support from the U.S. and other democratic countries. The level of police violence in Hong Kong does not

warrant international intervention according to the United Nations Charter, but I believe other democracies, including Canada, should support the protestors in Hong Kong so they too can enjoy the benefits and freedoms of living in a democratic society.

The protests in Hong Kong show that as the world continues to develop more and more countries gravitate towards democracy and there is more awareness of the rights of people as free-thinking individuals who ought to be represented at every level of society. Only time will tell whether they are successful or not, but they have revitalized the appeal of democracy, and that in itself is nothing short of a victory.

Books or the Internet?The struggle of the contemporary ageAnAstAsiA mAryukovA | Contributor

I would like to ask you a question: how much do you read? I don’t mean browsing the web for the latest news, gossip, or horoscopes. I am talking about real books—those hardcover, fresh-smelling volumes of print. Do you enjoy reading in solitude with a pen or highlighter in hand? Or do you prefer catching up on your newest e-book during your busy commute? I have spent many mornings on busy trains and, judging by what I have seen, I can easily attest to the rise of online media.

Without a doubt, we now live in the glorious digital age. We have the whole wide world at the click of a button. We can be anywhere in time and space. We can connect with people across the continent. The Internet is a valuable tool and an astounding invention. Perhaps it is beginning to displace the printed word.

A few years ago, David Brooks , a New York Times Op-Ed columnist, published an article contemplating one of the most intriguing questions of the twenty-first century: books or the Internet, print or digital text? Brooks claims that “the Internet helps you become well-informed—knowledgeable about current events, the latest controversies, and important trends.” It is easily accessible, quick and instantaneous in transmitting information. However, “the literary world is still better at helping [you] become cultivated, mastering significant things of lasting import.” Books foster an intelligent, sophisticated identity. They contribute to a lifelong legacy of learning.

Ultimately, Brooks concludes: “The Internet may produce better conversationalists, but the literary culture still produces better students.” Is this true?

As a student of English Literature and Media Studies, I found this article interesting and compelling. Not only because it was assigned for one of my classes, but mainly because I am, like many others, caught between these two worlds. I must admit, I belong to that category of well-read book collectors, with a home library of 500 books, or even more. My collection ranges from the works of Chaucer to the infamous Harry Potter series.

However, I also spend hours reading through my Facebook and Twitter updates and searching the mighty web for scholarly sources. I guess I fall within the definition of fairly “plugged in”; but, to be completely honest with you, I would choose books over the Internet in a heartbeat. My unfaltering answer partly stems from my background as a literary scholar, and entirely from my love of literature.

Call me old –fashioned, but I believe in the aura of reading—the transcendent process, akin to entering another world. I believe in being alone with the text: ruminating, translating, remembering. From an early age, I have grown accustomed to my literary solitude. Reading, re-reading, underlining, highlighting: I have navigated the wondrous maze of the printed word. At times I have experienced joy

or relief; at others, I have been challenged, and this challenge has made me who I am today. Looking back, I don’t think I could have grown as an individual if it were not for this involved reading.

Books have shaped my life. They’ve helped me blossom into a sensitive and articulate individual. They have given me much knowledge, pleasure, and comfort. Books have been there for me when no one else was. Often overwhelmed by the minute details of life, I enjoy entering bookstores, housing these precious bundles of beautiful words, vivid images, and dynamic characters. I often wonder how a small, sometimes seemingly worn out cover can contain such a life-changing story. I am especially drawn to the classics: Oliver Twist, Jane Eyre, The Brave New World. For me, books perform a didactic function: they teach me how to think,

feel and act. I draw strength from literary heroes. Wrapping my arms around a book, flipping its pages, inhaling its scent, I breathe in the wisdom of the printed word. I wholly surrender. I need this physical presence, this tactile touch. I can’t imagine my life without a book and a pen in my hand. At the end of the day, I happily turn off my phone and hail to the written word.

While I am very appreciative of technology and the enormous reach of the digital text, I still prefer that old-fashioned experience of reading: sitting in a quiet library, led by the rhythmic turning of pages and ticking of the clock-- scholarly and personal pursuit. As an alternative, I also enjoy sitting by the fireplace with a cup of cocoa and a blanket, perusing my beloved novel. I may be an avid user of Twitter, but I am a perpetual student at heart.

sAAd shAh | staff writer

11THE MIKEOpinions

The hyperreality of cyber bullying

When we think of technology, we usually picture an object—a phone, laptop, iPad, tablet. We see it as a physical substance devoid of human life. In actuality, it is a powerful weapon capable of inflicting emotional and psychological harm. Armed with a voice and an anonymous presence, perpetrators of cyber bullying abuse the immense reach and easy accessibility of online communication. With the increasing technological advancement and the variety of outlets for expressing an opinion, cyber bullying is starting to become an over-arching reality, more real than the real itself.

As one of the latest instances of cyber bullying, Anita Sarkeesian’s terrifying story shows the dark side of the online world. Many of you might know her as a popular feminist blogger who was scheduled to present on the portrayal of women in video games at Utah State University this past Wednesday. However, after receiving a threatening anonymous email, Sarkeesian had to cancel her talk. As the news articles reveal, this was not the first hateful message Sarkeesian has encountered; she has been a victim of cyberbullying for quite some time. In 2012, an online game “Beat up Anita Sarkeesian” was invented, further subjecting the blogger to online hate and abuse.

Cloaked by anonymity, the invisible ‘haters” use the digital platform to freely express their negativity and openly ridicule others. Nowadays, cyber bullying is more than just a reality: it is a way of life. It is more real than the real. It is frightening and it needs to be stopped.

After reading Sarkeesian’s heartbreaking story, I decided to investigate the subject of cyber bullying further. I always believed that knowledge instilled a sense of responsibility to vocalize any injustices not known to the general public. Had I not seen that gruesome headline, I would not been unaware of this crippling aspect of our lives. Sarkeesian is a strong and resilient woman who bounces back against the backlash and undeserving physical threats. However, other victims of cyber bullying, who are primarily teenagers, sink deep into their despair, losing all they have, including their most precious possession—their life.

According to the National Crime Prevention Centre, 43% of teens have been victims of cyber bullying in the past year. Only 11% of those teens have talked about cyber bullying with their parents. As evidenced by these figures, most victims prefer to remain silent about their assault. Perhaps choosing to weather this storm alone leads to a tragic end. More than 14% of high school students have considered suicide and almost 7% have attempted it. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people.

In the past decade, several cyber bullying cases have gathered national and even global attention: Ryan Halligan, Megan Meier, Jessica Logan, Tyler Clementi and Amanda Todd are names of recent victims of cyber bullying who took their lives after their online assault. All of them were teenagers attending high school: the youngest victim was thirteen (Tina Meier and Amanda Todd) and the oldest was eighteen (Jessica Logan). All of them revealed intimate

personal information on social media, when they thought they were taking to people who claimed to be their friends and quickly learned in their trustworthiness. Having suffered social ostracism and unbearable humiliation, these silent victims lost their will to live. I cannot even begin to imagine how their tragic deaths impacted their grief-stricken families. I can only spread the word about the danger of disclosing intimate details online, and I can urge the young generation to be wary of strangers they encounter in cyberspace. We inhabit the world of instant mass communication, which makes sharing of information easy and accessible. Notwithstanding some positive outcomes of the global community, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to separate our private and social lives. The digital world is endowed with the all-seeing gaze of surveillance, which penetrates into every layer of our lives. The Internet has truly revolutionized how we communicate with each other.

In today’s technology-driven world, cyber bullying presents an overarching reality: the extensive reach of high-speed Internet allows young people to communicate with each other instantly via numerous means and devices, like instant messaging and video chatting. They can also create personal profiles and share the intimate details of their lives on various social networking sites like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. In this online world of open sharing and communication, space opens up for negativity, anonymous hate, and exploitation. Today’s teens and young adults are no longer confined to bullying in school hallways; now they have the means to inflict injury upon others from the safety and comfort of their own homes. Bullying from behind computer screens can even be more appealing.

Looking ahead, I think we need to be well-informed and prudent about what we choose to make public. Ultimately, we need to accept the binding nature of online sharing. It has an

inextricable link to our identity. We become what we post and, in most cases, we can’t take it back. The digital record is characterized by its permanence. One influential academic from Mexico, Juan Enriquez, likens it to a tattoo. There is no escape from the all-consuming gaze of the digital world.

Sarkeesian’s story represents just one unfortunate incident in an endless stream of cyber assault. It is devastating to see so many people openly criticised and so many young lives sacrificed without any valid justification. In this time and age, we have an important choice: do we passively accept these injustices or do we mobilize our humane forces to stand up for the voiceless and bullied? We have a say and we can act to end cyber bullying together. Our collective vocalization and activism, supplemented by the enormous reach of the Internet across the globe, can be ground-breaking.

AnAstAsiyA mAryukovA | Contributor

When virtual worlds become more real than reality itself

We talked to SMCSU's Double Blue Commis-sioner, Joseph Crimi about his role in SMCSU and his upcoming event: Nightmare on Peter Street, a club event hosted by SMCSU. The event will take place on Thursday, October 30 at Time Nightclub. This all-ages Halloween-themed club night will feature the spookiest decorations and drink tickets if you're over 19. Tickets for the event are available for pre-sale at the SMCSU of-fice for $5 or at the door for $15.

What is your role in planning SMCSU's Club Events? As the Double Blue Commissioner, I am respon-sible for organizing and hosting every club night, pub night, and formal event for the students at SMC.

What kind of budget does an event like Nightmare on Peter Street have? Typically, our club nights cost just under three thousands dollars. However, because this event is so close to Halloween (the day before), many other colleges and universities have expressed interest in similar events, so we face the issue of having to pay a tad bit more. However, we still strive to make sure that all students can attend these events with little cost to them as possible!

What has been your most rewarding mo-ment as commissioner? The day after Toga, I was overwhelmed with emails and Facebook messages about how great the night was. It is definitely a challenging process organizing events such as Nightmare and Toga, but in the end, it all pays off.

What was the hardest part of planning Nightmare on Peter Street? The hardest part of planning Nightmare on Peter Street was finding the best venue to host this event. After searching, I came across Time Night Club. As it happens, Time Night will be closing its doors the day after our event; therefore SMC is

officially the last to ever host an event at Time. In addition, we held our first Nightmare on ___ Street years ago at Time Nightclub, when it went by a different name. So not only did it start at Time, but it will end at Time.

What goals do you have for your position this year and this event? This year, I aim to ensure that every event is fully accessibly to any student, to provide and main-tain a safe, welcoming, and pressure-free environ-ment at each Double Blue event, and to create a well deserved escape for the students from their crazy hectic lives!

What are some tips for throwing a good party? My top four tips for throwing a good party are: - Promotion: Make sure that the word gets out before the actual event! - Music: Good music at any party really does boost enthusiasm - Maintain a safe setting: the more comfortable you are, the more fun you will have. - Price: Keep the costs of entry at a fair rate opens up opportunities for many to come.

What is the best Halloween costume you've ever had? When I was 4 or 5 (or whatever age one watch-es the Teletubbies), my cousins and I dressed up as the characters from the Teletubbies. I can’t think of another time I’d ever been so happy haha.

Get to know your SMCSU commissioners

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Sudoku(CUP) — Puzzles provided by Sudoweb.com. Used with permission.

12THEMOCK

JOSEPH CRIMI

DOUBLE BLUE COMMISSIONER