5 6 137

$162,076.12. That is how much money the St. Mike’s student Union, SMCSU, has been allocated this year to spend on St. Mike’s students. Where does that money go? Who gets it? How much of it goes where? Here is a basic breakdown of those questions. If you want to look at the exact details of the SMCSU winter budget, you are encouraged to go to www.smcsu.com and find out for yourself.

The budget, released publicly this week, provides exact dollar figures on all funds used by SMCSU. The first section of the budget deals with payroll—those on SMCSU being paid for their work. People paid by SMCSU include their chief returning officer, the scribe (paid to keep

meeting minutes), and the speaker. Of the large SMCSU budget, payroll is only $2,202, or 1.3% of the entire budget. It is noteworthy to mention most members of SMCSU are not paid for their work.

There are also expenses running the organization outside directly paying some members. To keep the gears turning, SMCSU has budgeted $15,350.80 for administration. They say they need to pay for: phones, mail, office supplies, domain registration, insurance, photocopies, event promotions, xerox payments, and “professional development.”

Athletics, which covers things like intramurals, tournaments, and the athletics banquet costs $9,582. Communications, which involves clothing and video equipment,

is $6,755.79. Double blue, with the flagship formal ($38,424.53), costs in total $51,625.53. Commuter life is just under $8000, and pays for events like St. Patrick’s Day in Brennan and movie nights. Education and government is $6,800. Religious and community affairs, one of the smallest commissions, costs $4,831.

SMCSU also distributes funds to recognized clubs. Some notable clubs that receive funds are UTICA ($2000), The Celtic Society ($1,400) and U of T Quidditch ($250). In total distribution of funds to various clubs is $25,875.

Arts is one of the most visible yet expensive commissions on SMCSU. This year’s musical is budgeted for $27,805. The artistic expression of Kelly’s Korner is essentially expense less, but the art show Nuit Bleu is $1,660. In total, arts costs

SMCSU $30,878.When you crunch all the numbers you end

up with a budget of $162,076. This is $28,150 larger than last years winter budget. However, the budget does not reveal income from ticket sales to things like the double blue formal and event nights.

The exact numbers and balances will not be clear until the end of the school year. One way or another this is a large amount of student money and it is important that students know exactly where it is going. Students should be aware not only of the amount of money that they are spending, but also aware of how much it takes to run all of the events provided to them on campus. Each student can then decide what is ultimately worthwhile.

Cam anderson | News editor

The SMCSU budget

3THE MIKE

RoME Seven Italian scientists are on trial for manslaughter for not accurately predicting a 2009 earthquake that left over 300 Italians dead. The trial has sparked outrage from the scientific community, who believe the trial is unfair and naive.

VatIcan cIty The Pope has named Kateri Tekakwitha, a native American who lived during the 17th century, a saint for her alleged healing powers. She is the only Native American to become a saint.

HaVana Cuban Revolutionary Fidel Castro has written a public letter condemning those who continue to speculate he is on his death bed. The 86 year old has been rumoured to be in declining health since he stepped down as president of Cuba in 2008.

JoHannEs-buRg

8,000 South African miners have been fired for striking. There has been deadly violence in the sector after working conditions and wages have hit a boiling point last month. Over 50 people have been killed, mostly by police since the crisis began.

san DIEgo Researchers have discovered the beluga whales have the ability to make noises that sound remarkably similar to human speech. It has long been thought whales are one of the most intelligent creatures on Earth.

Cam anderson | News editor

NIghTmARE ON RIChmONd STREET october 25 10:00PM - 2:00aM

RIcH nightclub (332 Richmond st.

West)

Put a lot of effort into your Halloween costume? Want to show it off more than once? Kick off Halloween on the 25th with SMSCU and ICSU at their 5th annual Halloween Party “Nightmare on Richmond Street!”

hAuNTEd ghOST TOuRS OF u OF Toctober 27

south side of the RoM

Ghouls, ghosts and spirits are all rumoured to wander the University of Toronto campus, doomed to spend an eternity listening to your mindless gossip, and repetitive lectures. Listen out for them for once, during a guided ghost tour of the UT campus!

CASK BEER FESTIvAloctober 28

550 bayview st

Fall is a time for Pumpkin beers and celebrating your “German” heritage at an Oktoberfest celebration. But have you ever really considered the finer side of beer? Come to the Cask Beer Festival where you can taste, learn and even observe the difference unique casks can make to fall’s favourite drink.

SmCSu BI-ElECTION CANdIdATE FORumoctober 29 1:30PM - 3:00PM

brennan Hall

Be a responsible student citizen and come check out the candidates running for your vote in the bi-elections. It is taking an interactive form, and it is your chance to really get to know the people running for your vote.

KElly’S KORNERoctober 31 8:30PM - 11:30PM

brennan Hall

The second edition of Kelly’s Korner is due to go down on October 31st. This extra special event is a 100% charitable event, with all proceeds going to Breast Cancer Research. Want to celebrate your charitable self ? There’s an after party at the Brunny.

SPEAKEASy FAll ART FAIR november 1

the gladstone

Cure that inevitable Halloween hangover (be it sugar or alcohol induced!) at the Speakeasy Fall Art Fair displaying the best fall art of the contemporary artists. Remind yourselves of the other beauties this season has to offer. It is free after all.

dAy OF ThE dEAd CElEBRATIONSnovember 4 12:00PM - 6:00PM

Harbourfront center

Explore the Mexican heritage of the sugar and barely-there costume filled holiday, Halloween! With cultural exhibits, food, and traditional storytelling and dancing, it is sure to be an afternoon you’ll remember long after you’re dead.

ROyAl AgRICulTuRAl WINTER FAIRnovember 2 9:00am

Exhibition Place

Unable to go through a corn maze this year? Skipped out on hand picking the perfect pumpkin to perch on your porch? Get all your country needs at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair! Get back to the country without leaving the city.

News2 THE MIKE

Editorial staff

Editor-in-chiefMicah Gold-Uttingeditorinchief@readthemike.com

Features EditorVacantfeatures@readthemike.com

news EditorCameron Andersonnews@readthemike.com

arts EditorLucy Corenarts@readthemike.com

opinions EditorOksana Andreiukopinions@readthemike.com

Living EditorAnnum Roshanliving@readthemike.com

sports EditorSofia Rizzo (interm)sports@readthemike.com

Production ManagerAlekzia Hosein

senior copy EditorChelsea Misquith

Illustrations EditorBelinda Zongillustrations@readthemike.com

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 Mustafabusiness@readthemike.com

ad ManagerVacantads@readthemike.com

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!

editorinchief@readthemike.comwww.readthemike.com

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 editorinchief@readthemike.com. The Mike reserves the right to edit all submissions

Letter from the Editor-in-Chief

@readthemike

As you may have guessed from our cover, Halloween is coming. In fact it is one week away from when this issue hits stands. Halloween is also one week before this issue gets taken off stands. Hopefully you pick this up while it’s hot off the press, and thus I have stopped you from missing an amazing holiday. There is a truth that you will already know if you have been lurking around U of T for awhile, and will quickly learn if you just got here: Halloween is different in university. Most people have finished midterms by the time October 31st rolls around, and finals are know just a speck in the distance (actually they are just over a month away, cue panic). This means

that Halloween becomes a time for everyone to decompress and let go a little. Don’t let yourself get trapped by schoolwork. It’s worth going out. Trust me.

To this end, The Mike is here to help you out. our events calendar (pg 3) has many upcoming Halloween festivities, and our centerfold is full of useful information to help you prepare to party. This highlights one of the things that makes this holiday so unique: you have to prepare a little. You can’t just show up at your friend’s house with a six pack — it’s not that kind of day. Try out a new costume this Halloween by choosing a good pun or a topical joke (no Antoine Dodsons this year

please). A good costume doesn't have to be a lot of work, just a little clever. Halloween is one of those rare occasions where a facepalm at your appearance is a positive response. It’s a great time of year to get a little affirmation for your inner dweeb.

Looking beyond Halloween, we have a collection of vacation destinations worth considering splurging on for your Christmas break, as well as an examination of what is going on at Hart House theatre. If you got here by somehow bypassing the cover, make sure you back track to look at where your money is going in Cam’s summary of the SMCSU budget.

Midterms are finally winding down, so take a couple breaths. you made it. The first part is over, and let’s face it, that transition is the hardest part. You’re here now, you might as well enjoy it. For that, Halloween can only help..

miCah Gold-UttinG Editor-in-ChiEf

Happy HalloweenThe Mike celebrates the end of midterms and the first quarter of the year

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 editorinchief@readthemike.com

555THE MIKELiving

Remember that one person you saw on campus and thought, “Wow! That person has a really good sense of style!” I had a similar experience while scouting for fashion talent at the AC. You don’t exactly see an ethereal light shining over the person wearing the boots you would kill for, nor is there harp music in the background. You simply see someone wearing a fantastic jacket that Carrie Bradshaw would describe as “Absolutely Fabulous!” I spotted the dynamic trendsetting duo and as I asked them if they’d like to appear in this week’s Sartorialist, they graciously assented. Ladies and gentlemen of UofT, I introduce to you, Winny La and Bin Kay. Despite the hectic time of midterms and essays, the two were still dressed undeniably well. Winny channels Alexa Chung, her style inspiration in this chic, yet casual, military ensemble. When I asked her about the one piece of clothing that she can’t live without, she said that in this chilly weather, it had to be her collection of oversized cardigans; she described her style as casual military, thus explaining her love of combat boots.

Winny’s style breakdown:Jacket: H & MShirt: ZaraShoes: AldoBag: French Connection

Bin Kay on the other hand, was as elusive as any other man is when talking about clothes or stylistic choices. However, he did express his love of Banana Republic, his favourite store and also the source of everything he is wearing from his sweater to his khakis, save his shoes. With a classic flap collar, the sweater Bin wears is as timeless as his moccasins, and I bet that when BR’s next Mad Men collection comes out, he’ll be the first one there.

Think you, or someone you know has a good sense of style? Send in your nominations to living@readthemike.com

4 THE MIKE News

annUm roshan | LiviNg editor

The SartorialistThe best dressed from across campus

YoUna Kim | Photo editor

Nine places to beat the winter bluesThe Mike picks some hot destinations for christmas and reading week

As another Canadian winter soon approaches, the snow will be coming down, the temperature will drop and you will have to bundle up wearing layers upon layers of clothing, covering up those golden tans that you acquired from the summer. As the final exam timetable is out, we decided to help you plan your winter vacation basking in the sun. Here are ten places that will give you just what you’re looking for, along with ticket prices to match.

KrYstin Wilson | CoNtributor

9. Santa Barbara, California

Have a relaxing vacation basking in the sun at the palm-tree lined Leadbetter Beach. After experiencing total serenity hop on board the Condor Express Catamaran for a whale-watching adventure. These big, blubbery creatures will put on a show for you around the Channel Islands. Once back on land, dance away the night at one of the many State Street bars.

Flight: $473

8. Curacao

This Caribbean gem will keep you busy. Start off by touring around town taking in the beautiful sights of the pastel coloured buildings while hunting for the perfect souvenir. For a little adventure, explore the Mushroom Forest, a coral reef shaped like, well you guessed it, a mushroom.

Flight: $701

7. Sayulita, Mexico

This quiet town located 45 minutes north of Vallarta has a long time reputation with surfers, but if catching waves isn’t your thing then go over to the beach where there is live music and margaritas. So dance, and maybe do the Gangnam style.

Flight: $444

6. Lake Tahoe, California

For those of you that want to get away but take winter with you, Lake Tahoe has just that. Slopes to satisfy your skiing and snowboarding needs are the order of the day there. At Squaw Valley and Heavenly the tricksters dominate the slopes while the cross-country skiers make their mark over at Royal Gorge.

Flight: $392

5. Costa Rica

With its abundance of natural beauty, Costa Rica will stimulate your senses and keep you wanting more. Be sure to check out one of Costa Rica’s most notable natural features, the Arenal Volcano. If any of the following words interest you: zip lining, hiking, or enchanting national parks, then you should head over to Manuel Antonio, where you will find all these things waiting for you.

Flight: $602

4. Moorea, Tahiti

You don’t have to be on a honeymoon getaway in order to escape to Tahiti’s most accessible island encircled by a reef. Swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling are pretty much mandatory and with the warm, blue waters, rainbow coloured fish, and stunning coral reefs this is not a hard task to complete.

Flight: $2,219

3. Praia de Pipa, Brazil

This quiet beach town is perfect for a relaxing vacation where you can take in the beautiful sights of the Atlantic, rainforest hikes, and local shops.

Flight: $1,161

2. Phuket, Thailand

As you enter, you will experience a sensory overload with all the beautiful temples and statues that surround you. Wat Chalong is one of the most important temples and is absolutely breathtaking. Also, check out Old Phuket Town where you will get a feel for the culture then after go watch an electrifying spectacle known as Muay Thai.

Flight: $1,182

1. Kauai, Hawaii

Outdoor lovers will want to experience this natural beauty of bubbling waterfalls, divine gardens, redwood forest, and tropical surroundings. Aloha!

Flight: $515

Dalton McGuinty surprised many ontarians this past Monday (october the 15th) by announcing at an impromptu caucus meeting that he was stepping down as Premier of Ontario. "It is time for renewal," he said. "It's time for the next Liberal premier, and it's time for the next set of Liberal ideas to guide our province forward." This announcement comes only one year into his third mandate as premier. McGuinty cited a mix of personal and professional reasons behind his decision to resign.

He also announced that, with the consent of Lieutenant-Governor David Onley, legislature will be prorogued, much to the dismay of the opposition. Leader of the NDP Andrea Horwath commented that "The people who make this province work everyday sent us here to do a job. And that work shouldn't stop while the Liberal party focuses on their leadership race."

McGuinty expressed his hope that this break will provide time to settle negotiations with the hundreds of thousands of public sector workers faced with wage freezes, as well as a chance for all parties to work together "in an atmosphere that is free of the heightened rancour that has sadly too frequently characterized our legislature of late."

McGuinty, 57, was the leader of the provincial Liberals for sixteen years, and held the office of premier for nine of those (the first Liberal premier to win three terms since the 1890s). He was first elected with a majority government in 2003, and then again in 2007, but his government was reduced to a minority in the 2011 election. The Liberals missed the opportunity to once again obtain a majority when they lost a by-election in Waterloo to the NDP this September.

McGuinty's tenure has been marked by many ups and downs. At times plagued by scandals and controversy (especially of late), his time in office also saw the introduction of many changes, including the 13 per cent harmonized

sales tax, full-day kindergarten, reduced average class sizes at the primary level, the hiring of more teachers and nurses, and extended vaccinations for children. Once billed the "Education Premier", he has truly come full circle in his nine years, having appeased striking public sector workers (in particular teachers) upon taking power in 2003, and now leaving office with the unions in disarray. A Toronto Star-Angus Reid survey suggests that 69 percent of polled Ontarians support McGuinty's resignation.

Many have surmised that McGuinty will run in the upcoming federal Liberal leadership race. When asked about this he replied he had "no plans", although he did not go so far as to explicitly rule it out. The only intention he expressed is to remain in power until a successor can by chosen by Liberal party members. He also indicated that he will stay on as MPP for his riding of Ottawa South until the next provincial election, expected by many to be as soon as next year.

Dalton McGuinty steps downThe premier says that it is time for a new liberal leader in the province

Catherine Bredin | CoNtributor

On October 17th University of Toronto’s United Nation Development Program (UnDP) hosted representatives from Invisible Children, to help raise awareness for their new program “Move.” It was an event that highlighted UNDP’s objectives to partake in a global partnership that determines gaps of development on a ground, whilst simultaneously illustrating the goals and plans of the charity that rapidly rose to fame in March of this year with their video “Kony 2012”.

Founded in 2004, Invisible Children is a non-profit organization that seeks to stop the atrocities committed by Joseph Kony and

his Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in Central Africa. They came to U of T to launch their new documentary that looks behind-the-scenes at the making of the most viral video ever, the organization behind it, and the movement that made an African warlord famous. In this new movie there is once again a call for today’s generation to stand up for justice, this time by travelling to Washington D.C on November 17th to put pressure on global leaders from the United Nations to the African and European Union and the White House. The message this time is one of global responsibility: “whether you lead or follow, eventually everyone will have to move.”

In the discussion that followed the screen, one of the audience’s main concerns was with the previous allegations Invisible Children

faced after the release of their first movie, a matter that was also taken up in the new video. According to both "Move" and the representatives, the goal for “Kony 2012" had been to reach 500,000 views by the expiration date at the end of 2012. Instead, "Kony 2012" was viewed 1 million times in less than 36 hours. This large volume led to technical issues as the website was sustaining much more over capacity, which led to doubts in credibility, which led to the founder’s mental breakdown.

However Invisible Children is ready to move forward from the past and into the next step to achieve the capture of Joseph Kony. Alongside the launch, they have also released an “LRA Crisis Tracker” which tracks the movements of Kony’s army in real time through the radio network the organisation

has set up across Uganda. Their financial breakdown has also been published to divert any issues of credibility that may have arisen in the process; it is a chart that illustrates that little more than 80% of the money is directed straight to the cause for mobilisation efforts, protection of the victims and their recovery and rehabilitation.

UNDP’s partnership with Invisible Children thus hopes to raise awareness for the need of a greater involvement in the development and sustainability of victimised societies. The discussion was vibrant, the answers sufficient and the information plenty. All this proves that Invisible Children are ready to “Move” forward. As one representative stated, “the more they [the leaders] hear from us, the bigger the issue will become.”

Invisible Children ready to “Move” againU of T gets a look behind the scenes of KONY 2012, and towards the future of the organization

Fatima sYed | CoNtributor

7THE MIKESports6 THE MIKE Living

nFL Eli manning threw a 77 yard touchdown pass at the end of the game to lead the giants passed the Washington Redskins and Robert griffin III. The giants continue to lead their division, with only Atlanta holding a better record in the NFC.

nHL The Nhl and the players association continue to seek a deal and attempt to salvage a full season. The Nhl re-jected the three counter proposals that the players association presented in response to the 50 – 50 split that was initially offered early last week. While the players say they are willing to work towards 50 – 50, however the secondary financial issues remain unresolved accounting for hundreds of millions in revenue.

MLb detroit swept New york to win the American league pennant and claim a spot in the world series. In the National league, St. louis squandered a 3-1 lead against San Francisco, and lost in game seven. The giants will face detroit in the World Series.

nba As the beginning of the season looms, teams work to finalize their starting rosters. The Toronto Raptors have opted to not trade Calderon and the season will see him share minutes with lowry at point guard. lowry is expected to take a leadership role, and hopefully bring the team up to a competitive level.There have been several high profile injuries, with Kevin love’s broken hand and dirk Nowitzki’s knee troubles standing out.

tHE Hot coRnER

1. The Blue Jays finally acknowledged John Farrell’s desire to return to Boston. Toronto released Farrell from his contract as a piece of a trade of RhP david Carpenter for SS mike Aviles.

2. The los Angeles lakers finally debuted the last piece of their super team, dwight howard, on October 21st. despite having a very strong game, the lakers lost to Sacramento dropping to 0 – 6 in the preseason.

3. After having a strong run during the CONCAF world cup qualifiers, the Canadian soccer team dropped the ball against honduras, getting decimated 8 -1. The loss ended the Canadians’ hopes leaving them out-side progression at 3rd in their division. Panama and honduras will advance.

4. The vancouver Whitecaps qualified for the playoffs this week in their second year as a club. They will be-come the first Canadian team to participate in the mlS playoffs.

miCah Gold-UttinG | editor-iN-Chief

Kyle Lowry scored 14 points to go along with six assists in his Toronto Raptors debut, propelling his team to a 104-101 pre-season win on Wednesday night over the Washington Wizards. Lowry started the game after missing the first three games of the pre-season and a majority of training camp due to a groin injury.

Going into the game on Wednesday, Coach Dwayne Casey was tempering expectations for Lowry’s debut, indicating that the guard needed time to get back into game-shape after sitting out for several weeks. However, there was little doubt that Lowry’s leadership on the floor would create an immediate impact. Lowry did just that, sparking the Raptors to victory after their relatively uninspired start to the game, showing few signs of rust. Throughout the game, Lowry demonstrated his hustle and tenacity, repeatedly connecting with the Raptors’ other offseason acquisition, Landry Fields. During a strong stretch in the third quarter, Lowry fed Fields for several easy

baskets when he cut towards the basket. After the Raptors built a three-point lead with a minute remaining, Lowry capped off his impressive night by sinking two clutch free throws with 13 seconds remaining to seal the victory.

Lowry’s play impressed his coach who indicated the specific intangibles that the young point guard brings to the team. “(Lowry) has sea legs right now and it affected his shot, but you can see he’s a rolling pin going to the basket, he gets to where he wants to go with the ball, he’s heady, he sees things that other people don’t see, he got Landry going, cutting moving off the ball, which was huge,” said Raptors coach Dwayne Casey. “Those things you can’t teach. He’s a true leader.”

As he re-acclimates himself to the pace of the NBA game and continues to learn the tenants of a new system, Lowry will bring a sense of mental toughness that the Raptors have often lacked in the past. As he already demonstrated in training camp prior to his injury, Lowry is beginning to develop his voice on the team and will hold his teammates accountable if they fail

to perform at his level. Once the regular season begins in a couple of weeks, it will be interesting to note how this dynamic develops. Fans and management alike will hope that this relationship will blossom, allowing the team to advance to the playoffs after a four-year absence. For Lowry, this season presents a

similar opportunity to progress in his career. Lowry has the chance to develop into the elite player he was on the verge of becoming last year with the Houston Rockets before an injury cut his season short. If Wednesday night was any indication, the Raptors and Lowry are both on their way to success.

The changing of the guardKyle Lowry impresses in debut against the WizardsandreW GUla | ContriBUtor

Modern day meal plans would be incomplete without the inclusion of some sort of fast food. No matter what age or cultural background, McDonald’s, KFC, Harvey’s, Popeye’s, Pizza Express have a place in everyone’s monthly menus. yet, recent health issues and scientific inquiry are bringing this ‘natural’ way of life into question. Fast food causes obesity, they say, and diabetes too. Because of this lobbying things are changing; well, at least on paper they are.

The trend-setter in this matter is, the birthplace of the fast food industry, the U.S. Don Barrett - the lawyer whose decade-long battle forcing tobacco companies to admit that they knew cigarettes were addictive and compensate the medical costs of victims (as depicted in the film The Insider) – is one of many lawyers who has filed against the US’s biggest food firms. He suggests that they are misrepresenting their products by promoting deceptively as “natural” or “healthy.” Barrett is quoted on a BBC article entitled “Big tobacco

lawyers target food industry,” as suggesting that “the American people assume that if a product is legal to sell, then these people are telling the truth about this product... that's what they thought about cigarettes”

Barrett’s aim is to make these food companies comply with the existing laws of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulators have not been able to enforce powerfully enough to date. He is fighting for people’s freedom to make a choice, for which accurate information is a prerequisite. If he wins then the American food industry could face substantial costs in compensation for mislabelling food products and the damages they cause

Barrett’s is not unique in his arguments or his vision. For nearly a decade, US lawyers have been attempting to try to persuade fast food chains to produce healthier and more nutritious food. More recently, early this month the American Beverage Association, which represents the big soda companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi, announced that their vending machines would illustrate calorie counts, with messages such as “try a low calorie beverage” coming alongside

a new variety of lower calorie drinks. Similarly, McDonald’s started to include calorie counts on their menus earlier this year.

In Canada however, the fast food industry remains the same. Toronto Star reported that Health Canada does not require restaurants to provide nutrition information, but it is trying to develop a set of national guidelines for restaurants to implement voluntarily, that is without any forceful federal regulation. While in 2005, Health Canada did come up with a voluntary nutrition website for customers to consult to learn about the calories, fat, sodium and nutrients contained in standard menu items, some argues that this approach does not work and there is a need for mandatory information to be posted on restaurant menus.

Ultimately, the question boils down to how much a difference knowing the calories of fast food changes today’s generation’s eating habits. Some argue that if you’re at McDonald’s, you’re there for a reason. Others state that awareness and understanding make a substantial difference. It’s a battle between accountability and choice to resolve health. And the winner is…

A burger with a side of calories and a lawsuit to go?

The life of a university student is as hectic as any other person’s. As the end of October rolls around and November slowly approaches, it’s the time of year where midterms and mid semester assignments are suffocating students across the campus, keeping them locked away in their rooms until the job gets done. It’s by far the toughest season for any student to keep up with their school work; staying up 18-20 hours a day to make sure everything gets done. We try and squeeze in a meal or two along with a few coffees just to keep us going. There doesn’t seem like there is enough time in the day to keep up with school, and keep up with our health. So how do students make sure they set aside some time for some healthy, active living? They can look to Silvio Scarcella for some inspiration.

Scarcella is not your average run of the mill students. The 4th year Drama and History major is looking to become a lawyer in the near future. With the stressors of keeping up competitive grades for law school Silvio has a secret to handling and embracing the challenges the face him; the art of karate. Starting when he was 4, Silvio acknowledges how karate has shaped him into being the person he is today, applying principles from the Dojo towards everyday challenges. “I have been able to gain insight on two valuable principles at a young age: respect and discipline”. Training 2-3 times a week either at his dojo or at Hart House Gym Scarcella has been able to make time to take care of his body, watch what he eats, and make sure that he remains health conscious. “Knowing school is number one always keeps my priorities in check. No matter what I'm doing, I always like to keep a positive attitude while doing it. If I’m stressed from school, I know I can rely on karate to go and ease off some tension, catch up with friends, and overall, work on my self. I know if I feel great after a class, it is because I pushed myself to go the extra edge-thus proving karate is something not only I see as a personal hobby, but can always be equally as rewarding when one sets their minds to anything”.

Silvio acknowledges that time management is an important aspect to any student’s life, and at the end of the day it comes down to not being lazy and keeping a goal for one’s self to accomplish. He gives students the advice to keep short term goals, and by fulfilling them, work towards greater things. Day by day, week by week, it makes things easier for students to handle and gives them a chance to breathe when things get hectic. Scarcella points out that he can always turn towards his karate when things get tough, and having met some amazing individuals makes the experience all the more enjoyable. Silvio will also be performing his karate routine on the YTV program Zoink’d in an upcoming episode. So for everyone who is feeling like there is just too much to handle at this time of year, think of Silvio Scarcella. Short term goals are easier to manage. And don’t forget to make some time for yourself and your body, because you can only go as far as your body will allow. “The mind is a great tool and working it daily will pay off in the long run.

The shotokan warrior Silvio Scarcella uses his Karate as a weapon for law school

Joe manGiapane | CoNtributor

Have you ever wondered why the sound of nails on a chalkboard is universally unbearable but the sound of a baby laughing can reduce anyone, even the burliest manly-man to a kindred spirit? The answer, as Dr. Sukhbinder Kumar from Newcastle University has discovered, lies within the particular areas of the brain that are activated when we perceive certain sounds. His paper, “Features versus Feelings: Dissociable Representations of the Acoustic Features and Valence of Aversive Sounds” in the reputable Journal of Neuroscience discusses the peculiar relationship between the amygdala and the auditory cortex when we hear sounds or noises. The amygdala, the most primitive and evolutionarily ancient part of our brain, is our go-to structure whenever we’re scared and need an aggressive edge to either fight or flee. As brain imaging revealed, whenever we hear an unpleasant sound the amydala sends a “distress signal” to the auditory cortex, increasing both its activity and sensitivity. This results in our disagreeable and often irrational reaction to certain sounds. Here the saying “it’s all in your head” can definitely be applied as the sound of nails on a chalkboard may actually not be as ear-numbing as we like to think.

In this study Dr. Kumar created a list of the

most pleasant and unpleasant sounds based on functional magnetic resonance images (fMRI) of 13 different people. The list of the least unpleasant noises is quite sparse, including applause, baby laughing, thunder and water flowing, when compared to the list of unpleasant sounds.

out of 74 noises, participants found these sounds to be the most unpleasant:

1. Knife on a bottle, 2. Fork on a glass, 3. Chalk on a blackboard, 4. Ruler on a bottle, 5. Nails on a blackboard, 6. Female scream, 7. Anglegrinder, 8. Brakes on a cycle squealing, 9. Baby crying, 10. Electric drill

What most of these noises have in common is their irregularly high pitch, which is probably why “female scream” is an automatic shoo-in for the list. As Dr. Kumar states a frequency range of 2,000 to 5,000 Hz is where our ears are most sensitive. The exact reason for why our ears are most sensitive to this range is still unknown, although sensitivity to loud noises such as screaming would suggest a more primal mode of identifying imminent danger. With our brain’s defense system activated, the amygdala can signal to the auditory cortex to increase its activity and sensitivity.

What can we take away from Dr. Kumar’s research? First and foremost we can apply his study to our own lives; instead of that pick-me-up latte in the afternoon, why not listen to

water flowing or pre-recorded applause? With Holloween quickly approaching, why not mix up some auditory-horror with a collection of these gruesome sounds? When it comes to the world of science, not only does Dr. Kumar’s research give us insight on why a sound is awful to the ears (blame the amygdala) it also suggests further application in the field of auditory hearing loss and sensitivity. His research can provide new tools for deciphering diseases such as tinnitus and the hearing sensitivity associated with migraines, opening further novel and insightful doors in the field of auditory neuroscience.

Horrific soundsWhy you should blame the amygdala for all those unbearable noisestUKtUK islam | CoNtributor

Fatima sYed | CoNtributor

‘...he’s a rolling pin going to the basket, he gets to where he wants to go with the ball, he’s heady, he sees things that other people don’t see...’

steveGarField / FliCKr

pJWoohoo / FliCKr

with

How to celebrate

the Lcbo's beers of Halloween

name: Pumpkin Alebrewery: Black Creekstyle: Spiced ale with real pumpkincolour: Cloudy burnt orangeFall flavouriness: 2/10taste: Thin, slightly smoky, slight pumpkin finishcomments: “Wow there’s nothing there”Food: ham, stuffing

name: Pumpkin Alebrewery: great lakes Brewerystyle: Ale brewed with pumpkin and spicescolour: Orange amberFall flavouriness: 5/10taste: Semi-sweet, medium-dry medium bodied amber, slight pumpkin and cinna-mon finishcomments: “Where’s my buffet of food to go with this?”Food: Pork

name: Weiss o’ lanternbrewery: Beau’sstyle: Pumpkin Weisscolour: Cloudy, pale orangeFall flavouriness: 8/10taste: lots of spice which fades to pumpkincomments: “hey, this one actually tastes like fall”Food: Sharp cheddar

name: Cardiganbrewery: Rickardsstyle: Autumn Spiced lagercolour: Pale AmberFall flavouriness: 3/10taste: Apples, cinnamon, light caramel, starts sweet with slightly sour finishcomments: “It’s almost like apple pie”Food: Turkey, mincemeat tarts

1. Mitt Romney. gel your hair back into a helmet, wear your suit, put on a forced smile, and just spout ridiculous nonsense all night. Syria is Iran’s access to the sea after all! 2. a 60’s housewife. Wear a pretty dress, grab an apron, and style your hair into a 60’s bouffant style. Carry around tissues, wet wipes, and bandaids, and have fun, be everybody’s mom! 3. top gun Pilot. grab some aviators and a fly suit (usually available at Army Surplus stores for less than $20!). Character hint? Remember to mourn whenever your buddy goose is mentioned.4. an aristo-cat! dress up in your fanciest digs, and put on a pair of cat ears. Pun costumes are the best. 5. …. And just because you’re having fun doesn’t mean your furry friends cannot! The best dog costume by far for this season is the Shark costume. lets be honest, dogs are pretty lame. have a pet shark for one night!

costume Ideas

1) classic bobbing for apples (or shots)

Fill a tub (bathtub, laundry bin, moving tub!) three quarters full of water. Classically ut some apples in, tie a contestants arms behind their backs and watch them attempt to grab the apples. In the university spin, using plastic shot glasses, or red cups, fill the bottom of the cups with a shot. Blind fold the contestant and watch them go!

2) Pumpkin carving contest

Have teams compete against one another to create the creepiest creature. Extra point for gore and showmanship.

University twist: instead of carving the pumpkin to represent something creepy, challenge your friends to carve a scene from a favourite TV show or a perfect representation of a person

3) costume contest

Award awards to the best costumes creepiest, cutest, best pop culture reference etc

University twist: add a most unusual slutty character. Let your friends know of the categories before the party and let the surprise slutty creations appear!

4) ghost walks and Haunted houses

Instead of having your parents tell you creepy stories, take your friends on a "guided" ghost tour of your local park. See who's the bravest.

University twist: build your own haunted house! Fill bowls full of spaghetti rent a smoke machine and terrify the pants off your friends.

5) scary movie

Throw on a classic scary movies such as the shining or the sixth sense to give all your guests a scare

University twist: put on newer scarier movies. Such as Attack the block and take a drink for every death of a central character that occurs

1) string brains and bloody eye balls

Take some spaghetti (or brains) and throw in some blue and green food colouring! Pair it with bloody eye balls (simple meatballs wrapped in mozzarella), you have a perfect halloween feast

2) black and orange cupcakes

Find a simple cupcake recipe online (my favourite is the every so simple (fill in later)). Create two colours of frosting, orange and black and frost as you feel. For an extra twist put gummy worms on top or through the cupcakes

3) skin and blood pizza

Serve up a prosciutto and tomato sauce pizza. For extra pizazz lace the cheese like a spider web and die the tomato sauce black.

Food

Idea

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miCah Gold-UttinG and KYle FrederiCKgames to play:

10 THE MIKE 11THE MIKEOpinionsSports

Optimism dampenedTension between the NHL and the NHLPA causes even the most hopeful to reconsider their options

As the NHL’s labour impasse continues, its stars become increasingly disheartened by the prospect of a new CBA. Chief among them is Nova Scotia native Sidney Crosby. Following Thursday’s venomous showdown between the NHL and the NHLPA in Toronto, Crosby told reporters he is reexamining available alternatives in Europe.

“A little harder, yeah,” he said. “I think that’s something that everyone’s got to figure out. you try to figure out where things stand and I don’t think they’re in a great spot right now…you also can’t make a decision a couple of hours after sometwhing like this. There is still time.”

This is a stark contrast to an optimistic Crosby who, just one week ago, told the Canadian Press he believed both sides could synthesize a solution—and fast. But the nHL is now personified as a villain and its relationship to the players best described as antagonistic. At the core of Crosby’s comments are doubt, frustration, and defeat.

Doubt is a nagging emotion for Crosby. After a prolonged bout with concussion related symptoms, which curtailed his ability to play, doubt was cast over the future of Pittsburgh’s favorite adopted son. Crosby’s symptoms plagued him for two seasons. Now he is healthy and hungry to lead his Penguins to excellence. Cue the frustration. Crosby, yet again, finds himself in a climate of uncertainty—uncertain if he will be sidelined for yet another season. The potential cancellation of the 2012-2013 campaign marks the third consecutive season where circumstances balk Crosby’s goals. At this point, it’s easy to sympathize with the Penguins’ forward and the bad hand fate has dealt him.

For Crosby, opting to play in Europe—like 150 other locked out players—can be likened to a declaration of defeat. Crosby’s roots have been firmly planted in the city of Pittsburgh since drafted first overall by the Penguins organization in 2005. Since then, Crosby has risen to the ranks of captain—a title held by the incomparable Mario Lemieux before him. His charisma and work ethic mirror the blue-collar mentality that is synonymous with

Pittsburgh. Crosby is a pillar in the community and

is committed to various causes such as the Sidney Crosby Little Penguins’ Learn to Play Hockey program. now in its fifth season, the program is dedicated to outfitting one thousand Pittsburgh area children with new hockey equipment annually courtesy of Sidney Crosby, the Pittsburgh Penguins, Reebok, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

It is obvious that Crosby is ingrained in the city of Pittsburgh, not only for his contributions as an athlete but as a member of the community. His conception of success is set in Pittsburgh, not Europe. Thus, for Crosby, choosing an alternative in a European market ultimately means leaving his adopted community behind. The setting of Crosby’s boyhood dream—winning Lord Stanley’s Cup—would be compromised. If Crosby yearns to play competitive hockey this season, this may be his only course of action, despite the compromises.

Truth be told, what Thursday’s collective bargaining talks revealed was the inherent dichotomy of the two parties. The NHLPA is eager to settle the dispute and return to routine. on the flipside, the nHL—through its quick dismissal of three proposals by the NHLPA in under twenty minutes—is cast as the foil. Garry Bettman and his associates are perceived as difficult, stubborn, and coercive.

“We’re negotiating in good faith with a purpose and I don’t know if there’s much purpose from their side right now,” commented Crosby. “Our offers have been consistent and I don’t know if theirs' have been. I don’t know if their willingness to negotiate has really shown through. They’ve been hard-line offers, take-it-or-leave-it. You come with three proposals (Thursday) and it’s shut down in 10 minutes, not even a day to think about them. That doesn’t seem like a group willing to negotiate.”

Jonathan Toews, another skilled young player, echoed Crosby’s sentiments: “You see the league being so hush-hush for the longest time and then come out being very clear with (their offer being broadcast) to the media, trying to turn the tables on us,” Toews told the media. “You have to wonder why that is. We were ready to play in early October.”

soFia rizzo | sPorts editor

‘Truth be told, what Thursday’s collective bargaining talks revealed was the inherent dichotomy of the two parties.’

The battle between the current government and the parliamentary budget officer is a peculiarity, partially because it is of the government’s own making. When the current Prime Minister was known simply as “Leader of Opposition” he argued for the formation of a regulatory body that would provide Parliament with an independent analysis of government spending, among other things; and to his credit, in 2006 Harper created the role of budget officer.

And to further his credit, an autonomous account of Canadian finances is sorely needed. The budget officer not only scrutinizes the government spending but also provides secondary opinions on economic trends or government estimates, and the current officer, Kevin Page, has been steadfast in dedication to an independent analysis, even though his actions might be against the will of the ruling party. This has been part of the debate – doesn’t making public sensitive documents that shed

an unfavourable light on the ruling party seem somewhat partisan? (This was the case with Mr. Page’s proposition to release documents estimating the Afghanistan War cost). But apparently the problem is that when the budget officer is doing his job properly, it is impossible for him to seem nonpartisan. The fact that the budget officer and the government collide so often over these issues is indicative that there are major differences in financial analysis and transparency between these two groups.

Bringing us to the current division. Kevin Page has expressed issue with the current budget, which proposes to cut $5.1-billion a year by 2015, over where and how cuts to programs are being made in order to meet the government’s deficit targets. outlined is the reduction scheme by department, but with no more details provided MPs are voting without actually understanding how the new budget will influence services. Therefore, the budget officer has attempted to secure information about the spending breakdown in the different departments. For example,

the Food Inspection Agency has a budget of 700 million that will be cut by 50 million, but how will those cuts be achieved? Out of what services? To date about 20 departments have refused the information request, and so now the parliamentary budget officer is seeking legal action to force disclosure.

Tony Clement has said that the budget officer is working outside his mandate – that he is supposed to look at the money being spent, not money not spent. That doesn’t really make any sense. The budget officer is looking for information on how the different departments will be spending their money, especially now that it is restricted. The fact that the government does not want to release this information, and that some departments are willing to go to court to prevent disclosure, is troubling. Designing a budget that reduces government spending requires a plan that demonstrates cuts are feasible and that they will not significantly impact essential public services – all that Kevin Page is trying to do is get the proof that such a budget exists.

The curious case of Kevin PageAn examination of the state of the budget

miChal ChWaleK | CoNtributor

Walk into any university library or classroom and there are a couple things you’re probably going to notice: sleepy students, coffee and maybe even some notes. However there is one thing that you’re definitely going to see. No matter where you are on a university campus, an Apple product is never far. If it isn’t a MacBook or iPhone, which are so common you’d think they were giving them out at Yonge and Bloor, it’s an iPad or some sort of iPod. It seems as though in the market of consumer electronics, there are only two choices: Buy Apple or don’t bother buying.

I’m not going to lie, I too bought a MacBook before I came to university and I have an iPod that has accompanied me during many trips and, inevitably, delays on the TTC. And truth be told, I am extremely happy with both items and if I could go back in time I would probably get them again. Despite my satisfaction with both of these products, I must admit my relationship with Apple is love-hate. I don’t know exactly what it is but there’s something about Apple’s continual success that completely drives me crazy. Apple

has created a brand where when someone needs a particular device, they just go to Apple and don’t even bother looking around. When I bought my laptop for school I only looked at the alternatives from Sony before I purchased my Mac. Now for me, purchasing a computer was a pretty large investment and in retrospect I don’t think I did enough research. It is this mindless following that makes it seem as though I am more of a slave to Apple than a consumer.

Also, like many other people this summer, I read the biography of Steve Jobs. It’s as though I can’t escape the Apple in any aspect of my life! Truth be told, I’m probably just a hipster who’s upset because he’s floating down the main stream but I really don’t want to admit it. I’d much rather think my beef with Apple is the fact that they’ve reached a point where they can make whatever they want and experience success because people are so infatuated with the brand that it doesn’t even matter. The fact is, Apple is on top of the world and nothing I do or say is going to stop it. now excuse me as I go back to surfing the web on this fifteen hundred dollar Facebook machine.

The apple revolutionDoes the electronics giant make us uniformed shoppers?John Castellarin | CoNtributor

andYJsW / FliCKr

My Name is Rachel CorrieHart House Theatre generates some great conversation, despite controversial topic

If you were to ask me one day, “Hey Luce, want to see a one-woman show centered around anti-Zionist, pro-Palestinian propaganda?” you wouldn’t be wrong in assuming my response would be something along the lines of, “You know, I’m okay. I’d rather just stay in with a book and an apple”. My own politics aside, the idea of being preached to by an irate self-entitled twenty-something year-old for ninety minutes was not hugely appealing—that’s what gender studies advances seminar courses are for and precisely why I’m not in a gender studies advanced seminar course. (Although believe me, us philosophy majors can get pretty contentious—just put me in a room with Derrida, I dare you.) However, after seeing Hart House Theatre’s production of My Name is Rachel Corrie last night, I might now answer a bit differently. Rachel Corrie tells the story of a 23-year-old American woman who went to the Gaza Strip to show solidarity with the Palestinians and to oppose the Israeli bulldozer. Quite literally to oppose the Israeli bulldozer. In 2003 She was crushed to death when she stood in front of one as it attempted to destroy the home of a Palestinian doctor, beneath which were tunnels used to smuggle guns and arms to Palestinian militants. Her supporters claim that this was a deliberate murder. Others argue that the driver had no way of seeing her and that, while an accident, the tragedy was caused by Corrie’s own irresponsibility. Thus Rachel Corrie became a martyr and a cause.

The text of the play is taken from Rachel Corrie’s diaries and edited by Katherine Viner and Alan Rickman (yes, that Alan Rickman—“Mr. Potter—our new celebrity”). Now, one could very easily dismiss the play on the basis of its very blinkered politics. Tom Gross wrote an article for the Jerusalem Post called “the Forgotten Rachels”, in which he listed at length women named Rachel who had been killed by Palestinian violence. Rachel Levy, 17, blown up in a Jerusalem grocery store, Rachel Ben Abu,

16, killed along with her teenage friends by a suicide bomber during a supposed Palestinian truce in 2005, or Rachel Shabo, 40, murdered with her three sons while sitting at home. These sorts of reports I believe are just as rhetorically powerful as the diaries of an arguably troubled middle-class girl from the West who chose to insert herself in the middle of violence without appropriate literacy of the situation. However, none of these Rachels (as far as we know) wrote a series of diaries that reported their impression of that violence from their point of view. If there were, I’d hope that another Harry Potter cast member would take up their cause (maybe Warwick Davis? He’s friends with Ricky Gervais—it could be a comedy? Too far? We’re brainstorming here, no judgment).

The production itself was impressive. A one-person show is an onerous task to take on but I believe it was extremely competently done. Our Rachel was played by Amelia Sargisson, a recent graduate from Ryerson University. Sargisson

captured her audience with a vivacious display of dynamism, tackling an extremely difficult role and succeeding. The directing by Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu was similarly enthralling. For a thoroughly blocked play it was seamless. Otu had Corrie rooting around through mountains of sand, recovering and uncovering various pages, pictures and objects which helped animate the story while strategically placing large blocks that were used throughout to construct or deconstruct places and cognitive patterns. Of her vision in directing the play Otu says she wanted to, “to give a window into the full complexity of Rachel Corrie’s life. To neither glorify her, nor vilify her, but to show her as she simply was-an artist, an activist, a writer, a woman and a daughter, a girl with a fire and in her belly and a passion that could not be quieted”.

It is an antagonistic play. There’s no getting round it. A video clip is played at the end of genuine footage of Rachel Corrie about

13 years-old giving an impassioned speech about how unification of communities can help to solve hunger and make the world a better tomorrow. A cynical person could of course wonder how a 13 year-old could be aware of rhetorical devices such as parallel structure and wonder if perhaps that speech was written for her by a parent or teacher. A cynical person could posit that Corrie is not so much an informed political activist as an overzealous girl opposed to violence against children and a cynical person could perhaps suggest that Rachel herself was simply a child abused, being deprived of any temperate guide that could lend her some perspective. One could. But regardless, Hart House Theatre’s production was, in typical fashion, wonderful. Yet again they deliver a relevant and topical piece that inevitably generates some stimulating conversation.

Look for Hart House's upcoming production ofw Romeo and Juliet.

lUCY Coren | Arts editor

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Looking for jealousy? Passion? Humor? Revenge? You need not go any farther than the Toronto-based Canadian Opera Company (CoC). Located at the breathtaking Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, the COC is the largest producer of opera in the nation. Offering everything from Kaija Saariaho's Love from Afar to Giuseppe Verdi's Il Trovatore to Johann Strauss' Die Fledermaus, the COC has it all, including a live orchestra, stunning sets, mesmerizing choreography and internationally renowned opera singers... and all this for only $22!

Last season, the COC went all out with its jaw-dropping production of Giacomo Puccini's Tosca. While many of the recent operas were much deserving of praise, including Jacques Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffman, which was as delightful as it was passionate, Tosca was by far the cream of the crop. Canadian soprano Adrianne Pieczonka was ravishing in the role of the passionate Floria Tosca, a woman whose beauty and talents are surpassed only by her faith. When thrust into a world of politics and betrayal, Tosca's devotion to her beloved Cavaradossi was tested and stretched to its limits. As if the plot wasn't enough to satisfy, the set was absolutely stunning. From a breathtaking depiction of the church of Sant'Andrea della Valle to Baron Scarpia's

majestic Farnese Palace, Set Designer Kevin Knight and Director Paul Curran did such a spectacular job that I must confess, I didn’t think the COC could even begin to top it. When learning of this season's line-up however, I was happily proved wrong.

Currently playing is Giuseppe Verdi's Il Trovatore. With libretto by Salvatore Cammaranoa, this opera is a passionate tale of romance, rivalry and revenge. When Manrico,

the son of gypsy woman Azucena, becomes romantically involved with the noblewoman Leonora, emotions brew and tempers fly. Set in 15th century Spain, this 19th century opera tests the boundaries of faith, devotion and love; themes which, in perhaps less dramatic degrees, always relevant to the human experience. Complete with a set that is "at once castle, gypsy camp and lovebirds' haven," Il Trovatore is sure to please, if not plot-wise,

then visually at the very least. Also playing is Johann Strauss' Die

Fledermaus, an entertaining tale of mistaken identity, confusion and fidelity. Promoting the opera as a "fantasy world of madcap lunacy and bubbling champagne," the COC has gone all out to immerse its audience in the pleasures and turmoils of 20th century Vienna. Directed by Christopher Alden and conducted by johannes Debus (whom opera fans will remember as the director of last season's Love from Afar), Die Fledermaus takes you on a whimsical journey of laughter and discovery, all the while baffling you visually with sights as far-ranging as dazzling ballrooms to dingy prisons.

What's the catch? For you, fellow cash-strapped student, there is no catch. If you're under 30, you can buy $22-tickets for yourself and any adult friend or relative. To top it off, there is no need to worry about penny pinching for ridiculously expensive downtown parking or pushing your way through packed streetcars. The Four Seasons Centre is accessible directly through Osgoode Subway Station, which means if you live on campus, it's less than a five-minute subway ride.

The only question left is: What are you waiting for? Get your under 30 tickets now. They sell out quickly and why wouldn't they? At regular price, they can go for as much as $300 each. Yikes. Enjoy it while you can.

Opera: music, words and visual effects Toronto makes opera accessible for students, at least financially

mia rose YUGo | stAff writer

Roots is the type of music that digs a deep hole into your soul and envelops your mind with its gentle, meaningful melodies. The Wooden Sky’s album Every Child A Daughter, Every Moon A Sun was released on February 28, 2012 in Canada, and offers thirteen hauntingly memorable songs. If you prefer more upbeat tunes that completely undermine any pensiveness, this record may not be to your liking. Similar sounding bands include Attack In Black and Hey Rosetta! One’s attentiveness to the ambience of the music, as well as to the often-metaphorical lyrics, is crucial to appreciating and true understanding an album like The Wooden Sky’s.

The band’s increasing recognition is inspiring for bands who strive to make a name for themselves in such a large, sprawling city like Toronto. It seems that getting creative at school may be the answer to showcasing your talents. Lead singer and Toronto native Gavin Gardiner attended Ryerson University and wrote songs for a school

project, which was momentously transformed into a touring, album-releasing musical group. Other current band members include Andrew Wyatt, Simon Walker, Andrew Kekewich, and Edwin Huizinga. Starting small proves that one can achieve great success.

Every Child A Daughter, Every Moon A Sun possesses a rustic flavor that contrasts with the indie alternative feel that originally characterized the group. A multifaceted style often signals the growth of a band in attaining musical maturity. The opening song, “Child of the Valley”, echoes an old Irish folk-song, with a modern, indie spin. There is both a rock version and acoustic reprise of “Angelina”, a double-bonus that displays the band’s versatility. Gardiner’s voice is at its prime in songs such as “Your Fight Will Not Be Long” and native-sounding “Dancing At My Window”, in which the rawness will chill your spine and grant an inexplicable feeling of inner-peace.

Adopting a retro, 50s feel, “Take Me Out” is a waltz-y jam, atypical of The Wooden Sky. The lovey-dovey, doo-wop tune is a rarity on the charts nowadays, excluding bands

like She and Him. The song would definitely serve well as background music to the honeymoon phase of an old school romantic comedy.

“Bald, Naked, and Red” is my personal favourite of the bunch. The melody will have you belting out the song uncontrollably, as it intensifies from the verses to the chorus. “Now we’re all these miles apart but you’re still in my head”, a simple verse that is relatable on so many levels. Another track with a similar atmosphere is “City of Light”. Do not be taken aback if you find yourself getting a little emotional, this is some heart-wrenching material! While listening to it on the subway, discretely slip a pair of sunglasses on and become a melancholy wreck, no problem.

The Wooden Sky’s album is a reflective amalgamation of sounds and poetic verse. The prevalent pattern of steady drumming and subtle finger-picking, infused with Gavin’s strong vocals are a perfect blend for the listener who must be intent and receptive. If you are that listener, pick up the album, prepare yourself a nice cup of Earl Grey, and pop the C.D. in while you kick back and get lost in the sound.

Haunting the Wooden SkyA Review of “Every child a daughter, every moon a sun.”

alexandra Beamish | CoNtributor

Sharing StoriesSarah Polley bares all in new documentary

In her touching documentary The Stories We Tell, Sarah Polley explores her own life all the while asking an important question: “How do we tell the stories we tell?” Do we all have the same story? Or do our stories vary drastically? What is it that makes them alike and what is it that makes them different? And in the end, whose story is it to tell? As Polley’s family members and friends share stories revolving around the late Diane Polley (Sarah Polley’s mother), this question makes the film into something more than just a memoir. As the interviewees recall shared memories, they each have different things to say giving the audience more than one perspective and giving the film more than one layer.

Sarah Polley is a Canadian actress, film director, and screenwriter best known for her directorial debut in 2006 of Alice Munro’s novel “Away from Her”, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. She grew up in Toronto, the youngest of five siblings. When she was eleven, Polley’s mother, Diane Polley died of cancer. Michael Polley, who was

thought to be her biological father for some time, raised her after her mother’s death. Later in her life she discovers that her mother had an affair with Harry Gulkin who turns out to be her real father.

Polley’s documentary begins as an exploration into her mother’s life, the witty and vivacious actress Diane Polley who captured the hearts of everyone she encountered. She recreates the mother she hardly knew from stories told by her family and friends. In the process she discovers more about Michael Polley’s marriage to her mother, her biological father’s love affair, and the close circumstances that led to her existence. Michael Polley himself guides the documentary with a narration of his memoir. Everyone else, from Polley’s brothers and sisters to her biological father (Harry Gulkin) to friends of her mothers, adds a different layer to the story in their interviews. The film reveals that Diane Polley was more than just this dynamic woman, full of vitality. She was someone who struggled with the hardships of losing custody of her children in her first marriage and feeling at times unloved in her second marriage to Michael Polley. Yet, in the end,

Diane Polley is what everyone else makes her out to be and each person has something new to share.

The greatest triumph of this film is that it tells a single story in more ways than one. Sarah Polley masterfully strung together interviews, faux movie footage, and real movie footage giving the

documentary a strong sense of sincerity. With so many narrators though it brings up a powerful question: Who does this story belong to? Harry Gulkin even goes so far as to say that it belongs to him and he should be the only one telling it. Yet, Polley cleverly makes authorship ambiguous, a risky

move that turns out in her favour. The story becomes everyone’s to tell transforming the documentary into a cinematic triumph that has the entire audience laughing and crying along with Polley’s family. Playing at selected theatres, I highly recommend taking the time to see this beautiful film.

Fiona KovaCaJ | CoNtributor

scorpio | october 23 - november 22

What’s the use in complaining about u of T when everyone knows you chose to go here? All I ever hear is how we don’t know how to party and our school spirit is non-existent. While this may be true, we’re still better than every other school in the country, sooo.

sagittarius | november 23 - December 22

don’t be discouraged by terrible grades, Sagittarius. It’ll all end up well, once you graduate with that illustrious piece of paper that guarantees you nothing but the potential for an intellectual dis-cussion on the merits of Foucault. Everyone will hate you, but you’ll still be able to participate.

capricorn | December 23 - January 22

get your feelings out more often, perhaps with a diary, or a tepidly received stand-up routine. you’ll feel so much better once you share your misery with others. There’s a reason old people com-plain so much; they figured it out.

aquarius | January 23 - February 22

Some people think The Simpsons has become irrelevant and poorly written. I disagree. I should know, I write unpopular astrological predictions for a student newspa-per. Irrelevance is my profession.

Pisces | February 23 - March 22

love is in your future. Be careful though, because love can be ex-pensive, and also time-consuming. To make sure your heart isn’t broken, I suggest you put on a cold and humorless façade to prevent emotional attachment. you won’t end up happy, but you’ll save money on ice cream. These are not uplifting sugges-tions, you get what you paid for.

aries | March 21 - april 19

There’s nothing like a nice cool day to remind you that summer is over and there is no point in leaving the house for the next five months. Stock up on candy and do as the bears do; curl up in a ball and wait for it to end. I can’t remember if that’s what bears do or if that’s what you do if you see a bear, but it’ll work, so whatever.

taurus | april 20 - May 20

Since its getting colder out, now is a good time to start watching all those movies you’ve always pretended to have seen. Pop some popcorn, pull on your comfy socks, and soak in the un-derwhelming glory that is Citizen Kane.

gemini | May 21 - June 21

If you have an evil twin, or just a mean twin, you should consider getting a tattoo so that when your twin eventually tries to trade places, you’ll be able to prove who you are with an an-chor, or an infinity sign. Plus, you’ll fit in much better on Tumblr.

cancer | June 22 - July 22

If, like me, you prefer sleeping to doing things, start taking more afternoon classes. I honestly don’t understand why u of T even schedules early morning classes. I assume no one ever attends. I wouldn’t really know though, as I have never attended one and I therefore have no idea what the attendance is like.

Leo | July 23 - august 22

Well, it’s midterm season again. have you ever noticed that it’s always either midterm season or final season here? Why do we always have exams? Why can’t we have a drunk season? Prefer-ably around march so that I don’t have an exam on St. Patrick’s day for the third year in a row.

Virgo | august 23 - september 22 I talked a lot about halloween in the last edition of horoscopes, which was a bad idea because now I have already covered halloween and I have nothing to talk about. getting excited for Christmas? Just kidding, I know you’ve been excited since New year’s; me too.

Libra | september 23 - october 22

One of the best things about To-ronto is how easy it is to navigate on foot. Take advantage of that while this non-snowy weather lasts. Trust me, come winter, all you’ll want to do is walk around like you’re not terrified of black ice.

16THEMocK

Crossword

Comic Corner horosCopes

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

Across1- Martini's partner; 6- Commoner; 10- Horrors!; 14- Choreographer de Mille; 15- Accent; 16- Make-up artist?; 17- Chimes; 18- Entr' _ ; 19- Big do; 20- Conical native American tent; 21- Causing horror; 23- Actress Peeples; 25- Author Rand; 26- "A Hard Road to Glory" author; 29- Invitation letters; 32- Biblical mount; 37- USN rank; 38- Chip in; 39- Optimally; 40- Cause light to pass through; 43- Add fizz; 44- Caspian Sea feeder; 45- Edge; 46- Passover feast; 47- old Dodge model; 48- IRS IDs; 49- Attorney's org.; 51- Writer Hentoff; 53- Highly productive; 58- Started;

62- Bunches; 63- Sup; 64- Eat away; 65- Decant; 66- Cornerstone abbr.; 67- Negatively charged particle; 68- Bluesy James; 69- Foot covering; 70- The house of a parson;

Down1- All ears; 2- Arch type; 3- Break, card game; 4- Greek goddess of the moon; 5- Japanese immigrant; 6- Egyptian deity; 7- Bananas; 8- Snare; 9- Drunken; 10- Minnesota's St. _ College; 11- LP player; 12- Bust maker; 13- Acapulco gold; 22- Infuse; 24- "L.A. Law" lawyer; 26- Take the role of; 27- Carousal; 28- Accumulate; 30- Letters on a Cardinal's

cap; 31- Soft palate; 33- Son of, in Arabic names; 34- Approaches; 35- John of "The Addams Family"; 36- Units; 38- Stellar; 39- At full speed; 41- not for a Scot; 42- Coffee container; 47- Uncouth; 48- Breastbones; 50- Waits; 52- At right angles to a ships length; 53- Scheme; 54- Defeat decisively; 55- Other, in Oaxaca; 56- A big fan of; 57- Give up; 59- Enter; 60- Brouhahas; 61- Branta sandvicensis; 62- Big brute;

viCtoria marshall futurE SEEr

JaCoB samUel | the PeAk (simoN frAser uNiversity)

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