November/December 2020 by MacMedia Magazine

Table of contents

To Brighten Your Day Note from the Editor Poetry Lest We Forget Christmas Poem Diwali Celebrations Christmas Quarantine Trivia Christmas Quarantine Tips Canada’s GDP At-Home Workouts to Check Out 10 Tips to Boost Your Self-Care Routine

By Melissa Sendanyoye, Editor-In-Chief 1 2 3 3 3 4 5 7 9 9 10

Q: What do you get when you cross a snowman and a vampire? A: Frostbite. Q: What do snowmen eat for breakfast? A: Frosted Flakes Q: What do snowmen like to do on the weekend? A: Chill out. Q: What do snowmen wear on their heads? A: Ice caps!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 WWW.MACMEDIAMAGAZINE.COM 004C MCLAUGHLIN COLLEGE, YORK UNIVERSITY TORONTO, ON M3J 1P3 416-736-2100 EXT. 60555 EDITOR IN CHIEF VICE-PRESIDENT PUBLISHER LAYOUT DESIGNER

EXECUTIVES MELISSA SENDANYOYE TANESHA AGRAWAL CATHERINE SHI NAOMI JOSON MELISSA SENDANYOYE EDITORS

NEWS OPINIONS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT SPORTS HUMOR

ANEESA SINGH MELISSA SENDANYOYE RIYA NAIR MARIA MAKSIMOSKA MELISSA SENDANYOYE

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@macmediamagazine @MacMediaMag MacMedia Magazine

TO BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY

MacMedia is the official student monthly of McLaughlin College but does not speak on behalf of McLaughlin College—unless specifically specified by the Big Kahuna upstairs (in which case there’ll be a note). The opinions expressed herein are also not necessarily held by MacMedia or its staff (unless they’re really smart and dastardly written) but are a reflection of the current social outlook. Our goal is to act as an objective forum for constructive conceptual synthesis and intellectual thought—not as a community censory text. Therefore, our content is only as strong as your contribution. Every month we publish a wide variety of student-written news, opinions, art, poetry, humour, fiction, photography, and everything inbetween. Please feel free to contact us for any reason, including publishing dates, advertising, world domination, iguana preservation, puddle-pants, the whereabouts of Godzilla, or any other “topics of interest.”

note from the editor tank tops, in your coffee shops in shorts, and running through the snow in high heels and a mini dress to the club. We sent some of our staff writers into the wild to observe these unusual species. If you’re actually a warm-blooded human being and do get cold, like me, then it’s time to find the one because it’s Cuffing Season, people! Enjoy mistletoe all winter long and long nights spent taking off longThankfully, our gifted writers have put together some johns. But, don’t forget to indulge in a little bit of of the most vivid articles for this winter issue that Netflix and Chill. If you actually want to Netflix and you have ever seen. Do you need some tips on how to Chill, maybe just to play in the background. survive the long winter ahead? Need some advice on how to stay in shape during this season? Need some Whatever plans you have in store for this holiday advice on how to celebrate the holidays? Well, we’ve season. MacMedia has got you covered. got you covered in all of these and much more. Happy holidays and stay safe! And then … there are those who just don’t seem to Melissa Sendanyoye get cold. Alas, these un-endangered species are out Editor’s In Chief and about in full force. They’re in your lecture halls in Are you ready for Christmas? I feel like summer was just a few days ago, but now it’s time for present opening and getting through those long Canadian winter days ahead. If you don’t like winter as much as I do, then you know that you’re dreading waking up every morning to brace the frigid cold to YorkU, whether you live on or outside of campus.

note from the vice-presidenT

We came into 2020 with bright eyes and eager souls curious about the year that lay ahead of us. It was a rough year for most of us if not all, but in this case, curiosity hasn’t killed the cat yet and as Kelly Clarkson would tell you time and time again, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. So keep on keeping on and stay strong as we brave through this pandemic and the last days of 2020 as the year comes to an end. Let us rejoice in the knowledge that 2020 did not get the best of us and even through thick and thin, we were there for ourselves throughout this past year. One of us knows what the upcoming year is going to

be like, but we have gone through hell and we have the tickets to prove it and by god we can do it again. I am proud of myself and all of you beautiful people for coming this far. However, the finishing line is quite a bit further for this is a marathon and we shan’t be stopping anytime soon. So enjoy the break, stay safe and make sure your loved ones are too. Have a Merry Christmas, a happy Hanukkah and a happy NEW YEAR. Tanesha Agrawal Vice-President MacMedia Magazine

Please send all submissions and inquiries to macmedia.eic@gmail.com MacMedia is a proud member of The Canadian University Press, a national Organization of Canadian student newspapers.

poetry

Lest we forget

By Melissa Sendanyoye, Editor-In-Chief In times of war and peace, we have had some of the bravest and courageous men and women who sacrifice their lives to protect our nation. Across Canada, the 11th day of the 11th month, when the clock strikes the 11th hour, we stand in a two-minute silence to honour the lives lost in war. This is the day to honour the many soldiers return who home, but develop mental illnesses like PTSD, depression, or bi-polar disorders and are unable to live normal lives. This is also the day to honour the millions at home who receive a call that their husbands, sons, mothers, sisters, and wives will not be coming home. Remembrance Day is a day dedicated to remembering the fallen. This is the time to take moment and give thanks to the fallen soldiers who made unimaginable sacrifices to keep us safe and live our lives. Let us not forget those who fought in the World Wars and in all the wars of humanity. Let not one life die in vain. Let us continue to have a heart of peace by forgiving others and ourselves. Let us strive to never have another World War by giving service to others and making a promise to continue living in peace and humanity. ~ Lest We Forget

christmas poem By Aneesa Singh, News Editor

A time of hot chocolate, shopping, movies and happiness comes around, People proudly saying have a holly, jolly christmas, A season of giving, hope and generosity, Even the rich helps the poor through soup kitchens and donations, December is upon us and the people await many celebrations in the city.

Eleves, reindeers and Mrs. Claus work together to make this the best merry christmas possible.

Santa Claus is climbing down through the chimney eager to hand out presents, Eating cookies and milk, and silently singing Jingle Bells careful not to wake the children, A feeling of joy, happiness and love spreads through the air, The reindeer taking their positions and lifts the sleigh Snowflakes fall like glitter across the sky, into the night, A white Christmas is upon us as the town waits for The rays of the moon shine brightly and keep its aura santa’s arrival, filling the atmosphere. Families decorate their houses with Christmas lights and make gingerbread houses, The Christmas market opens as crowds gather around Children decides to wake up their parents in excitement of Christmas morning, the store, Dressed in winter coats, mittens, hats and scarves, Racing down the steps and finds presents waiting to be unraveled, Choirs sing prayers and sweet christmas tunes. Families gather around the tree in awe and sing Christmas carols, Children play in the snow ready for an adventure, Building Frosty the snowman and making snow angels, While opening presents to find new books, toys and merchandise as their gifts, Thrilled as the winter season progresses, Festivities continue through the day into the night, Snow gently falls from the sky onto the ground, It truly is a perfect Christmas. Christmas Eve soon approaches and santa’s workshop could not be any busier, Merry Christmas 03

diwali celebrations By Aneesa Singh, News Editor

lamps, although there are plastic and metallic diyas that are also available. The diyas are filled with ghee Diwali is a fun and happy celebration filled with food, or oil, and a cotton wick is used to bear the flame. fireworks, light, vibrant colours and festivities. The date of the festival is calculated by the Hindu lunar Diwali honours the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. calendar. It is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the The lights and lamps are said to help Lakshmi find her Hindu month of Kartika. More than 800 million people way into peoples’ homes, bringing prosperity in the celebrate this festival in many ways.This year, Diwali year to come! It’s also a celebration of good triumphing will be celebrated on Saturday November 14, 2020. over evil, signifies the victory of light over darkness This festival lasts five days, marking the start of the and is celebrated in honor of the marriage of the Lord Hindu New Year. The first day is usually a shopping Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Idols of Lord Ganesh day, especially for gold or silver. The second day and Goddess Lakshmi are placed side by side for the is used to decorate the home. The third day is the prayers and rituals. Lord Ganesh is worshipped first main day of the festival with fireworks at night and a followed by Lord Laskhmi. In northern India, Hindus feast with family and friends. The fourth day is when celebrate the return of the deities (gods) Rama and spouses exchange gifts and finally, the fifth day is Sita to the city of Ayodhya, after defeating the evil when brothers and sisters spend time together. king Ravana! In the region of Bengal, people worship the goddess Kali, the destroyer of evil forces, during Diwali is a Hindu festival, yet it can also be celebrated Diwali. And in Nepal (a country bordering north-east by Sikhs, as it marks the release of their gurji, Guru India), people celebrate Lord Krishna’s victory over the Hargobind Sahibji, and 52 other kings and princesses wicked king Narakaasura. of India that were made captives by the mogul emperor, Shah Jahan. Diwali is also celebrated by Rangoli is a popular Diwali tradition, where beautiful Jains, who celebrate the festival of lights to mark the patterns are made using colourful powders and flowers. attainment of moksha by Mahavira. It is a national People draw rangoli on the floor by the entrance of holiday in India, Trinidad and Tobago, Myanmar, Nepal, their homes to welcome the gods and bring good Mauritius, Guyana, Singapore, Suriname, Malaysia, luck. Another tradition is cleaning and decorating the Sri Lanka and Fiji. As well, it’s an optional holiday in house, trying to make homes spotless before entering Pakistan. Hindus all around the world and in India the new year. Another interesting fact about Diwali celebrate the festival by exchanging gifts and sweets, is the city of Leicester, in the United Kingdom, holds wearing new clothes, watching firework displays and the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India. Every preparing festive meals. year, tens of thousands of people gather in the streets to enjoy vibrant shows of light, music and dancing! The word Diwali or also known as Deepavali, means This fascinating festival is celebrated by Hindus “row (avali) of lights or clay lamps (deepa) ” in an living outside of India additionally, who gathers at Ancient language of India, called sanskrit. People places of worship called mandirs to leave offerings decorate their homes with lights and oil or clay to deities, watch firework displays and eat delicious lamps, called diyas, which are left burning all night. food together! Traditional diyas used during Diwali are earthen

CHRISTMAS QUARANTINE TRIVIA

of Jesus’ conception (i.e.,March 25). December 25, nine months later, then became the date of Jesus’ birth. For a long time the celebration of Jesus’ birth was observed in conjunction with his baptism, celebrated January 6. Roman Cathoic churches celebrate the first Christmas mass at midnight, and Protestant churches have increasingly held Christmas candlelight services late on the evening of December 24.

By Aneesa Singh, News Editor Christmas is celebrated on December 25 and is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide culture and commercial phenomenon. For two millenia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and waiting for Santa Claus’s arrival. December 25 has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870. Furthermore, the 12 days of Christmas start on Christmas Day and last until the evening of the 5th January, also known as Twelfth night. The 12 days have been celebrated in Europe since before the middle ages and were a time of celebration and joy.

Christmas Bells: Bells, especially Church Bells, have traditionally been associated with Christmas for a long time. In the Anglican and Catholic churches, the church day starts at sunset, so any service after that is the first service of the day. So a service on Christmas Eve after sunset is traditionally the first service of Christmas day! In churches, they have a bell that is often rung to signal the start of this service. As well, in Victorian times, it was very fashionable to go carol singing with small handbells to play the tune of the carol. Sometimes there would only be the bells and no singing! Handbell ringing is still popular today.

One of the most famous bells at Christmas is in the song “Jingle Bells”. Jingle Bells was written by James Lord Peirpont and there was some debate as to where it was written. For example, some people claimed it was written near 1875 when James Lord Pierpont lived in Savanna, Georgia, Also, Jingle Bells was the first song to be broadcast from space in December 1965 when the astronauts Tom Stafford and Wally Schirra said they had spotted a sleigh in space! They then took out a harmonica and sleigh bells which they had smuggled onto the Gemini 6 spacecraft and played December 25 was first identified as the date of Jesus’s and sang the song to mission control. A Christmas Birth by Sextus Juluis Africanus in 221 and later became the universally accepted date. December 25 was the Carol: christianizing of the dies solis invicti nati (“day of the English author Charles Dickens created the classic The story’s birth of the unconquered sun”), a popular holiday in holiday tale, “A Christmas Carol”. message, which is the importance of charity and the Roman Empire that celebrated the winter solstice as a symbol of the resurgence of the sun, the casting good will towards all humankind, was a very powerful of winter and the heralding of the rebirth of spring message in the United States and England and and summer. Christian writers frequently made showed members of Victorian society the benefits of the connection between the rebirth of the sun and celebrating the holiday. Christmas provided families the birth of the Son. A second view suggests that with a day when they could lavish attention and December 25 became the date of Jesus’ birth by a gifts on their children without appearing to “spoil” priori reasoning that identifies the spring equinox as them. As Americans began to embrace Christmas as the date of the creation of the world and the fourth a perfect family holiday, old customs were unearthed. day of creation, when the light was created, as the day People looked toward recent immigrants and Catholic 05

and Episcopalian churches to see how the day should be celebrated. Although most families quickly bought into the idea that they were celebrating Christmas how it had been done for centuries, Americans had really re-invented a holiday to fill the cultural needs of a growing nation. Who invented Santa Claus? The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back to a monk named St. Nicholas who was born in Turkey around 280 A.D.. St. Nicholas gave away all his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick, becoming known as the protector of children and sailors. St. Nicholas first entered American popular culture in the late 18th century in New York, when Dutch families gathered to honour the anniversary of the death of “Sint Nikolaas” (Dutch for Saint Nicholas), or “ Sinter Klaas” for short. “Santa Claus” draws his name from this abbreviation. In 1822, Episcopal minister Clement Clarke Moore wrote a Christmas poem called “An account of a visit from St. Nicholas”, more popularly known today by it’s first line : “Twas the Night Before Christmas”. The poem depicted Santa Claus as a jolly man who flies from home to home on a sled driven by reindeer to deliver toys. The iconic version of Santa Claus as a jolly man in red with a white beard and a sack of toys was immortalized in 1881, when political cartoonist

Thomas Nast drew on Moore’s poem to create the image of Old Saint Nick as we know today. Christmas pudding Christmas (or Plum) Pudding is the traditional end to the British Christmas dinner. But what we think of as Christmas Pudding, is not what it was originally like! Christmas pudding originated as a 14th century porridge called “frumenty” that was made of beef and mutton with raisins, currants, prunes, wines and spices. This would often be more like soup and was eaten as a fasting meal in preparation for the Christmas festivities. By 1595, frumenty was slowly changing into a plum pudding, having been thickened with eggs, breadcrumbs, dried fruit and given more flavour with the addition of beer and spirits. It became the customary Christmas dessert around 1650, but in 1664 the Puritans banned it as a bad custom. In 1714, King George I re-established it as part of the Christmas meal, having tasted and enjoyed the Plum Pudding. By Victorian time, Christmas Puddings had changed into something similar to the ones that are eaten today. The tradition seems to date back to the Twelfth Night Cake which was eaten during the festivities on the ‘Twelfth Night’ of Christmas. Originally a dried pea or bean was baked in the cake and whoever got it, was ‘king or queen’ for the night. There are records of this practice going back to the court of Edward II (early 1300s). Although Christmas Puddings are eaten at Christmas, some customs associated with the pudding are about easter! The decorative sprig of holly on the top of the pudding is a reminder of Jesus’ Crown of Thorns that he wore when he was killed. Brandy or another alcoholic drink is sometimes poured over the pudding and lit at the table to make a spectacular display. This is said to represent Jesus’ love and power. Interesting Christmas Facts! Christmas trees were first used by ancient Egyptians and Romans. They used evergreen trees like fir or pine trees, wreaths, and garlands. And the use of modern Christmas trees started in Germany in the 16th century. Instead of the decorations that we see on them today such as lights, they were decorated with fruits and nuts. Each year, 30-35 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States alone. There are 21,000 Christmas tree growers in the United States, and trees usually grow for about 15 years before they are sold. Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, 06

Christmas is celebrated 13 to 14 days after the 25th. This is because Western churches use the Gregorian Calendar, while Eastern Churches use the Julian Calendar. The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign is one of Canada’s largest and most recognizable annual charitable events. In addition to the critical fundraising impact of the Campaign, the Christmas kettles boost the Army’s visibility and awareness. In fact, there are more than 2,000 kettle locations across Canada that support a wide range of Salvation Army programs. Rudolph, “the most famous reindeer of all,” was the product of Robert L. May’s imagination in 1939. The copywriter wrote a poem about the reindeer to help lure customers into the Montgomery Ward department store.

CHRISTMAS QUARANTINE tips If you’re home alone:

1)Then you need to hold a virtual Christmas party. Call up friends, family, relatives to have fun with variety of zoom’s features. You could organize Kahoot sessions or talk about what you were grateful for this year or show some fancy food you made by yourself. 2)Speaking of food, cooking is crucial to days building up to Christmas as well as for the eve of Christmas. Tasty by Buzzfeed has some amazing videos on Christmas treats and themed cookies you could make. It’s also going to be extremely cold, so make some hot chocolate and keep yourself warm. 3)While you are tasting your baked items, do a Christmas movie countdown. You can watch animated By Riya Nair, Arts & Entertainment Editor ones, romantic ones, Netflix has a great selection of these and you could team up with a friend or family Christmas is much loved by everyone! The cold winter, member and them discuss it later. snugging up into thick, cozy blankets and eating delicious food prepared by your loved ones. But we 4)For everyone you might be missing, create a need to remember that COVID-19 has affected people Christmas care package and fill it with baked goods, worldwide and we need to do everything to keep something to drink, hot chocolate with marshmallows others safe: socially distancing yourself and wearing perhaps. If possible, buy everything locally since local a mask. businesses have been hit quite significantly during the

pandemic. Support them and bring some Christmas But while you’re stuck at home alone or with family, cheer their way! here are some ideas for celebrating Christmas 2020. 07

5)Since you’re spending most of your time home, studying for the finals or finishing up assignments to be turned in, why not make your room or apartment into a winter wonderland. You can use décor you already own, buy it online or make your own (DIY!). This will make you feel excited and energized even in the quarantine period.w If you’re with family or friends:

or Stuck with you by Ariana Grande. Anything is game

1)Create a list of things you want to do before or on Christmas. It could be playing a simple game of scrabble, learning to draw caricatures or painting. Plan it with friends or family, and enjoy the days leading up to Christmas. You’ll have enough memories to discuss and laugh about.

6) If you can’t get a Christmas tree this year due to restriction or lockdowns, make a non-tree Christmas tree. You could stick Christmas cards in the shape of a tree on your wall and a basket at the bottom for all the gifts.

5)Create Christmas cards with your family and wrap gifts together to put under your Christmas tree. Write a message for the other person about something that will warm their heart and bring joys of Christmas. If you’re a large group of people, you could even play secret Santa!

2)Obviously, movie marathons are a must. Sitting down with family or friends and watching a movie might just be something that cheers you up. 3)Help each other make food or volunteer to do it all for a day to give your parents a break from all the work they do. They’ll be glad to see you help them out with the little things as well. 4)Karaoke night is definitely on this list cause once you get through all the movies, this is the next thing you should do. Sing Christmas songs by Mariah Carey 08

CANADA’S GDP

By Melissa Sendanyoye, Editor-In-Chief

The Canadian economy has decreased 11.5 percent on quarter in the three months to June 2020, following a 2.1 percent decline in the previous period and officially entering a recession as the COVID-19 pandemic hits the economy. Household spending has also decreased 13.1%, with job losses and limited opportunities to spend due to closures of stores and restrictions on travel. Also business investment plunged 16.2%, which reflects the limited construction activities, plant closures, low oil prices and heightened uncertainty. Also, government expenditure fell 2.7%, following a 0.3% contraction in the first quarter. Export lowered to 18.4% and import declined to 22.6%, as a result of Canada’s major trading partners’ economies deteriorated due to the pandemic. Canada’s GDP dropped to 38.7%, after shrinking to 8.2% in the first This graph compares Canada’s GDP in 2019 and in quarter in of 2020, and compared with forecasts of a 2020. This graph shows how Canada’s GDP dropped significantly in the second quarter of 2020. 39.6% plunge.

at-home workouts to check out BY: Maria Maksimosa During quarantine it has been difficult to keep active for most people, we can maintain a safe and active lifestyle we even when following the social distancing guidelines via the power of technology. Chloe Ting a famous fitness YouTuber and fitness blogger posts about her two workout programs that are aimed to keep people active at home. Her programs are typically two to three weeks and target different areas of the body, while outline the calories burned during that 10-30-minute period. I have tired her works program

and finally found something that works in line with my school schedule and is accessible at home. The best thing is all her programs are also available on YouTube to follow along for free. During my first week of these workouts I found out that you won’t be finding a miracle solution but become more conscious of your health which can kick out bad habits and help bring in new healthy ones. I suggest buying a mat from Dollarama for $4, preloading the workouts for home and most of all setting dedicate time to your workouts.

10 Tips to Boost Your Self-Care Routine which can be depleted by stress. 6. Spend time with a furry friend Cuddle, play, or just chill with your pet! Spending time with animals actually lowers the stress hormone — cortisol, and boosts oxytocin — which stimulates feelings of happiness. If you don’t have a pet, hang out with a friend who does or volunteer at an animal shelter.

By Catherine Shi, Opinions Editor 1. Stay active Staying active is as good for the brain as it is for the body. Whether you walk, cycle, or dance, regular exercise can have a significant positive impact on your mental and emotional health! You get to relieve stress, improve memory, and you even sleep better.

7. Spend time with friends and family Host a cookout, go to a park, or play games. People are 12 times more likely to feel happy on days that they spend 6-7 hours with friends and family. Nothing beats great company! 8. Write a journal Sometimes the best way to unwind and express yourself is through writing. Track down your emotions and accomplishment with a journal. Couple months down the road, you can even see how much you’ve grown!

2. Spiritual relaxation Yoga, mindfulness, meditation and deep breathing exercises can help reduce overall levels of stress. 9. Balance studying with other activities You also get to connect with your inner-self and find Participate in our campus’ societies and clubs! There are so many to choose from. Just follow your passions peace. and keep up your hobbies. It’s the best excuse to catch a break from your studies and make new friends! 3. Don’t skimp on sleep Stop pulling off all-nighters! Your sleep matters more than you think! One way to improve your sleep is to 10. Unplug take a break from the stimulation of screens — TV, Switch off phones and log off from social media for phones, tablets or computers — two hours before a short time each day. A change in scenery is good bedtime. Yes, that means no more Netflix before bed! for your mental health. Perhaps, go outside and appreciate nature’s wonders. 4. Eat a brain-healthy diet You are what you eat! Try incorporating foods that can support your mood. These include fatty fish rich in omega-3s, nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews and peanuts), avocados, beans, leafy greens (spinach, kale and brussels sprouts), and fresh fruit such as blueberries. Yum! 5. Relax in a warm bath We all deserve a nice warm bubble bath once in a while… Try adding Epsom salts to soothe your body aches. It also helps boost your magnesium levels,