Volume 49, Issue 17

WRITER’S BLOCK ROLLING STONE’S LIST ETHAN WILLIAMS

I loved essays—until I sat down to write one. A blank stare at a Word document with only my name and course code welcomed me into university. I was hit head-on with an unfortunate affliction: writer’s block.

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NEWS

Rolling Stone upholds their decision to focus on artists who “had significant careers as crossover stars making popular music for the masses.” So, if their rankings are not solely reliant on vocal abilities, what are they determined by?

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Growing up in a family of multi-sport athletes, Ethan Williams miscellaneously dabbled in sports until he eventually found success in track and field, cross-country, and especially basketball.

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On the morning of January 29, 2023, Hazel McCallion, the City of Mississauga’s first female mayor, passed away at the age of 101. Her service as mayor started in November of 1978, when McCallion won the first of her twelve terms. Under her leadership, Mississauga grew into a prosperous and welcoming city, now home to more than 700,000 people. After serving as Mississauga’s mayor for 36 years—the longest in the city’s history, McCallion retired from her position in November 0f 2014 at the age of 93.

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ARTS

My Year of Rest and Relaxation—the white woman’s American Psycho?

Lina Tupak-Karim Contributor

Trigger Warning: This article mentions sexual assault, suicide, and self-harm. For years, I used sleep as a means of avoiding discontent. Dysthymia— a serious state of chronic depression—had rendered me uninterested in and unhappy with the affairs of everyday life. Every menial yet tedious task I engaged in—from eating, to filling my car with gas, to clocking in at work—was accompanied by a longing to return to the comfort of my bed. This troubled lifestyle drew me to read Otessa Moshfegh’s My Year of Rest and Relaxation

The novel follows an unnamed young woman burdened with symptoms of severe mental illness. In a state of fatigue-induced dissociation, she navigates through pre-9/11 New York City, passing the days by frequenting the bodega, going to work, and grudgingly tolerating her best friend, Reva. The novel—and interestingly, its reception—demonstrates that there is a clear disconnect between public understandings of female versus male distress. Throughout the novel, the protagonist is enamoured with sleep. To express her feelings about sleep, she narrates, “Nothing else could ever bring me such pleasure, such freedom, the power to feel and move and think and imagine, safe from the miseries of my waking consciousness.”

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OPINION

U of T to implement two-factor authentication on student accounts

Bilaal Mohamed Contributor

By February 28, 2023, all students will be required to sign up for the mandatory UTORMFA program, University of Toronto’s very own two-factor authentication system to protect Acorn, Outlook, and Quercus accounts. The University of Toronto Mississauga’s (UTM) campus population sees this move as another way to inconvenience students, who are already dealing with a depressing university experience. However, The Medium has spoken to the university’s dean, who has been the main driver of this move and believes that two-factor authentication is a step towards protecting students from the rise of phishing emails.

Over the years, U of T students have been receiving scam emails in their inboxes. Usually, these emails are from someone with a U of T email address, offering a lucrative job offer with flexible hours and a salary of $700 per week. All students have to do is click the “link” and sign in to “Acorn” in order to apply for this once of a lifetime opportunity.

“These kinds of emails are harmful to our dear students,” said the dean with a concerned look. “These

emails are showing students that there are opportunities to further their career outside of university. We need them to keep blindly pouring thousands of dollars into achieving a degree that might help them get a job at Forever 21.”

Because of this, UTORMFA will serve as an added security measure for students’ data and privacy. The Medium also spoke with the head of U of T’s cybersecurity department on how two-factor authentication works. “There were discussions about how we should proceed with the two-factor authentication, but since we’re U of T, we didn’t want to do something normal and reasonable… We wanted to do something boundless. So, every time a student logs into Acorn, they will be presented with a real-world problem that they will have to solve in a limited amount of time.”

We were then shown a demonstration of how UTFORMA works. We logged into Acorn, and then were taken to the next web page, where we were presented with a question about how to solve Canada’s housing crisis. If the answer wasn’t submitted in 15 seconds, loud sirens blared from the computer speakers and an animation of prison bars closed down on the webpage. The account was then locked for 24 hours.

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Larry Lau News Editor

Former mayor of Mississauga Hazel McCallion passes away

CNW GROUP/CITY OF MISSISSAUGA

Former mayor of Mississauga Hazel McCallion passes away

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Succeeded by Mississauga’s current mayor, Bonnie Crombie, McCallion’s success in the political landscape designated her as a leader for women in politics.

During her life, McCallion held several roles in Mississauga’s post-secondary institutions. From February of 2015 until her passing, she served as a special advisor to the principal of the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). In her role, McCallion provided advice on developmental strategies for UTM, and also worked with the Institute of Management and Innovation to develop a master’s program of urban innovation. At times, she also appeared as a guest lecturer. Since February of 2016, McCallion also served as the chancellor of Sheridan College.

Many prominent figures issued statements regarding McCallion’s passing.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau underscored McCallion’s accomplishments and her dedication to prioritizing others. “She inspired countless others, including myself, in her decades of tireless and selfless service,” wrote Prime Minister Trudeau, adding that he will treasure their conversations and friendship.

Mayor Bonnie Crombie listed McCallion as the person inspiring her to run for mayor, explaining: “As our first female Mayor at a very critical time in our history, she helped grow and shape Mississauga from farmland and fruit trees into the seventh-largest city in Canada with a quality of life that is ‘second to none.’” Mayor Crombie put forth that McCallion was a driven person who placed a heavy emphasis on serving the people of Mississauga over herself. “Her legacy and spirit will live on in Mississauga for generations to come,” concluded Mayor Crombie.

In a statement, UTM Principal Alexandra Gillespie reminisced about her interactions with McCallion in 2021, where she reached out to the former mayor for advice about setting up a mass vaccination clinic at UTM. She praised McCallion’s steadfast nature, and her

determination to “do what’s best for [the] community, no matter how hard.” Bidding farewell to McCallion, Principal Gillespie wrote: “This is a better university, a better city, and a better world because of Hazel McCallion. Thank you Hazel: we will miss you.”

The City of Mississauga has made various memorial and funerary arrangements for the late former mayor. From February 12 to 13, 2023, McCallion will lie in repose at the Mississauga City Hall, during which members of the public may visit. McCallion’s funeral is slated to take place at Paramount Fine Foods Centre on February 14, 2023 at 11 a.m. Tickets are necessary for in-person attendance, though the funeral’s livestream will also be available on the Government of Ontario’s YouTube channel for viewing. At UTM, students, staff, and faculty can visit the Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre in the library to sign a book of condolences. According to UTM library staff, the book will be available until the day of the funeral.

A matriarch figure to Mississauga, Hazel McCallion led the city towards a prosperous future. In 2014, after the conclusion of her political life, McCallion—with co-author Robert Brehl—published her memoir, Hurricane Hazel: A Life with Purpose. The book depicts the winding paths McCallion’s personal and professional lives took—intertwined with each other in a way that shaped her legacy.

Reevaluating the University-Mandated Leave of Absence Policy

Angelina Jaya Siew Staff

OnJanuary 24, 2023, Professor Sandy Welsh, vice provost of students, presented revisions to be made to the University-Mandated Leave of Absence Policy (UMLAP) during a University of Toronto Mississauga Campus Council meeting. The policy, first approved in June 2018, can mandate students to take a leave from their studies at U of T if they are considered to be a danger to themselves or others—due to physical or mental health issues. Since its approval, the UMLAP has been invoked a total of 17 times.

During the meeting, Professor Welsh discussed the history of UMLAP, explaining that, “The policy was initially developed in response to concerns raised by the university ombudsperson about the university’s ability to address student behaviors during periods of extreme distress, caused by serious health or mental health issues.”

According to Professor Welsh’s report, when the UMLAP is invoked, a student case manager is assigned to communicate with the student throughout, and to ensure that appropriate support is offered. A student support team is also arranged by the vice provost of students to help address the student’s needs. Moreover, Professor Welsh stated during the presentation that the university helps students on leave sustain their

academic progress, such as through tuition refunds, ongoing access to health and wellness services, and the continuation of student union health and dental benefits.

Regardless, since the policy’s inception, members of the U of T community have expressed concerns over the policy’s scope and application. As such, in 2021, U of T consulted student societies, staff, and faculty from all three campuses, as well as external bodies, reviewing the UMLAP. The recommendations made by the groups culminated in numerous proposed revisions of the policy.

Chief among these revisions is the renaming of the UMLAP—to the “Supportive Leaves Policy”—to reflect its compassionate intent. U of T will also be limiting mandated leaves only to students who are “posing a harm to others or actively interfering with the educational experience of fellow students,” and when all other options are inappropriate or have failed.

“We are hopeful that this change to the policy language will address any outstanding concerns by students that they may be placed on a leave as a result of disclosing thoughts of suicide or self-harm or seeking mental health supports,” stated Professor Welsh, who recognized that the policy has been misunderstood by many students.

As part of the proposed changes, the university is committed to improving student access to mental health and accessibility resources, and is exploring how cultural and familial support can be provided for students placed on mandatory leave. In addition to these changes, the revised policy outlines that unconditionally, the student’s academic transcript will not disclose their leave.

“The overarching goal of these proposed changes is to reinforce the compassionate intent of this policy and reduce or eliminate any outstanding concerns—that [the UMLAP] may inadvertently pose a barrier to any student accessing mental health services when needed,” stated Professor Welsh. The amended policy allows students to take time off their studies without academic or financial penalties, and “to receive most intensive level of support the university can offer, despite not being registered as a student during their time on leave.”

The university intends to produce a companion guide to this policy, which will be available to students in advance of the Fall 2023 term. Additionally, the proposed changes to the policy will be presented to the U of T Governing Council on February 15, 2023, for final approval.

Professor Sandy Welsh discusses the proposed revisions and renaming of the UMLAP—a policy that allows U of T to forcibly place students on leave—to reinforce the policy’s purpose of offering compassionate support to students under distress.

Writer

Hazel McCallion—lovingly referred to by many as Hurricane Hazel—passed away on January 29, 2023, leaving behind today’s Mississauga as a testament to her dedication, determination, and legacy.

Larry Lau

News Editor

CNW GROUP/CITY OF MISSISSAUGA

Investing into a sustainable and resilient future for Mississauga

Emily Prete Contributor

Between January 23, 2023, and February 1, 2023, the Mississauga City Council gathered to discuss the City of Mississauga’s 2023 proposed budget. The final 2023 Budget, alongside the 2023-2026 Business Plan, outlines initiatives the city will be undertaking over the coming years. Such projects include, but are not limited to, the planned renovation of South Common Community Centre and Library, development of the Dundas Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor, and funding a grant to support the local music industry.

Many projects in the budget are continuations of multiyear plans. Few new projects are being undertaken, as speakers have expressed that the City of Mississauga is still recovering from losses incurred during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the uncertainty over potential losses stemming from Bill 23—which could cost Mississauga approximately $1 billion. “This year, we have put forward a no-frills budget that is designed to maintain service levels while minimizing the impacts on our residents as we address ongoing pressures from inflation and the lagging effects of Covid-19,” said Mississauga mayor, Bonnie Crombie, in a City of Mississauga news release.

In relation to public transit, the City of Mississauga has ongoing plans for the Dundas BRT corridor. Dedicated bus lanes along Dundas Street—which bus routes such as 1C,

101, and 101A operate on—will be constructed to increase the reliability and efficiency of public transit. Construction on the “Mississauga East” portion, stretching from Cooksville to the Etobicoke Creek, is set to begin in 2025. This will be the first segment of a multi-city project that will stretch along Dundas Street from Highway 6 in Hamilton to the Kipling Transit Hub in Toronto.

The 2023-2026 Business Plan puts forth plans for the redevelopment of several community centres, including the South Common Community Centre. Construction for the new South Common Community Center and Library is set to begin in 2024, with a slated reopening in 2026. During the winter of 2023, the City will hold a public engagement session about the renovation.

Likewise, the Hazel McCallion Central Library is set to reopen in 2023 with makerspace elements, such as sound and video studios, a maker studio space, and more. As such, the budget also accounts for the hiring of new staff with expertise in digital technologies to join the makerspace team.

The 2023 Budget also contains plans to support the local music industry through piloting a $45,000 “Live Music Grant” program dedicated to for-profit businesses and organizations. This will be the beginning of a multi-year rollout of the City of Mississauga’s Music Strategy, which was put together in 2022.

The 2023-2026 Business Plan also includes the slated construction of three new fire stations in 2024 and 2025 to improve fire response times. This is notable because presently, Mississauga fire trucks meet the national travel time target of 240 seconds or less only 50 per cent of the time.

Likewise, MiWay has also ordered 165 hybrid-electric busses to replace the aging fleet of diesel busses, which will reduce fuel costs and environmental impacts. Adding to the original budget proposal, the City Council moved to implement a year-long pilot project that provides free transit for children and all-day one dollar senior fares.

Despite the current financial constraints, Mayor Crombie feels that resources are being well-allocated, stating: “I stand behind the 2023 budget, which invests in our residents and supports our business community. We are making critical strategic investments in public safety, infrastructure, and sustainability to build our resiliency in the future and support our community’s growth.”

Canada’s cybersecurity agency rethinks guidelines as concerns over TikTok’s security threats grow

TikTok is currently facing allegations of excessive data harvesting and privacy violations, spurring government regulators to closely monitor the popular social media app.

Mihail Cubata Associate News Editor

Recently, Canada’s Communications Security Establishment (CSE) has been warning Canadians about sharing data online—a move that comes after the Chinese-owned social media app, TikTok, faces growing scrutiny over its data collection.

In December 2022, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters the CSE is watching TikTok “very carefully.” While the agency has not named TikTok directly, in a CBC article, head of the CSE, Sami Khoury, told Canadians to think critically about what information they give apps on their phone. Additionally, the CSE is currently monitoring legal proceedings involving social media in the US and other countries.

Notably, TikTok currently faces several legal challenges from US lawmakers. In August of 2020, the US Senate voted unanimously to ban the app on government devices over security concerns. In December 2022, senators introduced a bill to ban the app altogether. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is due to testify in front of the US Congress on March 23, 2023.

A class-action lawsuit in Illinois, US, also targeted TikTok, where the app was accused of

violating the state’s laws on collecting biometric data. The case ended with TikTok paying a US$92 million settlement.

With over one billion active monthly users— eight million in Canada—TikTok has been a key figure in the social media landscape since its launch in 2017. The app’s popularity with young people has made it an attractive option for advertisers, with brands like Duolingo, Netflix, and the NBA all running campaigns.

TikTok’s massive user base has made its Chinese ownership a concern for Western governments. In June 2017, the Chinese government passed the National Intelligence Law, part of which requires individuals and organizations within the country to contribute to intelligence gathering as state agencies deem necessary.

Cybersecurity organization Internet 2.0 claims that the data gathered by TikTok is well beyond what is needed for the app to function. In a report that analyzed the app’s source code, the group described multiple instances of “excessive data harvesting,” including hourly checks on the user’s location, the accounts and apps the user has, their contacts, and the phone’s copy-and-paste data. Users who refuse to give TikTok certain permissions are repeatedly asked until they give in.

Likewise, Internet 2.0 notes that the IOS version of the app quietly makes connections with servers all over the world, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and China. The group could not confirm the reason for the connections.

Internet 2.0 co-CEO Robert Potter states that Western users of Chinese apps enter a “different digital ecosystem” than they are used to. He says that while the risk to the average user is small, those involved in “sensitive” activities should be wary. He urges people in positions of government to delete the app immediately. People that want to continue using the app should pay attention to what permissions they grant. Permissions should be set up on the phone’s own settings, and checked regularly, as updates to the app can alter what it has access to.

In response to the allegations, TikTok dismissed Internet 2.0’s report in a string of Tweets, saying it contained “baseless claims” and displayed a lack of understanding of how mobile apps work.

TikTok publishes bi-annual Transparency

Reports that detail requests for content removal and user data made by countries. In the most recent report for the period of January 2022 to June 2022, Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom placed the most data requests, while China was absent from the list. Amid growing concerns for cybersecurity and safeguarding privacy, the CSE is carefully observing TikTok’s lawsuit in the US before taking action.

The City of Mississauga’s 2023-2026 Business Plan and 2023 Budget focuses on maintaining and improving infrastructure, with numerous projects planned or in progress.

GETTY IMAGES

SAMIRA KARIMOVA/THE MEDIUM

How the UTM Project Management Office will support students

Razia Saleh Staff Writer

OnNovember 23, 2022, University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) Principal Alexandra Gillespie announced the launch of the Project Management Office (PMO). The PMO is an administrative unit at UTM that focuses on project collaboration and the efficient allocation of resources for initiatives. The establishment of the PMO provides better opportunities and benefits for the UTM community—such as working out administrative challenges to improve efficiency, increasing the number of experiential learning opportunities, and overall consistent services for students.

In an email interview with The Medium, Jennifer ReidBurrell, the senior project manager at the PMO, talked about new projects underway for the winter 2023 term. “One of our major milestones for the winter term is creating and launching our Project Management community of practice to promote communal knowledge sharing and professional development and to strengthen project management knowledge and skills across campus,” stated Reid-Burrell.

The PMO’s vision is to showcase the purpose of the Strategic Framework—which goes over UTM’s core values and visions—to the UTM community. Focus will be placed on ensuring “administrative projects are properly prioritized, helping to

increase efficiency and make the most of our shared resources,” Reid-Burrell explained.

The PMO’s main goal is to provide three crucial levels of service: “Enable, Support, and Deliver.” Each level signifies a policy that would provide equity and equality to projects on campus. “These service levels are reflective of the spectrum of support needs and preferences of our community,” shared Reid-Burrell.

“Enable” ensures transparency about project management (PM) methodology to the UTM community. That includes “publicly sharing our PM methodology, tools, and templates, and directory of additional PM resources and training materials,” explained Reid-Burrell. The PMO has also created the Campus Strategic Projects & Initiatives Inventory, which will include information about projects vital to UTM, improving transparency and the tracking of project progression. The inventory will be updated to include new projects as each academic term begins, starting in May 2023.

Reid-Burrell explained that the second level, “Support,” introduces consulting services to “support department-led projects and offer guidance throughout the project cycle.” Finally, as part of the “Deliver” level of service, the PMO will send a project manager to create a project team to facilitate execution.

Much has happened since the PMO’s establishment in the fall of 2022. “Our office had the opportunity to deliver a lecture for students in Professor Steve Szigeti’s MGD428: Project Management course,” explained Reid-Burrell. “Our office has also had conversations about the possibility of offering internships or work-study positions to students in the longer-term future. We’re in the early stages of planning our Community of Practice, and we will have more to share in the months and years ahead,”

As of now, Reid-Burrell noted that there is “One exciting upcoming project [that] will enhance student advising at UTM.” The project will integrate administration and academics to compose a more inclusive advisory experience for UTM students. This will ensure that students “progress through their programs, graduate on time, and find supports that meet them where they are. The project’s aim is to have a significant and positive impact on student success. We look forward to sharing more when the time comes!” Reid-Burrell concluded.

There is still more work that needs to be done before sharing what the PMO has in store for the UTM community. ReidBurrell hopes that the new office will provide students with more support and opportunities during their time at UTM.

Upcoming merger of Rogers and Shaw yields collusion concerns

responsible for safeguarding market competition, which argued that the merger could raise prices and reduce service quality.

Anyone living in Canada is familiar with the names Telus, Bell, and Rogers: the three major cell service carriers. While there are some other noteworthy, smaller providers, such as Shaw and Quebecor, these three companies and their subsidiaries make up the bulk of the telecommunications indus try. Rogers was set to acquire Shaw by the end of January 2023, but the date was re cently postponed to February 17, 2023, as the firms await government approval—spe cifically, they need François-Philippe Cham pagne, minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, to approve the merger.

The companies secured support for the merger from the Competition Tribunal—an independent body that deals with matters pertaining to business and legal affairs. This occurred despite resistance from the Com petition Bureau—an enforcement agency

In conversation with The Medium, David Soberman, a professor of Marketing at the Rotman School of Management, explains that antitrust concerns arise from a lack of proper competition. “With less than four major competitors, what we get is usually a tacit collusion.” Tacit collusion, as he de

large, heavily regulated industries, such as the banking and airline industries. In this way, the government gets tied into what Professor Soberman refers to “as a Catch-22”— strengthening regulations would stop collusion, but it tends to decrease competition.

The second issue he identifies as a problem for the telecommunications sector is the ban of foreign competition. While the protectionism in the telecommunications sec

vulnerable. Any working or studying person cannot afford to reject these high prices. “People need these telecommunications services,” emphasizes Professor Soberman. “Especially for international students, cellular connection is usually the first thing you need after stepping off the boat.” The same incentive to not lower prices also discourages offering deals for students and new customers. As such, students’ introduction into the marketplace comes at the same price as

Prior to being acquired by Rogers, Shaw plans to sell its subsidiary, Freedom Mobile, to Quebecor’s Videotron, which the companies argue will resolve the competition issues of the merger. However, in Professor Soberman’s opinion, the extant competition issues in the telecommunications sector will not be changed for better or worse by this. Ultimately, so long as the market remains centrally concentrated, reduced competition and high prices will remain

The new Project Management Office at UTM serves to improve efficiency and transparency of projects and initiatives at UTM, while offering students opportunities to learn about project management.

High prices across the telecommunication sector reflect an ongoing lack of competition, carrying grim implications for students—who require telecommunication services for day-today activities.

Emily Rogers

Associate News Editor

SAMIRA KARIMOVA/THE MEDIUM

MASTHEAD

EDITORIAL BOARD

Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Provost editor@themedium.ca

Managing Editor Juliana Stacey managing@themedium.ca

News Larry Lau news@themedium.ca

Opinion Kareena Kailass opinion@themedium.ca

Features Prisha (Maneka) Nuckchady features@themedium.ca

A&E Julia Skoczypiec arts@themedium.ca

Sports Alisa Samuel sports@themedium.ca

Photo Samira Karimova photos@themedium.ca

Design Manjot Pabla design@themedium.ca

Copy Aidan Thompson aidan@themedium.ca

River Knott river@themedium.ca

Social Belicia Chevolleau social@themedium.ca

Podcast Kareem Al-Sawalmeh message@themedium.ca

ASSOCIATES

Emily Rogers, News

Mihail Cubata, News

Dalainey Gervais, Features

Olga Fedossenko, Features

Megan Freedman, Arts

Maja Tingchaleun, Arts

Melody Yang, Sports

Radhia Rameez, Sports

Beatriz Simas, Photos & Design

Natalie Ng, Photos & Design

Sabrina Mutuc, Photos & Design

Editorial

Editor | Kareena Kailass opinion@themedium.ca

Improve your self-esteem this February

Use 2023’s International Boost Self-Esteem Month to put yourself first.

Self-esteem is your appreciation of yourself as an individual. The more you love yourself for who you are, the more motivated and confident you are. While improving your self-appreciation can be a complicated and difficult task, remember that no matter how low your self-esteem may currently be, it is always possible to improve it.

At The Medium, we value mental well-being, and as U of T students and alumni, we know how stressful and chaotic life can get in the middle of a busy semester. Be it assignments, social commitments, or personal matters, at one point or another, all of us get overwhelmed. And often, these feelings can be hard to escape, particularly when more responsibilities continue to pile on.

However, it’s important—no matter how much pressure you might be feeling—to set time aside for yourself and continue to maintain healthy habits. When life gets busy, and our routines get disrupted, it is too often that the activities we enjoy get pushed to the side.

So, this February, we encourage you to join The Medium during International Boost Self-Esteem Month and dedicate some time towards improving your mental wellbeing and your self-esteem. Spend an afternoon reflecting on what you excel at; in university, we continuously evaluate ourselves against class averages and our peers, and we often lose sight of our strengths. Build positive relationships—whether it’s an old friend or a new friend, invest some time in strengthening your friendships. Start saying “no” when you need to. Don’t be afraid to prioritize yourself. Finally, try giving yourself a challenge this February. Something small that you can work towards and achieve by the end of the month.

And remember: nothing should come before your health.

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U

of

T to

implement

two-factor authentication on student accounts

The rollout of UTFORMA is another stress on students.

Bilaal Mohamed Contributor

>> AUTHENTICATION continued from page 01

The dean added that “with the two-factor authentication questions, we are teaching students how to quickly solve real world problems in a limited amount of time. If a situation arises where a student of ours walks into their work office and sees a ticking time bomb— not that it’s ever going to happen—our students should be able to handle that issue with ease.”

The security questions are picked from a question bank with a wide array of topics, such as politics, healthcare, and engineering. We spoke to some of the students to see what their reactions were towards UTORMFA. “It’s really annoying,” said Samantha Barnaby, a third-year sociology specialist. “The question I got asked me how to create a vaccine to cure cancer… I haven’t taken a biology course since the tenth grade. I need to submit an assignment, but I can’t log onto Quercus and it’s two weeks overdue now!”

Neil Jenkins, a first-year computer science student said, “I can’t log into my Acorn account to change my courses… I always get this one question about how many times a person should shower a day… I put zero every time and keep getting locked out of my Acorn account.”

There are also changes to the “forgot password” function. Students will now be given a multiple-choice test based on the lowest points in their academic journey. Security questions like, “How many thousands do you owe in debt?” and, “Which course instructor turned down your request to volunteer in their lab?” are said to be issued to students.

With the recent changes to how students log into U of T websites, many would expect the university to at least improve the WiFi connections on campus. But the university won’t be looking to upgrade the one old and beat up Wi-Fi router they have until “more pressing priorities” have been fulfilled. So far, the university has opted to focus its spending on new NASA technology, designed to neutralize the powerful scent of Subway permeating through the entirety of UTM’s Instructional Building, so students are less distracted by their yearning for cold cuts and floppy lettuce.

The Medium

Reparations alone are not a

answer to genocide and colonialism

Kathleen Xu Contributor

Indigenous Peoples deserve reparations. I have no issue with the Canadian government agreeing to pay compensation to Indigenous Nations. In fact, I am glad to see it.

On January 18, 2023, the Canadian government agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit seeking reparations for Canada’s residential school system. The lawsuit was originally filed in 2012 by 325 Indigenous Nations. Now, the government has agreed to pay $2.8 billion to an independent, non-profit trust that will manage and divide the settlement for the next 20 years, if approved by the Federal Court.

According to an article by CTV News, Mark Miller, the Crown Indigenous Affairs Minister, the distribution of this settlement will follow “four pillars,” which are “the revival and protection of Indigenous language; the revival and protection of Indigenous culture; the protection and promotion of heritage and the wellness of Indigenous communities and their members.”

Every time an Indigenous issue is discussed, or a plan is implemented to find a solution, the argument surrounding whether we should be responsible for the actions of colonizers from over 70 years ago is mentioned. Specifically, regarding monetary reparations, people question

why the community needs so much money and where it will go. It’s fair to question the usage of funds. $2.8 billion truly is no small amount. Regardless, I believe people use this argument to dodge the indisputable truth: we live on colonized land.

In 2021, thousands of unmarked graves near former Canadian Residential Schools were discovered, revealing solid evidence of the atrocities committed against Indigenous children and families. For a long time, Indigenous Peoples have fought for justice and attempted to tell their stories to no avail. Residential Schools began their operations in the 1870s, and continued to exist until as recently as the 1990s. We have made progress since then, with the government working to improve their recognition of

the harm caused by the colonization and genocide of Indigenous Peoples through land acknowledgements and requirements for students to learn about their history in school.

But the topic of monetary reparations for Indigenous communities has always been controversial. Typical arguments against monetary compensation include tax exemptions for Indigenous Peoples, Canada being unable to foot the bill for these compensations, and general colonization apologist and anti-Indigenous sentiment. More often than not, these arguments are not based on fact—for example, the tax exemption argument is a misunderstanding of how it works and who is eligible for the exemption.

“The past is the past,” they say, explaining away the crimes committed against Indigenous

Peoples that resulted in intergenerational trauma and socio-economic issues which burden their communities to this day.

I believe this is the wrong attitude, and that we need to acknowledge not only the atrocities committed against Indigenous Peoples previously, but also our role as Canadians in today’s society.

We live on borrowed land.

We reap the rewards of opportunity here.

So, we must also accept the truth that these same opportunities were built on the backs of colonization and genocide. A $2.8 billion settlement is not only necessary, but the least that we can do for everything that Indigenous Peoples have faced.

Make no mistake, money cannot reverse the pain and trauma of several communities’ suffering at the hands of brutal colonialism. There are still staggering numbers of overarching issues that Indigenous communities face: the unresolved epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women, the lack of clean water on Indigenous Reserves, and the oil and logging industries’ environmental exploitation of Indigenous land for resources. The list goes on.

I believe that Canadians of the past, current Canadians, and the Canadians that will live on this land for many generations to come all owe Indigenous Peoples.

We owe them respect, acknowledgment, empathy, and meaningful reparations.

The growing necessity of trigger warnings

should occur in every setting in which they may be desired.

Triggerwarnings are statements notifying audiences of potentially disturbing subject matter. These warnings often precede social media posts and mass media content. They have grown in popularity in the last decade, with trigger warnings appearing in articles dating back to 2014.

But more recently, discussions of trigger warnings have arisen in many spaces.

In academic contexts, specifically in courses, trigger warnings can protect students, allowing them to make informed decisions about their wellbeing. They also serve as acknowledgements of the boundaries of different individuals. Although there are objections to this position, such as trigger warnings being “anti-intellectual,” the presence of trigger warnings can actually enhance the educational experience for students. Ultimately, the usage of trigger warnings does not have to be mandatory, but a discussion about them

The provision of trigger warnings can protect students from unexpected exposure to concepts that they are personally sensitive to. Trigger warnings do not necessarily discourage students from engaging with the concept at hand, but, as the name suggests, these disclaimers merely warn students that they may be exposed to a topic that can be associated with negative experiences.

This position has been met with a lot of backlash, as many scholars believe that a trigger warning encourages avoidance of distressing topics and can actually be more harmful for people. This objection, however, assumes that a warning would deter people, especially in an academic context. If a student must learn a concept that is part of the curriculum of a course, a trigger warning, at most, will only encourage them to find another, less triggering way to learn that concept. For example, some may prefer reading rather than watching. Essentially, students would still be able to learn, and they would be able to do so comfortably, either by having the ability to mentally prepare before a lecture begins or by speaking with their course instructor.

There are also concerns of censorship with the implementation of trigger warnings. However, the goal of a trigger warning is not to suppress the expression of knowledge, but to merely inform people about distressing content. Unless the teaching of the content violates a policy, it can still be taught, just with acknowledgement that it may be disturbing. Trigger warnings, in practice, will not necessarily hinder learning or teaching. Another aspect of trigger warnings regards the qualities of a trigger. Triggers can be specific, and

aside from the common triggers that many are aware of, one may wonder what exactly makes something a trigger. In 2014, Oberlin College retracted a policy on trigger warnings due to backlash from faculty members, in which one of the arguments made was that the list of trigger warnings were “potentially endless”. In response to this, course instructors should acknowledge that there may be triggers that have not been spoken about. Educators should encourage students to inform them if any coursework involves a trigger that they wish to be warned about and take it into consideration when teaching. Ensuring that course instructors make themselves available for feedback from students is closely related to the provision of trigger warnings. Research conducted by Eleanor Amaranth Lockhart, an Assistant Professor at Rowan University who advocates for trigger warnings, notes that trigger warnings do not have to be mandatory, but they are important in protecting both students and faculty, and encouraging communication.

Not everyone who has trauma may require a trigger warning, and not every trigger warning will protect everyone. Pedagogy should be dynamic, evolving constantly to ensure that the needs of students are met in a learning environment. As mentioned earlier, establishing openness to communication with students will ultimately be the best way to benefit students in classroom environments. Trigger warnings may possibly prevent the emotional shock of having to deal with a sensitive topic unexpectedly. However, having discussions with students in classes where potentially distressing topics are involved may be the best way to gauge whether trigger warnings are desired. Nevertheless, trigger warnings promote a healthy and compassionate learning environment.

fair

$2.8 billion cannot reverse Canada’s past, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Danica D’Sa Contributor

Trigger warnings give students a diverse learning experience with varying boundaries.

DIVINA CLARK/UNSPLASH

Editor | Prisha (Maneka) Nuckchady features@themedium.ca

A student’s worst nightmare: Writer’s block

Dalainey Gervais Associate Features Editor

The transition from my small suburban high school to the packed halls of the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) is one that I will never forget. I had no idea I would be assigned my first universitylevel essay within my first week of school, but I didn’t care. I loved essays—until I sat down to write one. A blank stare at a Word document with only my name and course code welcomed me into university. I was hit head-on with an unfortunate affliction: writer’s block.

comes,” explains Professor Eaton, “that people don’t know, not even just where to start, but how to form a thought in the paper in a cohesive way.” That can be the result of not having enough time to do the processing work or not having developed the ability to find the information needed. “They know how to find portions of the information, and they’re forming their thoughts on partial conversations in the literature, but they haven’t read the whole scope,” elaborates Professor Eaton.

Professor Eaton completed his undergraduate degree in English Literature and French at Wilfred Laurier University before pursuing his Master’s in English Rhetoric and Literature at the University of Waterloo. In both institutions, Professor Eaton worked at their writing centres, where he developed a passion for language and began asking questions about how people learn to write. “I was able to start thinking about writing; how people learn to write and

how they transfer skills from one context to another—how they pick up on certain skills and adapt them in unique ways,” explains Professor Eaton.

Completing his PhD in Education at Western University, Professor Eaton’s doctoral research looked at the ways that writing is taught from the perspective of people who are going to be teaching students everywhere from Kindergarten to Grade 12. “These [teachers] are accomplished. They have an undergraduate degree. They’re moving into professional practice and they’re struggling with a very fundamental concept that they’re going to have to help students work their way out of in the classroom,” explains Professor Eaton. Additionally, Professor Eaton focused his doctoral research on how students develop writing skills and the student perspective on writing. “I wasn’t looking at it from the instructor’s perspective or what the best practices are, but rather how stu-

dents are interacting with those practices,” explains Professor Eaton, “In most cases, we were looking at why students are so resistant and why there might be a change in that attitude by the time they finish their mandatory first-year writing courses.”

“Students would tell us that they know what they want to say, but don’t know how,” explains Professor Eaton. “We took a step back to look at the literature and we started asking ourselves, well, ‘what are they actually saying?’” At that time, Professor Eaton concluded that students don’t really know what they’re trying to say; they are still processing the information they need to write about.

Christopher Eaton, an assistant professor at the Institute for the Study of University Pedagogy at UTM, is currently teaching a first-year writing class at UTM, ISP100: Writing for University and Beyond. Professor Eaton, along with other professors in the writing stream, teach students how to identify the signs of writer’s block and how to move past them. The course additionally gets students accustomed to academic writing at the university level and beyond. Next academic year, Professor Eaton will teach a course on science communication. The course will explore how various means of scientific dissemination can either benefit data or skew data through the way it is communicated.

Writer’s block is the process wherein writing is stagnant in its developmental stage. In order to move forward, writers need to not only accrue more knowledge, but actually process it, make it their own, and translate it into writing. “Now the challenge be-

Unfortunately, the solution to writer’s block isn’t always one a student is willing to hear: you need to be prepared. “Staggering your work with outlines and drafts helps prevent writer’s block,” explains Professor Eaton, “although I know that’s not always possible in a busy semester.” Outlines can help you work through your notes, readings, and research to further process the information you trying to put out. “When we’re learning something new, we have an introductory period where we’re starting to just really process the ideas for the first time,” argues Professor Eaton, “And that’s normal and part of the learning process.” Get more information, do more research, get a deeper understanding of the concept, and you’ll slowly be able to translate that thinking into a rounded product. So rather than focusing on being stuck, acknowledge that being stuck is a normal part of the thinking process. Push through the writing hump, because after all, writer’s block is a rite of passage for all university students.

“They know how to find portions of the information, and they’re forming their thoughts on partial conversations in the literature, but they haven’t read the whole scope.”

“We took a step back to look at the literature and we started asking ourselves, well, ‘what are they actually saying?’”

Professor Christopher Eaton discusses his doctorate research and tips on how to overcome writer’s block.

a fascination with earth turned into a successful teaching career in geology

WhenI started university in Fall 2020, it was a very isolating and unfortunate time. However, one glimmer of light and fortune was the chance to take ERS111: Earth, Climate, and Life with Professor Paul Ashwell. Professor Ashwell is an assistant professor in the department of Chemical and Physical Sciences at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). He brings with him a mix of expertise on geology and volcanology. He translates his knowledge to his teaching, making for a unique and engaging learning experience.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Professor Ashwell completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Portsmouth. As he pursued his studies, he knew he wanted to study the sciences, but didn’t know which one. However, he recalls having a fascination with the earth from a young age, which he was reminded of when he took a field trip to Spain. Working in the field, Professor Ashwell explains, he realized that “With earth science, when you’re in the field, everything that you learned in your lectures just clicks together. That’s the feeling that I had.”

With his industry plan being unfeasible, Professor Ashwell decided to pursue his postgraduate studies. “I had just about done well enough with my degree in the UK that I could apply for PhD programs,” he confesses. Since he wanted to travel the world with a mining company, he decided to complete his PhD abroad at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. Though, he admits that due to his limited experience with graduate work, he felt underprepared for his PhD and needed to find extra funding.

In order to supplement his scholarship, he decided to take on teaching assistant positions. In these roles, Professor Ashwell realized that teaching was a good fit, “I realized that what I loved about science wasn’t the really intricate details that you have to do with a PhD, but it was just sharing my passion for that subject with other students.” Shortly after one of his instructors went away on a six-month maternity leave, he was offered their role.

Professor Ashwell adds that the university’s location was ideal for studying earth science: “There were all these earthquakes happening all the time; you could learn about an earthquake and then that night, there would be a little earthquake that you would feel.” However, the job was only temporary. Professor Ashwell explains that as a result of the earthquakes, the number of students in the program went down. He shares that budget cuts meant that he had to be let go: “My role no longer needed investing,” he expresses. Luckily, at this time, a position at UTM was posted. He applied for it and found that it was a perfect fit as it also focused on geology. Reflecting on his whole career so far, Professor Ashwell states, “It has been very focused on academia since I started university. […] I don’t have much industry experience as I originally planned, but […] I consider [this career path] to be more rewarding.”

Around that time, Professor Ashwell knew that he wanted to work in geology, but he didn’t know that he would go down the teaching route. “I was always interested in going into the industry, working for a mining company, going out to explore new areas for mineral resources, and [this] was around 2006 or 2007, the time there was a booming mineral market,” he continues, “Except that when I came to finish my degree in 2009, there was the global financial crisis, and one of the big hits was the mining industry [which] caused all these companies to cut their exploration budgets within months. It went from adverts of lots of well-paying jobs to nothing, just an absolute desert.”

Volcanoes are more than what you may realize. Professor Ashwell explains, “When people hear ‘volcano,’ the image that comes to mind is this perfect symmetrical mountain.” He defines volcanoes in their purest form as: “The surface expression that happens when magma, which is liquid rock, is able to come up to the surface.”

“Volcanoes have been active on earth since the start of its history,” Professor Ashwell continues, “I would argue that volcanoes are an integral part of several cycles, the most prominent being the carbon cycle. […] Volcanoes are a key factor of

why we have an atmosphere on earth.” Volcanoes release water vapour and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when they erupt, and this was beneficial for the earth in its early days. This made the earth much warmer than it is today as carbon dioxide traps heat well. Even today when the atmosphere is full of greenhouse gas emissions, the volcanoes releasing carbon dioxide benefit the atmosphere. “The oxygen that we breathe in the atmosphere is because of the bacteria synthesizing with carbon dioxide that once came from volcanoes,” he explains. He also cites the example of the ice age and how volcanoes were integral in warming the earth’s climate.

Of course, there are risks to living near volcanoes and this is evident with the recent eruptions from Hawaii’s Mauna Loa in November 2022. “That doesn’t surprise me,” he continues, “It’s one of the most active volcanoes on earth, and so the eruption comes and goes. It’s always in cycles of activity.”

One questionable idea about volcanoes that Professor Ashwell identifies is the way fictional media portrays falling into lava. He argues, “I wouldn’t call this a misconception more so than just me being a volcanologist pointing out something that’s very nerdy. Movies such as The Lord of the Rings: The Return of King (2003) when [Gollum gets the ring from Frodo] and then falls into Mount Doom, he falls and sinks into the magma and all we see is the ring in his hand. Except that he is a biological creature and has a density many times less than magma.” He adds that “In a lot of shows, falling into magma is often portrayed as sinking whereas what is far more likely to happen is you would fall on top of it and stay there while bursting into flames.”

I would argue that volcanoes are an integral part of several cycles, the most prominent being the carbon cycle. […] Volcanoes are a key factor of why we have an atmosphere on earth.”

Professor Ashwell always connects the topic of volcanoes to his classes. In ERS111, he discusses volcanoes in relation to the earth’s climate. However, one of his current courses, ERS404: Volcanology and Geothermal Systems, allows him to elaborate on volcanoes further since the course focuses on how volcanoes are formed and their hazards. Professor Ashwell shares that he wishes to introduce many practical components to the class through hands-on experiments simulating magma and lava. For example, he notes that “This coming week we’re going to do experiments with viscosity and we’re going to get my students to run viscosity experiments on everyday liquids, change it up and try to connect that to how the viscosity of a magma or lava would change.”

To conclude, Professor Ashwell notes that some people are either unaware of the risks volcanoes pose due to a lack of resources or are overly scared based on little reason. “A few years ago, there was a major eruption on White Island, in New Zealand. Not only did [the event] connect New Zealand with volcanoes but [it] almost painted the volcano in a bad light, in a way that is extremely dangerous. Obviously, at the time, that type of eruption was not unusual, but pretty rare,” he explains. Professor Ashwell emphasizes that volcanoes are not entirely dangerous, but we must be mindful of their risks. To do so, we must stay informed through reliable outlets on volcanic activity. As a passionate educator, Professor Ashwell is eager to listen to people’s thoughts on the dangers of volcanoes as well as debunk their associated misconceptions about how hazardous they are. He hopes to take some time exploring the nearest volcano in British Columbia to conduct further research.

Professor Paul Ashwell discusses how he discovered his passion for teaching and explores the significance of volcanoes and their associated misconceptions.

How

“I realized that what I loved about science wasn’t the really intricate details that you have to do with a PhD, but it was just sharing my passion for that subject with other students.”

Yusuf Larizza-Ali Staff Writer

SAMIRA KARIMOVA/THE MEDIUM

My Year of Rest and Relaxation—the white

?

Lina Tupak-Karim Contributor

>> BETWEEN THE LINES continued from page 01

Her obsessive rumination stems not from suicidal tendencies, but from a yearning to heal. She believes that if she could only get enough rest, she could start life anew.

Scientifically, women require slightly more sleep than men do. Poor sleep can lead to increased depression, hostility, and irritability in women—while men are not as affected. Coupled with the fact that women suffer from depression at higher rates than men—often linked with biological and socioeconomic factors such as abuse, education, and income—women can become trapped in a vicious cycle of poor mental health.

In My Year of Rest and Relaxation, the protagonist uses passive narration to illustrate traumatic experiences. From speeches about her diseased parents and childhood neglect to enduring an abusive older boyfriend, her character displays characteristics reminiscent of the “dark and troubled past” trope—one that is often used to describe female experiences. Its effects include melancholy, mourning, and extreme exhaustion.

As the novel progresses, the main character displays behaviours associated with

extreme isolation. She self-medicates to induce hibernation. These self-harming acts of frustration are related to her sense of self. She does exhibit hostility toward Reva—adding a layer of complexity to her character.

Moshfegh was inspired by Bret Easton Ellis’s American Psycho. The dreary, ubermaterialistic atmosphere of New York City in the early-2000s is one common element between both novels. More so, both novels include generally surface-level interpersonal relationships between their characters.

Amid the similarities, comparing Moshfegh’s protagonist to Ellis’s Patrick Bateman would be unhinged. While Moshfegh’s character’s unhealthy behaviour is related to self-harm and ruminating on sleep, Ellis’s narrations fill several pages with depictions of graphic sexual assault. Bateman also spews violent hatred towards AfricanAmerican people, homeless individuals, and homosexuals.

In the arts, female characters are presented as erotic symbols for male pleasure—as is evident in books like American Psycho Character-driven novels that explore women as complex and multifaceted individuals break from this pattern.

My Year of Rest and Relaxation encompasses female fatigue and tragedy. It hints towards society’s misogynistic past by addressing these concepts with lobotomies, institutionalization, and bedrest. American Psycho encompasses pornography-induced male violence and woman-hatred, with so much gore that it loses its shock value.

In my opinion, the qualitative differences between each novel are ignored—only the superficial similarities are highlighted. As a result of the absurd and ignorant narrations by Moshfegh’s character, readers and critics liken her to Bateman, a misogynistic terrorist. How can an unlikeable woman be culturally compared to a serial killer? I think woman-hating in the arts is to blame.

all time?

Are these really the 200 greatest singers of

Rolling Stone’s recent list has been met with criticism from fans over missing artists and controversial rankings.

Cristina Pincente Staff Writer

In 2008, Rolling Stone released a controversial list titled “100 Greatest Singers of All Time.” The article made headlines, with many critics questioning Rolling Stone’s rankings. On January 1, 2023, the publication released a new list, titled “The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.” In it, they commented on their 2008 rendition, claiming that the results “skewed towards classic rock and singers from the Sixties and Seventies” after receiving inputs from well-known musicians during the voting process. Still, the 2023 list has been met with much criticism.

In an introductory statement to their list of 200, Rolling Stone claimed that the voting process exclusively relied on their staff and critical contributors credited in the publication. This change prevented bias towards one genre, allowing for a culturally inclusive decision-making process. The magazine states that the new list “encompasses 100 years of pop music as an ongoing global conversation.”

Rolling Stone provided readers with a list of criteria in hopes of subduing anticipated controversy. “Before you start scrolling (and commenting), keep in mind that this is the Greatest Singers list, not the Greatest Voices List. Talent is impressive; genius is transcendent,” the article says.

The team acknowledged opera as one intentional omission in their list—excluding vocal talents such as Italian operatic lyric tenor Luciano Pavarotti, who was considered the greatest of his era. Rolling Stone upholds their decision to focus on artists who “had significant careers as crossover stars making popular music for the masses.” So, if their rankings are not solely reliant on vocal abilities, what are they determined by?

Factors that the publication considered include “originality, influence, the depth of an artist’s catalogue, and the breadth of

their musical legacy.” A voice can be gorgeously effortless like Ariana Grande’s, gravelly and unmistakeable like Louis Armstrong’s, fall into a low bass-baritone like Axl Rose, or contain a velvety quality like Ella Fitzgerald’s—who somehow did not make it on the ranked list. In the grand scheme of things, Rolling Stone set out to compile singers who “can remake the world just by opening their mouths.”

The singer who takes the number one spot on their list is “the Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin, who described her mantra in music as “me with my hand outstretched, hoping someone will take it.” Rolling Stone places emphasis on the bond between the artist and listener.

Whitney Huston, Sam Cooke, Billy Holiday, and Mariah Carey follow Franklin in the top five. Number six is Ray Charles, a champion of R&B, pop, jazz, and country. His rewrite of a gospel song as openly passionate as “I Got a Woman” was the birth of Soul music. The ranking of artists like Charles is hard to combat.

Otis Redding earns his rightful place in the top ten with ballads such as “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” and “These Arms of Mine.” Moreover, Redding is actually the original writer of “Respect,” which he recorded in 1965

Other notable artists found in the higher ranks of the list include Stevie Wonder, Al Green, John Lennon, Freddie Mercury, Prince, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, David Bowie, and

Michael Jackson. But who was excluded from the list? Despite numerous disclaimers, for most fans, the backlash of controversy is inevitable.

Most fans took to Twitter to express their outrage that Rolling Stone decided to exclude Celine Dion. CBC News reported that “fans of the Quebec-born singer were quick to take to social media to express outrage over what some say is a ‘crime against humanity.’”

But the snub doesn’t end with Dion. Rolling Stone left out other singers who have impacted the lives of many, such as Janet Jackson, Bon Jovi, and Franki Valli. Despite Valli’s placement in the 2008 list, his legacy did not stop after “Sherry” in 1962.

I strongly feel that some artists on the top 200 list deserve a re-ranking—namely Michael Jackson, who claimed number 86. As “The King of Pop,” you’d think that he would achieve a higher spot. Frank Sinatra, at number 19, should have also been given a higher ranking. Few can convey Sinatra’s emotional depth through song, and accompanied by his charm and relaxed maturity, his style is one of a kind.

What is most upsetting to me is that Elvis Presley was number three in 2008 but descended to number 17 now. If we are talking about originality, charisma, and cultural impact, Presley is number one on my list—and I think many would agree. There is a reason why we call him “The King,” after all. Through his eccentric dance moves and wide-legged trousers, Presley’s unique sound blends diverse influences and pushed through social and racial barriers during his time.

As one of the highest ranking music magazines, you’d expect Rolling Stone to provide credible information. However, music is extremely subjective—there is no right or wrong answer on who can be considered “the best,” but there are classifications to who can qualify as “legendary.” While the debates on Rolling Stone’s list of 200 continue, I hope that their next list—maybe a list of the greatest 300 artists—will fill in the gaps that many music listeners are missing.

Reflecting on how two extremely different novels present woman-hating and mental health.

woman’s American Psycho

PENGUIN PRESS

Daughter of the Sun

Joy Pius

Gills

Ayomide Bayowa

since I last saw a corkscrew pop a gaseous cache, self-split broilers had saluted a handful of worms neglected eggshells, finely. per day, a newborn is found paddling the river by the mountainside. river snakes bade yo-yo dolls in springy bellies: with nerve-tip umbilical(s); ready to hiss, shed or spit grief. mothers wipe-clean the lantern glassed earth with tears, without drenching its short-lived wick. proof-solution for separating dust from soul from water from kerosene. the last smoker mourner licks a tribunal tribute: of returning home with dull headlight & cigarette trafficator, paper bills of health & death. Balance carried down.

Fizzing the maws of dishonorable fishes, Mr. Titus has always been a sweet man.

As a babe is captivated by the voice of their mother. I listened to the tale of how I came to be.

“The sun, encircled by eight planets still felt lonely. In her darkest hour of anguish, she wept, and droplets of gold struck the soil, forming buds that blossomed, birthing her children. The Nubian Goddesses. Silk skin kissed by melanin. A crown that defies gravity. Espresso eyes. Big hips. Thunder Thighs. Rows of pearls surrounded by blood-stained lips. Curves that make an hourglass jealous with rolls sweeter than Cinnabons. The aroma of shea nuts and coconuts. They were magical entities. Witches that couldn’t be burned.”

Grandmother leaned in, her forehead brushing against mine. In the language of the gods, she whispered, a whisper that shook the earth.

“Eghonghon, you are the daughter of the sun.”

The ghost inside the mirror has eyes just like mine

So I’ll watch the winter storm through my window to pass the time

The giants on the hill will watch me through my ceiling

I’ll rub my feet in the campfire until the mouse in my ear stops squealing Then I’ll hear how fast the cars drive by and melt my skin into the tiles

Maybe then I’ll call an old friend and get too scared to speak

A hand wrapped around my throat turns the words into a squeak

Tell her I retired from melancholy because of the low supply

The whispers slip through the sink and the phone line starts to die

I’ll pluck my teeth and brush my skin and bury it underwater

And dream about the cloud that passed my house when I was a toddler

I’ve got the world spinning in my faucet but I still can’t sleep

I can feel my blood singing from my nose down to my knees

The giants hid behind the trees and I think my friends are bored of me

So I’ll live in the bathtub and hope the feelings sink

The Arctic Monkeys finally reappear with their new album The Car

After a few years of quiet, the band is back—but has their sound returned?

Following a five-year hiatus, The Arctic Monkeys return with their seventh studio album and a world tour.

Many will most likely know the band for their 2013 hit “Do I Wanna Know?,” a sultry guitar-focused tune that has appeared in TV series like Love Island, Peaky Blinders, and The Vampire Diaries. Hailing from Sheffield, England, The Arctic Monkeys consists of lead vocalist and keys player Alex Turner, guitarist Jamie Cook, drummer Matt Helders, and bassist Nick O’Malley. Their careers began during the revival of garage rock in the early 2000s.

The band’s discography, now spanning over 20 years, has encompassed several thematic areas. Their hyper-localised early albums include UK-specific analogies that can be found in tracks like “Riot Van,” “Mardy Bum,” and “From the Ritz to the Rubble.” Their first album, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not (2006), was the fastest selling debut album on the UK charts. This album cemented their posi-

tion in the genres of rock and indie-rock. With their later studio albums, Favourite Worst Nightmare (2007), Humbug (2009), and Suck It and See (2011), the band’s success continued. They gained international acclaim with their 2013 release AM, which included wellrenowned stadium-anthems like “Do I Wanna Know?” and “R U Mine?” In the hiatus following their AM world tour, the band retreated from international stardom and aimed their sights inwards, forging a new musical path for their next album.

Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino (2018) is a conceptual and highly ambitious album. Throughout its 11 songs, Turner plays the role of an aging rockstar in a hotel lounge on the Moon. He observes the Earth from far above and dispels lots of meta-style commentary— sort of like a philosophical pez-dispenser. As a result of years of stifled creativity, Tranquillity Base pulled away from what made the band famous. Each song wondered aloud, in streamof-consciousness lyricism, about the nature of fame and escapism.

Though Tranquility Base was met with praise by critics, audiences that had flocked to arenas for the band’s AM-esque high-powered songs

were disappointed. With their latest release, many expected the band to pivot back to their rockstar identity. Instead, the Arctic Monkeys’ newest album, The Car, leans deeper into the identity of a pensive artist—but this time, the band is grounded on Earth. The album continues to be centred on Turner’s near-obsessive analyses of fame, love, disillusionment, escapism, and detachment.

The band has clearly moved on from heavy bass tracks with quick lyrics about confused youth and reckless love. Turner’s charming Sheffield accent, which used to tumble over metaphors and rash observations about fishnet stockings, has now mellowed into a soft croon. In my opinion, The Car is demonstrative of the band’s maturity.

The Car is an even more refined amalgamation of contemplative songs—ones that used to serve as mid-way breaks in the band’s more early, more energetic albums. Orchestral sounds from fan favourite songs like “505,” “The Only Ones Who Know,” and “Cornerstone” carry on in The Car’s “There’d Better Be A Mirrorball” and “Body Paint.” In tracks like “Sculptures of Anything Goes,” (my personal favourite from the album), the once erratic clashing of Helders’ drumkit is replaced with echoing beats that evoke a vacuous hall—a truly atmospheric experience.

Much like the Arctic Monkeys’ previous album, The Car is a “grower”—all it asks for is time to grow on you. I habitually meet their new releases with the expectation that I will not enjoy the songs, but I am comfortable in the knowledge that Turner will eventually convince me of the band’s excellence—at his own frustratingly slow pace. Even if it feels futile to guess the direction of the Arctic Monkeys, The Car feels like a natural progression in their artistic endeavours. It builds on the conceptual and the thematic, but grounds itself in reality. Ultimately, The Car is a testament to the band’s refusal to stagnate artistically.

Kuicmar Phot bathtub

Kiara Senanayake Contributor

sports & health

Editor | Alisa Samuel sports@themedium.ca

For Ethan Williams, sports and wellness run through his veins

Alisa Samuel Sports & Health Editor

Ethan

Williams—a third-year undergraduate student in the Political Science specialist program at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), with minors in Philosophy and Ethics, Law, and Society—was recently elected to act as director of Health and Wellness on the UTM Eagle Athletic Council. Williams plays TriCampus basketball and aspires to be a personal trainer at UTM’s Recreation, Athletics & Wellness Centre (RAWC).

Though Williams’ school-related involvements surely speak volumes about his fitness-consciousness, prior to 2020, he wouldn’t have described his athletic journey as one motivated by health and wellness.

“Before then, I was just enjoying the sports that I love with the goal of becoming a post-secondary varsity athlete,” explains the North York native. “When Covid hit, and I was unable to play due to lockdowns […], I had to figure out other ways [like athome workouts] to stay active and healthy for whenever the lockdowns would be lifted, and seasons would resume.”

Through pandemic-induced online research, Williams, in his own words, “fell in love with” the idea of physical wellbeing as a lifestyle. His father, however, first introduced him to the gym. “He was always in the gym, leading a life of health and wellness,” Williams says. “Many of my first workouts were with him as my personal coach, just teaching me the basics.”

Growing up in a family of multi-sport athletes, Williams miscellaneously dabbled in sports until he eventually found success in track and field, cross-country, and especially basketball.

Starting basketball at the age of five served Williams later in life: he captained teams in high school and then played at a universitylevel. “I have had a great experience playing with the Tri-Campus UTM basketball team,” he says. “[My teammates and I] spoke the same language, and our chemistry showed that as we supported and encouraged each other on the way to an undefeated season and championship.” Coach Brian Hutton led them to the Tri-Campus Championship of the 2021-2022 season.

Around this time, Williams also experienced a warm welcome from staff at the RAWC. “From when I first came on campus and into the RAWC in February 2022, the trainers showed me nothing but kindness, respect, and support for my goals, even before I got to know them on a personal level.”

Since September of 2022, Williams has been working as one of the RAWC’s student trainers. His hope is to become a certified personal trainer with the gym so that he can help people achieve their fitness and health goals. In this spirit of caring, Williams seeks to promote health and wellness in the everyday activities of UTM students as an Eagle Athletic executive.

“There are many different forms of health, from physical health to mental health,” he says. “I look to address all forms of health and […] healthy living through various methods such as fitness events for students, informative posts, and showcasing all the fitness classes that the RAWC has to offer our students that they may not be aware of or know much about.”

In terms of participating in UTM sports, Williams’ advice is this: “Stay consistent and understand that not [every day] will be your best day, but [every day] will be worth it. There will be easy days and there will be days where you may not even feel like getting out of bed. That is completely okay, and it happens to the best of us. Just stay the course, enjoy the journey, and never stop learning.”

Williams practices what he preaches. In trying to balance his training at the RAWC, club meetings, time spent on the court, personal and social activities, and homework, Williams realized that he had to minimize social media distractions, disengage with unproductive behaviours, and shift his focus to avoid procrastination: “This helped me improve my time-management skills. Juggling academic commitments with my athletic, fitness goals, and extracurricular clubs and committees is far from easy, but it’s definitely worth it for who I want to be in the future. Most of the time, these athletic and fitness goals do not feel like work or a hassle to me, and when you enjoy what you are doing, it makes it so much easier to get through.”

The student-athlete’s ongoing ascent in UTM’s fitness community traces back to childhood.

SAMIRA KARIMOVA/THE MEDIUM

What’s ECSpeRT? UTM’s response team seeks to promote student awareness for greater campus health and safety

Knowing where AEDs are located and how to use them can help limit sudden cardiac death in school communities.

Alisa Samuel Sports & Health Editor

Fifth-year student Taliya Rizvi has always been passionate about medicine and healthcare. When she began her studies in the Biology specialist program at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), she sought to gain medical-assisting experience through in-house opportunities that would allow her to make a positive contribution to the local community.

Erindale College Special Response Team, or ECSpeRT, is UTM’s emergency response team comprised primarily of student volunteers who respond to service calls on and off campus, and at university-affiliated events such as frosh, formals, or sports games. In 2018, with the support of transition mentorship, Rizvi joined ECSpeRT as a Standard First Aider.

“Standard First Aiders are members who train in Standard First Aid with CPR (Level C) to then respond to call-for-service with MFRs (Medical First Responders) and assist them in providing patient care and data recording,” she explains. “This is the entry level position in ECSpeRT that allows you to prepare and learn about the team before becoming an MFR.”

After successful completion of numerous practicals and a written assessment within a 40-hour course from St. John Ambulance, Canada’s top provider in advanced first aid training, enrollees graduate from being Standard First Aiders to leading on-calls as MFRs.

That is, they come away from the course with a wider designation of responsibilities for various emergency health situations.

Rizvi was selected for MFR training in 2019. That same year, she went on to serve the executive ECSpeRT team as a Training Corporal, leading training sessions, presentations, and practice scenarios for Standard First Aiders and fellow MFRs.

“I experienced immense growth on the team, being promoted to a Training Sergeant and then Divisional Training Officer,” she says. “Being promoted as the Divisional Training Officer and leading the training department of seven other training executives, I have had the opportunity to ensure that high-quality ongoing first aid train-

ing is provided to all members of the team and to facilitate the transition of Standard First Aiders into their roles as MFRs.”

Beyond its own members, ECSpeRT also offers first aid and CPR courses to UTM students, faculty, and staff at discounted rates. Automated external defibrillator (AED) workshops on campus are free. At present, the team specifically wants to bring awareness to on-campus AEDs. Why? To save lives.

“According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, every minute defibrillation is delayed during a cardiac arrest event, the survival of the patient drops seven to 10 per cent,” says Rizvi. “The average response time for emergency medical services to UTM is seven minutes, so it is crucial that an AED is used during this time frame if it is required.”

An AED analyzes heart rhythm and, if abnormal, delivers the patient an electrical shock (defibrillation) to re-establish it. As stated by the ECSpeRT website, “When ECSpeRT started in 2001, there were no AEDs at UTM.” Until recently, only 11 AEDs populated the university campus, nine of which were acquired and installed by ECSpeRT members through donations and grants.

In April of 2020, the team submitted a business plan to UTM Campus Safety advocating for more AEDs on campus. “We urged the University to follow Peel Region’s recommen-

dation to have an AED within 90 seconds of any location on campus,” Rizvi explains. “[As a result,] UTM purchased 67 new AEDs! These modern, publicly accessible AEDs are simple to use, and it will verbally walk you through the application, step-by-step. Do not be afraid to use one [when necessary]. Just turn it on and follow instructions.”

While the case had been approved within the same month that it was presented, due to pandemic-related campus closures, it wasn’t until August 2021 that these new units were installed.

Once the return to in-person classes happened in February 2022, ECSpeRT registered all of the AEDs with Peel Paramedic’s Public Access Defibrillator program, so 911 dispatchers are able to tell the caller where the closest AED on campus is. The team also photographed the AEDs to create a locations map on the ESCpeRT website, and they continuously perform maintenance checks on the devices to make sure they’re always ready for use.

If you’re interested in learning about how to respond to medical emergencies, practicing hands-on life-saving skills, getting involved on campus as a volunteer, or meeting new people with diverse backgrounds, consider ECSpeRT membership. It’s open to any UTM affiliate.

“The main qualities we look for in applicants are professionalism, dedication, passion, and the ability to work in a team as well as under pressure,” Rizvi says. “ECSpeRT is a [rewarding but] large time commitment due to the responsibilities you have as a responder.”

Magicians and Milestones

Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares plays in his 1000th NHL game, adding yet another accomplishment to his decorated and unfinished career.

Matthews’ absence and maintain their winning record this season. In upcoming games, they’ll face Montreal, Columbus, Chicago, and other non-playoff teams.

Since entering the National Hockey League (NHL) in 2009, John Tavares has been a leading player with his goalscoring consistency. On Sunday, January 29, 2023, after assisting with two goals for a dominant Leafs win over Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals, Tavares is now only 54 points away from racking up 1000 NHL goals and assists, collectively. He will likely achieve this distinct stat sometime next season.

In other, more somber news, accompanying Leafs star Auston Matthews is injured and will be out for at least three weeks. Matthews may be having a disappointing season according to his standards, but he is still arguably the team’s most important asset.

Leafs centres—such as Tavares, Alexander Kerfoot, David Kampf, and Pontus Holmberg—will need to make up for

The Leafs typically play poorly against non-playoff teams. The next stretch of games will be interesting to watch because the Leafs will either follow their pattern of losing against non-playoff teams or winning without Auston Matthews.

Matthews was also nominated to participate in the 2023 NHL All-Star Game Weekend. Due to his absence, Florida Panther Aleksander Barkov will replace the Leafs superstar. This replacement has many Leaf fans angry that William Nylander was not selected. Nylander currently leads the Leafs in points and goals. He deserves an AllStar nod, putting into question the

validity of the NHL’s All Star selection process. That being said, Mitch Marner will be the lone Leaf to represent Toronto at the All-Star Weekend during his second appearance. Marner, dubbed “The Magician” for his abilities on the ice, is having a remarkable season offensively and defensively.

Off the ice, the Leafs have made a key acquisition. They now have a team dog. Bud, a Black Labrador, was recently introduced as an official member of the team in late December in a collaboration with Cope Service Dogs, a charity aimed at raising and training assistance dogs for people living with physical disabilities. Bud is quickly turning into a fan favourite and is certainly popular in the Leafs dressing room, receiving hugs and kisses from the players before games.

Omar Khan Columnist

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