advice column Index
International and local
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The final frontier, closer to home Love is love: Russia's growing genocide A charter void of values The "free,legal, and fat free" addiction The Nobel Spoof Prize
Reviews and debates
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Student life
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Around GFSS
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The love for Toronto sports has returned Ender's Game review 5 awesome apps at Apple The iPhone vs Androids The science of students and sleep deprivation The power of creativity Service not servitude The 7 tips of good luck What do you plan to do next? And they're back! Breathing life back into Glenforest The Gryphon Connect better at Glenforest!
Comics
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Credits Teacher Supervisors Mr. Gale Mrs. Gair
Editors in Chief
Ruchika Gothoskar Nathan Duong
Designers
Advice
H
ey No Sleep, I think it’s awesome that you are a very involved and active student, nevertheless, I would recommend that you try to reduce some of your extracurricular activities if keeping your job Jack and Jill! Over the summer I got a great part is something you’d like to do. Some people say that during high school, one should focus on time job that I started working at. I began in getting the marks necessary for college or university,while other people believe that getting a mid-August, and decided to keep working throughout job to save up for your post-secondary education has a greater importance than extracurricular the school year. However, I'm also involved in a variety activities. However, my thought is that having a job and being involved in extracurricular activof extracurricular activities, and I'm finding it a little dif- ities can, in fact, be done. Evidently, there are two major options that you have; firstly, you can minimize your extracurricular activities in school, so that you have more time to focus on your ficult to manage my job, my school work and the clubs education and your job. If you can’t do that, you can minimize your job hours and the days you that I'm part of. It's only the first few months of school, work, and still be involved in all the extracurricular activities your little heart desires. If you but I'm already feeling super overwhelmed. I'd really can’t seem to decide between these options, then you can probably keep doing what you’re dolike to keep my job and remain active in school clubs, ing but, allocate spare time for homework – even if that means giving up your lunch period to but I know that education is my priority. What should finish up assignments or get ahead in class instead of going on that Burger King run. If you’re getting no sleep (as your name seems to indicate), you should consider focusing on one facet of I do?! your life rather than trying to divide your time like a mad man; either prioritize your education Sincerely, Getting No Sleep. and club involvement, or your job. If you are using the money that you make for things that are unnecessary, such as shoes or clothes or other frivolous items, then maybe having the job is not ideal. Just remember that there is always a certain average you have to meet in order to apply to certain programs in university or college, and if that is not met then your likelihood of getting into that program is slim. So, make sure to focus on your education and see if you can decide based on the alternatives and options that I have presented. Good luck with everything!
Hi
- Jack
D
ear No Sleep, There’s only one word that I have to say to you, my dear- PRIORITIZE! Having a job, and balancing school work and extra-curricular activities teaches you great time management skills, but when your health starts suffering- that’s when you know that things need to change. I applaud your courage for taking up a job, because even working part time while attending school full time is not an easy thing. I would suggest that you continue your job, because it will definitely help you in the future by teaching you how to manage your finances, and how to interact in the public sphere, as you will learn how to deal with colleagues as well as customers. What I would like for you to be wary about is your extra extracurricular involvement - do you think that every single club or team that you are currently a part of will assuredly make a mark on your university applications? What I want you to think about is, how much is too much? I know that you may have joined some clubs because your friends were part of them, or because the club president was really cute, or some other reason. But as you get older, you need to think about how the endeavors you will take on will truly, actually benefit you in the long run. I am not advising you not to take part in any extracurriculars, I am simply cautioning you to look at your goals, and see how you can achieve them efficiently, without burning yourself out too quickly. My main concern is that if you invest too much time in extracurricular activities, primarily, your health will suffer, and secondly, you may become so engrossed in these activities that you end up neglecting your studies, thus, spending all that volunteering time in vain! Remember that universities will look at your marks first - no matter how much they say they want “unique and well rounded” individuals. Your activities will make no impression on them if your marks are not strong. So I suggest that you carefully choose the most important clubs which relate to what you want to pursue in university, hone your special talents, get lots of rest, and make sure that you know what your priorities are! Best of luck, you busy bee!
Molly Lu Suriya Ratnam
- Jill
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VOLUME 23, ISSUE 1 FALL 2013 PAGE 2
H
ey Crazy in Love, It seems like the classic relationship dilemma is happening to you. What I would do in that situation is get to know what clubs and extracurricular this lucky person is part of. This might be Jack and Jill! There is this person I really like, a little tough because this means that you’ll have to commit your time to these clubs, but it may but I can’t seem to work up the nerve to talk also be beneficial for you because you’re getting involved! However, your major problem seems to them at all. We share a lot of classes, but have dif- to be the supposed segregation between your friends and this lucky person’s friends. Here’s a tip: ferent groups of friends, so that seems to constantly try to get to know some of your crush’s friends and then work your way up to this person that you hinder how much we communicate. I don’t know what really seem to like. Who knows, maybe you’ll might get lucky in class and be paired with your “crush” for an assignment, and if this doesn’t happen, take matters into your own hands! When I should do to let this person know that I’m interested choosing partners, see if you can work up the nerve to ask your crush to be your counterpart, in them! Any helpful tips? or maybe even pair up with their friends – it’s always good to get to know new people! This is a particularly good method because the person you really like might be curious to know why Sincerely, Crazy in Love. you would choose someone you do not know very well which means that this person is actually thinking about you – it’s all part of the plan, my friend. All in all, what I think you should try to do is befriend the group of friends that the lucky person hangs out with. Also, be confident and self-assured; push yourself out of your comfort zone, because that’s often where the magic happens. So, Crazy in Love, do your best, but in the end, if you cannot seem to talk to this person, then the tunnel of opportunity will be narrowing. Good luck, we’re all rooting for you!
Hey
- Jack
P
uppy love is just the cutest thing ever! Apart from puppies themselves - but back to you m’dear! I’d like to highlight one key thing which I picked up- you have a friend circle! If you have the ability to make friends, and keep in touch with them, I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt if you just became friends with your crush. You might be afraid of giving off the wrong vibes, and sending them to the friend zone, but if you befriend them quickly, and then start dropping really obvious hints about your feelings towards them, they just might get it! Another idea is to try and bring the two friend groups together- that way you can hang out with your crush without ditching your friends, and also without making your crush feel uncomfortable. However, I must warn you that this method might take a little more nerve because you have to make sure that your friends will agree to hang out with another group of people. Plus, you have to consider whether or not your crush will want to spend time with you outside of class - I’m just joking, of course they will! If befriending them seems daunting, ask them a question about class work, or the homework from last night. If they share multiple classes with you, it might be easier for you to strike up a conversation about the previous class, or the upcoming one. This is also a great way for you two to exchange numbers, because then you can keep in touch and stay up to date on “homework.” In all seriousness, becoming friends with them is the only foreseeable way to get closer to them, because then you get to know them even more (and know their likes and dislikes) as, hey, if no sparks fly between you two, you’ve also just gained a new friend! Best of luck!
- Jill
VOLUME 23, ISSUE 1 FALL 2013 PAGE 3
international and local
The frontier, closer totohome Thefinal final frontier, closer home
W
by: Inori Khan
ith the unending stream of technological innovation sending private companies and individuals rocketing into space, any extraterrestrials in the universe should be on the lookout – humans are expanding their horizons, and faster than you would think. In May of 2012, a
non-profit organization known as Mars One announced a Mars colonization trip that could potentially change the future of the Earth’s population issues. The Netherlands-based organisation screened volunteers for the voyage through a strict and rigorous application process – as many as 165,000 aspiring astronauts applied, and only
small teams of two or four men and women will be chosen to create a settlement on the Red Planet. The voyage is estimated to begin in 2023, with two people being sent to settle on Mars every year after an initial group of four lands safely. Eventually, Mars One seeks to create a large, healthy human settlement on Mars, growing crops and creating homes to be able
to sustain life years into the future. Although 2023 is seemingly a long way off, this colonization attempt could have a massive impact on the future of privatized space travel. Of course, many ethical questions have been raised in regards to space travel, considering the damage to the environment of our home planet. Whether or not private cor-
Love is love:
porations are running from the environmental graves they have dug themselves through years of industrialization and the greedy search for non-renewable resources, many believe space travel and colonization will allow for a fresh start – and perhaps another habitat to eventually destroy. Most organizations see potential future colonizations
as a chance to hope and look towards a brighter future, but space travel is not necessarily something the average citizens of Earth will have the chance to do in their lifetime. One must wonder where interplanetary voyages will leave the everyman, in years to come.
Russia's growing genocide A
by: Nadia O
fter the Jewish Holocaust, many people began to believe that harassment from governments upon their own people does not and cannot happen. Living in a country like Canada, it cannot be fathomed that a government would ban an entire population for being of a certain sexuality. Oddly enough, that is exactly what has been happening in Russia as of late. It all started in 2006, when the region Ryazan banned “propaganda of homosexuality among minors," resulting in a fine up to 20000 rubles ($680). Fast-forward seven years, President Vladimir Putin and his fellow Parliament signs the bill against “propaganda of non-traditional relations.” June 30th, 2013 was the day gay people
learned they are not allowed to be gay in Russia. Anyone promoting homosexuality and spreading homosexual propaganda, whether they are gay, assumed gay, or are progay rights, they can be fined up to $31,000.The propaganda law allows police officers to arrest tourists, foreign nationals, and Russian residents if they are suspected to be gay, lesbian, or pro-gay. The prison sentence can be up to two weeks. On July 3rd, 2013, Putin signed a law banning the adoption of Russian children to not only gay couples, but to any couple or single parent living in a country that approves of gay marriage. This law also covers future guardians to be or have been spreading homosexual propaganda, propaganda meaning in favour of the LGBT community. President Putin
argues that the Russian birthrate is depleting, therefore the need for opposite-sex couples are in demand. He also believes that traditional Russian families as a whole are in “danger” of such a decline. As for the adoption ban, Putin believes that this will protect children from pedophiles. The Russian LGBT Network said the harassment of gay people was being organized nationally (neo-Nazis and Russian Nationalists) through groups known as Occupy Gerontophilia and Occupy Pedophilia. They claim their mission is trying to “reform” homosexuals. Occupy Gerontophilia concentrates on teenage boys who are homosexual and/or are accused of having intimate relations with older men for money. This is done by harassing and shaming them on camera and releas-
ing the video footage. Occupy Pedophilia’s sole mission is to attack anyone from the LGBT community, usually done in public. A woman who was interviewed by BBC News named Yekaterina has stated that, "Our [Occupy Pedophilia] priority is uncovering cases of pedophilia. But we are also against the promotion of homosexuality and if, along the way, we encounter people of non-traditional sexual orientation, we can kill two birds with one stone." This is all happening merely months away before the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia. This could mean that any Olympic athlete, trainer, spectator, and so forth, who is suspected of being gay, accused of being gay, or is gay, can go to jail. Although Putin claims otherwise, the inter-
national communities fear for their athletes. These anti-gay laws have struck a cord around the world, resulting in mass protests and online petitions addressed to the International Olympic Committee. In Montreal, hundreds of people gathered at the Russian Consulate to participate in a “Kiss-in-Rally,” where people locked-lips with each other (same or opposite sex) as part of a worldwide protest against the anti-gay laws. This event happened in more than 50 cities, including Tokyo, who titled their rally “To Russia, With Love.” Many Olympic athletes have also decided to boycott the Olympics. Openly gay U.S. Figure Skater and former Olympic gold medalist, Johnny Weir, will not compete in the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games. Weir publicly stated that if he were
to compete in the Olympics, he would not be afraid to be arrested. "If it takes me getting arrested for people to pay attention and for people to lobby against this law, then I'm willing to take it." How many protests will result from these laws during the Olympics? Putin promises that he will continue the Olympic tradition of acceptance, but the real question is, does the world care?Back in 1936, the world sat and watched the Berlin Olympics while Hitler and his regime continued to concoct his operation against the Jews. Has the world learned from history? We will see what the new year brings.
VOLUME 23, ISSUE 1 FALL 2013 PAGE 4
international and local
A charter void of values T
by: Sundus Zuberi
his month, Quebec has made national headlines and has created court controversy for its proposed “Charter of Values” legislation. The debate surrounding the charter has been heated vocally, vocal and has garnered criticism from citizens and members of government across the country. The values charter was proposed by the Parti Quebecois. If passed by Quebec’s national
T
by: Lexi Kuo
he first Internet addiction clinic in North America opened its doors this year, on the 9th of September at the Bradford Regional Medical Center in Pennsylvania. This program aims to treat an “overcoming and excessive use of the Internet and electronic gaming” in people aged 18 and
assembly, the charter would impose rules banning “overt and conspicuous” religious symbols in all public spaces. In essence, the charter would ban public sector employees (police officers, doctors, teachers, government workers, etc.) from wearing turbans, hijabs, yarmulkes, large crosses and other symbols of religion. Small religious symbols would, however, be allowed. For the charter to pass, the PQ minority government requires
the opposition’s support. Quebec argues the purpose of the charter is to create state neutrality and promote a secular society. They claim the charter is based on Quebec’s fundamental values and will foster equality between men and women, promote integration, create societal cohesion, and increase unity among the Quebecois. In reality, Quebec’s values have created anger and anxiety, not just among racial or immigrant groups, but among all Canadians. Concerns about the charter include the racist tone of the debate. The charter is seen by many as discriminatory,
up. The debut of this clinic really challenges where the line is drawn between excessive amounts of Internet use and Internet addiction. "The Internet is free, legal, and fat-free", says Dr. Kimberly Young, the head of the Internet addiction program at Bradford. Often, usage of the Internet can be nearly impossible to avoid. This dependence can often
escalate quickly to becoming addiction.In 2012, Canadians topped the charts, spending more time online than any other country in the world, at an average of 2 hours a day. Many teenagers now spend even twice that amount routinely. One of the biggest contributors to this problem is the easy accessibility of the Internet. 68% of all Canadian households have
divisive and unconstitutional; it also defies the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. While claiming to uphold secular principles, Quebec shamelessly permits the crucifix above the Speaker’s Chair, and on Mount Royale. Still, recent statistics show that 52% of Quebec is in favour of the charter. The rest of Canada and its three major parties are uniting against the values charter and in defence of personal freedoms. Whether the Charter of Values passes or not, the debate has brought ugly truths to the surface. It is a crucial reminder that racism and discrimination are ever present and that Canadians must continue to remain vigilant.
Wi-Fi, and to add to that, with the implementation of the Wireless Mississauga, and BYOD programs within secondary schools in Peel, wireless Internet connection can now also be found at community buildings and schools alike. Teens now have access to Wi-Fi on the go and are seemingly wired to the web constantly, often keeping their phones on and
The Nobel Spoof Prize T
by: Srobona Podder
he Nobel Prize, named after the inventor of dynamite, Alfred Nobel, was first awarded in 1901. America’s Marc Abrahams, editor and co-founder of Annals of Improbable Research magazine, began the Ig Nobel Prize in 1991. Awarded annually at the beginning of October, these prizes are a spoof based off the original Nobel Prize with the mission to, “Honor achievements that first make people laugh, and then make
them think." Ig Nobel Prize honours ten areas of achievements: medicine, psychology, biology/astronomy, safety/engineering, physics, chemistry, archaeology, peace, probability, and public health. To give you an idea of what the prizes are about, here are some of the 2013 award winners: Peace Prize- Awarded to Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus for making clapping illegal in public, resulting in the arrest of a one-armed man of Belarus for clapping. Physics Prize- Award-
ed to Alberto Minetti for proving that it is possible for people to run across the surface of a body of water if it was on the moon. Probability Prize- Awarded to Bert Tolkamp of United Kingdom for stating that it is hard to determine when a standing cow will lie down, but not unlikely for a cow lying down to stand up. Chemistry Prize- Awarded to Shinsuke Imai of Japan for discovering that the reason why onions make people cry is far more complicated than
we
previously thought. Psychology Prize- Awarded to Laurent Legue and friends for proving that people who think they are drunk, find themselves more attractive. It is hard to imagine what the world would be like without these crucial discoveries. So the next time you see a cow standing up, don’t wait around too long for it to lie down, because it is scientifically proven that it most likely will not.
beside them whilst trying to complete other tasks. Innovations in technology also further the integration of Internet into the lifestyles of students. With many smartphones now acting like a miniature, handheld computer, it can be hard to stay away. The constant convenience of electronics is what makes it difficult to draw the line. When a stu-
dent needs to use their devices for 4 hours a day, setting alarms, checking homework, or working on group projects, it’s hard to say if they are truly addicted to the web or just completing tasks that are seemingly necessary. Though it may be difficult to wean this technology-based generation off their gadgets, it is most definitely a necessity.
VOLUME 23, ISSUE 1 FALL 2013 PAGE 5
around GFSS
And they're back! W
by: Serena Chao
hat's back? The season of autumn, the load of homework, or the Spirit Day? Yes, but what’s more than these is that with a new school year, all the clubs are back, and excited to begin! Take one step into the cafeteria during the school’s club fair and you will see that the spirit of Glenforest's clubs never went away. With more than 45 clubs in the school, there's no way you can join them all. Having trouble choosing one to stick with? Here's the insider's guide to Glenforest's Clubs, Guilds, and Councils. First, you have the clubs that are involved in everything, including fundraisers, spirit pumping, and overall
student unity. Each one has its own focus, as well as annual events for the entire Glenforest community. SAC: Student Activity Council, on Monday afternoons. IBSL: International Baccalaureate Student League, on Tuesday afternoons. EGG: Enhanced Group of Glenforest, on Monday afternoons. GAMA:Glenforest Association of Musical Arts, on Tuesday mornings. Athletic Council, on Friday mornings. Are you looking for an opportunity to learn something new? Reach: A trivia club involving everything from League of Legends to politics to quan-
tum mechanics. GDS: Glenforest Debate Society. Developing argumentation and public speaking skills through debate tournaments. DECA: An organization which focuses on business and marketing competitions, including case studies and role plays for regional, provincial, and international levels. Math Club: A collection of students gathered for the love of math, who are willing to compete in numerous competitions. Science Club: Promoting interests in STEM subjects through experiments, science fairs, and innovations. Computer Science: For those with a passion of computer science.
The gryphon by: Stephanie Brook
T
he Glenforest gryphon has always been an important part of school life. We see him at assemblies, on spirit days and occasionally lingering in the cafeteria. If you didn't already know, Glenforest opened in 1969 and officially accepted the gryphon as our mascot in 1972! However, do you know the history of the majestic creature itself ? Who is inside the mascot costume exactly? Is this mythical animal, supposedly the child of a lion and an eagle, represented in our culture? It’s the question on everyone’s mind- who exactly is inside the Griffy costume? Rushay Naik, a grade 10 student, believes that "The spirit of the school is dependent on the anonym-
ity of Griffy... He represents our collective school spirit." However, a former Griffy was tracked down and asked about his experience. "Well, it was pretty hot in there, and it was kind of uncomfortable considering the costume was quite large, and to wear it you have to use tape to keep it on you." Although he was not a part of SAC, this gryphon agreed that "SAC really prides themselves in the Griffy costume" and refused to let his name be published. The gryphon does seem to be a popular mascot. In fact, according to Wikipedia, at least 38 other schools share our mascot, including the University of Guelph. In medieval lore, the gryphon was thought to be the king of both the sky and the land, and, with a horse, could
have a baby hippogriff. So what do you have to say about our school mascot? When asked what they would do if they ever had the chance to wear the Griffy costume, students came up with very interesting answers. Creeping people out, trolling people, giving bear hugs to everyone and going around singing "I believe I can fly" were just a few of the responses. So are you a tall, peppy, enthusiastic gryphon who wants to wear the costume? Join SAC for the chance to possibly: creep people out, troll people, give bear hugs to everyone or go around singing "I believe I can fly! "You could help organize spirit days, promote school spirit, and help with all the activities SAC organizes in Glenforest every year.
Robotics: To those with a curiosity in robotics and interest in competitions. Francofun: Bonjour et bienvenue! Apprendre à aimer le françaisavec des films, des jeux, et cetera. Do you have a specific interest in the arts? Choirs: Chamber (auditions-only), Concert (open to everyone), shows for dancing and singing. Bands: Forest Fire (Rock Band), Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic (gr. 9&10), Wind Ensemble (as a course of gr. 10 and up) Visual Arts? → Art Guild! Writing? → SWG: Student Writers' Guild! Jewellery? → Jewellery + Crafts Club!
Dance? → Dance or Hip Hop Club! Drama? → Drama Club! Poetry? → Poetry Club! Enjoy drawing comics, writing about current events, or designing layout? Then Glenforest's very own student-made newspaper, Talon Times, is for you! Are you passionate in creating change in the world? Interact-YFGA (Youth For Global Action). Animal Rights Club. Tumai for Tomorrow. Model UN. SJAC (Social Justice Action Committee). United Way Committee. Free the Children Channel.
How about impacting student lives at Glenforest? Welcome Team. pH: Peer Helpers (Grades 11 and 12 only) Breakfast Club. Formal Committee. BOSS: Building Our Safe Schools. Green Team. Do you want to meet others with the same hobby or religion as you? Chess Club, AV Team, MSA: Muslim Student Association, Christian Fellowship, Anime Alliance. Overwhelmed by the amount of choices? Choose the club that you want to make an impact on and make this year unforgettable!
VOLUME 23, ISSUE 1 FALL 2013 PAGE 6
around GFSS
I
by: Simo Pajovic
t's Tuesday, 7:45 in the morning. The halls of Glenforest are still a cold and barren desert. No signs of life - that is, except in front of room 124, also known as the music room. A crowd of tired but nonetheless eager students pours into the vast room filled wall-to-wall with all sorts of musical contraptions. Several students - about ten - gather at the front of the room, dressed in maroon uniform, while the rest sit before them.
The stage is set for the weekly convention of the Glenforest Association of the Musical Arts - GAMA. GAMA President Sylvia Almeida opens up the meeting with the to-do list for the day. Vice President Samuel Wu cracks a joke. Everyone laughs on cue. It has become routine. Once a week, Gryphons from all walks of life come together to make some magic, to make better one of Glenforest's most treasured programs. Last year, GAMA went on a bit slower than usual in
the wake of Bill 115. Not that it wasn't a successful year - a lot still got done thanks to the hard work put in by committed students, regardless of the turmoil rocking the school. This year, however, GAMA's running full steam ahead with a team of fresh-faced execs in grades 10 to 12. "This year we are trying to revitalize the GAMA scene at Glenforest. Every single year we've been very successful with the GAMA motif, that is, spreading the arts and music to the students of Glenforest.
Connect better at Glenforest! S
by: Vini Clare
tarting the school year this time around, may not be as bad as some thought it would be. This school year is a first for many at Glenforest, but for those returning, you are in for a pleasant surprise. Starting out in the business department, the school board has now taken wireless internet to a much larger scale; the connection is now available throughout the entire school! As you walk into class, you now have a little white router attached to the walls that is sure to excite the student body. After the Peel District School Board proposed the idea of this school wide connection in 2012, it was only a matter of time before implementation.The use of their own personal electronic devices is now permitted in classrooms and the cafeteria. Living in a world surrounded by technology,
PEDs such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones will prove to be useful this time around once we get comfortable with the unusual presence of the unwavering connection. Note-taking efficiency may drastically improve, and all our work can now be digitalized as we work in class on our very own device. There are several networks set up within the school, including the guest-student and administration. With just the click of a button and the use of your student number, you can connect onto the school wide network. With this new change comes the inevitable question of its efficiency. Do the benefits of this WiFi connection outweigh the possible distractions? Of course, there are rules put in place to try and minimize the abuse of this privilege. However, how can the school possibly monitor correct usage of WiFi with the numerous
students in a class? It comes down to us Gryphons ensuring the fact that this will not interfere with their learning. Keep in mind that this school wide WiFi was put in place to improve learning and to ensure that the students of today are actively engaged with the available technology, and not for fun and games.
But this year, we want to go even further," says ever-energetic GAMA VP Samuel. It’s true GAMA's focus last year was getting the word out about the club and singing praise, if you will. GAMA surprised lunchgoers with a flash mob for the first time ever last year to do just that. It needed as many members as possible to stay strong with the Ontario-wide upheaval, but with that no longer being an issue, the group can proceed with running both classic GAMA events and a few
new ones. The widely popular Grade 9 Social, Haunted House and Cookiegram events are most certainly back this year, and there have been talks of bringing back the Holiday Social, an older event skipped over the past few years. The best thing about GAMA this year is most likely the synthesis of both active musicians in the school and non-music students. This has led to a level of enthusiasm among members not seen in previous years. "It's a very energetic
group of students who work together to support the music program and have fun at early morning meetings," proclaimed Mrs. Pierson, who supervises GAMA and offers her unending wisdom to the exec team. GAMA is always accepting new members. All are welcome - after all, we can all see, feel and hear music no matter who we are. Music belongs to everyone.
VOLUME 23, ISSUE 1 FALL 2013 PAGE 7
around GFSS
Extracurricular activities – Breathing life back into Glenforest by: Aza Albogatchieva
I
t’s the sounds of cleats hitting the floor, as the girls’ flag football team files out to the field on chilling mornings. It’s the echo of harmonious music through the hallways as the wind ensemble practices their repertoire in the hours after school. It’s the click of keyboards heard within business classrooms by our resident
programmers every Wednesday morning. It’s the combination of all these sounds heard in classrooms, hallways and gyms throughout Glenforest that has made one thing very clear – the return of extracurricular activities has brought life back into our school. With the start of another school year, and the despair of Bill 115 put in the past, faculty at Glenforest have begun
to resume the extracurricular activities that have defined Glenforest for years. Like the sparse rays of sunshine following a rainstorm, the relief of this return is radiating from students on every level of the Gryphon community, from the recently entered grade nines to the ready-to-depart grade twelve students. “I can't imagine beginning my high school experi-
ence without the sport teams and clubs,” states a grade nine student, as he/she departs from an athletic council meeting, “I can’t imagine what it must have been like for everyone last year.” But imagination was a reality for the current seniors of Glenforest, who so clearly remember the hollow feeling of their school following the withdrawal of all clubs and
teams. With the daunting start date for university applications drawing closer, the grade twelve students could not be more thrilled now that they have the opportunity to add to their list of extracurricular involvement. “One of the most important factors in differentiating yourself from others on university applications, is your involvement with extracur-
ricular activities. I honestly don’t know what I would have done, if we didn’t have any at our school this year,” states a senior at Glenforest. “Even though it was really hard last year, Bill 115 has left a resonating lesson for all students – the presence of extracurricular activities is a privilege, whose irreplaceable value should never be unappreciated.”
VOLUME 23, ISSUE 1 FALL 2013 PAGE 8
student life
Service not servitude R
by: JueHua He
espect is a two-way street; if you do not show it, you will not get any in return. This golden rule seems to have escaped the minds of many everyday folks, as they hurry around on their errands of utmost importance, each thinking that he or she is the one who is in the most hurry, forgetting simple manners. Many of us confuse service with servitude or treat workers as slaves, and forget simple respect and empathy. That barista you yelled at for being too slow might be on his first day, overwhelmed
with the number of words being thrown at him, trying to memorize and organize everything. "Learn to do your job right," you yell as you grab the drink, curse at him, and head on your way. Have you forgotten that their job does not include forced subjection to verbal abuse? Unfortunately, this seems to have become part of the unspoken portion of the job description in service careers. The second awful habit that many consumers have developed, is the total disregard for empathy and respect. Everyone yearns for a high-paying job, but those who are in less favourable
circumstances might have to make do with being a blue collar cashier or waiter. We all agree that money is hard to come by, so why do so many of us not show our understanding of that fact? Oftentimes we see service workers as inferior to ourselves based on their economic standing, and treat them as such. It is then important to remember that these workers have goals, families, and the same errands of utmost importance (perhaps in a different context) that the rest of us have. If the waiter was polite and handled your order as he should, tip him next time.
The 7 tips of good luck T
by: Milena Cioana
o all the freshmen out there: how was your first day? Did you meet a lot of new people, or simply lose your way in the enormous crowd? High school is a big transition in everyone’s life, one which results in excitement, but can also cause stress. However, getting into the swing of things is easier than it seems, so try fol-
lowing this guide to help you fully settle in to the madness that is secondary school. 1. Learn about your new environment. Explore the school. Get to know your peers, teachers, and classes because you are more likely to succeed in an environment that you feel comfortable in. 2. Meet new people. The more, the merrier!
This way, you will have people on whom you can rely on, regardless of the situation. Keep especially close to the people who motivate and inspire you, as they will encourage and influence you to perform well. 3. Get to know your teachers and make use of them. Each teacher has a different style of teaching, so try to adapt to them. They are
here to help you reach your goals, so take the initiative to get help when you need it in order to achieve success! 4. Do not procrastinate. Time management is crucial in high school, especially during grades eleven and twelve, so learn this skill now. Try to finish all assigned homework on time, meet all deadlines, and make study notes
throughout your courses. 5. Use your agenda. This will help with time management. It will aid in creating a schedule that will organize all your school work and other commitments. 6. Join extra-curricular activities.There are many opportunities at school to get involved, so take full advantage of them! You will meet new people, make new
What do you plan to do next? by: Bhaven Moorthy
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he most challenging task students are presented with while they navigate through high school is what they want to do in the future. We are told that our future, and our happiness, all depend on this choice. We can agree that this decision is not an easy one to make, but it, undeniably, is one that must be made
eventually. Some seniors have already made fairly conscious choices in regards to what we would like to do with our future, so I figured that one of the best ways to help others make a decision is to read about the ways we made ours. “I spent hours and hours reading sports articles, at school and at home. I constantly found myself studying a variety of sports. The
thing is, I didn’t feel like I was studying at all. The few hours that weren’t spent on something sports-related, were spent writing for my own enjoyment. I’ve always enjoyed writing and the feeling that comes with being proud of a completed piece, so I figured I might as well attempt to make a living off of what I love to do.” – Jai Boyal, an aspiring sports journalist.
“I’ve always loved helping people and I would do so in many ways. I volunteer a lot because I like knowing that what I’m doing will benefit somebody who really needs it. That’s why I decided I wanted to become a teacher. I want to make a change in the lives of people and I think teachers are lucky enough to be able to do something like that” – Ahmed Duale, a
promising future educator. For me, thinking about the future was overwhelming, so I started to think about my past instead; I started to think about my childhood. I was a quiet kid, but I always managed to get what I wanted because I would say whatever it took to get it. It was when I was 5 years old, after I convinced my dad to buy me an overpriced deck
friends, and build memories that will last a lifetime. 7. Relax! Close your eyes, unwind, and reflect on your day. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep per night, and live a balanced lifestyle. Remember that stress, especially in high school, will always be part of life, and that sometimes, you will have to learn to just let go, and enjoy the ride!
of YuGiOh cards, that he told me I would be a great lawyer. I recently made the decision to pursue a career in law, because I know my five year old self would be proud. Contemplating the future is hard, but a lot of us have learned that it can be a little bit easier if you do some honest soul-searching. Now, students of Glenforest, it is your turn.
VOLUME 23, ISSUE 1 FALL 2013 PAGE 9
around GFSS
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by: Jamey Irwin
nly two months of school have passed, but students can already be found stumbling half-awake to their first period class, with eyes half-open, and their heads on their desk. While this could be evidence of having pulled an all-nighter to study, researchshows that even the teens who have won the war on procrastination continue stay-
ing up late and feeling sleep deprived in the morning. The Journal of Adolescent Health claims that 92% of secondary school students are not getting enough sleep. Although it might not be our fault. Recent studies suggest that as teenagers, our bodies are temporarily reprogramed to fall asleep later and, thusly, wake up later, so it becomes easier to understand how sleeping late and rising ear-
ly for school can have negative effects on our bodies. Occasional sleepless nights are easier on some than others, but the National Sleep Foundation has put forward scary outcomes for continuous deprivation, including depression, loss of IQ points, lack of concentration, and a weakened immune system. Some suggest that this lack of sleep and weakened immune system can also lead to a higher risk of cancer
or heart disease. Direct correlations have also been drawn between hours of sleep and school grades-even if you’re spending the night studying, it’s the students who are getting enough sleep that ultimately receive the higher grade. So how can you sleep earlier and avoid dozing in class? Try using the tips below to help you out throughout the upcoming school year: 1. Don’t play “catch-
up”. Making up for sleep lost during the week on the weekend doesn’t work. Pick a bedtime, stick to it, and after a few weeks, the sleep pattern is set and falling asleep early won’t be so hard. Also ensure that you are managing your time wisely so that you don’t break the habit by staying up to finish schoolwork. 2. Avoid caffeine after 4pm. Doing so will greatly reduce the feigned energy you feel
before going to bed, and will help you fall asleep faster. 3. Don’t over-nap. Twenty minute power-naps are effective, but any longer than that and you’ll find sleeping at night to be much harder. 4. Turn off your computer an hour before you sleep. Your body can’t produce the chemicals that cause drowsiness in brightness, so perhaps use this time to review notes in a dimmer light.
The power of creativity by: Monisha Ambwani
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s the infamous Pablo Picasso once said, “All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” Creativity is, essentially, the core of human existence. As human beings, we have a need to express our deepest feelings, and ultimately we’re happiest when other people understand what we are trying to get across. However, instead of embracing the artist within us, we are often diminishing it. Creativity isn’t
always embraced; it’s neglected and misunderstood. For some reason, school systems have shifted focus from the arts to sciences. We’ve become less concerned with literature and more involved in learning how to derive a polynomial function. Slowly, but surely, our lifestyle is squandering our creative instincts, thus hindering the important influence of creativity on the human persona. Research on creativity has shown a trend called the “fourth grade slump” across various cultures. Briefly, the findings indi-
cate that when children begin school in their early years, their level of creativity is evident and often flourishing. However, by the time they reach the fourth grade, they have become more conforming, less likely to take risks, and less spontaneous compared to their earlier years. Creativity is powerful. It allows for expression and skill development. It promotes self-exploration and character development in the masses. However, it’s even more powerful outside the self; art forms have sparked various contro-
versies, and spread political and educational ideologies to the masses. They’ve made viewers re-evaluate their thoughts and have instigated change. The possibilities are endless yet as human beings we still have failed to reach our creative potential. Picasso also said that everyone is an artist. As high school students, we may not have the power to spark political controversy with a painting, but we do have the power to achieve our creative potential. We all have feelings to express, spontaneity to embrace and creative instincts
to adhere too. Sure, other things such as math and science are important, but it’s time to embrace you! Grab a paintbrush, direct a play, or write a novel. Do something worthwhile. Do something that nurtures the creative soul inside of you. It’s okay to be wrong. It’s okay to be scared and to leave your chemistry homework alone for a while. Albert Einstein once said, “To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination and marks real advance in science.”
The great embrace the power of creativity, and now it’s our turn to follow their examples. Going from chaos to a concept to developing an entire creation is ultimately an art form – one that’s not only reserved for artists, but applies to everyone. Embrace, express, create, think, grow. That’s the power of creativity.
VOLUME 23, ISSUE 1 FALL 2013 PAGE 10
reviews and debates The iPhone vs Androids
by: Haris Saud (Android) & Sravya Medasani (iOS)
Appearance
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f you had a choice between BMW and Toyota, the obvious pick would be the BMW. Similarly, in the battle between the iPhone and an Android, the sleek, shiny Apple device is the clear winner. Choosing otherwise is choosing the clunky, beat-up Toyota that was a hand-me-down from grandma. The iPhone is polished and sophisticated, chic and elegant; what more can you ask for? Better yet, the new iPhone 5S comes with tweaks to the classic design, and in three brilliant new shades. In comparison, Android phones look unkempt and dull. The iPhone 5C, the recently released beauty, comes in all shades of the rainbow, and is charming without compromising the good looks that seemingly run in the family. If you’re still skeptical over the allure of an iPhone, riddle me this: the BMW or the Toyota?
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eauty is in the eye of the beholder. With so many different eyes to please, is it possible for a single phone to appeal to everyone? Of course not. So what’s the solution? Android. Choices. Android has left Apple in the dust and now offers many beautiful and elegant phones. While Apple recycles the same design year after year, Android has released the HTC One, the Samsung Galaxy S4, and the Google Nexus 4. These three, particularly the HTC One, are some of the most beautiful phones out there. With the One’s full-metal aluminum body, the S4’s sleek and slim bezel, and the Nexus 4’s sharp and sexy glass design, Apple simply cannot compare. We have come to a point where the iPhone and its recycled design is nothing special anymore. When you’re in a room full of smartphones, the iPhone is not the one that stands out - the HTC is.
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Prestige
hy fix something that isn't broken? The iPhone is a classic; its design is one that will go down in history, while the rest are simply passing fads. In a world where trends are ever-changing and the coolest are the fittest, the iPhone has stood the test of time. The world's coolest, most popular people generally use one thing - the iPhone. The graphics are stunning, the camera is beyond measure, and with the plethora of apps, the iPhone dominates, and will be ten years from now when Androids are long gone.
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pple is not what’s cool anymore. Dumbed-down and unbelievably limited is not the fad. Android now possesses the “It” factor. Android has ridiculously surpassed Apple in terms of hardware specs, and the general crowd now realizes that specs matter. With 1080p screens, quad-core processors, and 13 MP cameras, Apple is now playing catch-up as they try to match the power of Android. A fast phone is what’s cool, and the smart would agree that Android has some of the fastest phones.
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Software
s far as software is concerned, Apple has you covered. With the launch of the iOS 7, Apple has completely reshaped the way the iPhone operates. App icons have been designed to be translucent and minimalistic, and combined with defined fonts and controls, the screen appears deeper and larger. Apps are automatically updated in the background and frequented ones are updated smartly to save energy. Multi-tasking has never been easier with the new display: a quick-settings control panel has been added to control Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, music and other features. Also, meet Siri, the smarter, more useful version of her older sister from the past devices, who can acquire answers from Bing, Twitter and Wikipedia. The iPhone now comes with built-in software such as Pages, Numbers, iMovie, and Keynote, which turns your smartphone into a word processing, movie-editing, spreadsheet-creating freak. This is not including the 900,000+ apps in the app store. Oh, and there’s also a new feature on iTunes, very reminiscent of Pandora.
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he Android software is simply the best there is. Why, you may ask? Because it’s anything you want it to be. With custom launchers, Android users can add all sorts of extra features to their phones, from gestures to control setting toggles. It’s sort of like jailbreaking your iPhone, but much cooler and much more customizable. Android users can also add widgets of their favourite applications to their home screens, a feature that’s been missing in iOS for quite a while. Furthermore, Android offers Adobe Flash and allows wireless installation of apps to phones from the user’s computer. Want another benefit of the flexibility and customization offered by Android? You can have any keyboard you like, and you’re not limited to Apple’s outdated keyboard. For advanced users who like complete freedom, Android offers them a chance to install custom ROMs, which completely changes the software to their tastes. From a simplistic Cyanogenmod ROM to a feature-loaded HTC Sense ROM, there is no limit to an Android user’s freedom. The icing on the cake? If Android users want iOS, there are quite a few launchers and ROMs that transform their Android into an iPhone. What more could you want? Now that you’ve seen the benefits of both phones, the decision is yours – which one do you like better?
reviews and debates
VOLUME 23, ISSUE 1 FALL 2013 PAGE 11
The love for Toronto sports has returned
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by: Jai Boyal
eing a Toronto sports fan can often be a full time job. Devoting yourself to a group of franchises who seem to struggle with anything but irrelevancy every year can take its toll on a person, but it may be getting a little easier. Prior to the 2012-13 season the Maple Leafs had missed the playoffs for eight consecutive years, the
Raptors haven’t made the post season in five years, and the Blue Jays? Well they’ve only missed out on October baseball for the last 20 years, and are in the midst of a dismal 2013 season. Yet, somehow, it appears that Toronto sports have turned the corner. The closing of the horrific baseball season for the Blue Jays signifies the start of the Leaf ’s newer season with
the Raptor’s opening day just around the corner. For those who bleed blue, this is arguably the most anticipated season in recent memory. Although it felt as if the city’s heart had been ripped out at the hands of the Bruins last season, it appears Leafs nation is stronger than ever. The expectations placed on this year’s roster can be attributed to GM Dave Nonis who may have finally found
the organization’s number one goaltender; Jonathan Bernier. Nonis has also brought in Toronto native David Clarkson who will vastly improve the team’s top six forwards and ultimately try and lead the buds back into their glory days. The GTA has always been known as a hockey town and always will be. However, the basketball team is attracting more and more attention with
survive. If not for the quick thinking of one of Earth’s greatest military commanders, Earth would cease to exist. However, the Buggers would inevitably return and mankind would need to protect itself. This led to the creation of the Battle School, and a program designed to train children as commanders for the military; for the next Formic invasion. One of these children is Ender Wiggin, who is six years old, and is destined to be the
greatest commander Earth’s military has ever seen. The novel is unique because it deals with a subject matter that many authors will not write about that take place in today’s world; the subject of child soldiers, and the ethics behind using children as a means to win a war. With that aside, it is safe to say that even though Ender’s Game depicts the brutality of children many people are not acquainted with, the book itself is an insightful read. The
book shows a deeper understanding on how genius children interpret things, and the way military personnel make their decisions. From the first page to the last, every word experienced in Ender’s Game holds meaning, and every emotion a person can possibly feel is experienced. This book is not about child soldiers, but is in fact about how far a person a child will go to win.
1.Camscanner Not everyone has a scanner or want to fuss with using it, but Camscanner allows you to take any sheet and scan it right onto your device. The app is able to digitize, sync, share, and manage various contents straight from your device. So the next time you borrow your friend’s notes, you won’t have to copy them by hand. Instead, just take a picture and let the app do the rest !
2. Wanelo Have you ever been on Tumblr or seen a picture of something that you really want, but have no idea where to buy it? Wanelo is a hybrid between a wishlist and an online shop, where there are millions of things you can get right at your fingertips.
3. Band of the Day This app helps one discover a new artist every single day. The app provides a biography of the artist which includes their respective works, such as: photographs of them, videos, and free music. It is good way to find upcoming artists and to listen to music outside of one’s usual genre.
Ender's Game review by: Zainab Olasege Li
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nder’s Game is the first book in a series of books called Ender’s Saga, written by Orson Scott Card. The book is set in Earth’s future, where humanity has mastered interplanetary travel, and is now faced with a global threat called the Buggers. After Earth’s first and second war with the Buggers, referred to in the novel as the first and second Formic war, Earth was barely able to
each season. "There’s definitely more people paying attention now. We finally have a chance to make the playoffs," says Raptors advocate Adis Kucukovic. This seasons’ line up is projected to be the strongest since the 2007-08 season, when the Raptors last made it into the playoffs. Rudy Gay, the leader of the team, is entering his first full season in Toronto and Jonas Valanciunas, who is fresh off his summer league MVP, is expected to crack the starting lineup and have a great impact this season. Most fans would see this season as a
playoff must for the country's only professional basketball team and with the roster’s core still in place, the playoff picture looks as clear as ever. The truth is, Toronto sports will always have its ups and downs. The glory days of the Leafs in the 60’s, the 90’s when the Jays seemed unbeatable, and to the past decade where it seemed T.O. would never win another championship. But in the year 2013, we once again have hope and reason to believe that the championship banner will once again return to the city of Toronto.
5 awesome apps at Apple T
by: Ming Li
echnology significantly affects our society, and it has changed our lives for the better in many ways. One piece of technology that never seems to leave the hands of students is their smartphone. They allow people to text, call, go on the internet, listen to music, etc. These smartphones are able to be multi-functional due to countless mobile applications. The applications can be used for productivity, information retrieval, games, banking, shopping, and more. Here are 5 awesome apps you might not have known about: Apple’s App Store has over 650,000 available apps to download onto your device. With all the fun and creative apps available, at your disposal, you can make having a smartphone exciting and different!
4. Cinebeat Allows you to auto-tune your voice and create music videos in 18 different filters. The app transforms simple videos into music videos filled with visual and audio styles, as well as background melodies. You can send these to your friends and family, or upload them to the Cinebeat community. Inside the community, you can also watch other people’s videos.
5. Despicable Me: Minion Rush This fun and cute game allows players to become a minion, running through different settings in the movie, such as Gru’s Lab or El Macho’s Lair. They can jump, fly, dodge obstacles, and collect bananas. It is definitely an addicting game for anyone who gives it a try!
comics by: Victoria Le & Suriya Ratnam
by: Jeffrey Xu
by: Lena Phan & Carole Handy
by: Bernadette Abalos
VOLUME 23, ISSUE 1 FALL 2013 PAGE 12
For the students, by the students.