mwplanet

[mwplanet]

Arcane Season 2: A Masterclass in Animation and Storytelling

The second season of Arcane dazzles with breathtaking animation, masterful production, and a climactic conclusion that left fans amazed, devastated, and eager for more.

By Isabelle Alon

Arcane: League of Legends: Season 2 Poster Photo via Rotten Tomatoes

In 2021, the Netflix Original series Arcane baffled viewers with its indisputable quality and intricacy. As an animated exploration of the universe behind the hit video game, League of Legends, the series’ first season exceeded nearly all prior expectations of the show with its high levels of visual detail and effective storytelling—League of Legends fans and casual viewers alike were captivated with the show and made demands for more. 

Fortunately—although 3 years in the making—the pleas of millions of Arcane fans were eventually answered.

In its first season, Arcane explored—and introduced non-gamer viewers to—the conflicts between Piltover and Zaun, two relevant worlds and settings in the League of Legends franchise. The second season’s first three episodes, which aired on November 9th, 2024, comprised Act I of the season and picked up within moments of season one’s conclusion in a seamless continuation of the ongoing plot, and the resultant aftermath of season one’s cliffhanger. 

Act II, made up of episodes four to six, was where the season felt as if it truly began to evolve. It aired a week later on November 16th, and weaved in fresh, unexpected twists while raising tensions between characters, and the stakes of the show’s central conflict. Even the anticipated developments—particularly for those familiar with League of Legends lore—are executed in ways that still manage to surprise.

Its final act, from episodes seven to nine, provided heart-stopping sequences of events leading up to its devastating ending. It delivers a powerful culmination of the season’s build-up, blending emotional segments, breathtaking action, and stunning visuals. As tensions between Piltover and Zaun reach their peak, the resolution of key storylines is both satisfying and thought-provoking. While the final act resolved most of Arcane’s storylines, it also left the door  open for future exploration, teasing even greater stakes, and leaving hints towards the exploration of other characters from different regions of the League of Legends universe. Fans will undoubtedly find themselves reeling from the emotional impact of the ending, and eagerly awaiting what lies ahead for these richly developed characters, generating attention towards the video game franchise, as well.

The intricate storytelling, symbolism, and immersive soundtrack interwoven throughout the series enhanced its narrative and even linked it to real-world conflicts. Relevant themes such as socioeconomic inequalities, power and corruption, and the consequences of excessive technological advancements are thoroughly examined, accompanied by a clever plot that tied in religious symbolism and universal familial conflicts. As well, season two’s soundtrack, featuring  d4vd, Ashnikko, Twenty One Pilots, and King Princess, and several more rising artists, allowed scenes to produce more emotional and atmospheric depth.

However, it was undeniably the animation in Season 2 that truly elevated Arcane to new heights. While the first season’s visuals were already phenomenal, animation studio Fortiche has pushed the boundaries even further. The second season of Arcane boasted the largest budget used for an animated show in history, though the massive $250 million budget was evidently well spent. This season embraces a much more dynamic artistic approach, experimenting with different styles and visual effects, particularly during its most pivotal moments. This creative evolution not only amplifies the emotional depth of the series but also ensures it feels endlessly captivating; nearly every frame in the show feels like their own illustrations. In terms of animation, the only works that rival Arcane on this level are the films Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Across the Spider-Verse, which are clearly significant influences.

In conclusion, Arcane Season 2 continued to impress audiences with its excellent storytelling, worldbuilding, and the cohesive development of its characters. Furthermore, it pushed the boundaries of what animated shows can achieve and strive towards in the future. With its intricate setting/character development and its exploration of numerous impactful themes, Arcane’s long-awaited second season ultimately leaves viewers both satisfied and hungry for the next chapter in the League of Legends universe.

[mwplanet]

CLUBS AT MARY WARD: GET INVOLVED!

A brief overview of all the amazing clubs we offer at Mary Ward

By Cristoffe Sy

Club Fair at Mary Ward Photo via SAC

Ever feel an itch to serve your community, want to gain valuable learning experience, want to bulk up your resume? If so, peruse through the various co-curricular offerings here at Mary Ward!

ADRENALYN Good at breaking it on the dance floor? Consider joining Adrenalyn, Mary Ward’s very own dance crew for over 15+ years! Auditions are over. However, you all current Grade 9-11s can try out next year!

Instagram: @teamadrenalyn

ANIME SOCIETY Are you an anime fanatic? Drop-by Anime Society in the library conference room (Room 233d) every Thursday at lunch! 

Instagram: @mwanimesociety Google Classroom: 2vlpiqr

ARTS COUNCIL Taking an art course at Ward? Want to help run Mary Ward’s annual art show? Keep an eye out for Arts Council applications later this year! Speak to your art teacher if you have any questions!

BREAKFAST CLUB Are you an early-bird? Want extra community-service hours? Join the Breakfast Club and help the snack program in the morning! Talk to Mr. Coleman, in French, for more details and how to join!

BEST BUDDIES Love talking and meeting new people? Drop-by Best Buddies every Thursday at lunch in the library (Room 233)! Participate in games, meet new people, and have load of fun!

Instagram: @mwbestbuddies

BLACK STUDENT ASSOCIATION (BSA) Want to address inequity and ensure your voice is heard? Join Mary Ward’s first BSA today! Refer to the announcements for meeting dates and you can always reach out to Ms. Weathers, in Family Studies, if you have any questions.

DECA Want to be more confident in your presentation skills? Want to develop your soft skills? Think about joining DECA. Registration for competitions is closed but Grade 9-11s are open to register to compete for next year!

Instagram: @decaatward

DRAMA COUNCIL Taking drama? Want to help out with Mary Ward’s annual theatrical production? Join the Drama Council and do just that! Talk to Mr. Tuccitto, in Drama, to learn more about how to join the Drama Council.

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS Want to make your deepest fantasies a reality? Ever considered roleplay? Come by Dungeons and Dragons to try your luck at D&D! Look out for announcements and join the Google Classroom to know when they meet!

Google Classroom: sxnbnrs

GENDER JUSTICE Passion about promoting the female genius and striving to create a more inclusive community? Join Gender Justice and bridge the gap! Meeting every other Tuesday at lunch in CWS (Room 305)

Instagram: @maryward_genderjustice Google Classroom: ewlfmrz

GIVE CLUB/A-TEAM Want to give back to the community? Want to earn community-service hours? Join Give Club & A Team today! Talk to Mr. Fernandez for more information and keep an eye out for the announcements!

Google Classroom: ii5t5ay

GOOD EATS Like to bake or cook? Want to raise funds for charity at the same time? Then Good Eats is perfect for you! Listen to the announcements for more updates coming soon!

GREEN QUEST Want to help the environment? Want to get extra volunteer hours? If so, Green Quest is just for you! Meetings every Friday at lunch in the Science Seminar Room (Room 328).

Instagram: @wardgreenquest Google Classroom: zhwdl4l

Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) Want to create a more inclusive community? Think about joining GSA and making Mary Ward a more vibrant community! Meetings every Wednesday at lunch in CWS (Room 305)

Instagram: @mwardgsa Google Classroom: qxyhl2r

HOSA Aspiring healthcare professional? Want to learn more about the health sciences? Drop-by or compete with HOSA and gain valuable healthcare experience! More information can be found on their Google Classroom and Instagram!

Instagram: @marywardhosa Google Classroom: et4aiho

JACK.ORG Passionate about mental health? Want to be an agent for mental health advocacy? Join JACK.ORG today! Meeting every Thursday @ lunch in the library conference room (Room 233d).

Instagram: mwjack.orgchapter Google Classroom: jmyrsyb

MODEL UN Are you a yapper? Like to debate and simulate a United Nations conference? Compete in Model UN! More information on Google Classroom.

Google Classroom: icexcpe

MW PLANET Creative, and love to write? Want to get English quest units? Write for the MW Planet today! Meetings every Monday at lunch in Comm Tech (Room 129).

Instagram: @mw.planet Google Classroom: ibjlwjq

MW READS Are you an avid reader? Want good book recs? Come by Mary Ward’s own book club! More information on Google Classroom.

Google Classroom: i22d3ew

PHOTO CLUB Want to capture memorable moments? Know your way or want to learn your way around a camera? Be a part of Mary Ward’s Photography Club. Meeting every Friday at lunch in Comm Tech (Room 129).

Instagram: @_.wardphoto._ Google Classroom: pddcm2x

ROBOTICS Want to build cool robots? Curious about mechanics and technology? Compete with Wolverine Robotics! Talk to Mr. D’addario, in Technologies, today!

STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL Interested in hosting events? Want to voice the concerns of the students? Apply for Student Advisory Council (SAC). Applications will reopen in May for the 2024-2025 school year.

Instagram: @marywardsac

SAFE SCHOOLS Want to create a safer digital and physical environment at Ward? Take part in Mary Ward Safe Schools. Meetings every Thursday at lunch in InSPire (Room 111E).

STEAM Want to apply your knowledge of STEAM? Want Math quest units? Participate in STEAM events happening year round! Keep an eye out for STEAM on the announcements, Instagram, and Google Classroom to stay up-to-date.

Instagram: @marywardsteam Google Classroom: 3wfuhtc

TECH CREW Know your way around technology? Need extra volunteer hours? Join Tech Crew and be a helping hand for assemblies or even help with set and costume design for Ward’s theatre productions! Speak to Mr. Tuccitto, in Drama, and join Google Classroom.

Google Classroom: 6ixsq3p

TUTORING CLUB Want snacks and a place to work after school? Have questions about school? Come to tutoring drop-in sessions every Tuesday and Thursday, in the library (Room 233), after school from 2:40-4:00 pm! See you there!

Instagram: marywardtutoring

WARD ATHLETIC COUNCIL Got a kick for sports? Want to bring the hype to games and host rallies? Join the Ward Athletic Council (WAC) today! Meetings every Wednesday at lunch in InSPire (Room 111E).

Instagram: @marywardwac

WARD IN COLOUR Interested in the digital and visual arts? Always had an urge to model? Be one of the visionaries of Mary Ward’s very-own zine club. Meetings Wednesday at lunch in Comm Tech (Room 129).

Instagram: @wardincolour Google Classroom: bp6qti4

YEARBOOK Want to compile memories? Want to learn how to use Adobe applications? Create the yearbook today! Meetings Thursdays at lunch in Comm Tech (Room 129).

Instagram: @marywardyearbook Google Classroom: 7qsl5su

It goes without saying that this is but a sample of all the offerings here at Mary Ward. Students are encouraged to create their own club if it doesn’t already exist! Students have a number of other opportunities including OASIS, Camp Olympia, and various volunteer positions over the school year!

[mwplanet]

Walmart Employee Found Dead In Store's Walk-In Oven In A Tragic Accident

19 Year Old Gursimran Kaur Found Dead In A Walmart Oven 

By Sienna Ramos

Picture of Gursimran Kaur Photo via National Post

On Saturday October 19 Gursimran’s body was found in “a large walk-in oven belonging to the store’s bakery department.”

Gursimran Kaur and her mother had both worked at the Halifax Walmart at 6990 Mumford Rd for roughly two years. On the evening of October 19, Gursimran had not been  seen for approximately an hour during her shift, causing her mother to begin to panic. Mrs. Kaur asked around and tried to contact Gursimran on her cell phone multiple times, failing to reach her. This was unusual because Gursimran is normally reachable and her phone is never turned off due to her and her mothers hourly check-ins. After searching for a while, a co-worker eventually noticed and pointed out a “leakage” from the walk-in oven, leading to Mrs.Kaur finding the devastating scene of her daughter’s “charred remains”. 

Once the story of her death got out, the public's interest and questions about the situation grew considering the lack of information provided by the authorities and the misalignment of information. 

Walmart employees on social media platforms such as Tiktok began to demonstrate and explain the impossibility of an individual accidentally locking themselves in the walk-in oven due to the oven's inability to latch by itself, and the existing emergency release button inside the oven. Walmart employees on Tik Tok also claimed that they had never been/are required to clean the walk-in oven; which is what Gursimran was supposedly said to be doing at the time. If this were true, many viewers began to wonder why she would be cleaning the oven, and why it was turned on.

Soon, circulating questions eventually caused various rumors to spread, like her mother or co-workers potentially being involved in the death of Gursimran Kaur. Eventually, officials declared, “We won’t be able to release any details like that at this time where it’s still an ongoing investigation.” Halifax officials also claimed the case to be “complex” and would take “a significant amount of time” to acquire a result from the investigation before they release further information to the public, and ushers the public to refrain from speculating the situation, in order to respect and take the feeling of Gursimans family into consideration.

Rimple Dhunna, a local realtor who recently visited the Kaur family stated, “Her daughter died, and they did not even get any response from the police or any investigating officer (regarding) what’s going on, how did that happen, all those questions. They are devastated.”  Due to the Halifax Regional Police staying silent about the investigation, Gursimrans family are left uninformed with many questions about the investigation and left unknowing of how or why their beloved daughter died.

Police officials in charge of the investigation finally declared there to be “no foul play” involved in regards to Gursimrans’s death ruling the possibility of murder. 

Further information in regards to why and how she died is still left undisclosed. Until the Halifax Police release this information, her death will remain a mystery to the public. For now, all we can ask ourselves is, what really happened to Gursimran Kaur?

[mwplanet]

Taylor Swift Fan Dies at Eras Tour Concert in Brazil

The tragic death of 23-year-old fan Ana Clara Benevides Machado in Rio's extreme heat

By Daphne Da Costa

Taylor Swift with the family of Ana Clara Benevides Machado Photo via Global News

On November 17, 2023, a 23-year-old Taylor Swift fan, Ana Clara Benevides Machado, tragically died while attending the pop star's Eras tour concert in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

It was initially reported that Ana had died before Swift came onstage, but it was later said that she fell ill and lost consciousness at around 7:30 p.m. during the second song on the setlist, “Cruel Summer”. 

Ana waited in a line outside the stadium for about eight hours before stadium personnel allowed entry. She posted pictures and videos of herself on social media and described the long waiting experience as a "mess". Shortly after the concert began, she began to feel unwell and reported to paramedics before passing out. She was taken to Salgado Filho Hospital, where she arrived without a pulse. She was pronounced dead from cardiac arrest due to dehydration after an hour of failed resuscitation attempts.

Rio de Janeiro recorded an abnormal heat index of 59.3°C, as part of a heat wave in South America, on the day of the concert, which was attended by over 60,000 people. T4F, the entertainment company, reportedly prohibited concertgoers from bringing their food and water into the venue, which caused about a thousand dehydrated attendees to faint before and during the show.

An attendee of the concert compared the conditions inside the Nilton Santos Olympic stadium to a sauna: “It was extremely hot. My hair got so wet from sweat as soon as I came in. There was a point at which I had to check my breathing to make sure I wasn't going to pass out.” Other attendees stated that the venue closed its vents to prevent outsiders from viewing the concert, further worsening the high temperatures inside the stadium.

Ana’s death sparked widespread public criticism of T4F for poor concert management. Many Swifties claimed that the water bottle ban, exacerbated by the heat wave and the stadium’s closed vents, caused many attendees to fall sick and ultimately led to Benevides’ death. 

Taylor Swift told her fans that she wouldn’t be speaking about Ana while on stage because she was “overwhelmed by grief when I even try to talk about it.”

Taylor Swift addressed the fan's death in an Instagram post, saying, “I can't believe I'm writing these words but it is with a shattered heart that I say we lost a fan earlier tonight before my show. I can't even tell you how devastated I am by this. There's very little information I have other than the fact that she was so incredibly beautiful and far too young.” Swift's Instagram story, commenting on the fan's death, was posted after the show.

Benevides’ death shook many people in Brazil. She had taken her first flight ever to travel from the country’s centre-west region to Rio to see Swift, who was her favourite musician. Fans and politicians have reacted to her death with outrage, speculating that it was linked to the extreme heat conditions in Rio.

[mwplanet]

What's Better Than One Cheeto?

Interviewing Mr. Tuccitto and insight about the upcoming musical, Mamma Mia!

By: Katrina Rodriguez

Mr Tuccitto and Drama Council Vice President Katrina Rodriguez Photo by Sherika Anthony

A new school year means big new things, especially for the drama program at Mary Ward. This year, it includes the upcoming production of Mamma Mia! being performed in the spring, and our new teacher, Mr. Tuccitto!

Mr. Tuccitto is an English and drama teacher, who has taught here in previous years. His undergraduate program was for drama education and community, with its purpose being to use drama techniques to teach other subjects and new material. He loved drama since he was in grade nine, stating, “I was sitting in drama class and thinking, ‘I want to do that.’ I know that doesn’t happen to everybody, so I’m happy I found something I loved right away.” He was a part of a variety of different shows and musicals before jumping into drama education. He was interviewed in regards to the production, and his hopes for the drama program.

K: How would you describe Mamma Mia! in a spoiler- free way?

T: “Mamma Mia! is a woman’s quest to find what she thinks is missing from her life, but at the end of the story she learns that she had everything she needed all along.”

K: Is there any message that you want students to take away when they watch? T: “I never really considered it, but the main message is to not take what you have for granted, and really appreciate what you have and what’s in front of you.”

K: What are you most excited about when directing?

T: “I’m excited to revive some of the enthusiasm around the drama program. I’m trying to have as many elementary students as possible come to see the show through some previews, and I want to have a school preview. I’m excited to get as many kids as possible in our theatre so we can show as many people what we can do.”

K: Do you have a favourite song from the musical?

T: That’s tricky, there are so many catchy songs. The one I sing the most and that gets caught in my head the most, is not one I would play, but I love Money, Money, Money.

K: How does it feel being back teaching at Mary Ward?

T: “It feels so good, it feels like coming home and I’m really excited. When I was here five years ago, there was a ton of pressure and emotion because the teacher, Mr. Dalton, had just passed away. The pressure was different then, it was more that I wanted to keep things going to make sure the kids are being supported. It’s almost a different pressure coming around as the drama teacher. The culture has shifted so much, it’s almost like a fresh start, which to Mr. Mabrucco’s credit, I would have had a difficult time starting fresh. Mr. Dalton was such a big influence, and I would have wanted to really keep that alive, and having someone in between that shifted things and tried to change things in their own way was beneficial in the sense that it gives me a chance to start fresh.”

K: Are there any changes that you want to make for the drama program as a whole?

T: “I want this program to come back to being as popular as it used to be. I love seeing the drama department have kids in it and working on stuff. The more people who are here, the more people will sign up and feel that they’re welcome. A big part of the program five years ago was the tech course, I would like to bring it back if possible. That was often an outlet for a lot of students who weren’t able to quite find their niche, so that is one I want to bring back. I am excited for NTS (National Theatre School competition), that’s my specialty so I’m super pumped for it. There might be some changes next year in terms of what the drama department does as the year progresses, there is a lot that we are doing this year, and dialing it back a little bit to focus on our big projects is a good choice, but I don’t want to make too many changes, it’s more about bringing it back.”

In conclusion, Mr. Tuccitto has offered a glimpse into his passions and aspirations for our school’s drama program. As we eagerly anticipate Mamma Mia!, and with auditions wrapped and a cast in place, the curtain is about to rise on a new era of Mary Ward’s stage.

[mwplanet]

Five Nights At Freddy's

A review of the onscreen adaptation of the 2014 video game

By Katrina Rodriguez

The poster for Five Nights at Freddy's Photo via Universal Pictures

Five Nights at Freddy’s, also known as FNAF, is an indie horror video game franchise made by Scott Cawthon. Its first video game was released on August 8, 2014, and garnered attention and popularity immediately following. The main video game series comprises of nine video games but also includes several books and the new release of the adaptation movie.

The first game surrounds Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, a popular family pizzeria, whose main attraction consists of four animatronic characters, Bonnie, Foxy, Chica and Freddy Fazbear. The player’s goal is to survive the night shift as the security guard, which includes monitoring cameras and doors, and managing the electricity. The games in the series and the overall lore, continued being developed throughout the franchise’s progression, which now consists of multiple new games, books, and its awaited movie. The game received rapid attention from YouTube gaming sensations such as Markiplier, 8-Bit Ryan, CoryxKenshin and many others, and has built a large following online.

The Five Nights at Freddy’s film adaptation was first announced on April 7, 2015, originally under Warner Brother Studios and Gil Kenan as the director and co-writer. The production experienced several delays and was announced to be under Blumhouse Productions with Chris Columbus as the new director and co-writer in March 2017. Emma Tammi was announced as Columbus’ replacement in October 2022 after he left the production. The film was finally released on October 26, 2023, and has earned more than $215 million in revenue. The film stars Josh Hutcherson as the protagonist, Mike Schmidt, who is accompanied by Piper Rubio, Elizabeth Lail, Wyatt Parker and Matthew Lillard as the supporting characters.

The film has had split reactions between critics and viewers, with a 29% on Rotten Tomatoes, but an 88% audience score. A variety of critic reviews describe the film as unscary, muddled and overstuffed with lore while lacking development. In contrast, fans praise the film for its ability to capture the fun spirit of the game and incorporate the lore that fans have been uncovering for years.

In my opinion, I had a blast watching FNAF! As someone who has been a fan of the game since its release, and grew up watching many gameplays of the original, I feel it greatly satisfied a part of my childhood. I do not think the film was supposed to be “good,” in an Oscar-winning way, but rather that it was good because it was fun, and catered to a certain demographic. I love how in touch the film was with internet culture and it truly sparked excitement for me. There are so many faithful fans who have been waiting for this film’s release, and it’s fantastic to see the praise that Five Nights at Freddy’s is receiving. Overall, Five Nights at Freddy’s has created a whirlwind of excitement for old and new fans of the game, lore and internet culture.

[mwplanet]

Celebrating the Legacy of Matthew Perry: Remembering a Comedy Icon

Celebrating the legacy of Matthew Perry

By Maritta Gostanian

Comedy Icon Matthew Perry Photo via CBC

It is with heavy hearts that we remember the life and career of Matthew Perry, who left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment upon his recent passing.  The talented actor, known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the hit TV show "Friends", was found dead in a drowning accident at his Los Angeles apartment on Saturday, October 28, 2023, leaving a void in the hearts of his fans and colleagues alike. 

Matthew Perry was born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts.  He was raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, where his father, John Bennett Perry, was a well-known actor and model.  This exposure to the world of acting from an early age undoubtedly played an important role in shaping Perry's own career. 

Matthew Perry's mother, Suzanne Morrison, had a notable career as the press secretary to former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.  Her role as a press secretary was integral to the functioning of the Canadian government, where she played a significant part in managing media relations and communication during Trudeau's time in office.  This background in politics likely influenced and shaped Matthew Perry's early exposure to the world of public life, contributing to his eventual career in the entertainment industry. 

From an early age, it was evident that Matthew had a flair for comedy and acting. He attended Ashbury College and later pursued his acting aspirations, eventually studying theater at the University of Southern California.  His journey into Hollywood was marked by hard work and dedication, which would eventually pay off in a big way. 

Matthew Perry's breakout role arrived in the mid-'90s when he was cast as Chandler Bing on the immensely popular television series "Friends”.  The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, and Perry's portrayal of the sarcastic and lovable Chandler endeared him to audiences worldwide.  For ten seasons, viewers couldn't get enough of his quick wit and memorable one-liners. 

Perry's work on "Friends" earned him critical acclaim and numerous nominations, including an Emmy Award nomination.  The show's enormous success catapulted him to stardom and made him one of the most recognizable and beloved actors of his generation. 

Following the end of "Friends", Matthew Perry continued to make his mark in the entertainment industry.  He appeared in various films and TV shows, including "The Whole Nine Yards", "17 Again", and "The Odd Couple".  His versatility as an actor allowed him to tackle a range of roles and genres, from comedy to drama, showcasing his exceptional talent. 

Perry’s last work was his memoir that he wrote, titled “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing” which was published almost a year ago, on November 1, 2022. 

Perry was not only a gifted actor but also a writer and producer.  He was involved in the creation and production of several television shows and films, including The Whole Nine Yards, demonstrating his commitment to the industry. 

Although Matthew Perry is no longer with us, his legacy endures through the timeless moments he brought to the screen.  He will forever be remembered for his unique comedic timing, memorable characters, and the joy he brought to millions of viewers. 

Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and fans during this difficult time. Matthew Perry's contributions to the world of entertainment will continue to bring smiles and laughter to people for generations to come. 

In memory of this extraordinary actor, we celebrate the life and work of Matthew Perry, a true talent and inspiration who will always have a special place in our hearts.

[mwplanet]

Advent Service Projects

Ward traditions for the season of giving

By Emmanuele Reyes

Aid to Women speaking at the Advent Service Project Assembly

Photo by Sarah Emery

As we prepare for advent Mary Ward has a tradition of TA advent projects every year. 2022 has been a rough year but this did not stop the Mary Ward community from giving and being charitable. Every year TAs join together to give love and to give what they can to a participating charity. This year the charities were Good Sheppard ministries, Covenant House, Aid to Women, and Loretto sisters. All TAs attended an assembly in the cafeteria where all charities introduced themselves. Good Sheppard ministries is a charitable aid for people experiencing homelessness, hunger, loneliness, and addictions. Covenant House is a foundation for youth experiencing homelessness and sex trafficking in Canada. Aid to women helps babies and moms in crisis pregnancies. Through the Angel foundation, the Loretto sisters help Immigrants and Refugees in Canada and throughout the world. 

All of these charities asked for our help through money, hygiene products, canned goods, clothing, and any life essentials someone in need can use. Following this, TAs chose a charity they wanted to give to. The charity chosen by TA#69 was Covenant house. Through the assembly, many know where the donations are going. This season of giving the whole school community has worked together for a great cause and truly embraced the virtue of Charity.

[mwplanet]

The Best World Cup Final in History?

A recap of arguably the most intense World Cup Final of all-time

By Joshua Crisologo

Lionel Messi heading Argentina’s victory at the 2022 World Cup

Photo via Reuters

On December 18, the 2022 FIFA World Cup came to a close; displaying a final that will be cemented as one of the best football matches in history. 

The World Cup Trophy was hoisted by Argentina, who defeated the previous champions, France, in a match for the ages. The final score was 3-3 after extra time, with Argentina winning 4-2 on penalties. 

Lionel Messi, one of the greatest football players of all time, scored the first goal of the match through a penalty in the 23rd minute. As celebration erupted, Argentina increased their lead through Ángel Di María’s goal in the 36th minute. Argentine jubilation filled the stadium that held 88,966 fans as halftime approached. The score was 2-0.

Fans of France had their hopes of a title slowly slip away until the French were given a penalty. Kylian Mbappé scored the penalty in the 80th minute with poise as the chances of a French comeback rose. Just under two minutes later, Mbappé added the equalizer for France off of an amazing volley, tying the score at 2. France was back in the game. Since the score was still tied at the end of regular time - the 90th minute - the match moved into extra time, which consisted of two 15 minute halves.

In the first half of extra time, Messi showcased his magic as he rebounded the ball into the goal in the 109th minute, making the score 3-2. Yet France bounced back once again as Mbappé scored his third goal of the match through another penalty in the 118th minute, earning himself the first hat trick (scoring three goals in the same match) in the World Cup finals since 1966. The score stayed 3-3 until the end of extra time, which meant that a penalty shootout would decide the winner. Argentina came out as the victor in penalties, as Gonzalo Montiel scored the winning penalty. 

Argentina was awarded the World Cup Trophy as the awards ceremony proceeded. The FIFA Young Player Award, awarded to the best player who is at most 21 years old, went to Argentina’s Enzo Fernández. The Golden Glove, awarded to the best goalkeeper, went to Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez, who made an amazing save in the finals near the end of extra time. The Golden Boot, awarded to the player who scored the most goals, was given to Mbappé, who scored 8 goals throughout the tournament. Lastly, the Golden Ball, which is given to the best overall player in the World Cup, was awarded to none other than Messi himself.

Mbappé, despite losing the World Cup, has only just turned 24. Already having earned a World Cup trophy back in 2018, the French superstar has a long and bright path ahead of him. On the other hand, the World Cup trophy is the latest piece added to Messi’s arsenal of awards - one of the only pieces he was missing. As Messi approaches retirement, it would be a shame if he wasn’t able to become a world champion. With the World Cup and another Golden Ball in his hands, Messi has only fortified his status as one of the Greatest of All Time.

[mwplanet]

Wayback Ward

What were Mary Ward teachers like in their high school years?

By Aby Villasis

Mr. Titus in the math department

Photo by Sarah Emery

Here’s a little insight into some of our Mary Ward teachers' high school lives!

MR. LOCONTE

Mr. Loconte is one of Mary Ward’s very own! He was in TA 02 and a self-proclaimed nerd. In Grade 10, he had a math teacher that he did not agree with and avoided her at all costs, regardless of him needing help with his work. As a result, he did not begin unit one of math until halfway through the school year in January. He expressed how poor his work ethic was during that year. He also recalled a time where he memorized and presented five French assignments on the very last day of school — which his teacher was unamused with.

When he was a student, Mary Ward had yet to introduce conditional zeros and the one unit per week rule. There seems to be more structure now than before.

“Mary Ward was a little bit of a wild west when I was here [as a student],” Mr. Loconte says jokingly.

In Grade 11, he had a short romantic interest of his own. A year later, he was met with an amusing series of romantic rejections. He had his own share of people he rejected as well.

Mr. Loconte was a part of Mary Ward’s jazz band with his friends and played the saxophone. Additionally, he was also on the volleyball, softball, curling, and soccer teams.

ADVICE: “You really need to try hard despite it seemingly being uncool. And, it’s okay to be rejected. It does not define who you are.”

DR. ENGALLA  

Dr. Engalla went to two different high schools, Parkdale CI and Father Michael Goetz. She liked all her teachers equally and they were all very kind to her, but she especially had a strong connection with her music teacher. Her music teacher constantly had a positive attitude which made classes more enjoyable. She felt that he always believed in her and encouraged her to always be the best version of herself.

She was extremely involved athletically throughout high school. She played badminton, volleyball, basketball, and softball. Out of all of them, her favourite was badminton.

Prior to teaching, she wanted to become a dentist. However, things didn’t work out, and she decided to go into pharmacy instead. She stuck with that for a couple of years until switching to chiropractic, where she practiced for two years before she decided to become a science teacher at Mary Ward.

ADVICE: “Don’t be too hard on yourself and expect to figure everything out in your grade 12 year. You will encounter obstacles along the way which will detour your trajectory in life, but trust that whichever path you are meant to follow is the right road for you."

MRS. PEZZETTA

Mrs. Pezzetta went to a very tight-knit high school with a rough population of about 400 students. Due to the small population, everyone had developed a close friendship amongst each other. At the time, Grade 13 still existed and she had a positive attitude about it as she felt that it was a great chance to explore, grow, and mature before heading to post-secondary.

She had no issues with any of her teachers, but she felt that her Phys Ed teacher helped her out the most. They were her coach and, overall, someone she could talk to when she needed it. They gave her a lot of moral support and were very encouraging and engaging.

Mrs. Pezzetta was romantically interested in the same guy for three years in high school. He was a year younger than her and they were close friends at the time.

She was heavily involved in the school community. She was on the music council, every female sports team, the yearbook team, student council, and various other clubs. Additionally, Mrs. Pezzetta also won many awards for both academics and athletics.

“I don’t know how I did it in high school. You [current students] definitely have different pressures that I never had,” Mrs. Pezzetta says.

ADVICE: “The best thing you can do is make a connection with teachers - it can carry you far.”

Hopefully, you’re able to take in their advice and experiences as guidance for your own high school journey. Don’t be afraid to seek help from any of your teachers for anything — there’s a high chance they went through it as well!

[mwplanet]

SDL Tips from Gr. 12s

Struggling with SDl? The seniors have your back!

By Fynley Clarete

Mary Ward students hard at work

Photo by Sarah Emery

Most people can agree that Self-Directed Learning  isn’t the easiest to keep up with, so our Grade 12s have a couple of tips to make it just a bit easier.

For juniors who are just getting used to SDL, it’s more than common to feel the weight of expectations. A new environment, a new work system - who wouldn’t? Looking at the grade 12s on their way to university, it’s easy to feel intimidated. Though, most seniors will tell you they felt the exact same way.  “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Grade 9-10 isn’t as important as you think” says Alston. While it's important to keep up with good grades,  your junior years should be focused on navigating the new environment you’re in, especially if it’s anything like Mary Ward. These years are filled with new experiences, friends, and learning styles. The most important thing to focus on is building a foundation, getting to know yourself, and the way you learn and work. 

Different people work better in different environments. Some in more organized and quiet places, while others in more communicative and loud environments. Lianne suggests that you “find a space that you are most comfortable/proactive in.” Finding an area you work best in early on could help you for all four years of high school, whether it be for calming stress, studying for an upcoming test, or catching up on outstanding units. However, it’s important not to spend all your time there. “Don’t work in a department just because it’s comfortable. Get used to working in different departments even if you don’t like the teacher/course” says Jocelyn. Even if you don’t like a course, it’s best to spend some time in its department to talk to teachers and remember to do the work you may or may not be putting off.

  When going through your work, it’s easy to give it a glance and decide it’s too much. Too much text, too hard to do. So it gets put off, and slowly trickles down to the pile of forgotten units. “Personally, when faced with a difficult unit or assignment, I believe it’s better to divide up the work and start small,” says Shauri, “complete the parts you understand first, then spend more time on the difficult portions.” Dividing up your work is a large component of tackling your units, and other seniors can agree: “Remember to divide work into feasible chunks over an appropriate amount of time” says Sheryl. Even when you have your work all planned out, it’s more than likely that you’ll run into a problem or two. That’s when your time in different departments and getting comfortable with different teachers kicks in. It is your responsibility to remain resilient in this system!

Consulting with teachers can seem almost like a nightmare at first: they look so intimidating, and your go-to support friend is too busy to come with you! In reality, it isn’t at all like being chased by zombies. “Talk to your teachers right away if you have a problem about work” suggests Jocelyn, “they’ll be more understanding than you think most of the time.” Regular communication with your teachers can help in many different areas. Having conversations with them can give them a better feel of what you may struggle with in future units, and how they can help you. Although teachers can be intimidating, everything you do all comes back to helping you as a student. Besides, in the words of Ms. Albert, “We get bored if you don’t ask us questions!” Who would’ve thought you could get on a teacher's bad side by leaving them alone?

Navigation in a whole new world is hard, and the Grade 12s know that better than anyone else. It’s important to stay on track, but you can’t do that all on your own. The grade 12s may not  have it all figured out, but if their advice got them through four years of SDL, they must seem like pretty reliable sources. Just remember not to put too much pressure on yourself. Despite how intimidating Mary Ward can be, there’s no expectation to be perfect.

[mwplanet]

Win or His Loss?

Inside the controversies surrounding Drake and 21 Savage’s latest album, “Her Loss”

By Karissa Cruz

Cover of “Her Loss”

Photo via Spotify

Amidst the release of Drake and 21 Savage’s new album, several controversies have arisen between Drake, Vogue Magazine and other artists. Several artists are said to have been disrespected and thrown shade at throughout the chart-topping album, “Her Loss”. Artists like Megan Thee Stallion have fallen victim to the controversies surrounding the Torontonian artist's brand-new release. In addition to Drake receiving backlash for his shots at other artists, Vogue Magazine also filed a lawsuit against him and 21 Savage for their fake Vogue promotion poster. Despite the growing arguments with regards to the integrity of the album occurring on social media platforms, the album’s rapid success has evidently continued to overpower. 

November 4, 2022, marked the release of Drake and 21 Savage’s brand new collaboration, “Her Loss”. Streaming on all listening platforms, the love rap album features several themes - women, partying, misogyny, and money. Merely minutes following the release, multiple songs from the album blew up on TikTok, Twitter and Instagram. Over 70k creators from all around the world have recorded themselves lip-synching to songs like “Rich Flex”, comedically mimicking how they think Drake and 21 Savage must’ve looked whilst recording in the studio. However, the success of the album is not solely due to the catchiness of certain songs, in fact, its success is primarily the result of the gossip associated with its lyrics and covert references.

Within minutes of the release of “Her Loss”, Drake and 21 Savage set gossip sites and pop culture news aflame due to references ranging from Serena William’s husband, ​​Alexis Ohanian, to old quarrels within the rap industry, to an insult towards Megan Thee Stallion’s foot injury caused by Tory Lanez. 

Back in 2015 before Ohanian and Williams were together, Drake and Williams were exclusively dating. They broke up in 2015, and she later started seeing Ohanian in May of that same year. When she married Ohanian in 2017, Drake began to throw bitter shots at the couple. In “Her Loss”, specifically “Middle of the Ocean” at 3:35, Drake calls out the Reddit founder in the lyrics; "Sidebar, Serena, your husband a groupie; He claim we don't got a problem but; No, boo, it is like you comin' for sushi". Ohanian responds to the subtle diss in his tweet, saying, "The reason I stay winning is because I'm relentless about being the absolute best at whatever I do - including being the best groupie for my wife & daughter." This is not the first time that Drake has made subtly bitter comments towards Williams in his songs. He previously insulted the Olympian’s tennis career, claiming that he could beat her in a match in his 2013 track, “Worst Behavior”. 

Despite the disrespectful nature of the rapper’s lyrics, the jab at Ohanian and Williams’ relationship was not the main issue that occupies pop culture websites and gossip columns nowadays. Rather, Drake’s controversial covert remark towards Megan Thee Stallion, whose foot was allegedly shot by Tory Lanez back in 2020, has taken the spotlight. The rapper, Tory Lanez, is currently facing “one count of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and one count of carrying a loaded, concealed firearm in a vehicle”, according to a statement made by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. According to police reports, Tory was having an argument with a woman - identified as “Megan P” in a criminal complaint - in a SUV on July 12. As the woman exited the car, she was shot multiple times in the foot. Megan Thee Stallion, formally known as Megan Jovon Ruth Pete talked about the car incident during an Instagram Live on her verified account. She later posted a photo of her wound, which was deleted slightly after. In October 2020, legal authorities charged the rapper with felony assault, but he pleaded not guilty the following month. He is currently placed under house arrest as he waits for his trial after allegedly shooting Megan and assaulting the singer August Alsina in August 2022. If convicted, Lanez faces a maximum sentence of roughly 23 years. Amidst the allegations made against Tory Lanez and Megan’s public complaints, Drake threw his own shot at Megan through his lyrics in his new album, specifically in his song “Circo Loco”; “This b---h lie 'bout getting shots, but she still a stallion.” The singer responded to the underhanded insult on Twitter. She called Drake “lame”, and claimed that such conspiracy theories were weak and that they lacked proper facts or receipts. Artists like Sweetest Pie and other listeners shared their distaste for Drake’s biased lyrics against Megan. 

Like previous tracks, Drake’s songs have a history of calling out people who he feels have wronged him through his lyrics. Evidently, the success of his collaborative album with 21 Savage is not solely due to its acquired traction and fame on social media platforms like TikTok, but a large part of it is the controversies surrounding the lyrical references themselves. His album is no doubt a fan favourite, but the issues that it set aflame have definitely caused a divide amongst his supporters and supporters of those he covertly mentioned in his music. 

[mwplanet]

The First Act of “Macbeth”

The beginning of the drama program’s newest production

By Katrina Ross Rodriguez

American Players Theatre’s version of Macbeth

Photo via American Players Theatre

“Macbeth”, the notorious Shakespearean tragedy, will be making its debut on our school stage in the spring. With auditions taking place in early November and fundraising in early December, expectations are set high for this next production! Mr. Mabrucco, an English and Drama  teacher at Mary Ward and head of the drama program, and Ms. Ungaro, a student teacher, were interviewed about the early production process.

Mr. Mabrucco described Macbeth as bloody, vengeful, and terrifying. He mentioned that in comparison to “Working” last year, he wanted to challenge the audience’s concept of what a play is and push boundaries in terms of how he directs and what he does. 

“I want to make the audience uncomfortable in an artistic way. I’m excited because this year’s grade 12’s are very talented and they’ve had a real interest in doing Shakespeare. I’m excited to see how they’re going to tackle the challenge of the Shakespearean language, because it’s weird, so how do we make that accessible for a modern audience? I think that they’re more than up to the task and I’m looking forward to working with them,” he said.

Mr. Mabrucco also exclaimed what he wants students to expect from the production and to view “Macbeth” from a fresh perspective.

“I don’t want them to think that Shakespeare is boring and hard to understand. It’s a story about revenge, it’s a story about trying too hard and failing and it’s a story about relationships and supporting each other in relationships. These are all things we still have now in modern day, and just because it’s set in a different country, different world and a different life, doesn’t mean it’s not relevant to what we’re experiencing now. I don’t want them to think it’s boring. It’s not, we’re going to make it interesting. What else can they expect? Let me just put it this way: I have a pretty sizable budget for fake blood this year.”

Ms. Ungaro, who was previously a student at Mary Ward, also expressed what she was most excited about. 

“Since I was a past student here and I was in past productions, I’m interested to see a new director, new eyes, new opinions and see how the stage has changed since I was here.”

Finally, Mr. Mabrucco explained his final remarks to the readers of the article, conveying the importance of arts and the talent of students.

“The arts are really important in high school. I feel like a lot of people think, ‘I’m not going to be an actor, why would I go see a play or take drama? I just have to get those units in,’ and that’s all well and good, but school can be more than that, and a play is a great way to show the real possibilities of what a school can do. We have very talented students and I think that it’s a shame that they’re just stuck hiding behind the fear of units. I’d like to show off how talented our program is and how talented our students are, and I hope everybody comes to see it and enjoy it!”

The hard work has just begun for this production and excitement is on the rise. Be prepared for blood, revenge and even more fun when “Macbeth” hits the stage!

[mwplanet]

The Swiss Maestro Retires!

Roger Federer announces his departure from professional tennis

By Justin Mikhali Espedido

Rodger Federer retires from tennis

Photo via Sky Sports

Tennis juggernaut, Roger Federer, announces his retirement from professional tennis. He stated that the Laver Cup in London would be his final game on the court. Federer was unable to win his last match playing with his long time rival, Rafael Nadal, in the doubles tournament against Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe. It was a close match with the respective scores of 6-4, 6(2)-7, and 9-11.

The Swiss superstar mentioned his physical capabilities for his decision to retire in a heartfelt Instagram post, “I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form. But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear.” This was after Federer was plagued with injuries, having to undergo two surgeries for his knee in 2020 and another after the 2021 Wimbledon quarter finals - his last match to date.

In a career spanning over 24 years, Federer is considered to be one of the greatest players of all time with countless achievements. Not only was he the first male to win more than 14 Grand Slam titles, he has the third most overall with 20 Grand Slam titles, behind Novack Djokovic (21) and Rafael Nadal (22) in the men's category. Wimbledon is also one of Federer's most remarkable competitions as he’s won it eight times, the most of any men’s single player. His other Grand Slam titles include winning the Australian Open six times, the American open five times, and French Open only once. 

Reactions to his retirement were overwhelmingly positive with many of his colleagues and rivals congratulating his announcement. Rival and friend, Rafael Nadal, wrote, “I said it to you when we spoke and now it’s here. It’s been a pleasure but also an honour and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court.” While American superstar, Serena Williams, who also retired a month ago, tweeted,“I applaud you and look forward to all that you do in the future. Welcome to the retirement club. And thank you for being you.” 

Plans after his final tournament remain unclear, though Federer remains adamant that he’ll still be involved, saying, "I love this game and I will want to stay involved in some shape or form and I won't be just a ghost or a stranger and not be around anymore." One thing certain is that Federer will keep his family first, "I do have four children and they are amazing and they need my help, and my wife too. She's always been by my side throughout.” Roger Federer’s retirement is certainly bittersweet and his fans await his future endeavours. 

[mwplanet]

Skin Care: Your Body’s Frontline Workers

The importance of skin care, how to build a good routine, and product recommendations

By Angela Lin

Skin care routine

Photo via Today

Skin care is essential at any age and time. Taking good care of your skin, the largest organ in your body, is important for more than just your appearance; having healthy skin is also important for your general health.

Your future skin can be dull and filled with imperfections if you don’t take care of it properly now. It’s much easier to prevent damaged skin than it is to treat it later on. Good skin care helps your skin stay in good condition, especially since you are shedding skin cells throughout the day. It can also prevent acne, treat any wrinkles you may have, keep your skin at its best, and give you a confidence boost! Who wouldn’t be proud of having good skin?

Everyone’s skin is different, and some things may work better for one person than they do for others. However, there are three general steps that everyone should follow when creating their own skin care routine: cleansing (washing your face), toning (balancing the skin), and moisturizing (hydrating and softening the skin). These steps are the foundation of an effective skin care routine!

Disclaimer: These are just general steps and information gathered from sources on the internet. It would be best to do some of your own additional research, specifically for your skin type and for the products you plan to use before you create or revise your skin care routine - and when in doubt consult a dermatologist.

Step One: Cleansing

In an interview with the New York Times, dermatologist Dr. Carlos Charles says that washing your face is the most basic and essential step of any routine: “Our skin comes in contact with environmental pollutants, dirt and other factors each day that should be gently removed.” It is suggested to wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, to avoid clogged pores, dullness and acne. 

Recommended cleansers by dermatologists include Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser for all skin types, CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser for dry skin, and Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne-Fighting Facial Cleanser for oily skin. 

Step Two: Toning

In skin care, toner is a substance that removes any last traces of dirt, grime, and impurities stuck in your pores after you wash your face. If used regularly, it can have a large positive impact on the appearance and tightness of your pores. You can think of toners as supplements; they give an extra shot of nutrients to your skin. They help the other products absorb better later on in your routine, while also still balancing your complexion. 

“Toners should be done after cleansing and before putting on anything else,” aesthetician Jordana Mattioli says. The traditional way of applying the toner is to saturate a cotton pad and pass it over your face, but you end up wasting a lot of the product because the cotton absorbs it. Thus, Mattioli suggests that you apply the toner with your hands. “Applying toner with clean hands is the most efficient. Just pour a few drops in your palm, then swipe it on...or if you prefer, you can pull apart a cotton pad so it’s not so thick before putting toner on it.” Keep in mind that using too much toner can produce a burning sensation on your skin, so try to use small amounts each time to avoid this. 

CeraVe’s Alcohol-Free Hydrating Toner and Versed Baby Cheeks’ Hydrating Milk Toner are two popular toners that are highly recommended for all skin types.

Step Three: Moisturizing

The one product that doctors and experts recommend using year-round for all skin types, a moisturizer’s basic function is to hydrate and soften the skin. “Essentially, moisturizers assist in preventing water loss through the outer layers of skin,” Dr. Charles explains. “They can also complement the naturally found protective oils and other building blocks within the skin, such as ceramides.” Our skin naturally loses the ability to retain moisture as we age and daily activities, such as washing and cleansing, can strip our natural hydrators from the surface of our skin. This is where a moisturizer comes in.

Dermatologist-approved moisturizers include CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream for dry skin, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel for oily skin, and La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer for all skin types.

Your skin is the first line of defence when it comes to bacteria and illnesses, and it deserves to be protected. You don’t have to spend tons of money on different skin care products because, at the end of the day, a skin care routine involving a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer can go a long way. 

[mwplanet]

Songs On Tiktok, Made For TikTok

The TikTok song formula explained

By Emmanuele Reyes

Viral TikTok songs 

Photo via Youtube.com

Everywhere on TikTok, snippets of songs are used to create content.  Most of these songs are created by popular artists or even rising artists whose names we are not familiar with. When a song becomes a trend on TikTok, its streams start to boost significantly. Whether it be classics like Doja Cat’s “Say So” or new audios like Carly Rae Jepsen’s “The Loneliest Time”, these songs both share something in common; both songs are known for a specific part. For example, the song “The Loneliest Time” has become a trending audio on TikTok. As a result, the lyrics “I'm coming back for you, baby. I'm coming back for you,” has appeared frequently on peoples’ ‘For You page”.  Thanks to TikTok, over 181000 videos have used Carly Rae Jepsen’s song which now has over 11 million streams on Spotify. Many artists use TikTok as a way to gain traction and it has become a tool in many artists’ careers.  Many of these popular TikTok songs either have catchy and relatable lyrics or danceable beats and great production.

TikTok has such a big impact on users and on the music industry.  The app has launched the careers of up-and-coming artists and has even revived nostalgic songs of the past. Artist Lyn Lapid, wrote and posted the song “Producer Man” on TikTok. The song was well received which led people to share and like the preview of the song.  This caused her to get noticed by major record label, Republic Records. Under the label, Lyn Lapid had enough resources to finish and release the studio version of “Producer Man”. Doja Cat’s “Say So” is another chart-topping song that became popular due to a trending dance. TikTok influencer Haley Sharpe (@yodelinghaley) created a dance to the retro song and millions of users participated in the trend. The success was massive and Doja Cat featured Haley Sharpe doing her dance in the “Say So” music video. “Say So” became so well-known that even Nicki Minaj reached out to Doja Cat suggesting that they produce a remix of the song together. Before this, Doja Cat was a relatively underground artist.  The dance trend really helped her music become mainstream. TikTok has also helped older music resurface. For example, the song “I Love You So” by The Walters was released in 2014, but it only blew up recently because of sad edits and TikToks.  It is now their most streamed song and has over 707 million streams on Spotify. There is no denying that TikTok is a big factor in these large amounts of streams for many artists.

 Once companies saw what songs were successful, they tried to replicate them.  TikTok has caused artists to focus on producing popular and trendy songs, instead of creating music they want to release. Some artists and labels make parts of songs catchier in hopes of it being used to create dances or funny videos. Users have mixed opinions on songs that are attempting to be popular on the platform. Some can tell if a song is just an attempt to go viral but many still consume these songs no matter the quality. Halsey is an artist known for her lyricism and vocals, but their label is trying to market her music for TikTok.  They state that their label won't let them release music "unless they can fake a viral moment on the app.” Although TikTok is not directly causing this problem, the app still influences labels into taking away their artists’ creative freedom. Artists should have freedom and be able to release what songs they want. Trying to have a viral TikTok moment is fine, but in situations like Halsey’s, TikTok ruins artists’ releases.

In the end, music is subjective and some people may enjoy songs that are created with the intention of becoming TikTok trends. TikTok helps people discover new genres of music and new songs. One billion people are on the platform and many songs have reached millions of users. TikTok as an app is a powerful tool for any user including artists themselves. Any song can become trending thanks to a simple post of a video. At the end of the day, there is no denying that this form of music marketing has positively impacted the music industry and many artists.

[mwplanet]

Turmoil Within Hockey Canada

Major changes occurred at Hockey Canada after the organization’s handling of sexual assault accusations was revealed

By Shauri Taylor

Hockey Canada sexual assault allegations released

Photo via CBC

On October 11, 2022, it was announced that Hockey Canada’s board of directors would be stepping down alongside its CEO, Scott Smith. These resignations occurred in the wake of the organization facing heavy scrutiny over its handling of sexual assault allegations, and happened just days after interim chairwoman Andrea Skinner stepped down.

“The Hockey Canada Board of Directors has announced important changes to Hockey Canada’s leadership team,” the statement announcing the departures read. “Effective immediately, it announced the departure of chief executive officer Scott Smith. The entire Board has also agreed to step down to make room for a new slate of directors.”

This event occurred after a story by TSN revealed a settlement Hockey Canada, which fields the country’s national teams and serves as the governing body for amateur hockey, had made regarding a sexual assault lawsuit. In June, the federal government suspended  the organization’s funding. Several sponsors, such as Canadian Tire, Bauer, Nike, Scotiabank, and Tim Hortons, have pulled, paused, or reduced their sponsorships. Hockey Canada was also criticized by politicians such as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who said that “there needs to be wholesale change” regarding the organization, and Sports Minister Pascale St-Onge, who noted that it is time to “clean the house.”

In May 2022, it was revealed that Hockey Canada settled a lawsuit with a woman who alleged that  she was sexually assaulted by eight players, including members of the U20 men’s junior team, in June 2018. The woman claimed she was repeatedly assaulted while intoxicated following a Hockey Canada Foundation gala and golf event in a London, Ontario, hotel room. It was alleged that the woman returned to the hotel room with one player, and the two engaged in sexual acts before he invited seven other players into the room “without the knowledge or consent of the Plaintiff.” It was then stated  that the defendants engaged in more sexual acts with her, despite the victim being too intoxicated to give consent. These allegations have not been proven in court.

Earlier in 2022, it was revealed that Hockey Canadahad paid almost $9 million in 21 settlements for sexual assault-related complaints against its players since 1989. Additionally, these settlements were paid for using player registration fees collected from parents, recreational league players, and youth across the country involved in hockey. Hockey Canada had used a reserve called the National Equity Fund to settle the $3.55 million lawsuit filed by the woman who claimed  she was sexually assaulted by  hockey players in 2018. At federal hearings in July, it was acknowledged that this fund had been used to pay settlements on nine sexual assault claims totalling $7.6 million since 1989. However, this does not include the claim settled this year.

In August, former Supreme Court justice Thomas Cromwell was tasked with completing a full governance review of Hockey Canada after the allegations set out in the sexual assault lawsuit were revealed. Hockey Canada has said it intends to follow the recommendations in this interim report. After Hockey Canada’s leadership stepped down, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the decision was “an important step forward.” However, he also noted that there is “an awful lot of work” that needs to be done  in order to obtain change. 

Polling done by Ipsos, a public opinion research company, exclusively for Global News has shown that 60% of Canadians believe that “the recent revelations reflect a broader problem of sexual harassment, assault, and violence within hockey culture in Canada.” It also showed that women are more likely to see such allegations and issues of sexual assault as pervasive, meaning they apply to other sports too. Lastly, the poll showed that most Canadians believe the blame falls on those holding positions of power such as managers, directors, and coaches. “Whether it’s corporate sponsors or government sponsorship, people don’t feel that Hockey Canada and the amateur hockey industry in this country can continue in the direction that it’s headed without change,” said Darrell Bricker, the CEO of Ipsos public affairs.

While changes are being made to shift the leadership at one of the most influential organizations related to Canada’s national sport, calls for change and transparency must be answered with appropriate action for the sake of regaining the trust of Canadians who enjoy the game.