Stinging sunburns, itching mosquito bites, homesick kids, early mornings, cold lake water.

Sun-filled days, starry nights, sparkling lakes, smoky campfires. The stereotypical images of summer camp are ones that hundreds of kids and teens choose to surround themselves with every July and August, leaving the comfort of their own homes and beds for cabins and mostly cold showers. But why? What on earth could drive someone to that? Volume 1, Issue 2 November 5th, 2013

Vincent Massey Collegiate

Co-Editors: Raylene Paci and Emma Higgs Advisor: Cathrine Wall

LGBTQ counselors in Massey! by Alyssa Wautier

Inside This Issue...

Arts Clubs We Scare Hunger Sports: Lauren Carter LGBQT Counselors Teacher interviews My Summer Vacation Feminism & Fashion Grade 9 Impressions Humans of VMC Remember VMC Street Style Alice Munros Nobel Prize Win Creative Section News in Review

2 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 6 7 7 8 9

GSA students welcome Dianna Grywinski to VMC! Story on page 4.

First Impressions from Grade 9 by Brownwyn Bryan

You will go through about 40 months of high school. You will make friends, you will have many teachers, you will fail tests, you will do perfect on a paper. Some of you have already spent a couple of years in high school, but for many of us it is only the beginning. We are told not to judge a book by its cover, but first impressions really do count. What are some of the newest and youngest students impressions of Vincent Massey? and white," and yet another said, "It's difficult to figure out." As you can see, there are many different opinions and first impressions of Massey. But they all seemed to be about the building "Its huge and there are so many people. But that they will most likely I'm sure it will be great," go to all of their high school life. a grade 9 girl told me. Another said, "Its green Continued on page 7.

10 11 14

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Arts by Raylene Paci

October has been an incredibly busy month for the Arts programs at VMC. Band students recently returned from their annual band camp retreat at Camp Arnes while improv students got the opportunity to meet with improvisational comedian, Colin Mochrie from Whose Line is it Anyway?. Visiting Massey as well for the first time, was the Kenyan Boys Choir who gave an incredible performance. The choir and Symphonic Band continue to prepare repertoire for the Remembrance Day ceremony. Improv Survivor also starts this month, every Friday at lunch hour in the drama room. Come support your favourite Improv Tribe, then vote players off the Improv Island! VMC's Dance Classes perform their first show of the year on stage in the gym on November 13th at 12pm. See Mrs. Perlov for tickets!

Club Feature: The Video Production Club by Tessa Brenan

The Video Production Club is a club held on Wednesday in the Mac lab, and it is filled with aspiring film makers. Video Club made its premier this year at the club fair, and is fairly small. It is run by Mr. Manness and Mr. Gaudes. The initial goals of the Video Club are to make fun short films and to film the fantastic events around the school. Anyone can join at any time to use the equipment to work on their projects. Of course, the videos that the video production club make are available for anyone to watch. You can see everything at http:// www.youtube.com/user/ mbvincentmassey and dont forget to subscribe! When the Video Production members arent filming school events, they are working on their own personal and entertaining projects. When asked about the brand new club, and what the original plan was, Mr.Manness had to say: We want to give students the ability to work with video and to also promote the many wonderful events in the school! Which is incredibly true! So, if youre interested, you should definitely go check out the Mac lab at lunch next Wednesday.

WE SCARE HUNGER! By Tessa Brenan

This year, the school did something new. Working with Free the Children and Winnipeg Harvest, the whole school went out on Halloween day with their TAG groups and collected cans to help support our local food bank and raise awareness about local hunger. Last year the same activity was done by one of the clubs in our school, Shameless Idealists. This year though, the whole school got in on the action, and it was fantastic! Before we were sent out to collect the cans, the school went earlier in the month in their respective TAG groups to spread the word about what the school was trying to accomplish. We left notes in mail boxes and even stopped to tell neighbors and strangers about what we were going to do. Two weeks later, when Halloween rolled around, students (some even dressed up in their costumes) walked down the streets of Fort Garry and Wildwood, knocking on peoples doors to take their donations. That evening several clubs went out to do a follow up of that day. Overall it was a good time, and thank you to all who participated.

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Massey smokes Kelvin in an all-out dominating performance by John Higgs

On October 9, 2013, the Junior Varsity Vincent Massey Trojans football team took on the Junior Varsity Kelvin Clippers at Gary Hobson Field. Kelvin started the game with a 2 -and-out. A good return by Abdul Gassama gave VMC a great starting field possession. On Masseys first play from scrimmage, Steinn McIntosh got loose for a touchdown run and made it 7-0 Trojans. VMCs running backs and defense really got it done for Massey. Another 2and-out by Kelvin gave Massey the ball right back. An excellent punt return by Matthew Lemay was brought back by an illegal block, making Massey start at around midfield. On the following play, McIntosh was free and went for another long touchdown run. Less than five plays from scrimmage for the Trojans offense and it was 14-0 Massey. Massey got the ball right back after an interception, and RB Matt Marion turned a screen into a touchdown for VMC. 21-0 Trojans. It was becoming a blowout at this point. Masseys special had another punt return brought back by an illegal block on their next drive, but that did not phase them. They barely had the ball before another huge run by Marion made 28-0 Massey. Before the quarter was over, Kelvin turned the ball over on downs. That was the end of the first quarter. The rest of the game was significantly less eventful. Massey already had a huge lead before the game was even a quarter old. The same old story continued in the second quarter. It took less than three plays for Matt Marion to get loose for his 3rd touchdown of the game. 35-0 Trojans. Kelvins offense could generate absolutely nothing against Masseys stellar defense. The second quarter featured four turnovers, 2 by Kelvin and 2 by Massey. The Trojans fumbled a punt and lost possession, but on Kelvins very next play, the pass was picked off by Cole Doherty. On Masseys next play from scrimmage, Steinn lost the ball and Kelvin recovered. Kelvin then went on to turn it over on downs. Massey received to start the 2nd half and it was no different from the first. A big run from Marion put Massey in scoring position, and on the very next play, McIntosh rushed it in for a touchdown. That made it 42-0 Trojans. Masseys discipline was a bit of an issue in the 2nd half, committing multiple unnecessary penalties. Massey missed an early 4th quarter field goal to make it 430. Kelvin was not up for the match and Massey continued their dominating season with 43-0 shutout.

Author Lauren Carter visits VMC! by Breanne Collins

On Friday September 27th, as part of Winnipeg's International Writers Festival, up-and-coming author Lauren Carter came to speak with students of Vincent Massey Collegiate. Ms. Wall's and Ms. Rosevere's grade twelve Lit-Focus English classes as well as Massey's Writers' Guild convened in the library during third period where Lauren read excerpts from her new book, Swarm, and discussed her writing process. She also took time near the end of her stay to answer questions pertaining to her book, writing process and character development. During the Writers' Guild meeting at lunch later that day, she came by and took a picture with the group that has since been posted on her blog.

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LGBQT counselors in Massey! by Alyssa Wautier

The Rainbow Resource Center is a non-profit organization that provides support and resources to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and two-spirit communities of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. In fact, theyve been striving for acceptance and change in our community since the early 70s. Knowing of all the amazing events and accomplishments theyve brought to Winnipeg, I can say Im ecstatic, as their services are right here in Massey as we speak. Teen Rainbow for Youth, TRY more specifically. Two helpful, friendly, and relatable counselors are now here to represent, provide support and promote LGBTQ visibility for any student who seeks their services. Youll find their fabulous signup sheets outside the support services office, close to the main office in the front foyer. Sign up isnt mandatory; you can just walk right in seeking any kind of aid, resource, or even for just a brief chat. Free candy and condoms are also highlights that must not be ignored. Dianna Grywinski and Jared Star will each be here once a week from 12 to 3, alternating between Jared on Wednesdays and Dianna on Thursdays. Being members of Rainbow Resource Center leads me to promise you that theyve changed lives. I can only imagine the way Massey will rise with this new great resource.

Whats the weirdest/funniest thing a student has ever said to you? by Cassandra Bosc
This month, the Trojans very own Cassie Bosc went behind the scenes to ask our teachers about some of the strangest things theyve heard from students! But, next month, we want to hear your side of the story! Whats the weirdest/funniest thing a teacher has said to you? Email us at: thevmctrojan@gmail.com

Mrs. Rosevere: If youre having a kids party, you should put laxatives in the cake! When I grow up I want to be a motorcycle. I really want to be a pod of orcas. Mr. Manness: A twerking class? Im into that! Its best to aim for third place. Theres less anxiety and its not the worst. Mme. Remaoldo: How did you get all the questions wrong? Thats because you asked me the wrong question. Mr. Maher: Mr. Ma-hard core. Mr. Khan: I can tell youre mad because I can feel your hot breath. Love at first sight is like seeing a pizza for the first time. Mr. Gaudes: Nice shirt. You wear it like a man.

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My Summer Vacation by Aliana Fristensky

Days hot enough to make sweat drip down your back; early mornings, cold, dark and hazy, that made getting out of bed nearly impossible; arms speckled with mosquito bites, darkly tanned faces , blisters that never healed...this was my summer. This summer, I spent nine weeks in Quebec completing my Basic Military Naval Qualification (BMNQ) course at the Army base Valcartier which is just outside of Quebec City. Those nine weeks were the toughest weeks of my life but also the greatest adventure Ive ever had. Now, Im sure most of you are wondering by now why a 17 year old girl from Winnipeg would join the Navy, so let me clear things up a bit: I am a musician in the Naval Reserves. This means that although I am in the navy, I will never be deployed to sea. As a musician in the reserves, I am one of the faces that the public most often sees of the military. The BMNQ course I completed this summer had nothing to do with being a musician but it is a course that all military members must do upon joining. It is also the hardest course I will have to complete in my military career. An average day at basic began around 5:00am and ended at 11:00 pm, but on some days we had to wake up earlier for morning exercise. We lived in tents and our classes were held in a building that had two walls and a ceiling. The first two weeks were by far the toughest and were made up of seemingly endless drill classes (marching) and physical activity. My platoon started the summer with 62 people. After those first two weeks, we were down to 51. Of the 11 people who were sent home, the majority of them were forced to leave because of injuries, and only two went home because of homesickness. Being away from home was tough at first, but the little green tent I stayed in became my home and the ten other girls in it became my family for the summer. After those first two weeks we got finally got down to some of the more fun stuff (fun being a relative term of course...). Our third week was spent learning about chemical, biological and nuclear warfare. It ended with a trip to the gas chamber which was, believe it or not, one of my favorite parts of the summer. The fourth and fifth weeks, we learned how to operate and maintain both the nine millimeter Sig Sauer pistol and the C7 assault rifle. During the sixth and seventh weeks, we were taken by school bus all the way across Quebec City to the navys Damage Control School where we learned the principles of flood control, fire fighting, and rappelling. Our eighth week was perhaps one of the most stressful weeks, as we had our chiefs' inspection at the end of the week. This meant keeping all of your uniforms folded into perfect 12 by 12 squares and keeping your rifle and your boots spotless, as well as the

uniform you were wearing. On top of preparing for inspection, we spent our eighth week learning basic topography and orienteering skills, as well as practicing for our graduation parade. The first three days of our final week were spent doing an exercise designed to deprive us of sleep and prepare us for a real combat situation. After that, it was just more grad parade practice until we finally flew home. This may sound like the last way anyone would want to spend their summer, but honestly, I had the time of my life. Somehow, once you got into the right mindset, the exhaustion from long, strenuous days and the itching of tear gas in your throat became fun. The friendships I made this summer are the kind I know could last a lifetime. How could they not when those bonds were formed over just trying to get through the next day? I got to experience some amazing things this summer and although I was apprehensive about going on this course in the first place, I am incredibly happy that I did.

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Feminism & Fashion by Elska Swandel

A collection of researched conclusions based on two very contrasting concepts that should really not be contrasting at all

Feminism is for sure, 100%, considered a dirty word nowadays. But why? Since when did a term branded by a group of idealistically motivated individuals vying for a just cause turn into the besmirched misrepresentation equivalent to a noose around the neck of ACTUAL feminist ideology everywhere? The confines of feminism now are so constricting that it officially carries with it an enigmatic host of stereotypes even more degrading than the stigmas it is supposed to be fighting against. So many of these stereotypes revolve around the supposed frivolity and triviality of fashion, specifically, women in fashion. It seems that personal style should be borne with shame due to the implication that by caving in to the industrialized and socially influenced world of fashion, you are deeming yourself stupid. And of course, as a woman, you cannot afford to associate yourself with being frivolous or foolish whatsoever because that would conclude that you have no respect for yourself. The fashion industrys history of airbrushing and propagandainfused narrow-minded beauty ideals fuel the common misconception that personal style is a detriment to the feminist objective. The stigma goes as follows: feminists cannot be sexualized; self respect is to be shown by covering yourself up according to what is deemed tasteful by other peoples standards. As a woman, your sexuality should not be something you are

comfortable with; it should be kept locked in a box far, far away in order to maximize the illusion of self respect. Unfortunately, the fashion industry delivers the ability to hint at the comfort you find with your gender/sexuality/self expression outwardly. That should definitely not be done if you ACTUALLY respect yourself. Because if you really did, you would never dare let anyone else get a peak of your confidence or individuality. Cause that totally makes sense.

their way to wear pants because although they would personally prefer a skirt, they fear that if they indulge their preference they will be regarded with abhorrence by others.

How are we supposed to break the barriers of modern stereotypes if we are trying to do so by depriving ourselves of elements that have been reiterated as ladylike or womanly by past stereotypes, simply because they have been branded as such. The hypocrisy of It seems that you are seen as dressing in a way that displeases being smarter when you look like you in order to satisfy the comfort you havent showered in two and self-assurance of others who weeks and only own black. As a are subject to the confines of womwoman, you are constantly one ens objectification is overwhelmsparkly necklace away from doing ing. We have gotten to the point the worst thing imaginable: making where we objectify ourselves by yourself look like you care. Some- giving the idea of feminism such how, the less priority you allow for power. your personal appearance, the Equal rights and equal treatmore intellectual respect you are ment of women should be advocatgiven due to the fact that in the ex- ed. There is no denying that. Womact span of time you spend picking en face specific issues that unite out your outfit in the morning, eve- them as a whole, and these issues ry single person who simply threw should be faced with intellectual on a T-shirt and jeans had enough understanding on a global platform time for additional intellectual no doubt. All Im saying is that stimulation. While you were curl- there is absolutely no good reason ing your hair, they read War & why these issues cant be tackled Peace. While you chose your while wearing a pair of 4 inch bracelets, they put an end to world heels. When womens voices can hunger. And, while you applied be heard just as effectively while that spritz of Chanel no.5, they wearing a Carolina Herrera gown solved the American debt crisis. as they can while wearing a pantIt just really doesnt make sense suit from Target, then and only to me how as a woman, (or even as then will we have won the battle a man for that matter.totally not against misogyny. judging) choosing to wear a dress or a skirt makes you more vapid than someone who goes out of

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First Impressions from Grade 9 by Bronwyn Brian

Although many people were happy about a new school, there was one thing a lot of people were in agreement with: "The periods are way too long," one of the grade 9 girls told me. I must agree with her. For the most part, we grade 9 students are coming from a school with periods of 40 minutes to a class of 68 minutes, so there is quite a difference. young lady named Kenzie told me that "Vincent Massey is going to be cool because you get more freedom than in middle school." Although many people think that there is a lot of freedom, some seem to think that there are not a lot of opportunities. "I think that most of the grade 9s are very disappointed with the number of opportunities we have here at Massey." from being scared to having so much fun. Bibeau told me, "I saw a poster with the school mascot and I knew it would be fun at Massey." And what would my first impression of Massey be? I was worried I would get lost but the first few days were so much fun and so far I love Massey. I think that its great that there are so many courses that a person can choose from, and you really can't do wrong.

Kids coming from Viscount At the start everyone was Alexander and most junior high scared of a new school. "It's big and schools will understand that we also kinda scary." But for some that had no freedom in junior high. A changed the first day. They went

Alyssa Wautier, Grade 12 Photography by Ian Mullins

Whats the best thing in your life right now? Pumpernickel bread.

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Remember by Raylene Paci

Theres a minute of silence in each Remembrance Day ceremony at school. Each year, 1200 students go silent for 60 seconds. It is a moment for those who have fallen in the name of their country. It is a moment for those who have sacrificed everything to give us the peace we live in today. Take a minute to think. Do you actually use that minute to reflect upon the lives lost so that you can have the life you have right now? I hope you do. If not, read on. nephews. I continued to communicate with him and his wife through email. By the end of July, I received a package in the mail with dozens of documents and photographs relating to Johns life.

Reading those documents was one of the most emotional experiences Ive ever had. In one large envelope, I had been given all the remnants left of one mans life. There were family portraits, where John was in the center with a bright smile. There were pictures of him This summer, I began conducting a with members of his church, where research project on a soldier who you could see him in the back fought in World War 2 as part of laughing with his friends. Suddengoing on the Europe trip. I ended ly, John became not just the name up with a young man named John of another casualty. He was a perAllen Addie. 21 years old, born and son who was perhaps not much difraised in Colfax, Saskatchewan. ferent than you or me. Killed in action on June 21st 1944. Also enclosed were two docuAnd that was about all the informents that hit me the hardest. One mation I had on him. But after was his last letter home, written some profuse Googling, I found the merely one day before he was obituary of a descendant with the killed in the D-Day invasions. same name, his nephew, John Allan Scrawled in beautiful handwriting, Addie, who had just passed away in he wrote of missing his family terri2007. The obituary mentioned a bly and that he couldnt wait to surviving family member named come home. He never did, though. Bill Addie who currently lives in The other document was from Regina. There was only one phone number in the province attached to the federal government addressed that name and so I dialed the num- to Johns sister. It informed her that ber. I had an incredibly interesting the body of her brother was being moved from its temporary resting conversation with Bill who is in spot to the Bny-sur-mer Canadian fact another one of John Allens War Cemetery. Imagine opening

that letter. I cant. This experience has been so incredibly humbling for me. It gave a completely different perspective on what Remembrance Day means and Im thankful that I had the privilege of knowing Johns story. Next time those 60 seconds come around, take time to actually reflect. Think about John and think about the thousands of others who were just like him. His story is just one of many that ended much too soon for the sake of peace in this country. Lest we forget.

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VMC Street Style by Elska Swandel

Untitled poem by Alex Mondor

Russet bushels of wheat, Lay moored at my feet, Immersing me hour by hour. The ship scours my head And fills it with dread, Of the day I come to power.

The captain I'll be, As wild as the sea, That I sail my bushels upon. This issue's street style pick goes to grade 12 student, Jade Solvason, for her feminine look that packed a punch. Pairing her prim & proper a-line skirt and oh so classy knee highs with liquid leather textures and a colour-blocked moto jacket, she struck the perfect balance between high school a propos and on-trend edginess. The wind in the waves, smiles and enslaves, The sound of the muted swan.

Mommy, Im Scared of the Dark by Breanne Collins

The suffocating darkness pressing in on you from all angles, a condescending parent tucking you into bed like a small child afraid of the dark, mommy please don't turn off the light. Heavy blanket folds blindfold your eyes leaving you terrified, during a time where your demons dance before you. The monsters never really lived under your bed. Overwhelming silences filled with only the tentative beats of your heart battering away inside your chest, unable to make sense of it all. You realize how alone you are in your mind when all you can hear are your own thoughts pounding against the inside of your skull, starving prisoners begging to get out. Millions of fuzzy television screens buzzing memories that only resurface when unknowingly you summon them in the early hours of the morning. Why did I say that, how could I be so stupid? Hiding bits of yourself under lies and secrets woven tightly together to reveal a perfect blanket in which to ensnare the pieces. Pondering over whether there really is a god and are they watching you in the pitch black of your quiet bedroom, tucked away under the covers, safe from everything but the monsters inside you. A silent war raging inside yourself, between the darkness and the light, but during the witching hour we know who will win the fight. Warriors of the light lost in the murky, obscure land of the aphotic, they are engrossed in its inky beauty. The dark one only cackles at their incompetence, as they stray deeper into his tangled web of corridors searching for a source of light in the long lasting darkness. It knows your secrets, your fears, your dreams. It knows all that you whispered in the shadows, everything hidden in the many folds of its stifling mass. Your screams of rage, terror, frustration and melancholy are muffled by its roar of absolute silence.

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Alice Munro is Master of the Contemporary Short Story by Emma Higgs

her achievement by becoming the 110th Literature Nobel Laureate, being the 13th woman to win the prize and the first Canadian woman to become a Nobel Laureate for Literature. Her success is sure to be encouraging for Canadian authors as well as her publisher Random House Canada. John Degen, the executive director of the Writers Union of Canada said this to CBC about Alice Munro: "For a long time, it was a struggle for Canadian writers to write about Canadian topics and to be small-townish. We've been told forever that that doesn't sell out in the wider market, and Alice Munro blazed that trail for all of us and let us know we could write about where we are and who we are. That's the secret of her success. By adding herself to a list of winners that includes Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck, Alice Munro has succeeded in putting true Canadian literature on the map, while encouraging other Canadian writers in their attempts to write about their home. She is inspirational to all writers from Canada and abroad, and will surely gain many new fans as they turn to their bookstores to pick up some of her work (including yours truly). the Nobel Prize, was born in Stockholm, Sweden in 1833. As a young man Alfred received formal education in many topics including natural sciences, language and literature. Alfred himself favoured English literature and poetry as well as physics and chemistry, and proceeded to study chemical engineering. This eventually brought him to the invention of dynamite, with which he made himself very wealthy. His famous will, read after his death in 1896, stated that the remainder of his estate was to be made into an award that would celebrate, as he put it, those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit to mankind. His extensive wealth founded the Nobel Prize, which started awarding prizes in literature, peace, chemistry, physics and medicine in 1901.

Last month left Can-lit fans and short story supporters joyful with the news that Canadian Alice Munro had won the Nobel Prize in Literature 2013. Her titles mostly comprise of collections of short stories, including Dance of the Happy Shades (1968), Lives of Girls and Women (1971), The View from Castle Rock (2006) and her most recent collection, Dear Life (2012). MunSources: cbc.ca, nobelprize.org ros stories frequently take place in small-town southwestern Ontario settings and commonly feature everyday but decisive events that move the emphasis of her stories from the plotline to portraits of characters and situations. Alice Munro was born the 10th of July, 1931, in Wingham, Ontario, and she attended the University of Although most people can say Western Ontario (although never they know what the Nobel Prize is, completed her studies). few can claim they know its oriAlice Munro made history with gins. Alfred Nobel, the man behind

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Remembrance Day
by Emma Higgs Cold granite, long worn by colder winds etched with words that whisper wearily of a single tragedy among many. While the grass yellows and dies and snow is suggested by smoke grey clouds we take note of the cold crosses, row on row.

That is what I am by Cassandra Bosc

My name is Zack. I am eight. I travel all over the city. I perform magic in the subway, on street corners, and in public parks. But I like performing in the mall food-court the best. Its warm all year round. It is an ideal spot to impress passersby with my magic. My feet are dirty and bare. They are cold, but I do not think about it. I am a performer. I am a magician. That is what I am. I set up right across from the store I always do. My eyes are drawn to the store window display, to the mannequin in the middle and the beautiful prize it holds, like they had been for the past month. It takes a while but I delight a pair of elderly ladies with my disappearing coin act and in turn they throw a few dollars into my hat. I try to perform for a young couple, but they give me a sad look and walk away quickly. I frown at their backs. I gaze at the store window display again longingly. I am a magician, I remind myself. That is what I am. I perform a more complicated card trick but I execute it with the ease that only a skilled magician acquires over many years. A loud, obnoxious boy kicks over my hat, spilling my earnings. He laughs at me and walks away. I pathetically crawl on my hands and knees to collect it again. My gaze travels to the store window display. I am a magician. That is what I am. I stand with a fragile smile on my face and a renewed vigor. I bring out my white handkerchief and earn almost four dollars but it isnt enough. Not nearly enough. So I push more. I perform over and over and over again until my hand is numb from making my handkerchief disappear. One hour passes, then two. I stare off at the store window display again. I am a magician. That is what I am. My stomach aches hollowly and I start to feel sickly. But I am in luck, because a woman is kind enough to stop and watch me. She gives me all the change in her pockets. I scramble to count the coins in my hat. It takes me several attempts but there is enough and then some. I beam at the woman who in turn inclines her head. I bow deeply, bending almost in half, because I am a magician. That is what I am. I cradle my hat in the crook of my arm and carry it right into the store. I pluck my prize from the middle mannequin and march up the counter. I raise my chin and place my item in front of the cashier. I dump the contents of my hat in front of her, giving her no choice in the matter. I walk out with my new pair of fuzzy green socks. Every performer needs to look his best. And I am a magician. That is what I am.

A tribute to the day when the world resettled in an uneasy harmony, striking a chord with grievers then and now

Like a melody, a memory fades over time and space until only the colder winds can hear the whispers of a tired tragedy.

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Number 114, prologue, part 2 by Tessa Brenan and Cassandra Bosc

Extinguishing the cigarette he put the phone to his ear. Hello? Axel Shay, can I help you? he drawled. At the moment, he wasnt really in the mood for a phone call. It was late, he had a bad day and all that was on his mind was sleep now. Im calling for a report on test subject number one hundred and fourteen. Any progress? The person on the other end asked. Axel rubbed his forehead and sighed Not yet. So, no? He raised his eyebrows. I said not yet. Well get results. You havent made any progress with the test subject since she arrived, the voice said pointedly. Thats not true. Shes been disciplined with training- Self-defense is not going to help her case, Axel. The voice interrupted impatiently. We need results. We need subjects whose bodies accept the boosts theyre given, not deny them. We need subjects who excel in training, not ones who pass meagerly. We need subjects who are prepared, not having a free ride. The voice paused. With this, we need you to raise the dosages. Excuse me? Raise them, we need all of them ready by at least 2060. You have to keep moving forward. Raise the-?! That would kill her! Ive seen this places records. Dont you think if you raise them too soon like last time, it will happen all over again?! Axel Shay yelled into the phone, slamming a fist on to the table. You cant do that! You will lose another test! He waited for a response, but there was nothing, only the crackling on the line in his ear. Someone took a breath. We need her ready by 2060 thats in six years. What happened last time wassomewhat of a mistake. We have corrected our calculations since then, we know now what went wrong, and there is only room for improvement. Yeah, because you never made mistakes, he thought to himself sarcastically. Raise them. We need results and we need them now. You know the consequences of disobeying orders. The voice finished. There was a click, then silence. Tightening his grip on the phone he chucked it at the wall. What the hell had he been talking about?! This was exactly like the trenches. And someone else was going to die, someone he needed to hang on. Hands on his head and elbows on the table, he stared at the photo of the girl. Test subject number 114, Beta. If you die because of these tests, I swear He growled. Dont die. Dont fail us Beta I need this job. I need it, and you will not ruin it for me! The photo of the girl just continued to stare at him, grinning like it always did. Continuation next month/issue.

Photography by Alex Mondor

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Art and Photography

By Aliana Fristensky

By Sean Henderson

By Ian Mullins

Artists! We know youre out there! Show off your talent by sending in your work to be published in the next issue!

Elements of Nature by Alyssa Wautier Medium: Pencil

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October News in Review by Ian Mullins

The United States Debt Crisis. In light of the recent US debt crisis, and the shutdown of all US government non-essential services, I think its safe to say that here at Vincent Massey not many of us can really explain what has happened over the past month. To give a summary in brief, basically what has happened is that the United States government hit its allotted amount that it is allowed to borrow, this being called the debt ceiling, a policy set in 1917 during the First World War. That at the time hoped to ensure that the government would not borrow more than it could afford to support a future war. In the 96 years since 1917 the debt ceiling has been raised 74 times; this is not a problem, as inflation has risen steadily. Over the past decade the US government has had to borrow more and more, amounting to two billion dollars per day on average. The idea of having a maximum amount that you are allowed to borrow sounds like a good idea. It might be, the only problem being the amount of red tape that the United States government has to go through in order to get anything done. In order to pass legislation within the US government, proposed laws must go through both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The House of Representatives is controlled by the Republican Party, and the Senate is controlled by the Democratic Party. In order for the United States government to continue and operate its finances, it must agree on financial legislation. The reason this has not happened is because of a divide in the Republican Party between those voting to pass the motion along, and a small majority of Republicans blocking the motion, led by Ted Cruz. Ted Cruz, along with 32 other fundamentalist Republicans, chose to block legislation for the 2014 fiscal year. The right-wingers chose to temporarily shut down all nonessential government operations, for two reasons. First was to draw attention to their branch of the party and its ideals. The second reason is to delay the US healthcare reforms, commonly referred to as Obamacare. With all the headlines and uproar within the general public over the past month, the shutdown of the government might seem to be a onetime catastrophic event. It will most likely be not, as with the US steadily immersing itself into the red, a new agreement will have to be made again some time in the New Year. Troubles in City Hall. It seems that the last month has been ripe with scandals in the Canadian Senate and here at home in City Hall. The recent allegation that has arrived at city hall is over the construction of three new fire halls on land City Hall does not own. Phil Sheegl, Winnipegs Chief Administrative Officer (an appointed position), the Mayors close friend and former business partner, oversaw much of the project. This relationship has led to an alleged conflict of interest (where an official profits off of public money). Finally the deal was not proposed publically, allegedly leading to the land developing company, Shindico, to get the contract while offering the highest bid to construct the fire halls (18 million dollars). These alleged issues have led to calls from within City Council for Sam Katz to resign. As of now the fire chief Reid Douglas and Phil Sheegl have resigned, though the Mayor has yet to respond to this, saying that councillors are entitled to their opinions. The union representing the Winnipeg Police Force has called for the RCMP to investigate the supposed misspending and ethics violations.

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