The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted businesses around the world. Self-isolation and social distancing have affected restaurants in particular, as they must choose between two equally worrying options: They could close completely, leaving their employees without a steady paycheque while the owners continue to pay rent and other overhead fees[Read More…]
Author: Colin Rier
The glory of the classical music comments sections
Given that the entire world is currently socially distancing at home, many people have suddenly found themselves spending all of their time on the internet—so much so that YouTube has recently set the default streaming quality for all videos globally to standard definition to prevent its servers from being overwhelmed.[Read More…]
Thorium could refuel the future of nuclear energy
Despite being named after the Norse god of thunder, thorium does not come from the sky; rather, it is naturally occurring in the Earth’s crust. Discovered in 1828, thorium is a slightly radioactive metal that is a promising nuclear fuel alternative to uranium. However, the use of thorium as a[Read More…]
COVID-19 threatens McGill students’ financial security
As a result of COVID-19, Quebec Premier François Legault has mandated that non-essential businesses and services shut down until at least April 13, leaving many McGill students without work. The cancellation of student internships and entry level jobs have left self-supported students without an income to pay for their tuition,[Read More…]
When this is all over, let’s go to the movies
“We have corn!” said Ethan Everly, U3 Mechanical Engineering and president of Peel Street Cinema as he listed some of the allures of the group’s live movie screenings. Popcorn is just one element of a movie theatre’s ambience. Of course, it can be made in the comfort of an apartment,[Read More…]
The unexpected irony of self-isolation
Before COVID-19 forced the shutdown of public institutions and non-essential services, my life followed a stable routine. On most days, if I wasn’t already gone for an early shift at work, I would get to McGill at around 9:00 am for my morning classes, spend my free time at the[Read More…]
The SAQ is an essential service
Alcohol consumption is often considered a university tradition: Drinking is embedded in much of student social life, culture and events. However, Quebec Premier François Legault’s decision to deem the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) an essential service amid province-wide shut-downs to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic is[Read More…]
Student-led Face-Shield Initiative seeks support and materials
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for health care workers on the front line in the fight against COVID-19. As the number of global cases continues to increase, hospitals are experiencing shortages of basic medical equipment, most notably protective face shields, plastic guards that protect doctors and nurses from infectious[Read More…]
McGill students should care about the Bernie Sanders campaign
The border guard gruffly asked which presidential candidate I supported after I mentioned that I was crossing the US-Canada border to work in the primaries of the US presidential election. When I told him, his eyebrows shot up. Bernie Sanders? The socialist? I have discussed the primaries with many fellow[Read More…]
