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Arts & Entertainment, Film and TV

‘The Brutalist’ is a triumph that left me unsatisfied

by Siena Torres on

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The word “monumental” has been impossible to avoid in discussions around​ The Brutalist, the latest feature film by former actor Brady Corbet. It’s been cemented as a frontrunner in the Oscar race after winning Best Motion Picture (Drama) at the Golden Globes and picking up 10 Oscar nominations. Keeping in line with this scandal-filled Oscar season, online uproar began just a few days after the ceremony when film editor Dávid Jancsó revealed that he used artificial intelligence to assist in refining the actors’ Hungarian accents. 

And yet, none of these factors deterred my interest in the film—not even the 215-minute runtime, an impressive length that has reportedly scared off Oscar voters. In fact, the discourse surrounding The Brutalist made me eagerly await spending an entire afternoon in the movie theatre, immersing myself in its world. 

The film is centred around László Tóth (Adrien Brody), a Jewish Hungarian architect who survives the Holocaust and arrives in America to begin a new life. When a wealthy patron, Harrison Van Buren (Guy Pearce), contracts Tóth for his architectural talent, he is warily immersed into upper-class society. However, this does not come easily as he grapples with antisemitism in his new home. Unusually, there is an intermission that splits the film into two distinct parts that give the film a unique appeal. The arrival of Tóth’s wife, Erzsébet (Felicity Jones), marks the second half and a major tonal shift as the reality of the American Dream comes crashing down around him.

In a time when Netflix blockbusters can cost $200 million USD, Corbet worked with a budget of just $10 million USD. This is made more impressive upon learning it was primarily shot on VistaVision filmstock, a process made popular by Hitchcock that hasn’t been used since 1961. The fact that I could watch the movie in 70mm—the intended high-resolution film format—was all the more exciting. There is a meta element as the film deals with tension between patron and client, similar to Corbet’s difficulties getting his work made and financed. 

As much as the level of detail and care for the craft spoke to me, I did not love The Brutalist as much as I had hoped to. The second half felt emotionally distant from the first, largely due to a particularly violent plot point that left an emotional impression but felt too literal in its message. The cinematography remained stunning, especially a sequence in an Italian marble mine where long takes linger on the enormous slabs of marble that tower over the characters accessing them. 

Visually, The Brutalist is astounding. The stark and cold brutalist architecture mirrors the film’s themes of isolation and patronage. The VistaVision cinematography makes every frame feel grand through its widescreen format. Daniel Blumberg’s score is a highlight; its main theme is imposing and memorable which works with the brutalist aesthetic at its core. 

Brody holds the film steady and delivers a deeply committed and emotionally raw performance as László that is worthy of a second Academy Award. Pearce plays the eccentric Harrison Van Buren, whose complicated relationship and patronage over Tóth is fascinating to watch as it develops and gradually crumbles.

For all its aesthetic precision and committed performances, the emotional core feels somewhat lacking by the time the credits roll, and I was left unfulfilled by the epilogue. The political message is convoluted as the speaker switches out of László’s perspective to his niece who moved to Israel and is now introducing his work in a retrospective years later. In a darkly ironic move, László can no longer speak for his work, and it is now interpreted only in perspective to the trauma he has endured. 

Despite personal reservations, The Brutalist remains an audacious and admirable achievement. It’s a rare film that demands patience and rewards close attention, a testament to Corbet’s vision and the power of cinema as an art form.

Off the Board, Opinion

Skipping class can be a studious choice

by Mairin Burke on

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Growing up, I had near-perfect attendance. In Grade 1, my school pre-emptively excused us all due to a blizzard forecasted for the next day. But my dad and I still crunched stubbornly through the snowfall the following morning, where he deposited me with the only teacher who had managed to trek in. I spent the whole day in the Grade 6 classroom, reverently listening to the teacher read Hatchet by Gary Paulson aloud.

When I got concussed during recess in Grade 5, my dad took me to the emergency clinic, made sure I didn’t need to be hospitalized, and then dropped me back at school right in time for last period. My Senior Skip Day filled me with immense anxiety: I had dropped the family mantle by playing hooky. 

But at university, I have absolutely none of these qualms (sorry, Dad!). The agency that cutting class can give you, the productivity it can foster, and the mental hygiene it can support are truly magical. Last semester, when I was juggling six classes, ditching certain ones not only allowed me to effectively manage my academic and personal commitments; it kept me sane.

Skipping can’t just be done willy-nilly, though. It’s “strategic”: There are certain courses that you simply can and can’t be skipping while still aiming for academic achievement. Last semester’s 8:30 a.m. in Stewart Bio, recorded, with no participation grade? Perfect for a later catch-up. Conversely, any conference or small 400-level should never be missed; racking up all possible attendance points in such a class is crucial. Overall, the better you can gaslight yourself into believing it was necessary or appropriate to sleep through your Monday morning lecture or ignore your Tuesday afternoon class, the less guilt you’ll feel skipping.

All jokes aside, I’m a big fan of the strategic skip. Skipping class can immensely increase your capacity as both a student and a person. It’s important to rest and refocus your mind in the face of McGill’s rigorous academic environment. Occasionally skipping a class whose content you’re sure you can learn on your own when you’re feeling mentally overwhelmed can actually help you do your best. You won’t retain any information in class when you’re too stressed, anyway. Whether ditching to lock in at the library or to enjoy a hot dog on the Redpath Museum steps, this form of skip allows you to clear your brain and be more present moving forward. 

And now we get to my favourite part of skipping class: It reminds me of how much I actually want to be there. The greatest privilege of my life is to get to learn. To be at university, taught by incredible faculty among really bright people, is something I feel lucky for every single day. The relationships you can build with profs, TAs, and peers by going to class are often more worthwhile than even the greatest skip. At a school as large as McGill, feeling like people know you and are personally there to support your learning is a huge win—one that can’t be realized without showing up for them, too.

I am a firm believer in committing as best as you can to all you’ve signed up for, and in seizing all the opportunities you are privileged enough to have in reach. This means that skipping—while more necessary than profs and admin might believe—must be done with the greatest discretion. Which is why I really don’t do it all that much. It’s an ace in the hole for reevaluating academic priorities from time to time, but shouldn’t stand in for the fulfillment a good class provokes.
Ultimately, the chance to learn something transformative and be suspended in wonder is what inspires me to show up and stay in class. I will never forget the enthrallment six-year-old me felt getting to sit beside older kids on that snow day, all of us hanging onto every word of Hatchet. At its best, a university class inspires that very same feeling: An overwhelming gratitude for being in the exact right room, at the exact right moment, with the exact right students, out of all the places and times and people in this world. I hope you feel that too.

Editorial, Opinion

Concordia has a Black Studies program. Why doesn’t McGill?

by The Tribune Editorial Board on

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Concordia University recently announced the scheduled launching of a Minor in Black and African Diaspora Studies in the Canadian Context—the first Black Studies program in Quebec. This program, planned to start in Fall 2025, will contextualize Blackness through its local and global histories, cultures, and experiences. It aims to offer an academic space to explore and preserve Black histories, perspectives, and contributions to Canada. As a world-renowned institution, McGill has both the responsibility and the resources to follow suit and establish its own Black Studies program—one that would elevate Black scholarship and begin to reconcile the university’s long-standing institutional failures in addressing anti-Black racism. In the face of repeated demands for action by both students and faculty, and under their obligation as a signatory of the Scarborough Charter, McGill must demonstrate its commitment to inclusive and comprehensive post-secondary education. 

This conversation is not new to the university; the Black Students’ Network (BSN) has been advocating for an Africana Studies program since 1991, when a proposal was initially submitted and rejected. In 2018, the BSN brought the initiative back once more, proposing a Black Studies program in the Faculty of Arts aimed at providing an interdisciplinary approach to African and African diasporic histories, cultures, and contributions across the world. McGill has yet to implement a Black Studies program of any kind. 

While McGill offers separate African Studies, Latin American, and Caribbean Studies, and World Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies programs, a dedicated Black Studies program would bridge these fields and provide a more comprehensive perspective on global Blackness. Unlike the targeted areas of East Asian Studies or Russian Studies, McGill’s current African Studies program treats the entire continent as one undifferentiated entity, reinforcing the reductive conception of Africa as a monolith, despite its 54 diverse countries. McGill’s failure to establish a focused Black Studies program after all this time highlights its unwillingness to take the demands of its student body—and the anti-Black racism that persists within its institutions—seriously.

The issue is also epistemological. McGill’s study of Africa and the African diaspora often centres on colonialism, conflict, and crisis, rather than celebrating the intellectual, cultural, and historical richness of the continent and the diverse experiences of the Black diaspora. This gap is particularly concerning given Montreal’s long-established Haitian community whose contributions are absent from McGill’s curricula—a gap which represents a missed opportunity for students to understand the local and global dimensions of Black life.

Establishing a Black Studies program at McGill would not only enhance the university’s academic landscape but also set a powerful precedent. By creating such a program, McGill would affirm that Black studies are essential to academic rigour, prompting other Canadian universities to follow suit. A Black Studies program would also diversify the university’s intellectual and demographic makeup. This program has the potential to attract Black students and faculty with expertise, providing a space where they can engage with Black scholarship without the burden of justifying its place in the broader McGill curriculum or being tasked with the emotional and intellectual responsibility of educating their non-racialized peers. 

McGill must also confront its history as an institution built on colonial wealth, including James McGill’s ties to slavery. The continued use of his name is a stark reminder of the university’s refusal to reckon with its past. Institutions worldwide have renamed themselves and their buildings associated with enslavers and colonial figures. McGill must do the same if it seeks to promote academic decolonization and address the historic role of higher education institutions in shaping knowledge about marginalized groups. The university has committed to fighting anti-Black racism through tangible institutional action, and a Black Studies program is the perfect way to enact this commitment. The push for a Black Studies program is also part of a broader call to action: McGill must prioritize hiring more Black faculty, encourage Black enrollment, and invest in long-term funding for Black academic research.

This field of study is not an optional niche; it is a vital part of the future of academia. If McGill is committed to providing a world-class education, it must prioritize a curriculum that authentically reflects the histories, cultures, and intellectual contributions of Black people worldwide.

Science & Technology

How non-coding RNA molecules could advance mental health treatment

by Lana Liquard on

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The human genome is more than just a blueprint of DNA and RNA—it is a complex network of molecules working together to regulate the processes that keep us alive. These hidden architects are critical for cell function and gene expression. Recent research has begun to shed light on how they might also be associated with mental health disorders. 

Dr. Gustavo Turecki, Chair of McGill’s Department of Psychiatry and Director of the McGill Group for Suicide Studies, recently published a review article in Biological Psychiatry: Global Open Science exploring the role of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) in psychiatric disorders. 

While the human genome primarily encodes proteins, it also produces a variety of non-coding RNAs—molecules that do not directly code for proteins but instead regulate gene expression. These non-coding RNAs can be classified by size into small and long categories. Among the small non-coding RNAs are microRNAs, short sequences with regulatory functions, and snoRNAs. 

SnoRNAs are typically known for their role in modifying ribosomal RNAs, influencing their stability and function. However, emerging research suggests they may have broader functions, particularly in the brain.

“We decided to compile growing information on the role of these small nucleolar RNAs in relation to brain-related phenomena, particularly in the area of mental health,” Turecki explained in an interview with The Tribune. 

This review was motivated by one of his previous studies on a specific snoRNA, SNORD90. This snoRNA differs from its typical function in that it regulates glutamatergic signalling in the brain, which is associated with how well patients respond to antidepressant treatment. 

The link between these snoRNA molecules and neurological disorders is increasingly clear. Research has shown that a total of 80 different snoRNAs are associated with autism spectrum disorder, while another 25 are linked to schizophrenia. These findings suggest that snoRNAs could be key players in mental health, influencing brain functions in ways we are only beginning to understand.

However, studying snoRNAs in the context of mental health presents significant practical challenges.

“If I want to study what changes in the brain as a function of treatment or as a result of improvement, I cannot take a sample of a patient’s brain,” Turecki said.

Researchers must rely on indirect methods to examine molecular changes in the brain. One approach involves examining molecular markers—biological signatures that provide indirect insights into brain function. Another method is postmortem brain tissue analysis, though this comes with inherent limitations as the brain may change after death. 

“There are a number of challenges in accessing the tissue after death,” Turecki explained. “Several things can happen between the moment you wish to study the brain and the moment that person dies.”

In recent years, scientists have also turned to extracellular vesicles (EVs)—tiny particles released by brain cells that carry molecular cargo. These vesicles circulate in peripheral bodily fluids, offering a potential glimpse into brain activity. 

“On the other hand, we are just beginning to understand to what extent what we detect in an EV is representative of what is happening in the brain,” Turecki said. 

While research in this field is still in its early stages, the potential applications of snoRNAs are promising. 

“One of the things I like a lot about working with small non-coding RNA is that they […] can act as therapeutic agents,” Turecki said.

Because these molecules are relatively easy to detect, manipulate, and target, they present a promising avenue in the field of RNA therapeutics. SnoRNA research is not only helpful for understanding the mechanisms of illness but could also open new doors for developing innovative treatments. 

As the field progresses, snoRNAs may emerge as important biomarkers for diagnosing psychiatric disorders and as potential targets for treatment interventions.

Science & Technology

Outpatient knee replacement: A cost-effective alternative

by Daniel Pyo on

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Bone surgeries, particularly total hip replacement (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), are common procedures for treating advanced joint conditions like arthritis and avascular necrosis. While these surgeries are highly effective, they are also invasive and resource-intensive, posing challenges for healthcare systems striving to manage costs. However, with the emergence of new surgical techniques and advancements, the average length of hospital stays for these procedures has decreased.

The demand for hip and knee replacements among patients over 65 has been projected to rise significantly due to an increase in Canada’s aging population. In 2019–2020, TKA surgeries alone cost Canada’s healthcare system $700 million CAD, with each inpatient procedure averaging  $12,223 CAD.

As these surgeries become more common, healthcare systems are under increasing pressure to find cost-effective solutions to expand access to care. One potential option is same-day discharge arthroplasty, also known as outpatient TKA, where patients have the procedure and go home on the same day. A recent study investigated the cost differences between outpatient and inpatient TKA to assess whether this approach could help alleviate some of the financial strain while maintaining the quality of care. 

The study was led by Simon Martel, a fifth-year chief resident in Orthopedic Surgery, and involved researchers from McGill’s Department of Surgery. 

The research team examined the costs associated with both outpatient and inpatient TKA by analyzing data from 50 patients—25 treated as outpatients and 25 as inpatients—at a Canadian academic centre. To measure the costs accurately, the team used an activity-based costing (ABC) framework, which breaks down the total resources and expenses involved in patient care.

The findings reveal that inpatient care was more expensive than outpatient care, mainly due to the costs of hospital admissions and associated services like pharmacy use. While outpatient care was slightly more expensive in terms of operating room logistics, it avoided the costs associated with hospital stays, such as room charges and prolonged nursing care. By shifting to outpatient procedures, healthcare systems could reduce the strain on hospital resources, allowing for more patients to receive timely surgeries. 

“For fairly healthy patients, there’s no difference in their long-term outcome, whether they stay at the hospital for a few days or whether they’re sent home,” Martel said in an interview with The Tribune. 

However, to qualify for outpatient hip and knee replacement surgery, patients must be in good overall health, be motivated to participate in physical therapy after surgery, and have a supportive environment for post-operative recovery and rehabilitation.

The study also found that both outpatient and inpatient groups experienced similar rates of complications and follow-up visits, confirming that outpatient procedures are equally safe when patients are carefully selected. In an era of nursing shortages across North America, reducing post-operative hospital stays for elective joint surgeries could significantly ease the strain on healthcare systems and improve access to orthopedic care.

“The majority of their progress occurs two weeks after the surgery and continues for up to six weeks, so whether they stay in the hospital [overnight] or not, we don’t see much difference in their recovery period,” Martel explained. 

If half of Canada’s knee replacement procedures were to transition to the outpatient model, the healthcare system could save over $45 million CAD annually. In addition to the financial savings, outpatient TKA would alleviate hospital burden, improve access to timely surgeries, and address critical workforce challenges, such as nursing shortages.

While these findings are promising, the study has some limitations, such as its single-centre design and small sample size. Larger studies across diverse healthcare settings are needed to confirm the results and evaluate the broader applicability of outpatient TKA. 

“If you can save $1,000 [CAD], or 50 per cent of post-operative costs per case, it adds up to a significant amount,” Martel added.

Arts & Entertainment, Comedy

Wait, Timothée Chalamet can sing now?

by Olivia Wigod on

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When NBC posted their January Saturday Night Live (SNL) lineups to social media, the casting for the Jan. 25 show generated a lot of buzz. SNL announced that Oscar-nominated actor Timothée Chalamet would serve as both host and musical guest for the second live show of the year. While it excited fans, the announcement received a confused reaction from the public. Though it is not uncommon for SNL to enlist musicians as both hosts and musical guests, Timothée Chalamet constitutes a rare case in which a non-professional singer takes on both roles; the last example of this occurred 30 years ago with Lily Tomlin in 1975. Last week, Chalamet joined a coveted and sparse group of just four other non-professional musical guests in the show’s history. 

Chalamet’s lack of experience as a professional musician raised the question: What will he sing? The actor has no original music on streaming platforms and thus no discography from which to pull. The only songs attached to Chalamet’s artist profile on streaming sites come from his filmography; the actor is a credited artist for the soundtracks to Wonka and A Complete Unknown. Considering this barren discography, some joked (and even hoped) that Chalamet might perform “Statistics,” a viral meme starring the actor’s high school rap persona, Lil’ Timmy Tim. Others assumed, more rationally, that Chalamet would perform songs from his Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, to promote the film now in theatres. Because the public knows so little of Chalamet’s singing ability, his SNL debut as a musical guest intrigued fans as it invited many possibilities for his performance. 

Ultimately, Chalamet laid Lil’ Timmy Tim to rest and covered three Bob Dylan songs. The actor opened his musical set with a high-energy performance of “Outlaw Blues.” He commanded the stage, removing his hood partway through the song to highlight his “dark sunglasses,” of which the song speaks. Chalamet’s charismatic performance propelled the momentum initiated by the hilarious monologue and sketches already presented that evening.

After “Outlaw Blues,” Chalamet removed his jacket and sat near the front of the SNL stage to give an intimate performance of “Three Angels.” As with all songs performed, Chalamet used a different arrangement from the original version of Dylan’s track. Here, he provided the audience with a break from SNL’s energetic tone by selecting a spoken-word song. This performance not only allowed repose from the enthusiasm and angst expressed in “Outlaw Blues,” but demonstrated Chalamet’s range as a performer and his ability to captivate an audience without a tune—just words and instrumentals.

In his final musical performance of the night, Chalamet sits with his guitar to sing a meditative rendition of “Tomorrow Is a Long Time.” The song’s slow pace showcases Chalamet’s vocal ability and, like “Three Angels,” contrasts the show’s otherwise unserious tone.So, how did audiences receive Timothée Chalamet’s musical debut? While skeptics may view the actor’s choice to perform Bob Dylan songs as an obvious publicity stunt to draw attention to A Complete Unknown, Chalamet’s talent is nonetheless undeniable. The Oscar nominee took advantage of the fact that most viewers have never heard his voice and performed impressively. He selected deep cuts from Dylan’s discography and made the songs his own, pulling inspiration from Dylan’s inflections while changing the instrumental arrangements to stand out. By leaning into the edge of “Outlaw Blues” and emphasizing the melancholic tone of the other tracks, Chalamet maintained his individuality while impersonating Dylan. Notably, none of the songs Chalamet sang are on the soundtrack for A Complete Unknown; this was an exclusive performance. Chalamet thus left more to the imagination, giving the audience a taste of what to expect from the film without spoiling his performances. Chalamet’s performance undoubtedly made Miss Lawton proud.

On the Table

Pecan Cookies

by Bennett Samberg on

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Ingredients: 

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar 
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 
  • 1 cup chopped, toasted pecans 
  • Demerara sugar, for rolling the dough balls in

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
  2. Chop a cup of pecans and spread evenly onto a baking sheet. Put the baking sheet into the preheated oven for 6 minutes, shaking the pan lightly to toss the pecans halfway through.
  3. Cream the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract together in the bowl of a stand mixer. 
  4. Add the flour, cinnamon and salt to the bowl and mix on a low speed until incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix. 
  5. Pour in the chopped, toasted pecans, and mix on low until just combined.
  6. Form dough into balls. The dough will be crumbly so press it firmly; this will help achieve a perfect crumbly texture. 
  7. Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 17 minutes. 
  8. Let cool and enjoy.
On the Table

Escape The Stress: Your Guide To The Best Cafes To Study In Near The McGill Campus

by Lisa Banti, Alex Alikakos, Lilia Kreidieh on

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Sometimes, studying on campus feels impossible. The library is too crowded, your apartment is too loud, and the thought of another hour in the McLennan basement under fluorescent lights feels soul-crushing. That’s when you know it’s time to pack up your laptop and headphones and head to one of these gems around McGill. They’re more than just places to grab coffee—they’re sanctuaries where deadlines somehow feel less daunting.

#1 Anti-Café: Time Is on Your Side

This spot flips the script on traditional cafes—you pay for the time, not the coffee. At $3 CAD an hour, you get unlimited coffee, tea, snacks, and Wi-Fi, all in a cozy space perfect for marathon study sessions. I once cranked out an entire term paper here with nothing but their green tea and a plate of cookies to fuel me. The vibe? Chill but focused—like everyone’s quietly rooting for you to finish your work.

#2 Second Cup: Across from McGill, Away from Stress

Right across from campus, Second Cup is where you’ll always find at least one friend (or a classmate avoiding their reading list). The spacious seating and soft background music make it a solid spot for light studying or group projects. Pro tip: Order the caramel corretto—it’s comfort in a cup, especially on a dreary winter day.

#3 Gerts Café & Bar : Home Away From Home

Gerts isn’t just a bar. By day, it’s a cozy café where you can grab coffee or a bite between classes. It’s run by students, for students, which means you’ll always feel like you belong. I once spent a rainy afternoon here going over econ notes while sipping the cheapest (but surprisingly good) latte on campus.

#4 Rosetti: The Aesthetic Overachiever

Rosetti is where you go when you need a little beauty to inspire your brain. The minimalist design, soft lighting, and insanely good pastries make it a treat for all the senses. The first time I went, I meant to review lecture slides but ended up spending half the time admiring their latte art. Aesthetic distractions aside, the calm vibe makes it perfect for focused work.

#5 Columbus Café: Where Comfort Meets Focus

This cozy spot on Peel Street is like studying in your favourite aunt’s living room—if your aunt had excellent coffee and fresh pastries on hand. The plush chairs and warm lighting create the perfect atmosphere for hunkering down with a long reading list. Bonus: their chocolate chip muffins might just be the best in the area.

#6 Leaves House: A Breath of Fresh Air

If you’re in desperate need of calm, Leaves House is your escape. Imagine greenery everywhere, vegan treats that taste way better than you’d expect, and herbal teas that smell like a warm hug. The day before my history final, I came here to decompress, and I swear the lavender tea saved me from a breakdown.

#7 Humble Lion: Small but Mighty

This is the café for true coffee aficionados. Humble Lion’s espresso is the stuff of legends, and their minimalist setup means you won’t be distracted by anything except your work (or maybe the sunlight streaming through the windows). It’s a small space, so come early if you want a spot.

#8 Tommy Café 

If the harsh fluorescent lights of Schulich Library aren’t your vibe, Tommy Café offers a much-needed escape. With its cozy and inviting atmosphere, the second floor is a standout—complete with soft green couches and an ambiance that feels like a warm hug. It’s the perfect daytime retreat for unwinding or tackling some studying between classes. Just a heads-up: The top floor closes at 5 PM, so plan your visit accordingly. 

#9 Le Cathcart 

Tucked inside a lively, cafeteria-style hub, Le Cathcart offers an eclectic array of dining and café options to suit every craving. From the swift, energizing brews at Café Veloce to the hearty, brain-fueling bites at Dirty Greens, there’s something here for everyone. What sets Le Cathcart apart is its versatility as a study and hangout spot. Whether you thrive in open spaces buzzing with energy, or prefer a secluded, dimly lit corner to focus, you’ll find your perfect nook. This dynamic space effortlessly combines vibrant food with cozy spots for productivity or relaxation.

#10 SoLIT 

SoLIT Café is a stunning study spot that feels like stepping into a serene urban oasis. With delicate lights intertwined with leaves hanging from the ceiling, the ambiance is both enchanting and inspiring. During the warmer months, their beautiful outdoor seating area adds an extra layer of charm—though that may feel like a distant dream on colder days. While the café has a no-computer policy (not strictly enforced), it’s an ideal place for diving into textbooks, catching up on class readings, or simply enjoying a mindful moment with a book.

Each of these spots has a personality of its own, just like the students who frequent them. Whether you’re cramming for midterms or procrastinating on a paper (it happens), these cafes are more than just places to study—they’re a little slice of comfort during the chaos. So, grab your laptop, find your perfect nook, and let the productivity—or procrastination—begin.

On the Table

Creamy Pumpkin Risotto with Sage and Parmesan: A Taste of Tradition

by Lisa Banti on

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Although I’ve never lived in Italy, my childhood summers there often brought me to my grandmother’s kitchen in Milan—a space filled with the warmth of simmering pots and her endless patience. Those visits, though fleeting, were transformative. Her kitchen wasn’t just where meals were made; it was where she passed down her culinary wisdom, one dish at a time. Out of all her recipes, her Pumpkin Risotto remains my favourite, a dish that perfectly captures the cozy simplicity of Northern Italian cooking. It highlights the natural sweetness of pumpkin, the nutty richness of parmesan, and the earthy aroma of sage. Like my grandmother herself, it’s both humble and elegant. As she often reminds me, “//A good risotto takes patience—just like life//”

Ingredients

(Serves 4-6)

  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 1/2 cups dry white wine
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock, kept warm
  • 1 cup roasted pumpkin, pureed
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 6-8 fresh sage leaves, fried until crisp
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Toast the rice: Stir in the Arborio rice, coating it with oil, and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly translucent.
  3. Deglaze with wine: Add the white wine, stirring constantly until it’s mostly absorbed.
  4. Add the stock gradually: Begin adding the warm stock, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously until the stock is absorbed before adding more. This process should take about 20 minutes.
  5. Incorporate the pumpkin: Stir in the roasted pumpkin puree and cook for another 5 minutes, ensuring the risotto remains creamy.
  6. Finish with butter and cheese: Remove from heat and gently fold in the butter and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve with sage: Garnish each bowl with fried sage leaves for an aromatic and crunchy finish.

Why It Works

This risotto is a reflection of my grandmother’s philosophy: Quality ingredients and mindful preparation are the keys to great food. The slow process of adding stock and stirring is meditative, allowing you to fully engage with the dish as it comes together. The final result is a velvety, comforting risotto that pairs perfectly with a glass of wine and crusty bread.

A Dish to Share

When I make this dish in my Montreal apartment, it feels like bringing a little piece of Italy into my home. It’s perfect for cozy nights with friends or as a way to treat yourself after a long day. Wherever you are, I hope this risotto brings you the same sense of comfort and connection that it does for me.

Private

Concordia has a Black Studies program. Why doesn’t McGill?

by The Tribune Editorial Board on

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Concordia University recently announced the scheduled launching of a Minor in Black and African Diaspora Studies in the Canadian Context—the first Black Studies program in Quebec. This program, planned to start in Fall 2025, will contextualize Blackness through its local and global histories, cultures, and experiences. It aims to offer an academic space to explore and preserve Black histories, perspectives, and contributions to Canada. As a world-renowned institution, McGill has both the responsibility and the resources to follow suit and establish its own Black Studies program—one that would elevate Black scholarship and begin to reconcile the university’s long-standing institutional failures in addressing anti-Black racism. In the face of repeated demands for action by both students and faculty, and under their obligation as a signatory of the Scarborough Charter, McGill must demonstrate its commitment to inclusive and comprehensive post-secondary education. 

This conversation is not new to the university; the Black Students’ Network (BSN) has been advocating for an Africana Studies program since 1991, when a proposal was initially submitted and rejected. In 2018, the BSN brought the initiative back once more, proposing a Black Studies program in the Faculty of Arts aimed at providing an interdisciplinary approach to African and African diasporic histories, cultures, and contributions across the world. McGill has yet to implement a Black Studies program of any kind. 

While McGill offers separate African Studies, Latin American, and Caribbean Studies, and World Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies programs, a dedicated Black Studies program would bridge these fields and provide a more comprehensive perspective on global Blackness. Unlike the targeted areas of East Asian Studies or Russian Studies, McGill’s current African Studies program treats the entire continent as one undifferentiated entity, reinforcing the reductive conception of Africa as a monolith, despite its 54 diverse countries. McGill’s failure to establish a focused Black Studies program after all this time highlights its unwillingness to take the demands of its student body—and the anti-Black racism that persists within its institutions—seriously.

The issue is also epistemological. McGill’s study of Africa and the African diaspora often centres on colonialism, conflict, and crisis, rather than celebrating the intellectual, cultural, and historical richness of the continent and the diverse experiences of the Black diaspora. This gap is particularly concerning given Montreal’s long-established Haitian community whose contributions are absent from McGill’s curricula—a gap which represents a missed opportunity for students to understand the local and global dimensions of Black life.

Establishing a Black Studies program at McGill would not only enhance the university’s academic landscape but also set a powerful precedent. By creating such a program, McGill would affirm that Black studies are essential to academic rigour, prompting other Canadian universities to follow suit. A Black Studies program would also diversify the university’s intellectual and demographic makeup. This program has the potential to attract Black students and faculty with expertise, providing a space where they can engage with Black scholarship without the burden of justifying its place in the broader McGill curriculum or being tasked with the emotional and intellectual responsibility of educating their non-racialized peers. 

McGill must also confront its history as an institution built on colonial wealth, including James McGill’s ties to slavery. The continued use of his name is a stark reminder of the university’s refusal to reckon with its past. Institutions worldwide have renamed themselves and their buildings associated with enslavers and colonial figures. McGill must do the same if it seeks to promote academic decolonization and address the historic role of higher education institutions in shaping knowledge about marginalized groups. The university has committed to fighting anti-Black racism through tangible institutional action, and a Black Studies program is the perfect way to enact this commitment. The push for a Black Studies program is also part of a broader call to action: McGill must prioritize hiring more Black faculty, encourage Black enrollment, and invest in long-term funding for Black academic research.

This field of study is not an optional niche; it is a vital part of the future of academia. If McGill is committed to providing a world-class education, it must prioritize a curriculum that authentically reflects the histories, cultures, and intellectual contributions of Black people worldwide.

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