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a, Opinion

Commentary: Is McGill really too Liberal?

by Eric Hendry on

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There is a popular narrative among certain students—often conservatives—that universities are no longer the bastions of free speech they once were.

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a, Student Life

Campus Spotlight: Astronomy Club

by Arden Li on

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Whether you come from a small mountain town in southern France or the concrete jungle of New York City, there’s something to be said about the enchantment of the open sky. The McGill Students’ Astronomy Club, which was started in August 2012 by a few graduate students in the physics department, offers a welcoming environment for members to explore areas of amateur astronomy.

“I joined the club out of pure interest really,” said Jerry Kurian, a master’s student in chemistry. “The universe […] is one of the most interesting things to learn about. There is an insane amount we do not know, and the scale, objects, and materials of the universe blow me away. Thinking about how minuscule we really are is quite a humbling experience.”

Hosting four main types of events throughout the year, the club offers something for everyone—whether you are a physics major who wants an outlet to delve deeper into astrophysics or an Arts student with an appreciation for stargazing. For the more science-oriented individuals, there are “astrotalks,” which are presentations delivered by both students and professors that feature a range of astronomy related topics.

The Astronomy Club also hosts observation nights on the McGill campus. With the aid of an advanced telescope, members are able to examine stars and constellations on a clear, dark night.

The third category of events allows students to observe the sky in a more secluded environment by going on stargazing trips that take place outside of the city.

“We go out to Saint Bernard de Lacolle or Mont Mégantic,” explained Astronomy Club President and U3 physics student, Dhruv Bisaria. “Those are dark sky reserves where you get even better observation quality, so you can get a much better picture of the stars and bring more students there.”

The stargazing trips allow students to witness the night skies first-hand.

“I would tell students that if [they] have any interests in astronomy at all, they should definitely come out to the star gazing event,” Kurian said. “It’s one thing to read about the different galaxies, planets, and stars nearby and be amazed at their different properties, but it’s a completely different experience to actually be there and witness these objects with your own eyes.”

Other events are grouped into a fourth miscellaneous category, which include trips to the planetarium. Bailey Sadowsky, a U2 civil engineering student and the club’s VP Events, is proud of the reputation the Astronomy Club has established.

“I just feel like we’re a club that you can rely on,” Sadowsky said. “You can always look forward to coming and doing something new every week. We’re not going to have the same presentation, the same talk, or even the same trip frequently. It’s always going to be something different.”

In addition to these events, the Astronomy Club also plans social gatherings such as bowling trips, trivia, and game nights. The members’ common interest of astronomy is only a starting point from which many bonds form.

“I feel like it’s important to keep that aspect of a community going,” Bisaria said. “I think we engender that type of community where everyone’s nice [….] We’re an amicable bunch.”

Anyone can join the Astronomy Club at any time. The beauty of astrology is that it’s accessible to everyone, no matter their background.“Where I grew up, when you look into the sky, there are so many city lights that you can’t actually see the stars,” said Lilly Gates, U0 Arts & Science. “But occasionally, when [we] would go to the suburbs, my dad would always point out the constellations and it would almost feel magical being able to see them. Now that I’ve heard about this club, I think it would be fun to experience that magic as a part of a group in the wonderful city of Montreal.”

a, Arts & Entertainment, Music

Album Review: Odesza – In Return

by Kia Pouliot on

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Having made names for themselves in their local electronic music scene, Seattle-based Catacombkid (aka Harrison Mills) and BeachesBeaches (aka Clayton Knight) brought their individual talents together to create ODESZA in 2012. Since then, the partnership has flourished, as demonstrated by the duo’s dynamic sophomore album, In Return.

The record is a consistent stream of pop-infused electronic bliss.  The characteristic glitched-out vocals and atmospheric soundscapes have carried over from the duo’s earlier sound, but In Return also showcases the sonic development ODESZA has undergone. Their songs are never overwhelmingly complex; instead, each track has a subtlety that allows you to discover different nuances with each listen.

Influences from all over the musical spectrum can be found throughout the record. Particularly notable is the clear world-music tinge, including recurring African percussion beats and Asian-inspired woodwind and string sounds. 

Unlike its first album, ODESZA’s second album features collaborations a number of vocalists for In Return to develop fuller, more user-friendly songs. The vocal focus means that the tracks have become less beat-oriented. With performances from Zyra, Py, Shy Girls, and Madelyn Grant, to name a few, this album is successfully attempting to cross over the mainstream bridge.

Cinematic and dark, yet still somehow uplifting, “It’s Only,” featuring Zyra, is one of the standout tracks. The dreamy vocals somehow lend themselves perfectly to the jungle-vibes of the song’s percussion. “Say My Name,” another Zyra collaboration, is a second highlight. More upbeat, this tune is driven by the drums and bass line. It’s hard to listen to without dancing along at least a little bit.

Electronic music looms large in today’s cultural scene, but despite this influx, In Return still manages to present a refreshing listening experience.

a, Arts & Entertainment, Music

Deep Cuts: Forgotten gems from one-hit wonders

by Wyatt Fine-Gagné on

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Lawyers, Guns, and Money

Artist: Warren Zevon

Album: Excitable Boy

Released: January 18, 1978

Though you probably don’t know who Warren Zevon was, you’ve probably heard “Werewolves of London” before—though it’s likely more often associated with Halloween or being one of the samples on Kid Rock’s “All Summer Long” than it is with Zevon. “Lawyers, Guns, and Money” is off Excitable Boy, which ended up being Zevon’s most successful album. Zevon was known for his dark, humorous and occasionally ridiculous lyricism, and that’s certainly at play in this song. The instrumentation isn’t particularly unique—a couple guitars, drums, and bass—but Zevon’s words make him special. As a musician he may not be unique, but as a songwriter there’s no one else like him.

Mexican Wine

Artist: Fountains of Wayne

Album: Welcome Interstate Managers

Released: June 10, 2003

It took me a long time to accept that Fountains of Wayne was going to end up being a one-hit wonder. Its catalogue is filled with great songs, but “Stacy’s Mom” is the only one by the four-piece power-pop group to ever get mainstream recognition. Welcome Interstate Managers is jam-packed with catchy riffs and quirky imagined characters in its songs. I still go back to listen to it now and then, and when I do, it’s “Mexican Wine” that stands out for me. It’s fun, slightly bittersweet, and, perhaps most importantly, very satisfying pop music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTYASJQNtA0&feature=youtu.be

Tiny Little Bows

Artist: Carly Rae Jepsen

Album: Kiss

Released: September 14, 2012

The sheer magnitude of “Call Me Maybe” meant that any other Jepsen track would likely be a disappointment—and this ended up being the case. Her album Kiss did sell fairly well, but it was largely on the back of that one megahit. “Tiny Little Bows,” the album’s opening track, is solid candy pop built on layered synths and a funky, slapped bass part. The sample of Sam Cooke’s “Cupid” also adds a nice touch. Though the lyricism is not all that strong—rarely deviating from the structure used in the first verse and chorus—it’s hard to get the words out of your head once they’re caught there.

White Houses

Artist: Vanessa Carlton

Album: Harmonium

Released: October 21, 2004

Like Jepsen, Vanessa Carlton’s rise was due largely to a single massively popular song that ultimately overshadowed any of her later releases. “White Houses” was the only single off of her second album, Harmonium, that was considered a commercial failure. Musically, “White Houses” follows a similar formula to her hit “A Thousand Miles”—piano laying the foundation with strings swelling and drums pushing things along. But in “White Houses,” Carlton is reflecting on mistakes, not yearning for love. While her sophomore album may have been a disappointment, this song remains a bright spot.

Picture of Molson Stadium
a, Off the Board, Opinion

Off the board: Changing the conversation on athletic hazing

by Wyatt Fine-Gagné on

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Recent events surrounding the McGill Redmen football team have prompted a renewed conversation about the values, rules, and processes that govern athletics at this school.
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a, Science & Technology

Quebec attempts to forge carbon market

by Wilder Walker-Stewart on

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“Climate change is not fiction.”

So began Premier Philippe Couillard at the NYC Climate Summit on Sept. 22, the largest effort yet at galvanizing action for climate change. The event featured the likes of Ban Ki-moon and President Obama.

Couillard’s speech echoed those of the others present at the summit by stressing the need for action, notably touting Quebec’s efforts at creating a carbon market newly unified with California. According to the premier, establishing this system sends a strong signal to businesses and consumers alike about the importance of phasing out carbon use.

The Environmental Defense Fund, an NGO dedicated to the carbon reduction system, describes the carbon market as an “economic incentive to pollute less.” The government auctions off a fixed, or capped, limit of credits—each represents a set amount of carbon—to firms. If the firms exceed the carbon limits of the credits they buy, they are forced to buy more of these credits from other firms who have used less than them. Firms are thus punished for excessive carbon pollution, while those that pollute less are rewarded.

Though complex in its execution, the goal of the system is simple: To reduce emissions by targeting major emitters.

According to the premier, more than 98 per cent of Quebec’s energy is produced through renewable sources. As such, Quebec can afford to use a cap-and-trade system. However, Couillard himself admits that the current structure is not economically feasible and needs new members. He is convinced that other states will join, especially those from New England who are already part of a group called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

Kelly Speakes-Beckman, chair of the RGGI, dismissed the notion as unrealistic.

“We’ve had no discussion of any states leaving RGGI, either to go to California or elsewhere,” Speakes-Beckman said in an interview with Bloomberg. Only Vermont has demonstrated interest, leaving the newly formed market dangerously isolated.

But Quebec is not alone in its struggle. The European Union’s Emission Trading System (ETS) is the biggest of cap-and-trade systems. Considered by many to be the proof of a way to regulate carbon emissions using a free market, the ETS is now burdened with a surplus of about two billion emission allowances, equivalent to a year’s supply, according to UK’s Secretary of Energy and Climate Change Ed Davey. Companies therefore have little incentive to scale back their carbon emissions. Davey proposes to cut the surplus of credits and decrease the amount of credits auctioned, as well as strive to strike a better balance between fairness, cost-effectiveness, and simplicity.

These proposals, seemingly no-brainers, have yet to be implemented, and those submitted by the ETS are far too mild in comparison. 

There are other issues at play, especially in including the aviation industry in carbon markets. As an international industry, the ETS’s inclusion of foreign aircraft into consideration on its carbon markets sparked outrage.

According to a report by the International Emissions Trading Association, “Various U.S. airlines […] arguing that the application of the ETS to foreign-based operators breached customary international law.” Although the ETS’s decision was upheld, there is still considerable controversy over the matter.

Whether or not Quebec will follow the European Union in forming a widespread trading system still remains to be seen. Quebec and California may be leading the way for a North American carbon market, but there are still significant challenges to overcome in order to achieve a low-carbon economy.

Jake Gutman of McGill Redmen lacrosse makes a play
a, Men's Varsity, Sports

Redmen remain undefeated on season

by Alex Sirois on

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McGill Redmen
18

Carleton Ravens
3

On perhaps the last warm and sunny Saturday of the year, the McGill Redmen (8-0) continued their season-long win streak with an 18-3 drubbing of the second-seeded Carleton Ravens (5-1) at Molson Stadium. Undefeated in conference play dating back to the beginning of the 2013 season, the Redmen have turned excellence into a routine. That’s not to say there haven’t been hiccups along the way–the team’s three previous games were either decided by one goal or sent into overtime.

“Going into the three close games, we hadn’t really been tested yet, with our smallest margin of victory being six goals, and I think we started to get a bit complacent,” co-captain Jack Stewart said. “We came out flat against Queen’s and Trent and nearly lost both of those games. It was a wakeup call for us, and we wanted to make a statement that proved those games were a fluke.”

The Redmen had clearly made a statement after just 20 minutes, when McGill was already up by five goals thanks to a stellar three-goal period from senior Connor Goodwin.

Prior to Saturday, Goodwin had posted unbelievable numbers in every game, sitting at 16 points in five games. With his show-stealing performance against the Ravens, Goodwin vaulted ahead in the conference leaderboard. McGill now has three players among the top-ten point scorers in the conference, with sophomore attackman Spencer Bromley leading the Redmen with 27 points this season.

McGill’s unchallenged dominance took most of the drama out of the contest early on for the spectators. But for the second and third-string players who came off the bench in the second half, the game was a chance to showcase their skills. Among them was Montreal native Louis-Charles Génereux. The first-year midfielder provided some excitement for the crowd by scoring his first goal as a Redmen.

Up big at the beginning of the second half, the Redmen didn’t lift their foot off the gas. The visiting Ravens were frustrated as the game transitioned from friendly competition into a bitter physical battle between the two teams. Brutal hits from behind and excessive slashes were doled out all over the field by the Ravens’ defence, yet very few penalties were called. Nonetheless, it’s hard to fault the referee’s judgment in such a lopsided game.

For Head Coach Tim Murdoch, the blowout was more about the process rather than the final score.

“We saw a lot of guys [come off the bench] and give us a lot of quality play […] and that’s something we all need to be happy about,” Murdoch said. “At the same time, it’s crucial we don’t stay complacent and don’t slow down when the game’s going our way. Today the boys played all four quarters, and we need to make sure we keep doing that.”

Murdoch is aware of the long road ahead to the playoffs, and emphasized the team’s need to prepare for stouter competition once the regular season ends. In the Western Conference of the Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association (CUFLA), Brock University has now won five straight games, and with several other teams headed into the post-season with heads full of steam, the Redmen are aware of the challenges they will face. Regardless of how McGill fares in the playoffs, fans should be excited for some gripping action between high-caliber teams.

After the impressive showing on Saturday, it appears that McGill’s formula is a winning one. With eight games already in the bag and the playoffs rapidly approaching, the Redmen look poised to mount another post-season challenge. Their quest to make a third straight Baggataway Cup Final continues against the Concordia Stingers (0-5) on Saturday, Oct. 4 in a 7:30 p.m. game under the lights at Molson Stadium.

a, Student Life

Turntable for what

by Samantha Schmidt on

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There’s something very relaxing about shopping for records—strolling through aisles of milk crates, occasionally flipping through stacks that look promising, and breathing in the slightly musty smell of 30-year-old cardboard. Similar to high-waisted jeans and Converse sneakers, vinyls are making a huge comeback. You can find turntables and vinyls in many locations, from Urban Outfitters to garage sales, so jump on the bandwagon if you haven’t already, and start experiencing music through records available at these locations.

Beatnick

Although it’s a half-hour walk from campus, shopping at Beatnick is an experience you can’t miss. The store is large and carries just about every genre of music you can think of—thankfully, it’s very well organized. The shelves also display CDs and some cool memorabilia, such as figurines and model cars. The staff is accommodating and friendly, providing ample knowledge of cool music trivia, which is not surprising considering the store has been around for over 20 years. The records are mostly used records, and the best deals are in the three for $1 bins; however, the records are all very reasonably priced ($5 to $10 on average).

Cheap Thrills

After climbing a lilting set of stairs, you’ll find yourself in a musty little nook of a store filled with records, CDs, and used books. It is recommended to head directly to the used section to find the best deals. The store is fairly well organized, which makes it easy to find the records of your liking. The new records tend to be between $20 and $30, while used records are priced anywhere between $5 and $20. The store also carries all genres, from ’40s jazz to current pop. A great bonus to this store is that it’s only a five-minute walk from campus.

Le Pick Up

This store carries an interesting assortment of records, mostly pop and alternative music from the 1960s to 1980s; however, there’s a large collection of classical music near the front as well. The store is a 20-minute walk from campus and well worth the trip. The owner is friendly, helpful, and plays great music, which provides a perfect ambiance for the store. The store also sells used books and cassettes. The records are mostly used and go for $5 to $20.  The owner also stocks mostly original records rather than reissues.

Soundcentral

This store is just over 30 minutes away on foot. More than just a record store, Soundcentral also carries cassettes, vintage gaming consoles, t-shirts, posters, and used books. It also has a small café that serves coffee and occasionally hosts live music performances and screenings of independent films at night. It sometimes sells used turntables, but it’s recommended to call ahead to see what’s available before making the trip. Their records are priced anywhere between 25 cents and $300, but the average price is around $10 to $20. As a bonus, the availability of records can be checked for online on the store’s website.

Death of Vinyl

This store feels like an empty bar full of records. Death of Vinyl is organized in a seemingly random fashion, so don’t hesitate to ask for help from the friendly staff. The records are priced around $10 to $30 and are mostly used. Although it’s quite a hike (an hour from campus), it’s one of the best places to buy a used turntable. New turntables can be priced anywhere from $150 to $150,000; however, Death of Vinyl understands the struggle of students on a budget, offering good-quality used turntables for between $50 and $100, with a three-month warranty.

a, McGill, News, SSMU

SSMU Council calls for university divestment

by Cece Zhang on

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Councillors at the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Legislative Council passed a motion calling for McGill to take action in divesting from fossil fuel industries and mobilizing the McGill population—including students, faculty and staff in doing the same.

“The Society reaffirms, in accordance with the strong principles of justice and equity laid out in […] the Society’s Constitution, the commitment of [SSMU] to the implementation of socially responsible investment strategies by the SSMU and by McGill University, in particular its belief that both bodies should divest their holdings in companies involved in the Canadian Tar Sands, in fossil fuel extraction, production, or distribution,” the motion reads.

SSMU VP External Amina Moustaqim-Barrette, one of the sponsors of the motion, explained the importance for SSMU to increase pressure on McGill in affirming climate justice on campus.

“Just last week, we saw over 400,000 people in New York City and thousands of others across the world gather for the largest climate march in history,” Moustaqim-Barrette said. “The next day, the Rockefellers announced that they would be divesting from the fossil fuel industry. The momentum for this campaign is building all over the world, and it is important for SSMU to take an active role in pressuring McGill to uphold its commitments to sustainability and ethical practices and divest from the fossil fuel industry.”

Article 1 of the motion mandated that Moustaqim-Barrette work with other student unions across Quebec to create a coalition against pipeline projects in the province such as the Eastern Energy Pipeline, which is set to transport crude oil across Canada. However, it was met with concern from councillors regarding the external reach of the project.

Faculty of Law representative, Vincent-Pierre Fullerton, voiced his concerns that councillors would be exceeding their mandate in specifically condemning the construction of pipelines in Quebec, as it was an issue that was “specific, divisive, and external.”

“The Law Students’ Association (LSA) thought it best that the specific issue relating to the condemnation of pipeline projects in the province of Quebec be brought to the General Assembly, where each student will have the possibility to express their individual opinion,” Fullerton said. “Should such a motion then pass, it would be regarded as having much more legitimacy, coming directly from the student body and representing the majority’s opinion, as emanating from the wide diversity of opinions present in the McGill student body.”

Councillors ultimately voted to remove Article 1 from the motion and move it to the General Assembly on Oct. 22 for discussion. The rest of the motion was passed.

“The decision to separate Article 1 from the rest of the climate justice motion was extremely disappointing to me,” Moustaqim-Barrette said. “I would argue that approval of these pipelines will absolutely have a direct impact on our students, our community, and our collective future. Given the inextricable link between pipeline projects and the advancement of climate change, it is difficult for me to consolidate the fact that Council was willing to take a stance against the fossil fuel industry, but not against specific pipeline projects.”

a, Student Life

Five study spots on campus

by Keah Hansen on

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Midterm season is just around the corner, meaning that the hour is drawing near to ditch tanning on lower field and hit the books. Luckily, McGill has a plethora of study spots, from its 13 library branches to student lounges and cafes.

Birks Reading Room

Tucked away on the second floor of the Birks Building, this silent haven is a great location to hibernate and ponder away the afternoon. Its architecture gives it a distinctively severe academic ambiance, yet the size makes it feel personal and comfortable. The hall features solid wood tables, beautiful mouldings, and large windows that let in dappled sunlight. Shoes are not permitted, so bring comfy socks or take advantage of the slippers provided. Reward yourself on your walk home with a caramel candy from the jar near the services desk.

Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00-13:00, 14:00-17:00, Saturday to Sunday: Closed

Address: Birks Building, 3520 University Street

Noise level: Quiet

Islamic Studies

Library

This library may secretly be magic. Although it is one of the most central buildings on campus, entering through its huge wooden doors seems to transport students into another world. Study spots are plentiful in this gothic-style treasure, with widely available seating. Both the main and second floors feature study booths and tables, and are great for quiet essay writing. Those fortunate enough to stumble into the Octagon Room, near the back right of the main floor, will be greeted by a beautiful space with antique wooden display cabinets and delightfully scholarly study booths. During the winter months, this library is especially cozy and warm, providing the perfect refuge for in-between-class study sessions.

Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00-17:00, Saturday to Sunday: Closed

Address: 3485 McTavish Street

Noise level: Quiet to moderate

Nahum Gelber Law Library

Located in the upper part of campus on Peel Street, this library has modern architecture, yet complements it with designs that give a nod to more classic bookish styles. Canadian artwork adorns the walls, tasteful lighting highlights textbooks, and plush red chairs provide comfortable seating. Don’t be afraid to branch out beyond the first two floors, and explore the entire range of study spots that grace the five floors of this library. The table by the enormous triangular window on the third floor is a favourite—a study spot with a view.

Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00-23:00, Saturday to Sunday: 10:00-22:00

Address: 3660 Peel Street

Noise level: Quiet

Education

Curriculum

Resources Centre

The Education Curriculum Resources Centre has a serene and pleasant study atmosphere that boasts multiple areas for quiet or group study. It also contains numerous computers, which are helpful for those who don’t feel like lugging their laptops up the hill. There is also a cafe on the ground level, which offers a variety of snacks, as well as booths where students can chat and decompress on a study break.

Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00-17:00, Saturday to Sunday: Closed

Address: 3700 McTavish Street

Noise level: Moderate

SSMU Cafeteria

Meander here after the lunch-hour rush for an unconventional but surprisingly effective study zone. Large windows provide excellent natural light, and the steady hum of conversations lends itself to the perfect amount of white noise for concentration. A great perk is that the multiple food options and microwaves available make studying much more enjoyable. This is great for both group and solo study sessions.

Hours: Monday to Friday: 7:00-13:00, Saturday to Sunday: Closed

Address: 3600 McTavish Street

Noise level: Moderate

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