The McGill Daily is located on unceded Kanien’kehá:ka territory.
Volume 113, Issue 9 | Monday, November 6, 2023 | mcgilldaily.com Volume 113, Issue 9 | Monday, November 6, 2023 | mcgilldaily.com abandoned, desolate, derelict since 1911 abandoned, desolate, derelict since 1911
In order for me to write poetry that isn’t political I must listen to the birds, And in order to hear the birds the warplanes must be silent. – Marwan Makhoul, translated by Zeina Hashem Beck The McGill Daily is located on unceded Kanien’kehá:ka territory. Published by The Daily Publications Society, a student society of McGill University.
Published by The Daily Publications Society, a student society of McGill University.
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table of Contents
November 6, 2023 mcgilldaily.com | The McGill Daily
TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
Editorial •
Saskatchewan’s Bill 137
10 Commentary • Critique of Nuclear Energy
4 News • National Student Walkout for Palestine •
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Montreal’s Second Participatory Budget
Culture • • •
Jamming for Justice Interview with Hank’s Dream Review of Cleo Sol’s Heaven
11 • Compendium! Lord of the Rings Recipes •
Fruit Horoscopes
EDITORIAL
Volume 113 Issue 9
November 6, 2023 mcgilldaily.com | The McGill Daily
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editorial board 3480 McTavish St, Room 107 Montreal, QC, H3A 0E7 phone 514.398.6790 fax 514.398.8318 mcgilldaily.com
The McGill Daily is located on unceded Kanien’kehá:ka territory.
Saskatchewan’s Bill 137 is an Attack on Trans Youth
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Published by the Daily Publications Society, a student society of McGill University. The views and opinions expressed in the Daily are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of McGill University. The McGill Daily is not affiliated with McGill University.
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The Daily uses the term “trans” in this editorial as an overarching term to include transgender as well as non-binary, genderqueer, and genderfluid people.
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n October 20, the Saskatchewan government passed its proposed Bill 137, the Parent’s Bill of Rights. The new law prevents children under the age of 16 from changing their name or pronouns at school without parental consent. It was passed using the controversial notwithstanding clause, which bars the law from court challenges under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and also contains protections from court challenges under the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code. In a news conference held after the bill was passed, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said that Bill 137 was “not in any way targeting anyone” but was instead about “providing parents the right – not the opportunity – to support their children in the formative years of their life.” As reported in the Daily last month, however, numerous human rights groups across Canada have highlighted the dangers that Bill 137 poses for genderdiverse, trans, and non-binary students. Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck, whose party has opposed the bill since it was announced in August, likewise warns that teachers “will have to choose between shoving kids back in the closet or putting them in harm’s way.” Beyond requiring parental consent to use the “gender-related preferred name or gender identity” of a pupil under 16, Bill 137 also stipulates that if it is “reasonably expected” that obtaining parental consent “is likely to result in physical, mental or emotional harm to the pupil,” the pupil’s principal must direct them to “the appropriate professionals, who are employed or retained by the school” to assist the pupil in obtaining parental consent. The requirement that students obtain parental consent at any and all cost to themselves, including incurring “physical, mental or emotional harm” not only from their parents or guardians but also from teachers, principals, and other school employees, is a denial of students’ basic human rights. No child should be forced to endure “physical, mental or emotional harm” out of respect for the “right” of their parents or guardians to determine the name or pronouns by which they should be referred. There is no basis for this “right” in any national or international human rights code. Saskatchewan has invented a set of parents’ rights that infringe on universally-recognized children’s rights, including the right to be protected from “all forms of physical or mental violence” (Article 19.1) and to preserve one’s identity “without unlawful interference” (Article 8.1).
The notwithstanding clause played a critical role in the passing of Bill 137. This clause can be used to violate and suspend Charter provisions – such as fundamental freedoms, legal rights, and equality rights – for a period of up to five years. The invoking of the clause allows for federal, provincial, and territorial legislatures to prevent bills from going under judicial review and determining their constitutionality. The notwithstanding clause has historically been used by provinces to infringe on the rights of marginalized groups. In 2019, for example, the Legault government passed Bill 21 using this clause to prohibit certain public sector workers from wearing religious symbols in working environments. Although Bill 21 bans all religious symbols, it unfairly targets religious minorities, specifically Muslim Quebecers who wear a hijab, niqab, or burqa. It amounts to a “legalization of discrimination against minorities,” according to the National Council of Canadian Muslims. The Daily condemns the passing of Bill 137, which deliberately compromises the safety and well-being of trans youth, and the continual unjust use of the notwithstanding clause to infringe on the rights of marginalized groups. Bill 137 comes at a time of heightened homophobia and transphobia not only in Canada but across the world. The number of policereported hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people in Canada increased from 265 in 2019 to 423 in 2021. The American Civil Liberties Union reports that more than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in US legislatures in 2023 alone. In the UK, meanwhile, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has proposed to end legal protections for trans people under the country’s antidiscrimination law, the Equality Act. To show support and solidarity with the trans community, you can attend upcoming organized protests such as the Trans Remembrance March on November 11. You can also follow the P!nk Bloc or Celeste Trianon on Instagram to stay updated on calls for organized community action across Montreal. If you are a trans person at McGill, the Trans Patient Union, Queer McGill, the Student Wellness Hub, and the Centre for Gender Advocacy provide resources and support systems on their webpages.
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News
November 6, 2023 mcgilldaily.com | The McGill Daily
A Walkout Against Injustice
Students across Montreal join forces in worldwide walkout for Palestine
Sena Ho News Contributor
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subtle murmur of anticipation filled the impending crowd on Wednesday, October 25 at approximately 1:30 PM, as people, mainly students, gathered at the Y-intersection to join in on the walkout to support Palestine. News of this event had spread across social media sites like wildfire, with five different schools across Montreal—McGill, Concordia, UQAM, UDEM, and Dawson—organizing independent demonstrations with the intent of gathering participants to partake in the protest by walking out of class. Walkouts have historically been implemented as a form of protest, allowing students to exercise their choice to stand up for issues they strongly believe in. This time, university students across Canada and the United States participated in the walkout, with over 100 different student-run organizations displaying their solidarity. Groups that operate in both countries, such as the Palestinian Youth Movement, National Students
for Justice in Palestine, and Muslim Student Associations, were involved in planning these widespread demonstrations. In Montreal, however, Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights (SPHR) played the largest role in setting this plan into motion between the various educational institutions. Interspersed within chants were powerful descriptions of the tragedies ensuing within Gaza, notably the widespread loss of Palestinian children, depleted resources for civilians, and families losing their homes due to bombings. The speakers articulated their dismay before the crowd, standing beside a life-sized Palestinian flag which represented in a physical form the sheer scope of the crisis. After each speech, the crowd broke out into passionate chanting, with phrases such as “McGill, McGill take a stand,” before proceeding with, “Don’t support stolen land!,” or “From the River to the Sea,” with which the crowd responded, “Palestine will be free!” Members of the Palestinian Youth Movement outlined their purpose for instigating the North Americanbased walkout through three main goals: A demand to end “Israel’s siege on Gaza, which begins
Sena Ho | Visuals Contributor
with ending Israel’s genocidal bombardment on Gaza through an immediate ceasefire and which continues through lifting Israel’s land, air, and sea blockade on Gaza.” Secondly, the coalition of organizations also seeks an “end to US military funding to Israel.” Their last request is specific to universities, declaring that “we demand our universities fully divest from weapons corporations which arm Israel’s occupation and genocide in Gaza.” This final statement is so salient within the politics of higher education, as they are oftentimes significant funders for corporations that contribute to humanitarian injustices, or in the current climate, supporting Israel in their bombardment of Gaza. There have been tensions at McGill in previous years regarding the Palestine Solidarity Policy, which aimed to end “all corporations and institutions complicit in settler-colonial apartheid against Palestinians.” When the agreement was proposed by the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU), McGill administration threatened to withhold funding from the organization by claiming that this policy violated the SSMU’s constitution. Ultimately
“I’m standing here now because the students called for this, the students and the youth of McGill, of Montreal, but not just McGill and Montreal — Concordia, Université de Montréal, UQAM, and Dawson,” [Hartman] said. “We are together, and are doing this together. We are a part of a global movement.” the policy was not adopted by the SSMU, but remains a critical issue among campus life as students have expressed how they find the institution to be “complicit in settler-colonial apartheid against Palestinians.” That Wednesday afternoon marked an intersection of student and staff efforts, with individuals from all facets of academic learning showing up, asserting their support, and speaking out against the Israeli
state’s destruction in Palestine through tank invasions and missile strikes. The walkout had speakers from SPHR and Socialist Fightback, a Marxist alliance, each informing the crowd about the atrocities being perpetrated overseas, and how efforts to stop it are in the hands of the public. During a time when public opinion is so divided, student activists find themselves at the intersection of significant polarization. Across media outlets, there has been a surge in Islamophobia and antisemitism, which exacerbates the divide. When asked about why unity is so dire amid the present circumstances, a student revealed to The Daily, “Well I think it’s obvious that there’s a genocide happening, and I think the whole focus of this issue is one-sided. There’s always that classic question: ‘Do you condemn Hamas?’ any time a Palestinian speaks up.” Such a complex history requires people from all walks of life to confront previous misconceptions and knowledge about the context behind the situation in Palestine. “It started with decades upon decades of occupation, of blatant apartheid rules, just a complete degradation of Palestinian people and I think it’s important that we recognize that that’s the root issue of the genocide that’s going on in Gaza right now. It didn’t just happen in a vacuum, it happened for a reason,” the aforementioned student concluded. Throughout the demonstration, many representatives tried to bring about an emphasis on the impact of student voices for social causes. Students have historically been at the forefront of both national and international movements, such as the opposition to the American occupation of Vietnam and South African apartheid, which McGill students actively advocated against
News throughout the 80s and 90s. Michelle Hartman, a professor of Arabic Literature within the Islamic Studies department of McGill University, also delivered many reverberating messages on behalf of the campus community. “I’m standing here now because the students called for this, the students and the youth of McGill, of Montreal, but not just McGill and Montreal—Concordia, Université de Montréal, UQAM, and Dawson,” she said. “We are together, and are doing this together. We are a part of a global movement.” Her words instilled an attitude of empowerment within students that afternoon, drawing emphasis to how standing against oppressive forces as such will be imprinted in history. After an hour of standing at the foot of the Y-intersection, the crowd shifted its center towards the Arts Building to join forces with the Mohawk Mothers, who were previously leading a teachin about the ongoing work at the Royal Victoria Hospital that day. Hartman reiterated that the conjoined efforts for the liberation of Indigenous peoples in Turtle Island and the liberation of Palestinians are both struggles against ongoing settler-colonial ideology. It is a fight against
Students have historically been at the forefront of both national and international movements, such as the opposition to the American occupation of Vietnam and South African apartheid, which McGill students actively advocated against throughout the 80s and 90s.
November 6, 2023 mcgilldaily.com | The McGill Daily
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oppressors, against the nations and governments who seek power while silencing those who stand in their way. This common struggle for liberation made the encounter with the Mohawk Mothers resonate amongst listeners, making each chant and cheer grow louder. As the walkout persisted, protestors moved to their final destination and engaged in a sit-in before the James Administration building. Since a key aim of the protest was to reinforce how universities must be held accountable for their support towards Israel, this final shift was critical to catch the attention of those working for the administration. The marchers continued their chants with fuller force, driven by a passion to make their beliefs heard by the heads of the university. Although these efforts reverberated through the campus in full force that day, the energy remains strong across Montreal, as protests for Palestine continue to be organized almost daily.
Frida Sofia Morales Mora | Social Media Editor
Scan the code to sign a petition to the Prime Minister calling for an immediate ceasefire!
Sena Ho | Visuals Contributor
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November 6, 2023 mcgilldaily.com | The McGill Daily
News
Montreal’s Second Participatory Budget Is Underway
$30 million allocated to projects concerning youth, equity and safety This year, $30 ontreal’s participatory budget million has been allows Montrealers to have a real say in how and where allocated to support the municipal government spends its money. Originating in 1989 in Porto these projects, Alegre, Brazil, the democratic process of participatory budgeting encourag- which fall into es civic engagement and community building as citizens may propose and four categories: vote on how their government spends part of its public budget. Today, par- safe and active ticipatory budgeting exists in over mobility; sports 7,000 cities globally. and recreational Montreal’s Participatory Budget equipment; meeting In a comment to the Daily, Francyne Gervais, interim areas; and parks director of Montreal’s Resident Experience and Communications and green space. Enid Kohler News Contributor
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Department, explained that Montreal’s participatory budget is “a democratic process that allows the population to influence the allocation of a part of the municipal budget.” This process is also a “concrete way to mobilize collective intelligence and the Montreal population to work towards solving urban issues,” said Robert Beaudry, who works on citizen participation and democracy on the executive committee of the City of Montreal, in a comment to the Daily. Montreal mayor Valérie Plante emphasized the significance of the city’s participatory budget in October 2022. She explained that “for us, the participatory budget is one of the ways to give the population the opportunity to reclaim their power to act on their city, their street, in their neighbourhood. And that is extremely important.” Montreal launched the first edition of its participatory budget in 2020, setting aside a budget of $25 million for the completion of projects proposed and voted on by the general public. In the spring of 2022, 12 projects related to the advancement of Montreal’s ecological and social development were put into action. As a result of this process,
Montreal initiated projects such as the “Water in your bottle” initiative, which aims to install more water dispensers across the city to increase access to drinking water, and the “Éthel garden” in Verdun, which transforms a parking garage into a public space focused on health and solidarity. Five of Montreal’s boroughs also run their own participatory budgets. Residents and business owners of the boroughs Ahuntsic- Cartierville, Côtedes-Neiges-Notre-Dame-deGrâce, LaSalle, Le Plateau-Mont Royal and Mercier-HochelagaMaisonneuve are able to suggest and vote on projects specifically aimed towards their own communities. Certain boroughs, such as Mercier-HochelagaMaisonneuve, ran the first edition of their participatory budget before the city of Montreal’s first edition, launching their voting process in 2019. This process led to the creation of several community-serving initiatives, such as a new pavilion in St-Donat park and a bike repair station in several neighborhoods. The second edition of Montreal’s participatory budget focuses on similar goals of environmental and social development. Kickstarted in October 2022, the
Montreal’s participatory budget is “a democratic process that allows the population to influence the allocation of a part of the municipal budget.” - Francyne Gervais, interim director of Montreal’s Resident Experience and Communications Department
budget focuses on themes of youth, equity and safety. This year, $30 million has been allocated to support these projects, which fall into four categories: safe and active mobility; sports and recreational equipment; meeting areas; and parks and green space. Youth is also prioritized. As Plante emphasized, “schools, the community, the police department, the city of Montreal and other levels of government must all listen and be involved in offering opportunities to our beautiful youth.” This year’s participatory budget achieves this by reserving a minimum of $5 million of the total budget for projects stamped with a “youth seal,” which are initiatives proposed by youth or created specifically for youth. The Process: How Does a Proposal Go From an Idea to an Action Plan? All Montreal residents aged 12 and over, as well as business owners, are allowed to propose and vote on projects involved in the city’s participatory budget. This year, the city outlined that project proposals must embrace a theme of youth, equity or safety; meet a collective interest; be located on public property or cityowned land; and be durable and sustainable in the long run. The project must also be able to begin within two years. Between October 13 and December 4, 2022, Montrealers proposed 666 initiatives by completing an online form or calling the city by telephone.
Genevieve Quinn | Visuals Editor
in neighbourhoods across Montreal; “Fully Inclusive Parks” which seeks to transform four parks into fully inclusive spaces, so that users with all levels of motor capabilities or types of functional limitations can access them; “Safely on Foot in My Neighbourhood” which aims to reduce traffic and improve pedestrian mobility in various neighbourhoods by adding safety features to intersections, new street lighting, benches, and vegetation for aesthetics; and “Enjoying Food as a Community in Montréal-Nord” which proposes the development of an outdoor farmer’s market and a universally accessible community kitchen in Montréal-Nord. The winning projects will be announced in November 2023, and the planning and realization of the initiatives will commence in January 2024. In the coming weeks, the third edition of Montreal’s participatory budget will launch, as Laurianne Tardif, Press Relations Manager with Montreal’s Resident Experience and Communications Department, stated in a comment to the Daily. For more information regarding Montreal’s participatory budget, including the complete list of projects and the upcoming launch This Year’s Finalist Projects of the third edition of the budget, From September 29 to October visit makingmtl.ca. 29, Montrealers were able to vote for eight out of the 31 finalist projects eligible for voting, including: “Montréal Climbs!” which proposes the development of outdoor rock climbing walls and the installation of boulders Once the proposal window closed, a preliminary selection of ideas took place. From December 2022 to April 2023, the city analyzed the eligibility of all received proposals, before collaborating with third-party representatives to prioritize and develop the 504 eligible projects. Six committees composed of selected citizen representatives as well as city staff with expertise in relevant fields – such as social and community development, planning, and culture – partook in this process. To decide which projects to prioritize, the committees examined three criteria: the consistency of the idea with the themes of youth, equity and safety; the transformative nature of the idea and its potential to impact the daily lives of Montrealers; and the creative nature of the idea to renew city practices in novel ways. After this stage, the city assessed the logistical and economical feasibility of the prioritized projects before developing the final list of projects to be submitted for voting. During this process, ideas with similar themes were blended to form one idea, whereas ideas that were too broad or generic were enhanced with specific details.
November 6, 2023 mcgilldaily.com | The McGill Daily
culture
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Jamming for Justice
The transformative power of a musical organization on campus Jane Carli Culture Contributor
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n September 20, Jam for Justice held a park jam as their year-opening rendezvous. As I approached the jam at the Jeanne Mance gazebo, I was greeted by a circle of students singing the Eagles’ 1972 hit “Hotel California.” Despite not knowing many of them, they introduced themselves to me, and shuffled around to make space – “plenty of room at the hotel California.” This is Jam for Justice, a non-profit, social-justice led organization started about a decade ago by McGill students with a passion for live music. It’s nearly impossible to find spaces or groups at McGill that welcome non-music major students who are looking to play their instrument, or sing in a lowstakes environment. Jam for Justice not only emphasizes the collective aspect of making and sharing music, but they are dedicated to creating opportunities for musicians regardless of their skill level. Many current members met each other in similar circles to the one I found myself in, going on to form groups and play music together. Jam for Justice recognizes that music is an optimal activity to connect with others, and have stretched this potential to reach underprivileged communities as
Children’s Hospital, School of Music Montreal, and Project 10 among other local organizations. Last year they hosted two open mics, a more formal performance at Le Depanneur Cafe, karaoke at Gerts, and an epic Battle of the
Jam for Justice recognizes that music is an optimal activity to connect with others, and have stretched this potential to reach underprivileged communities as well. For years their events have garnered donations under a pay-what-you-can mandate to support different local Montreal charities. well. For years their events have garnered donations under a paywhat-you-can mandate to support different local Montreal charities. “We make our events as accessible as we can for those interested,” says Zeina Alsibai, Jam for Justice’s 2023/24 President. Their primary goal is to raise donations, using music as a means of both building and supporting a community. They’ve collaborated with Montreal
Bands at Casa Del Popolo where all proceeds went to Midnight Kitchen. They have an upcoming coffee house on November 22. Jam for Justice’s Finance executive Dmitri Pelletier estimates that a few thousand dollars have been raised over the last couple of years. There’s a lot of potential for Jam for Justice performers – one of the bands, Societal Siege, who performed frequently at past events
even “made-it-big” according to Sadie Bryant, Jam for Justice’s VP External. For other performers, the low-key environment of a coffeehouse might be the perfect opportunity to sing in front of an audience for the first time, or showcase a new song they’ve been sitting on. In an article published two years ago, Times Higher Education reported on the phenomena of music groups on college campuses. They found that music on campus is not only an overall rewarding experience for students, but also facilitates initiatives that foster team-building and collaboration. The hosting of performances on campus to encourage socialization, especially in the wake of COVID-19 isolation, contributed to increased positive mental health effects of students and staff alike. Another study, “Non-Music Major Participation in College and University Ensembles” published in 2021 by the College Music Society builds on this idea further by researching the specific benefits of music on non-music majors. While most research focused on campus music groups targets students who are majoring in music, non-music students’ participation in music groups and music outreach programs is equally, if not, more relevant for higher-education institutions. This is because non-music majors are more likely to spread an awareness
Eric Duivenvoorden | Visuals Editor taught or instilled in them by music
Jam for Justice professionals. Non-music majors also reinforce that involvement in music groups is not about talent, or shows that even the music that is being played, but an overall enjoyment of music as student-run a socially-rewarding communal act. and student-led Jam for Justice shows that studentrun and student-led organizations can be rewarding two-fold: both by organizations supporting local collectives, and by establishing a student network driven can be by the unifying aspect of music. After speaking with others at the rewarding twopark jam, they all said renditions of the same thing; Jam for Justice fold: both by is where they have met some of supporting local their closest friends, and where they can come together to do collectives, and something they love. It is always collaborative and even more by establishing a welcoming. These sentiments were immediately obvious from student network joining the jam, and even by the time I left the music had shown no sign of stopping. driven by the If you’d like to get involved, unifying aspect consider following Jam For Justice on their Facebook and of music. of music initiatives to those who are more removed from music environments. Non-music majors who are part of music groups on campus are driven by an intense passion, personal attachment, and high commitment to music that is inspiring by virtue of the fact that these attitudes are not necessarily formally
Instagram pages for information on upcoming events. Other inclusive on-campus groups and organizations include School of Music Montreal, McGill Choral Society, SSMU Symphonic Band Club, and McGill Arts Collective.
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November 6, 2023 mcgilldaily.com | The McGill Daily
CULTURE
An Exclusive Interview with Local Montreal Band Hank’s Dream
Philippine d’Halleine Culture Contributor
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n October 27, I met with two members of the local indie band Hank’s Dream. The Montreal-based group welcomed me into their living room, where I conducted an interview in an artsy, musical atmosphere amid festive Halloween decorations. The band consists of four young musicians, two of which are McGill alumni: Henry, Fred, Zach and Henri. They are currently working on their second album following the success of their latest and debut single “San Francisco.” This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. Philippine d’Halleine for The McGill Daily (MD): Can you introduce us to the band members? HENRY (H): My name is Henry, I’m 25, from Ontario. I started the band in 2019 and then I moved to Montreal in 2020 to go to the Université de Montréal (UDeM) – at that point I met all of the musicians who are currently in Hank’s Dream and reformed the group with them. I play keyboard and sometimes guitar, and I’m also the lead singer. FRED (F): I’m Frederic, I’m 23 and from Montreal. I studied guitar at CEGEP and then did a bachelor’s degree in jazz music at McGill University. I’m a guitarist, and I do backing vocals. Then we have Henri who is the bassist – we met at McGill during our undergraduate degree in music – and Zach, the drummer, who met Henry at UDeM. MD: When did you realize you wanted to start a music career? H: For me, it was the last year of high school when university applications came around. I had to decide if I wanted to play music or do something else. I really liked history at the time, but I realized that I was so much happier doing music. Also, I was lucky to have parents who wanted me to do whatever made me happy. Then, once I was in university for music, there was no question – I was sold on the whole thing. F: I think for me, there wasn’t this big moment of realization. I wanted to give a CEGEP program in music a try, and I realized that I loved it. Every show I go see, play in, or listen to, my passion gets even bigger. MD: Henry, you decided to create the band in 2019. Why did you choose to launch a project like this? H: Well, it was the last year of my four years of undergrad in music. There weren’t that many people
Hank’s Dream discuss their debut, musicality, and artistic ambitions
who were into non-classical music or pop music. So, me and my very good friends at the time ended up playing in every project. Every time someone would have a show, and needed a band, they would get us three to be the rhythm section. In the summer of my fourth year, I wanted to do the same thing, except instead of filling in for parts of a band, we would be the entire band. And then all of a sudden, we were an indie band. MD: What type of music inspires you? What do you listen to? F: We’ve all been influenced by our parents, especially our fathers. They grew up in the 80s, and have this common passion for classics like the Beatles, and also new wave artists like Joy Division, or Jonathan Richmond. Much of the music they played for us when we were little influences us today. MD: How would you describe your music? H: World music maybe? It’s a hard question. We use dream pop a lot – hence the name of the band. Hank’s Dream is a combination of that genre with my surname. But the dream aspect is more interesting to us. It comes from, as I said before, the fact that we were always playing behind other people. And then I wanted to just play, without having to back anyone. But on a less poetic level, it came from my username on video games, which was always Hank’s Dream. Another contender was Midnight Croquet. MD: Your self-titled debut album was released in 2020. What was the intention behind it? H: 2019 was the last “normal” year right before COVID. We were semi-formed as a band and were starting to introduce people to the original music we had written. At that point, we had three songs in our set that were original, and then a fourth one was written during the recording process. It was during lockdown when there were no more live shows. I think if it wasn’t for COVID, we probably would have continued to develop as a group and then maybe have waited to put out a whole album. But because the pandemic stopped our development, live music, and getting together in general, we decided to put out what we had. MD: Were you satisfied? H: I think so. It’s definitely an imperfect album. We’d like to rework some things on it, which is something we will do in the future, but it got the message across. And for people who had been coming to see our shows in person, it was a way for them to hear
Margaux Thomas | Photos Contributor the music during the pandemic. F: It’s important for a small band to release at least something, no matter how good the quality is. Just releasing it allows people to find the show at any time. The goal now would be to record a real full-length album – a real LP. MD: Now that restrictions on live shows have been lifted, how are you back in the Montreal music scene? H: For a while, we were doing shows around once a month. But we’ve started to become more interested in the releasing music aspect. F: 2022 was really our year to play and show our music to the world. We tried to get an audience in the Montreal scene, which worked out pretty well. In 2023, we’ve already done some major shows, but the second half of the year is more about working on the album and planning future releases for 2024. H: Presently we have the four tunes from the EP that came out in 2020, and up until this June we had nothing else besides that.
We would play 12 songs in a show with eight of them unreleased. We realized that we can’t keep playing shows with no vision or end in sight for when it’s going to be released. Therefore, we started going full focus on the recording and put “San Francisco” out in June. Now we’re working on getting all the other things out. Our next project is coming out sometime soon in November. MD: Can you tell us about any future projects? F: We’re working on the next album, which hasn’t been recorded yet, but we’re making progress. We’ve got lots of crossover projects, and from time to time we get together on the same project. H: We also have a music video that was directed by our talented friend Guillaume Knobloch. On my side I created a soundtrack for a short film that’s in the editing process. MD: How do you feel the Montreal music scene is responding to your music? Would you recommend this city as a place for young musicians to start their careers?
H: The scene is so welcoming, that’s the best part. On the level of getting help from festivals or grants it’s harder. You take the good with the bad. One of the ways that I think Montreal indirectly helps musicians is the fact that (knock on wood) rent is so cheap, because with the income that I have from doing music, I couldn’t live anywhere else. I couldn’t live in Toronto for sure. I think just the fact that Montreal is an affordable city for students and young people is part of what makes it a good music city. MD: Will we be able to catch you on stage again soon? H: There is a show in November that will celebrate the release of our new song. You can check our Instagram for the address and the date. For more information on upcoming events and releases, visit Hank’s Dream’s Facebook, Instagram, or Linktree.
November 6, 2023 mcgilldaily.com | The McGill Daily
Culture
9
Cleo Sol’s Heaven is Nurturing for the Soul An intimate analysis of Cleo Sol’s newly released album
Claudia Efemini Culture Editor
C
leo Sol, independent neosoul artist and member of the band SAULT, amazed fans earlier this year when she released two full-length studio albums – Heaven and Gold – within weeks of one another. Heaven, released September 15, has been greatly commended for its masterful production and stunning vocals featuring themes of self-love, faith, and healing. Beautifully sentimental, Heaven’s songs remind us that life is not stagnant and encourages us to continue growing despite the challenges that we may encounter. The album left me fulfilled through its message to aspire, persevere, and love with determination. “Golden Child (Jealous)” The soft, soothing drums and comforting words in “Golden Child” describe the struggle of maintaining authenticity in the face of disingenuity. This song serves as a lasting reminder that we can only do the best by being ourselves, despite the hostile environments we may find ourselves in. Doing good in return for nothing is sometimes unappreciated, or even ridiculed: the global systems we operate in instead encourage us to constantly be fighting for our own gain, whether that be for a higher salary, or gaining more muscles at the gym. At times, we may feel discouraged to do good in the favour of prioritizing our own goals. But Cleo’s gentle words of affirmation feed our minds and souls. She acknowledges that pursuing individual authenticity can lead to isolation from others who aren’t able to take the same priority, but offers the comforting words: “I hope you know you’re not alone.” Her repeated affirmations are central to this song, and to the album as a whole. Sol’s reassurance to all who listen – that we each have something special about ourselves to cherish – is as powerful here as ever. “Airplane” This has to be one of the most touching songs on the album. It’s a slow one, with beautiful lyrics – Cleo Sol’s speciality. The soothing guitar chords take us on a journey of selfworth and rediscovery, with the help of lyrics like: “You will find your power / Little bird, wait” and “You will fly again, no fear / High like an airplane.”
Olivia Shan | Coordinating Editor Without fear, we can always find a path to empowerment. But Cleo Sol remains realistic, and acknowledges the struggles that this inevitably comes with. Her raspy vocals and emotive falsetto echo that it is okay to sit in despair as long as we remember to always look up. One of the most noticeable themes in this album is Cleo Sol’s powerful references to her Christian faith, which she uses to empower fellow religious listeners. Lyrics like “Take a Bible, read the scriptures…” attest to Cleo Sol’s profound belief that the word of God can help people in their struggles towards self-worth and rediscovery. “Airplane” remains uplifting while acknowledging the impact of setbacks on our lives and the troubled state that they can cast us into. “Miss Romantic” There’s something so poignant about this song. The title says it all, really – this one is for the girlies who tend to delude themselves about a partner, even when they’re shown time and time again that they aren’t being valued or respected. “Looking at him like he’s a God figure, maybe you just need a father figure” is probably the hardest-hitting
line. It refers to how the absence of a father or similar figure in some women’s lives can lead them to seek male validation elsewhere at any cost. It’s easy for people who have this need to shape imaginative realities that can be enormously contrary to actuality. Cleo Sol hits us with lines that ring true to this
“Old Friends” Have you ever been in a situation where you are forced to lose someone in order to take care of yourself? In “Old Friends,” Cleo Sol deals with just that. She sings about prioritizing yourself in a toxic friendship
From beginning to end, Cleo Sol’s Heaven takes us on a journey of self-discovery and growth. It isn’t a manual to fix your problems – nor is it a list of grievances and struggles. It’s a bit of both, I think. skewed mentality, like “He’s playing on your insecurity.” Yet Sol shows us that there’s a way out, through the power of the mind. By making a radical effort and challenging desperate mindsets, we can change our expectations and recognize that we’re not obligated to settle for the bare minimum. “Miss Romantic” is a reminder that we know what’s best for ourselves. The song ends as Sol’s voice slowly fizzles out, imploring us not to feed into our delusions.
overtop mellow piano chords in the background. “Old Friends” explores a relationship that ends not because of a big fight, but simply because one person has found themselves growing out of the friendship. The song speaks to an inner awareness, prompting listeners to surround themselves with better people. Something I’ve really noticed in this album is the raw way Cleo Sol expresses her reality. She’s not afraid to tackle the hardships that come with healing and personal
growth, including the intense pain of letting go of someone you love. “Years have gone by, tears still stain my pillow,” she sings. Emotions that come from the healing process can take years to get over. Towards the end of the song, “Old Friends” takes a heartwarming direction: Sol sings about the confidence inspired by making the decision to move on and knowing that it is for the best. Making peace with this decision can only be achieved through loving and accepting yourself: “I’ve changed and realised that I can be alone.” From beginning to end, Cleo Sol’s Heaven takes us on a journey of self-discovery and growth. It isn’t a manual to fix your problems – nor is it a list of grievances and struggles. It’s a bit of both, I think. “Self,” the first song on the album, perfectly encapsulates all the key themes of the album, from hurt and healing to personal growth and faith. Heaven reminds us of our worth and, crucially, reassures us that it’s never too late to grow. The truth is, many of us will probably need to listen to this album again at many points in our lives.
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November 6, 2023 mcgilldaily.com | The McGill Daily
Commentary
Is Nuclear Energy Really the Solution for a Greener Future? Misconceptions about nuclear power
Jade-Allegra Galli Commentary Contributor
I
n a world grappling with the urgent need to combat climate change, the debate surrounding nuclear power remains a disputable and often misunderstood topic. Nuclear power has been praised as an alternative to fuels and a potential solution to global warming as it does not emit greenhouse gasses unlike the commonly used energies. However, like any energy source, nuclear power has its drawbacks that significantly impact safety and the environment. One of the concerns around nuclear power is the handling of radioactive waste. This waste needs to be segregated or diluted in order to render it safe and prevent radionuclides from leaking into the atmosphere. Repositories are one of the current arrangements - a subterranean, excavated facility created, built, and run for the long-term, safe and secure disposal of high-level waste. In Canada, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) plans to “contain and isolate all the country’s used nuclear fuel - including that created by new and emerging technologies - in a deep geological repository, using multiple-barrier systems.” This will translate into the building of 500 meters (1,640 feet) deep area, called geological repository, which will rely on a multiple-barrier system where each barrier is part of the system but provides a higher level of security since each next barrier will come into play if some where to deteriorate. Regretfully, there are hazards associated with them. There is a chance that these
“It’s a societal problem that has been handed down to us from our parents’ generation.”
compared to $26-56 MWh for onshore wind and $36-44 MWh for solar power, while being exponentially more unsafe. Additionally, the slow development of power plants delays the progress to fight climate change as in the meantime we rely on polluting fossil fuels to generate the needed energy for daily activities. All - Gerald S. Frankel of these factors, in addition to its dangerrepositories will experience breaches reminders of the possible catastroph- ous nature, form an unjustifiable case to and spills that could contaminate the ic results of using nuclear energy. The use this energy form to address the issue environment and pose long-term health shadows of the nuclear meltdowns, such of greenhouse gasses. With nuclear energy being so problems since the decay rate for radio- as the Chernobyl disaster of 1986 and active material is very slow, remaining the Fukushima Daiichi accident in 2011, destructive, it has to be considered that extremely dangerous for thousands of haunt the nuclear power industry. These some people or terrorist organizations years, accumulating very rapidly. As events not only endangered the lives of might want to use it as a catalyst for mass Gerald S. Frankel stated “It’s a societal the workers at the affected power plants destruction. As Zambia’s speaker stated at problem that has been handed down to but also released large amounts of radi- the UN thematic debate on nuclear weapus from our parent’s generation, And ation into the environment, leading to ons: “Nuclear weapons have no place in the we are - more or less - handing it to our long-lasting damage to the environment modern world and there is no justification children.” Some age-old containers have and severe health issues for nearby popu- for their proliferation, testing and stockbegun leaking their toxic contents and, lations. The prospect of future accidents piling. Their destructive power has fueled with more than a quarter million metric leading to similar magnitudes of disas- international tensions and created an tons of radioactive waste, it is now time ters continues to cast a dark shadow over uncertain, unsafe world. Relying on to truly investigate a long term solution the nuclear industry, demanding unwav- deterrence for security only perpetto store these harmful chemicals before ering diligence and stringent safety when uates a cycle of fear, where mutually it is too late and before this becomes a handling such powers if there contin- assured destruction looms over the ues to be a pursuit of nuclear energy to world community.” Terrorist attacks bigger problem than it already is. Another danger of nuclear power is achieve a “greener” world. The high costs might target nuclear power facilities the risk of major accidents and mishaps. of nuclear power plants that are fully safe and the materials they employ, resultThe specter of accidents and meltdowns are difficult to justify. Nuclear power is ing in potential theft of radioactive haunt the legacy of nuclear energy with more expensive than renewables, around materials and seriously jeopardizing two notable disasters serving as stark $112-189 per megawatt hour (MWh) national security.
Eric Duivenvoorden | Visuals Editor Nuclear power facilities have sturdy engineering facilities built to survive catastrophic natural calamities like hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes. But because they aren’t built to resist strikes from missiles and airstrikes, they are the golden target for war crimes. Only a little over a year ago, Russia attacked Ukraine’s electricity infrastructure with a series of
The high costs of nuclear power plants that are fully safe are difficult to justify. airstrikes. Of the forty-three cruise missiles used in the strike, thirty-six were shot down by Ukrainian air defense troops and the remaining missiles struck western and central Ukrainian energy infrastructures. This shows how the use of hybrid warfare tactics, more specifically on energy infrastructures, is a growing concern in the modern world. While the Russian attack on Ukraine was largely contained, it serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our energy systems, particularly
highlighting the need for diversified energy sources and a strong focus on its security. Nuclear energy, while capable of providing a significant power output, is also susceptible to similar attacks and poses a far greater set of risks. Such large-scale attacks would have resulted in catastrophic consequences if the attacked infrastructures were nuclear, resulting in flying debris and radiation. In the face of such threats, it is crucial to prioritize the development and implementation of alternative and renewable energy sources that are less vulnerable to geopolitical conflicts and sabotage, ensuring a more stable and resilient energy future as we cannot afford for these accidents to happen. In the next few years, as we search for more sustainable energy sources, we must carefully weigh the trade-offs related to nuclear power. Developing a comprehensive strategy to tackle climate change without sacrificing environmental responsibility, safety, or security requires finding a balance between the benefits and drawbacks that come with it. Amidst all the information and confusion, it is also important to acknowledge that even if nuclear energy isn’t an ideal solution for a perfectly green future, the current widely used methods like fossil fuels, coal, and oil still represent a threat and silently kill millions of people every year world-wide.
November 6, 2023 mcgilldaily.com | The McGill Daily
compendium!
11
LORD OF THE RINGS RECIPES
prancing pony mushroom and potato stew (2 portions) Hello, fellow Hobbits. If you have ever wanted to meet a lone strider on a rainy night at the Prancing Pony, then this recipe will take you there! Bonus: you can enjoy this without your enemy desperately trying to kill you to get the One Ring (obsessive much?) For this recipe you will need: •
15-20 small potatoes (highly recommend the ones from The Little Potato Company)
•
Half a box of mushrooms or a whole one if you are using one variety
•
8/10 King Oyster Mushrooms
•
Shallots and garlic
•
Vegetable Broth
•
Butter and flour
•
Bay leaves
•
Green onions and parsley
Begin by sweating down your preferred quantity of shallots and garlic in a pot with butter. Once they are done, add in your finely sliced mushrooms to cook them through. Meanwhile, cut your potatoes and green onions into small squares. Add them to the pot when the mushrooms are cooked, along with salt, pepper, and two bay leaves. Cover with a mixture of broth and water and bring to a boil. Let that simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, make a roux by melting your butter in a pan and adding flour. A paste should form. Once your potatoes are cooked through, add your roux to the stew. The roux will add a rich and creamy texture to the stew while retaining the texture of the veggies. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley upon serving and you will have just made yourself a delicious meal! You will also have demonstrated one of the many dishes you can make with potatoes to your weird Middle Earth guide, Gollum (who keeps talking about his “precious” for some reason).
The fellowship’s special cocoa Nothing is better than a hot chocolate when you are feeling down or need some cheering up. If you “lose” your dear friend to a Balrog, your companions to a pack of orcs, your ring bearer to a scary spider’s stinger, or if you need to be there for your friend’s claim to the throne of Gondor, this drink will save the day. So trust me, the Fellowship has drank litres of this hot chocolate. You will need: •
A can of whipped cream
Begin by heating up your milk over the stove. Once your milk is warm, you
•
Milk
can add your chocolate squares to the pot. You can use cocoa powder if
•
Dark chocolate or cocoa powder
you do not have a chocolate bar, but trust me – the melty chocolate makes
•
Marshmallows
such a difference. While your chocolate is melting, grate some chocolate to make flakes. Once your chocolate and the milk are well-mixed together, you can transfer your drink to a mug. Garnish your hot chocolate with a lot of whipped cream for a truly decadent experience. Add your chocolate flakes or cocoa powder on top of the whipped cream. Add a marshmallow and a chocolate square for a pretty and delish hot chocolate. This drink is perfect to make yourself a sweet treat and cheer you up. I highly recommend drinking this while watching The Two Towers as you will be so busy relishing in the experience, you won’t have time to tell your friends that Viggo Mortensen broke his toe kicking the helmet!
Zoe Mineret | Commentary Editor
November 6, 2023 mcgilldaily.com | The McGill Daily
compendium!
12
FRUIT HOROSCOPES Aries
Taurus
Gemini
(Mar 21 Apr 19)
(Apr 20 May 20)
(May 21 Jun 20)
Your contradictory self makes you a kiwi, both bitter and sweet with a rough exterior but a smooth interior.
You are a banana, no one hates you, and you are the perfect addition to both smoothies and gatherings.
You are a zesty tangerine with a lot of spice and fun in you. Just like the smell of a tangerine, no one can ignore you.
Cancer
Leo
Virgo
(Jun 21 Jul 22)
(Jul 23 Aug 22)
(Aug 23 Sept 22)
Your sweet nature and kindness is due to your watermelon side.you are a true treat.
Your loyalty and boldness make you a passionfruit. Flavourful but you are always truly yourself!
Although Sometimes described as a control freak, you are actually a Shots and cocktails party fruit: Lime.
Libra
Scorpio
Sagittarius
(Sept 23 Oct 22)
(Oct 23 Nov 21)
(Nov 22 Dec 21)
Your inability to make decisions makes you a grape; you can never choose between seeds or no seeds.
You are a stawberry because no matter how much you want people to believe you sting, you are a total delight.
Capricorn
Aquarius
Pisces
(Dec 22 Jan 19)
(Jan 20 Feb 18)
(Feb 19 Mar 20)
You are an apple due to your decisive nature and cartesian mindset.
Your complex and versatile nature makes you a lychee.
You are truly unique and there is no one like you in the fruit category, which makes you a tomato.
Your positivity and happiness makes you a total peach!