Magazine | The Medium

Medium Magazine has been put out mostly annually since 2010. It’s a high-quality publication with extra attention paid to design and long-form journalism.

Browse the carefully designed print editions, watch the promo videos, and read the accessible online versions of the articles below.

Promo video

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Editor’s Note

Luke Sawczak

Sep 8, 2014

When I pitched my idea for this magazine, just for fun, to former editor Michael Di Leo—how I wanted to celebrate the 40th volume...

From Age to Age

Larissa Ho

Sep 8, 2014

I was five when I decided I would attend the University of Toronto Mississauga. I sat in my father’s lap in my grandmother’s house, where...

How to Make a Newspaper

Carine Abouseif

Sep 8, 2014

Every Monday morning, a stack of fresh newspapers appears on stands around campus. But how does it get there? It takes people, planning, programs,...

Getting technical

Grace Yip

Sep 8, 2014

Student tech has changed, but the tech changes us too. A picture is worth a thousand words, so without further ado... Illustrations by Grace Yip.

The Mountain We’re Standing On

Luke Sawczak

Sep 8, 2014

“It was a simpler time. Mississauga as you know it is not how it was then. “Most of Mississauga in those days was apple orchards....

Time Lapse Maps

Grace Yip

Sep 8, 2014

Erindale college is built on land bought in 1965. Its construction began in 1966, and it opened in 1967. Erindale got more artsy in its...

On the Lislehurst Cricket Pitch

Larissa Ho

Sep 8, 2014

I sat down with the three most recent principals of UTM: current principal Deep Saini and former principals Ian Orchard and Bob McNutt, to...

Faded Glory

Jason Coelho

Sep 8, 2014

"The good old days." The phrase evokes the nostalgia of a simpler, happier time. For the students currently at UTM, those moments may just be...

How to Read the News

Colleen Munro

Sep 8, 2014

For 125 years, the Buchtelite served as the University of Akron’s student newspaper, until in January an announcement was posted on the Buchtelite’s website...

Ragtag Dynasty

Luke Sawczak

Sep 8, 2014

Early afternoon. My friend Larissa and I peer out the window of the office at the snowy ground of the Five-Minute Walk. She’s calm. I...

Parting Shot

Alain Latour

Sep 8, 2014

I was flattered when Luke Sawczak, the Medium’s current EIC, asked whether I wanted to write for this year’s Medium Magazine. I did co-found Medium...

Snippets

Sep 8, 2014

As we flipped through past issues, we found a whole lot of things we just had to write down and repeat. In the print...

Nostalgia Roundup

Sep 8, 2014

The following are a few galleries of photos we collected during our research but couldn't fit in the print magazine. We hope you enjoy looking...

Credits

Editor
Luke Sawczak

Lead Designer
Alex Berceanu

Illustrator
Grace Yip

Consulting Designer
Mubashir Baweja

Photo Editor
Jasmeen Virk

Contributing Editors

Larissa Ho
Colleen Munro
Jason Coelho
Maria Cruz

Contributors

Carine Abouseif
Alain Latour

Additional Research

Olga Tkachenko
Maria Iqbal

Thanks to

The Di Massimo Family
The Ho Family
Bill Whitaker
Duncan Koerber
Timothy Speck
Ryan Duquette
John Percy
Sue Prior
Guy Allen
Alan Lovette
Gregg-Michael Troy

Promo video

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Editor’s note

Michael Di Leo

Feb 20, 2012

There is a spectre that hangs over student media. Actually, all media (including the big-person kind), if you want to get all technical about it....

The underground

Stefanie Marotta

Feb 20, 2012

I first heard about the tunnel when I was in second year. Nabeel, a friend of mine whose knowledge of the campus I hold...

The Right Honourable Paul Martin

Luke Savage

Feb 20, 2012

Paul Martin was prime minister for just over two years, but his interests while in office were diverse. In retirement, he has continued to...

Dirty little secret

Michael Di Leo

Feb 20, 2012

Getting to Trinity College is the easy part. The building is on Hoskin Avenue, just north of Hart House. If you walk through the Hart...

Brendan Canning’s new scene

Kjartan Hewitt

Feb 20, 2012

Brendan Canning looks like a ’90s rocker. I don’t mean like how Rod Stewart still dresses like 1980s Rod Stewart and should cool it...

Kids these days

Feb 20, 2012

A handy guide to what music the leaders of tomorrow are listening to. For all you old folks.

Space Invaders

Carine Abouseif

Feb 20, 2012

A mob floods down IB’s main steps. Students turn into classes. Students rush out of classes. They mill around the lobby—talking, texting, snacking—toting laptops,...

The Dating Game

Amir Ahmed

Feb 20, 2012

Seduction Lairs On December 10, 2011, 1:32 p.m., I pull open the doors to the Ramada Hotel on Jarvis and Gerrard. I can’t stop thinking...

The zoo diet

Feb 20, 2012

Gorilla: high-fibre muffins, fruits and vegetables, alfalfa, tofu, herbal tea, fruit juices, flax meal Ahmad Al-Hendi: “Burrito for breakfast, coffee for lunch, then three free...

The Q&A: Sam Roberts

Aristotle Eliopoulos

Feb 20, 2012

Consistency is an underrated skill—one that singer-songwriter Sam Roberts has perfected in the very core of his music. With five records, six Juno Awards,...

Fear and Loathing in SOC101

Corey Belford & Lysan Sequeira

Feb 20, 2012

This would have been better high. Totally. Sexuality and society, my forte! Are you writing this? Every word. This needs to be edited. This lecture is perfect for...

Tickle you just right

Kjartan Hewitt

Feb 20, 2012

Kevin Patrick Robbins IMPATIENT THEATRE CO. “Don’t tell me I remind you of Jack Black. Seriously.” Bob Banks MANTOWN, PB & J “Look, just because you like funny dudes...

A post-grad life

Melissa Horn

Feb 20, 2012

I was at a walk-in clinic several months ago, filling out the required information form, when I found myself blanking on what to put...

Credits

Editor
Michael Di Leo

Creative Directors

Julie Do
Emma Dawn Allain

Photo Editor
Edward Cai

Copy Editor
Luke Sawczak

Contributing Editors

Stefanie Marotta
Nives Hajdin
Larissa Ho
Sophia Leonard

Digital Designer
Gary Li

Video Director
Keenan MacWilliam

Cartoonist
Corey Belford

Contributors

Luke Savage
Kjartan Hewitt
Carine Abouseif
Amir Ahmed
Aristotle Eliopoulos
Lysan Sequeira
Melissa Horn
Rae Maxwell

Thanks to

Ahmad Al-Hendi
Deanne Macrae
Rebecca Bednarik
Catherine Ferroni
Ryan Joseph
Guram Lomidze
Mark Overton
Bill McFadden
Stephen Currie
Nick Savoy
James from Starbucks

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You never know where inspiration is going to come from

Saaliha Malik

Feb 28, 2011

In the process of producing this issue of The Medium Magazine, my team and I went through hundreds of topics. We wanted to make...

Young entrepreneurs: Where are you?

Matt Goulart

Feb 28, 2011

Right off the bat, I’ll get right to the goods. Most young entrepreneurs suck: they are filled with lofty, unrealistic goals and typically serve...

How to be a social media sensation

Nives Hajdin

Feb 28, 2011

Have you got a lot to say? Do you crave a strong online presence? But are you a complete noob when it comes to...

Fashion beyond Abercrombie & Fitch: Developing your real style

Nives Hajdin

Feb 28, 2011

For many of my high school years I was oblivious to real style and just ended up buying whatever I saw in Abercrombie and...

Wardrobe essentials for him and her

Razan Khan

Feb 28, 2011

Top five for her Double-breasted coat Whether it’s wool-blend for winter or a lighter material to carry you through spring and fall, a double-breasted coat is...

Facing your firsts

Katherine Luczynski

Feb 28, 2011

There is absolutely a first time for everything, since we’re not born with experiences but rather endure them throughout our lives. When it comes...

The friend zone

Stephen Excel

Feb 28, 2011

Men are afraid of vampires, because they have potentially gay connotations (unless it is a she-vampire—then it’s a different story). Men are afraid of...

Jian Ghomeshi’s Real Cool World

Saaliha Malik

Feb 28, 2011

An award winning broadcaster, the host and co-creator of the national daily talk program, Q, on CBC Radio One, Jian also manages the career...

How confident are you?

Feb 28, 2011

Take this questionnaire and discover whether you’re a shy, lonely individual, a confident person, or just a high-maintenance snob. Be as honest as possible! 1 When...

Stop talking start running

William Robertson

Feb 28, 2011

So you want to start running? Running can increase stamina and muscle strength, and studies show that it seriously decreases body fat. The hardest...

How to plan a trip abroad: Student edition

Nives Hajdin

Feb 28, 2011

You’ve actually got to plan this dream vacation, and though you won’t have it all figured out in a matter of days, you have...

Eat play love

Razan Khan

Feb 28, 2011

...in London, England The city of art and architecture Best season Summer. With the sun setting at 8 p.m., you’ll have plenty of daylight to explore vast...

So you wanna take photos?

Edward Cai

Feb 28, 2011

SIMPLE TIPS The age of digital cellphone photography and cheap digital cameras has turned everyone into a photographer. Pro-photographer Chase Jarvis says, “The best camera...

Five excellent books

Amir Ahmed

Feb 28, 2011

Reading is sexy. In fact, seeing a girl go through some quality Rushdie is stimulating to me in a way that my doctor and...

Putting your best foot forward

Colleen Munro

Feb 28, 2011

Meeting new people is always stressful. Every new person that we encounter comes with possibilities and uncertainties. Maybe the two of you will hit it off,...

Healthy breakfast options

William Robertson

Feb 28, 2011

Oatmeal, berries, and almonds This is a fast and easy choice for breakfast, but still contains everything you need to start your day off right....

Credits

Editor-in-Chief
Saaliha Maalik

Creative Directors

Saaliha Malik
Edward Cai

Photography Editor
Edward Cai

Design
Matthew Filipowich

Copy Editor
Luke Sawczak

Contributors

Mr. Amir Ahmed
Nives Hajdin
Katherine Luczynski
Razan Khan
Matt Goulart
Lysan Sequeira
Stephen Excel
Saaliha Malik
William Robertson

Advertising Manager
Saaliha Malik

Special Thanks

Jian Ghomeshi
Razan Khan
Paulina Filewska
Paul Donoghue
Mark Overton
Ashley Poitevin
Mariana Comito
Sarah Carney
Mike Manjeri
Mike Teng
Lynne Trang
Danny DiCenzo
Anca Irimie
Governing Council of U of T
UTM/TV

2010

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This magazine probably comes as a surprise to most of you.

Alain Latour

Feb 16, 2010

As far as I know, The Medium never had one before, although other university papers do. Nor has there been a demand for it—try as I may, I can’t hear students clamouring for a Medium Magazine outside of this office. So why did we do it? Why now?

And you’re all set

Kjartan Hewitt

Feb 16, 2010

You’ve somehow established the flimsy pretense of “watching a movie.” Don’t blow it by throwing on Schindler’s List. Now, it’s important to differentiate between a “make-out movie” and a “date movie.” “Date movies” are meant to be engaging, at least for one party.

How many U of Ts?

Ali Kasim

Feb 16, 2010

Like the 900 or so University of Toronto Mississauga Frosh students at the Hart House field during Frosh Week, I was silenced by the chant of “St. George rejects” that the downtown students hurled at us.

Things you need to have. Right this second.

Matthew Filipowich

Feb 16, 2010

Medium Magazine breaks it down, item by item, exactly what you need to have to get through your daily grind.

From North to South

Katherine Luczynski

Feb 16, 2010

Remember your first day at UTM? Remember feeling like you’d never find your classes when you realized they took place in more than one building? Here’s your guide to finding your way around UTM.

Confessions of a Stanley Cup champ

William Robertson

Feb 16, 2010

Bruce Driver is one of the lucky few who realized his dream of making it into the NHL. We asked him about it.

Best of the nation

Andrew Tysiak

Feb 16, 2010

As we enter a new decade, The Medium Sports Editor Andrew Tysiak takes a look back and recaps the top 5 Canadian athletes of the 2000s.

The cool factor

Alain Latour

Feb 16, 2010

Somewhere in the world a boy will ogle at a pair of Adidas sneakers, a grown man at an iPhone, a girl at an Armani dress, and they will all wish they had it.

There’s an app for that

Alain Latour

Feb 16, 2010

Many laughed when the iPhone was first released. No keypad? Apples gone mad, they said.

How to be an international

Su Lyn Liew

Feb 16, 2010

It’s your first year at UTM and it all seems confusing. Here's our first-ever guide to UTM’s resources for international students, compiled by Su Lyn Liew, our own copy editor imported directly from Malaysia.

Last chance for romance, also known as how Rich Aucoin stole...

Michael Di Leo

Feb 16, 2010

Rich Aucoin started doing this and that, now he's getting in trouble with Dr.Seuss and having a good time.

So you wanna buy a camera?

Matthew Filipowich

Feb 16, 2010

In the market for a new camera? Medium Magazine's Photo Editor Matthew Filipowich draws out what you should buy.

9* albums for when

Melissa Horn

Feb 16, 2010

You just saw your crusty old professor at a bar. Quick—what do you do? Put on some music of course. Melissa Horn tells you what to listen to when.

Dinner for four

Michael Di Leo

Feb 16, 2010

Ever needed to prepare a formal dinner and had no idea where to begin? Michael Di Leo breaks it down for you.

Teleducation

Nives Hajdin

Feb 16, 2010

Whoever said "television should be educational" was onto something—all right, maybe not Jersey Shore.

Books you’ve probably never read but should

Amir Ahmed

Feb 16, 2010

A varied reading list is vital if you want to come across great fiction or impress cute English majors. After all, you’re not going to understand the shape of world literature by reading Star Wars novels (or even by reading the Western canon).

Why we did it

Alain Latour

Feb 16, 2010

What do you like? We must have asked over one hundred people that very question, and this magazine is the answer.

Credits

Editor-in-Chief
Alain Latour

Managing Editor
Michael Di Leo

Creative Director
Matthew Filipowich

Photography Editor
Matthew Filipowich

Assistant Photo Editor
Edward Cai

Design
Matthew Filipowich

Copy Editor
Su Lyn Liew

Contributors

Andrew Tsyiak
Mr. Amir Ahmed
Su Lyn Liew
Nives Hajdin
Stefanie Marotta
William Robertson
Katherine Luczynski
Ali Kasim
Melissa Horn
Kjartan Hewitt

Advertising Manager
Michael Di Leo

Business Manager
Romano Bergic

Special Thanks

Arthur Di LeoNeill Dixon
Johnson Ngo
Heather Friesen
James Sutherland
Rosà Martir
Nicole Green
That guy at the pizza store

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Letter from the Editors

Paula Cho & Ali Taha

Nov 2, 2020

Wow. What a year. While attempting to write this letter, we quickly realized that understanding or summarizing 2020 in a mere couple hundred words is...

To experience or not to experience, that is the quarantine question

Chris Berberian

Nov 2, 2020

In this Covid-19 era, there’s a word you’ve probably heard over and over. It’s a word most of us know intuitively, likely learned by...

The Role of Art in a Time of Crisis

Paula Cho

Nov 2, 2020

In his romantic-era sonnet Ozymandias, Percy Bysshe Shelley describes the ruins of an ancient king—his political legacy undone by the indiscriminate forces of history. All...

The Unseen Pandemic

Nov 2, 2020

The Impacts of Covid-19 on Climate Activism A year ago, on November 29, 2019, I was standing among hundreds of other Toronto residents in Nathan...

The Essential Poems

Tegwen Mckenzie

Nov 2, 2020

my house burned down last night i didn’t watch it happen my eyes were shut but I felt the fire’s heat set free to the passion that once found...

I am (not) essential

Elizabeth Provost

Nov 2, 2020

The truth is, I’m not essential, and no one cares. The world pre-Covid-19 seems like a faint memory, tucked away in the deep recesses of...

Landscapes of life (and other forms of expectation)

Ali Taha

Nov 2, 2020

During the mid-80s, my father traveled from Lebanon to Canada in search of a steady income. He and my grandfather began their search in...

How George Floyd’s Death Underlines the Importance of Equity and Human...

Sarah-May Edwardo-Oldfield

Nov 2, 2020

"Please! I can't breathe!" Those were some of George Floyd’s last words, as former-officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee to Floyd’s neck. The history of...

Credits

Co-Editor in Chiefs
Paula Cho and Ali Taha

Director of Design
Tegwen McKenzie

Copyeditor
Melissa Barrientos

Writers

Chris Berberian
Paula Cho
Sarah-May Oldfield
Elizabeth Provost
Isik Vera Senel
Ali Taha

Special Thanks to

Vladyslava
Gabriel
Aya
Julia
Will
Yasmeen
Linda
Sireen