Agnes’ Gmail - Part 2

A fictional piece by James Waugh

Missed the first part of the story? You can read it in Issue 5!

April 23, 2006

Dear Jess,

Last night was our first night home from the hospital. I haven’t slept since before I went into labour. I haven’t eaten either, but my appetite hasn’t returned yet. Michael almost never puts Rosemary down and I don’t mind, I’m so exhausted that I’m scared I’d drop her. I hardly ever hold her except to feed her, I can’t handle it for much longer than that. I just get this pit in my stomach when I look at her. God, that’s an awful thing to say, but it’s true. She’s so small and delicate and beautiful and I know she’s a blessing but when she grabs my finger with her tiny hand it feels like I’m being choked. I feel a dread so deep I forget how to breathe. I don’t know how to tell Michael. He’s on cloud 9 right now, I don’t think anything I could say would bring him down.

I’m writing this at 2 am because every time I feel myself drifting off, I jerk myself awake again. If not that, it’s Rosemary crying. Michael always gets up, he says I need to stay off my feet. Even when I tell him I’ve been lying awake and volunteer to fight all my instincts and check on her, he insists on checking on her. I can’t describe how thankful I am that he feels this connection. One of us has to. I’m still in a lot of pain. I have a year’s supply of pain meds, but I don’t like how they make me feel so I use them sparingly. I took these when I had my wisdom teeth taken out and they did the same thing back then. They give me horrible dreams. I’m always fighting with someone I love. Usually in a shopping centre. Occasionally the monkeys from The Wizard of Oz are there. My own personal hell.

I told Michael that I think there’s something wrong with my stitches. He seemed concerned, but he suggested it’s best that I just stay off my feet and heal for a bit longer. I suppose it’s been less than 48 hours, so maybe I’m being too quick to judge, but I’m really starting to get nervous. Do you think it’s too early to go back to the doctor? I’ll ask Michael what he thinks in the morning. I can hear him coming back to bed. Goodnight Jess.

I love you,

Agnes

April 23, 2006

Oh Aggie,

Don’t use your computer that late at night, it’s bad for your eyes! You poor soul, have you tried passionflower and skullcap? It’s all natural so it shouldn’t give you any problems. If that doesn’t work, just pop a valium, that should knock you out. You did ask for valium, right? To share with your cool sister? What are your pills called, anyways? I’ll Google them at the library next time I drop off my books, maybe they’re interacting with something else you take. What meds have you been on since getting your wisdom teeth out? I don’t think it’s too early to go to the doctor, but I also think Michael has a point about staying off your feet. Maybe you can get your OB on the phone and chat about it. You know how I feel about hospitals. If I were you, I wouldn’t go unless I was bleeding out. Maybe you’d feel better if you ate something. I’m sure you don’t even want to think about it, but I’m sure it will help. You can’t heal on an empty stomach!

I’m so glad Michael is there for you. He’s always been so kind and helpful, I can’t imagine you having a child with anyone else. Have you told him about your dreams? Maybe if you talk about them, you won’t feel as scared when they happen. I write my dreams down as soon as I wake up. Sometimes they’re too good to forget, but when they’re bad, I write them down so I can get it out of my head for the day. Maybe I’ll buy you a journal for Christmas instead, a nice leather-bound one, like Dad’s. I’m surprised Michael has been sleeping at all, I know how excited he must be to finally be a dad! It seems like this was his primary goal in life, it’s no wonder he wants to spend so much time with her. If you truly feel that strongly about not being around Rosemary, I think it’s best for Michael to take the lead with her right now. Once you finally get some sleep and start to recuperate, you’ll start to see Rosemary differently. It’s okay that you're feeling this way Aggie, lots of women go through this kind of stuff. You can reach out to your doctor if you ever need help. Plus, you know Michael and I will always be here.

Much love,

Jessica

Agnes’ Gmail is a fictional piece, taking the form of emails, by James Waugh. Instalments will be published every 2 weeks

April 20, 2006:

Dear Jess,

Today I gave birth to our angel, a beautiful baby girl, 6 lbs and 12 oz. We named her

Rosemary, after Michael’s grandmother. I was in labour for 16 hours, but I’m sure time stopped

the moment we stepped into the hospital. Michael says I had something called a “perineal

tear.” I was pretty out of it, so Michael okayed the doctor to stitch me back up. Apparently, that

happens all the time.

I know we saw that horrible video in health class, but I still felt so unprepared to actually

go through it. My OBGYN walked me through what to do when my water broke months ago,

but she didn’t warn me at all about dealing with the doctors and nurses. I swear they were all

staring at me as I waddled my way through the halls to the delivery room, but I couldn’t quite

tell. When we arrived, there was a doctor that I didn’t recognize, but Michael seemed to know

him. They shook hands and helped me get onto the bed. As a nurse gave me the epidural (the

needle is almost scarier than labour itself), I asked where my OB was, but I don’t recall getting

an answer. I think I was in and out of consciousness the whole time. The doctor whose name I

still don’t remember said that was normal, and that he and his team took good care of me while

I was out. Michael said they talked golf nearly the whole time, I don’t remember it too clearly

but that certainly sounds like him.

Rosemary is healthy, she didn’t just cry right away, she wailed. You said I would feel

better when she was finally born, so why don’t I? Linda from prenatal yoga, which I still think is

stupid no matter how many classes you gift me for Christmas by the way, says she felt all her

doubts fall away the moment she held her son for the first time, but I didn’t have that moment.

I wish we could trade places; you would be a million times the mother I will ever be. How about

you be mom, and I’ll be cool Auntie Aggie? I’m still in a lot of pain, sorry if this email is a short

one. I miss you and I hope to God I can see you again soon.

Love you lots,

Agnes

April 21, 2006:

Agnes please!

You didn’t even tell me you were going into labour! I could kill you, I told you to keep

me up to date! I googled that tear thing, and it looks nasty, now I have to go bleach my eyes. I

hope yours wasn’t as bad as that lady’s! Anyways, I’m so glad to hear Rosemary is doing well,

that is such a beautiful name. Michael must be just over the moon, he’s been looking forward

to this for so long. You both were. Which one of you does she look more like? Or does she look

like her stunningly beautiful aunt?

I’m sorry you had such a rough time at the hospital. Were they out of wheelchairs or

did they just want to glare at you while you walked? Nurses can be so nasty sometimes. Do you

remember Natalie from high school? She moved to Saskatchewan and became a nurse; she’s

always complaining about patients on Facebook, I’m tempted to report her to her boss but that

might be too petty, even for me. Hopefully the nurse who gave you the epidural was nicer than

her, but even if she wasn’t, at least she was giving you drugs! I’m glad to hear that Michael got

along with the delivery team, I know how jittery he gets when he has no one to talk to. Maybe

it’s for the best that your regular OBGYN wasn’t there, he was always complaining that she was

too pushy.

As for all your worries, don’t say those things about yourself! You are going to be the

best mother in the world, I have the utmost confidence in you. Just think of how Mom and Dad

did it and then adjust accordingly, plus you have Michael to help keep your head on straight.

Maybe I’ll get you a postnatal yoga class this Christmas, it sounds like Linda could be a good

source of motherly advice. I don’t care if you think they’re stupid, it’s good for you! If you keep

trying it, you’ll get your pre-baby body back in no time! Also, there’s no way we’re switching

spots, I’m nowhere near ready to be a mom. I can hardly remember what I had for breakfast

yesterday, how am I supposed to teach a baby how to read? I love the three of you so much

and I can’t wait to finally meet your little sweetheart.

Talk to you soon!

Jessica

P.S. Sherman says thank you for the catnip <3

Album Review: The Chemical Brothers – “For That Beautiful Feeling”

As they are today, The Chemical Brothers are a group that are best described as a nostalgia act, rising to fame amidst the rave culture of the late 90s, fading from popularity in the 2000s, and spending the 2010s attempting to adapt to modern tastes to varying degrees of success. It’s from this mindset that “For That Beautiful Feeling” was created, a summer party album that they decided to release in September for some unknown reason.

Following a minute-long intro track consisting of distorted vocals over a bland drumbeat, “Live Again”, the first real song of the album begins. A collaboration with French Pop singer Halo Maud, what could have been a potentially decent song is let down by the presence of a conspicuously offbeat and off-key vocal sample that plays throughout much of the song. The trend of potentially decent tracks being ruined by one bad creative decision continues on the album’s lead single, “No Reason”, a dark, funky track that falls apart halfway through when they introduce a synth sound so uninspired that I’d be shocked to find out it wasn’t an unaltered keyboard preset.

Fortunately, it is at this point that the album momentarily begins to build some steam. “Goodbye” is a whirlwind of haunting, organ-like keys and buzzsaw synths that build up to a great drum fill, “Fountains” combines a pounding beat reminiscent of 2000’s ringtone rap with a fantastic Rick Wakeman-esque keyboard solo, and “Magic Wand”, while feeling somewhat incomplete in both production and structure, is short enough not to be too irritating. By far the best song on the album (and not coincidentally, the most reminiscent of their early work) is “The Weight”, a blood-pumping, upbeat number whose clean, funky bass, dreamy saxophone breakdown, and suspenseful lyrics (“Who's gonna take the weight? Who's gonna take the blame?”) invoke images of a 70s crime drama akin to the ones parodied by the Beastie Boys in their video to “Sabotage”.

Shockingly, directly after this comes the worst song on the album. “Skipping Like A Stone”, a collaboration with fellow 90s has-been Beck, is as bland of a dance track as you could possibly come by. You’d probably get the same experience listening to white noise for four minutes as you would listening to this song. I was convinced it was placed on the album solely to placate the record label’s demand for a radio-friendly single, but the following track, “The Darkness That You Fear (Harvest Mix)”, fits that role perfectly while also avoiding sounding soulless and devoid of passion, leading one to wonder what the point of including the track on the album even is.

“Feels like I’m Dreaming” is somewhat of a return to form, featuring an intense, glitchy breakdown and production that comes off as a midpoint between 90s and modern dance music, although I did find the chorus to be slightly annoying. The last track, “For That Beautiful Feeling” features Halo Maud again over sparse instrumentation that builds up throughout the song before reaching a disappointing climax that comes off as a half-baked attempt at imitating M83.

“For That Beautiful Feeling” comes off as The Chemical Brothers trying to be something that they’re not. Tracks like “Fountains” and “The Weight” Prove that the duo could likely put out another album on the level of their first four if they really wanted to, but as it is, they seem to be more preoccupied with chasing trends in a desperate attempt to recapture the stardom they enjoyed in the 90s.

6/10

My Top Ten Sitcoms

Tie your shoe laces, knot your ties, and maybe even mow your lawn, because today I’ll be doing one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life. Like, I have seen the eye of the tornado and engaged in a staring contest with it, I have drank larva because I was so thirsty and I have beaten Barry Allen in a racing contest but what I am about to do will go down as one of the hardest things I've ever done. Ladies and Gentlemen, I am about to reveal my top 10 sitcoms. I know…I know…who is this guy? I’ll tell you who I am. My name is Charles Adamu, and I am a lover of TV shows. I could try to explain to you how much I love TV shows but I don’t want this article to span an infinite amount of pages. If you name it, I’ve watched it and if I haven’t, I’ll watch it. 

       TV shows have been a huge part of my life for the past 5 years and although some people might say watching Netflix is a waste of time, I hold a different thought. I think that TV shows have actually taught me a lot of things, and have given me a lot of lessons that hadn’t I watched those shows, experience would have taken the opportunity to be my teacher instead; and let’s be honest, although experience is the best teacher, it doesn’t usually let you go unscathed. Anyway, let’s get back on track here. There are a ton of genres when it comes to TV shows but today, I will be taking time out to name my top ten TV shows in the world of sitcoms. You know how in every family, every parent has a favorite sibling but they just never ever admit who that is. And the hardest question to ask that parent would be: Can you tell us who your favorite child is?

        Today, unfortunately, and painfully, I’ll be admitting to myself and to you all which one of my many children I love the most. Today, I’ll be dipping into my mind palace and picking those who are most loved by their parent. Today, I will be separating the “This was a good show” from the, “Oh my God, who wrote this.” Now before I go on, I would like to apologize to future readers of this article concerning the possibility that your favorite sitcom might not feature here. I am sorry and you should know that this is purely personal and I’m just being honest to myself and to you as well, so buckle your seat belts, wear your second sock, and turn off your headphones because here I go!

10. New Girl

    New girl! This sitcom like a lot of sitcoms, talks about the lives of a couple of characters finding their way through life. The series stars actress and singer Zooey Deschanel as Jessica Day (my favorite character in the series), an awkward and loving lady in her early twenties looking for a new place to live right after she finds out that her longtime boyfriend is cheating on her. Somehow, she meets three single guys who share an apartment and are looking for a fourth. The three guys: ridiculous Nick Miller (Jake Johnson), Schmidt (Max Greenfield), who thinks himself a womanizer, and athletic Winston Bishop (Lamorne Morris). And together, alongside the beautiful model, Cece (Hannah Simone) who was Jessica Day’s best friend, they navigate the ups and downs of life and love. Now in my experience, a lot of sitcoms don’t have a good ending. And by good, I don’t mean roses, smiles, and unicorns, I mean a well-written ending. New girl for me accomplishes that. Somehow, they found a pretty suitable ending and I was really pleased by this. Now I am not basing the series making my top ten on just a good ending but if you’ve seen a lot of TV shows like I have, you’d know that a well-written ending on TV is a rarity. Also, the characters in my opinion are really well developed and the character Jessica Day always made my day.

9. One Day At A Time

     My hats off to this series. Truth be told, I stumbled upon One Day At A Time. I was bored, I had nothing to watch and I was in the mood for laughs. I popped open my Netflix, scrolled through a couple of comedies, and for some reason, clicked on One Day At A Time and I couldn’t click pause till the fourth episode because I just could not believe that I had not watched it yet. I just couldn’t believe it! It shows three generations of the same Cuban-American family living in the same house: a newly divorced former military mother, her teenage daughter and teen son, and her old-school mother. Now here is the thing, with not so many scenes, not too many characters, and very thin popularity, One Day at a Time manages to tackle a whole lot of societal issues. Issues like addiction, sexism, self-identity, racism, immigration, drugs, sexuality, etc. So many issues were mentioned and somehow within the sensitivity of these issues, they still managed to make it incredibly funny. One Day At A Time is definitely an incredible watch and if you haven’t seen it, you should!

8. Modern Family

     Incredibly enough, I just watched Modern Family. The thing is, I didn’t have Disney Plus and I didn’t want to go to jail for using illegal sites so I lured my roommate into getting Disney Plus and somehow got him to give me a profile. I got into the humor of Modern Family right away! Modern Family. What do I love most about the show? The concept! The story is told from the perspective of an unseen documentary filmmaker.  The series offers an honest, often hilarious perspective of family life. Parents Phil and Claire yearn for an honest, open relationship with their three kids. But a daughter who is trying to grow up too fast, another who is way too smart for her own good, and a sometimes smart and sometimes not-so-smart young son make it challenging. Claire's dad, Jay, and his Latina wife, Gloria, are raising two sons together, but people sometimes believe Jay to be Gloria's father. Jay's gay son, Mitchell, and his partner, Cameron, have adopted a little Asian girl, completing one big -- straight, gay, multicultural, traditional -- happy family. Modern Family is a great way to pass the time and have good laughs. Some of their jokes were a bit intense, getting a tad close to boundaries of things like racism but in my opinion, they do not cross the line. Anyway, a lot of you have probably already seen Modern Family but if you haven’t, why haven’t you?

7. Black-ish

     Black-ish is probably one of the first five sitcoms I ever watched. The show follows an upper-class black family being led by Andre Johnson (Anthony Anderson) and his wife, Bow Johnson(Tracee Ellis Ross). In summary, the show reveals the struggle a black family undergoes in trying to gain and maintain a sense of cultural identity while living in a predominantly white neighborhood. I will say that black-ish is the type of show you watch during an academic session. You know all those times when there are just so many tests and assignments coming up and you just feel so exhausted, put on an episode of Black-ish and I bet you that you’ll be revived. Or even as a worker, maybe your boss gave you a hard time at the office and you just feel like you’re tolerance has been over-tested, put on an episode of Black-ish and watch how Andre Johnson’s pettiness, makes you forget about your boss.

6. The Office

     Speaking of offices, the sixth position on my list goes to “The Office”. The office is an incredible show. I’ll let you in on a secret: it took me trying to watch the show five times before I finally got into the humor. If you are a “The Office” fan, then you know it’s not like every sitcom; the humor is dark and unique, and it takes a keen sense of being able to tap into the humor to be able to actually enjoy the show. I’ll be honest, the first season was not too impressive but in the second season, I felt like they really got the ball rolling. The relationship and tension between Jim Halpert and Pam got me hooked. I just needed to know! Will they end up together or not?! And I was learning some steps on how to flirt with a receptionist. I mean, who knows? Also, I didn’t really like Michael Scott at first but I think he grows on you. You begin to see that he’s not totally a bad person. All in all, The Office is a show that I really would not have forgiven myself if I didn’t get to watch. Now I know I can’t ask each and every one of you reading this to try to watch it five times but give it a chance and I bet you that you’ll love it in the end. Most importantly, if you want to watch a show and go, “What the?!”, multiple times, then The Office is the way to go.

Okay…okay…okay, I know I promised that I’ll reveal my top ten today but I wasn’t entirely sincere. Today I’ll only be revealing to you my 10th-5th favorites and I’ll be saving “The Big Five” for my next article. It’s hard you know, I just told some of my children that they are not amongst my “Big Five”. I feel like I need some time to recover and redevelop the strength to rank my children once more. And with that said, I can(because I love writing), and cannot(because I hate ranking my kids) wait to reveal to you all the “Big Five” next week!

WELCOME TO BRANDON UNIVERSITY!

Welcome to all the International Students, the new academic year has begun! It may be a bit overwhelming, but you can do it. Throughout the course of the week, the BU staff has made it their mission to ensure all new students are comfortable and secure. As an international student, I know what it’s like being in a “strange” environment and struggling to adapt. Whether it’s the weather, the food or just how different the culture here is from back home. 

You are not alone! Brandon University is equipped with several resources that can help to keep you on track. Firstly, the Student Services department can help you in many areas. They can aid in your career planning, student advising as well as improving your skills in academic areas such as writing and math. I suggest utilizing these resources as it will make university life less stressful.

Speaking of stress, managing stress as an international student can be challenging due to the cultural and academic adjustments you may need to make. However, there are several effective strategies you can use to reduce stress and maintain your well-being:

Time Management:

  • Create a schedule or use a planner to organize your tasks and assignments.

  • Prioritize your work based on deadlines and importance.

  • Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

Seek Support:

  • Build a support network of fellow international students, local students, and faculty.

  • Join clubs, organizations, or cultural groups to connect with like-minded individuals.

  • Don't hesitate to seek help from campus counseling services or support groups if you're struggling emotionally.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:

  • Eat a balanced diet to fuel your body and mind.

  • Engage in regular physical activity to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

  • Get enough sleep to ensure your body and mind are well-rested.

(I recommend trying deep breathing exercises or yoga to reduce stress.)

Set Realistic Expectations:

  • Understand that it's normal to experience challenges when adapting to a new culture and academic environment.

  • Set achievable goals for yourself, both academically and personally.

  • Avoid comparing yourself to others.

Practice effective study methods:

  • Break your study sessions into shorter, focused blocks with regular breaks.

  • Use active learning techniques like summarizing, teaching others, or discussing the material with classmates.

  • Don't procrastinate! Start assignments and studying early to avoid last-minute stress.

Financial Management:(very important!)

  • Create a budget to manage your finances and avoid unnecessary stress related to money.

  • Explore scholarships, part-time work opportunities, and financial aid options.

Stay Connected with Family and Friends:

  • Regularly communicate with loved ones back home through calls, video chats, or messages.

Professional Help:

  • If stress becomes overwhelming, consider seeking the assistance of a mental health professional or counselor.

  • Brandon University offers counseling services to students.

Make Time for Yourself:

  • Dedicate time to do things you enjoy, whether it's a hobby, exploring your new surroundings, or simply relaxing.

  • Taking breaks is essential for recharging your mind and reducing stress.

(For me, I would go on solo dates at different places in Brandon, I highly recommend it!) 

.

Remember that it's normal to feel stressed as an international student, especially when you first arrive. However, by adopting these strategies and seeking help when needed, you can effectively manage and reduce stress, making your academic journey more enjoyable and rewarding.

Additionally, the Office of International Activities has resources accessible to all international students. During “Orientation Week” the department has a series of events to aid in guiding students during their stay in Canada.

Personally, I am mostly excited for the Clear Lake trip but other sessions such as the SIN Clinic session and the IRCC Study/Work Permit Webinar are equally beneficial and would guide you as international students in Canada. 

CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS WEEK

MEDIA RELEASE

April 3, 2023

For Immediate Release

For more information:

kmcburney@goodbear.ca

CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS WEEK

#ChildrensHospitalsWeek Runs April 4-7, 2023

Awareness week encourages support for HSC Children’s Hospital

Winnipeg, Manitoba (April 3, 2023) – To shine a light on the importance of children’s hospitals and how donations help kids get the best care when they need it, Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba is pleased to participate in #ChildrensHospitalsWeek, scheduled for April 4-7. Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba is one of 170 member Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) across North America participating in the initiative.

MEDIA RELEASE

The following activities encourage support for children’s hospitals:
• Wear a bandage. Show your support for children’s hospitals by wearing a bandage of your choice, taking a photo, and sharing it with the #ChildrensHospitalsWeek hashtag.

• Start a fundraiser. Help raise critical funds that support sick and injured children who need HSC Winnipeg Children’s Hospital. Visit goodbear.ca/fundraise to get started.

• Donate. Donations like yours will help #GiveBetterFutures to kids through purchases of vital medical equipment, funding life-saving research and offering programs that bring comfort to sick and injured children and their families during difficult times. To make a tax-deductible donation right now to help kids in hospital, please visit Goodbear.ca.

Pacey Wall, age 9, was selected to serve as the 2023 Champion representing Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. He was treated at HSC Children’s Hospital for intestinal failure and has personally benefited from local donations to Children’s Miracle Network in Canada.

“This awareness week, #ChildrensHospitalsWeek, celebrates the importance of children’s hospitals and shines light on the need to give better futures to sick or injured kids in our communities,” said Stefano Grande, President and CEO, Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. “Donations of all sizes add up to provide critical funding for pediatric medical equipment, hospital programs to make kids’ stays in hospital a little easier, and research into childhood illness. This support helps kids thrive and keeps communities vibrant.”

Please #GiveBetterFutures and donate to Manitoba’s only children’s hospital, HSC Children’s Hospital; visit goodbear.ca.

About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals that support the health of 10 million kids each year across the U.S. and Canada. Donations go to local hospitals to fund critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, along with innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services that put kids’ and families’ minds at ease during difficult hospital stays and financial assistance for families who could not otherwise afford these health services. When we improve the health of all children and allow them the opportunity to reach their full potential, we also improve our communities for years to come. Together, we can change kids’ health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and your local children’s hospital, visit cmnhospitals.org.

About the Champions Program

Every year in Canada, local Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) member hospitals identify a “Champion” in each of their local communities to serve as the face for children treated at their local children’s hospital. These brave and spirited ambassadors spend their year advocating for the charitable need of children’s hospitals by sharing their unique stories with Canadians, their communities and partners. Their goal is to encourage everyone to join the fight for children’s health through local support, events and CMN Canada programs.

Champion children, member hospital foundation ambassadors, and corporate partners all work together to promote the hospitals’ need for funds.

Children’s hospitals rely on donations to provide care for kids — no matter their illnesses or injuries.

#GiveBetterFutures with Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba

You can change a sick child’s life through the current $75 million Better Futures campaign. History-making changes in child health will ensure sick kids get the care they need in places of comfort and healing, in environments that physically and technologically match the excellence provided by healthcare professionals today. They’ll benefit from leading-edge research focused specifically on the unique needs of kids in our communities. Manitoba’s largest-ever fundraising campaign for child health NEEDS YOU to help #GiveBetterFutures to sick and injured kids. Because your present can change their future.

Since 1971, with incredible donor support, the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba has raised more than $165 million to help sick and injured children from Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario, and Nunavut. The Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that every child treated at HSC Children’s Hospital has the best care experience possible and benefits from the leading-edge research at Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba. Learn about your impact at goodbear.ca.

For more information, contact:

Kathryn McBurney
Manager, Marketing & Communications, Children’s Hospital Foundation

kmcburney@goodbear.ca

Call for Nominations: 2023 Nature Inspiration Awards

Call for Nominations: 2023 Nature Inspiration Awards

Celebrating Canada’s nature leaders for 10 years

OTTAWA, March 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nominations are now open for the Canadian Museum of Nature’s national Nature Inspiration Awards. This year marks the 10th anniversary of this national program, which celebrates the leadership of adults, youth, not-for-profits and businesses that are connecting Canadians with nature and setting examples for a sustainable future.

The submission deadline for the 2023 awards is May 23. Nomination forms are available at nature.ca/awards.

Previous nominees and winners have included youth or adults who initiate change through community action, teaching, and advocacy; not-for-profits that inspire Canadians through outreach and public engagement with nature and the environment; leaders who mobilize communities to appreciate the importance of nature in their lives and its connections to a sustainable society; and businesses that create and promote sustainable products and related practices.

“As we approach the tenth year of these awards, we continue to be inspired by the diverse ways that Canadians are showing the importance of nature and of a healthy natural world in our lives,” says Dr. Danika Goosney, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Nature. “We look forward to recognizing the projects and people that will come from this year’s call for nominations.”

The categories for the 2023 awards include youth (aged 17 and younger), adults (aged 18 and up), large not-for profits, small-to-medium not-for-profits, sustainable businesses, and community action. A Lifetime Achievement recipient will be selected by the jury.

Nominations can come directly from the individual or organization, or from a third-party familiar with the nominee’s achievements. Nominations should also stress specific projects that show leadership and innovation, rather than just an overview of an organization’s mandate or an individual’s list of accomplishments. Winners receive $5,000, which they can either reinvest in the project for which they were nominated (with the exception of the Sustainable Business category), or they can choose to “pay it forward” by donating to another nature-related cause or organization.

The awards are supported by media partners The Globe and Mail and The Walrus.                                                                                                                

On November 15, 2023, the Canadian Museum of Nature will host a gala to celebrate the finalists and announce the winners. BDO Canada LLP is the evening sponsor. Category sponsors are Ontario Power Generation (OPG) for the Not-for-Profit Award (small to medium) and Meta Inc. for Sustainable Business. Category partners are Polar Knowledge Canada, supporting the Community Action Award, and the Canada Space Agency, supporting the Adult Award.

For more information, email awards@nature.ca.

The 2022 winners of the Nature Inspiration Awards were:

Melissa Lem, M.D., a family physician from Vancouver, British Columbia who has spearheaded with the BC Parks Foundation Canada’s first prescription program for nature;

Naila Moloo, a teen in Ottawa, Ontario, for innovative projects including the development of a special solar cell, and for advocating for the role of women and girls in STEM fields;

Fishing for Success, a community social enterprise in Petty Harbour, Newfoundland for its program that introduces women and girls to sustainable fishing practices;

Birds Canada, a not-for-profit in Port Rowan, Ontario for an innovative podcast about Canadian birds and related conservation issues;

Mériscope, from Portneuf-sur-Mer, Quebec for its marine-mammal research in the St. Lawrence estuary, and educational collaborations with universities;

The Nikanese Wah tzee Stewardship Society in Moberly Lake, British Columbia, for its Indigenous-led program to rehabilitate the regional caribou population;

Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics in St. Catharines, Ontario for its high-quality products that are vegan, cruelty-free, and inspired by the Anishnaabe roots of its founder, and;

Larry Halverson, from Invermere, British Columbia, for his decades of leadership as a naturalist and wildlife educator, and as a champion for public engagement about nature.

About the Canadian Museum of Nature

Saving the world through evidence, knowledge and inspiration! The Canadian Museum of Nature is Canada's national museum of natural history and natural sciences. The museum provides evidence-based insights, inspiring experiences and meaningful engagement with nature's past, present and future. It achieves this through scientific research, a 14.6-million specimen collection, education programs, signature and travelling exhibitions, and a dynamic web site, nature.ca.

What’s going on at BU?

What’s going on at BU?

By Charles Adamu, Junior Reporter

Previously on “what’s going on at BU?”

      In my previous update on what's going on at Brandon University, I welcomed all our “newbies” on behalf of the staff and students of Brandon University. As I said in the last article, we are thrilled to have you- after all, the more the merrier. I talked about how much of a culture shock one could get by traveling all the way from our individual homes to here in order to pursue one degree or another and how our respective adjustments would vary. Also, at that time, I welcomed us into the Black history month-the month of February- and used the opportunity to call on some of the names that come to mind whenever one ponders upon the contributions, achievements, and impacts that have been made by black people in our society at large. Finally, we talked about how the lovers and romantics had taken the 28 days for themselves and left us singles with no option but to watch, get jealous, and try our best to act like we weren’t jealous.

What’s going on at BU?

    Let me kick off by saying “Boy am I glad that that love-sick month is over. ” Hi March, I am so glad you are here. You have no idea how dreading those last 28 days were.  All those flowers, chocolates, and wrapped presents, and February could not even spare me a petal. I have a favor to ask of you March- next year if I am not to receive any chocolates or flowers(if and only if…don’t you dare carry out this favor if you know I'm going to be on the month of love’s good list), I want you to negotiate with January and find a way to exclude February from 2024. Thanks in advance. Signed Charles. Okay, month jokes aside, a lot has happened at Brandon University since my last update to y’all. I will begin by discussing extensively the BUSU elections.

What’s going on at BUSU?

 On the 3rd of February, an email was sent to all Brandon University students calling on them to participate in the students' elections. The email’s subject read, “Nominations forms for the student elections are now available!” The email explained that the election provides a chance to be part of something bigger and an opening to advocate for a much-needed change.  The email noted the following important dates:

1st Nomination period: 6th-10th February 2023

2nd Nomination period: 13th-15th February 2023

Deadline for returning signed packages: 10th & 15th February 2023

Campaign period: 22nd February-10th March 2023

Voting: 9-10th March

      Also, alongside all this information, a pdf document was attached, showing all the available positions for students to run for. The following positions were included: President, Vice President Engagement, Vice President Operations, Arts Director, Science Director, Music Director, Queer Director, Indigenous Peoples Director, LGBTQ Collective Chair, Gender Empowerment Collective Chair, Women’s Director, Racialized Director, Residence Director, International Director, Part-Time/Mature Director, Racialized Collective Chair, Indigenous Peoples’ Chair, Accessibility Director, Education Director, Health Studies Director, Senate Positions, Graduate Studies Director, International Students Collective Chair, KDC Board Student-At-Large x2.

    I recall having discussions with various people on picking up the nomination form and while some felt ready and willing to serve and hold positions, some felt like it wasn’t their time yet. Examples of some: me. In no time after this email was sent to students, the registration packages in the BUSU area started flying out. I was happy to see a lot of students willing to serve their fellow students. I remember filling in my name for a couple of candidates(I reckoned that this was part of the registration process) and having a slight chat with them trying to figure out if this person deserved my vote. In no time at all, the registration window closed, nominations were seized, and signed packages were returned. it was down to the campaign period. As I already indicated above, the campaign period lasted from the 22nd February-10th March 2023. During this period, lots of posters were up, lots of discussions regarding the voting were had, and our candidates were seen around trying their best to get their names and motives to the students of Brandon University. During this campaign period, precisely on the 7th of March, at Bailey’s(Lower level, KDC) by 12:40 pm, a BUSU General Elections Town Hall Meeting was had. The town hall meeting provided students with the opportunity to get to meet and interact with their potential representatives. 

     Two days later, on the 9th of March, after everything had been said and done, the voting began. The polls were open on both the 9th and 10th of March to allow the students to decide who they felt would best represent their interests. It was a pretty tensed-up period for not just the candidates but also for students who really wanted their choice of representatives to emerge victorious. 

     Ladies and Gentlemen, I am now here to tell you all that the results for the 2023 BUSU GENERAL ELECTIONS have been announced, and without further ado, I will like you to meet your new and latest BUSU student body

I would like to congratulate all those who participated in the election process and give an outstanding round of applause to those who came out on top.  I really do hope and pray that you find your tenure a fulfilling one and that you represent the students to the best of your abilities. 

The Long Night Against Procrastination

The semester is gradually drawing to a close.  The winter feels like it's about to pass its baton and spring looks like it's about to collect it. I’ve got to say though that I’ve got nothing against you Spring, but I can’t wait for summer. Most midterms have been written, the study break has come and is now long gone, and scariest of them all, exam timetables are out.  In no time at all, we are all going to find ourselves sitting our bottoms on those uncomfortable chairs at the Healthy Living Center. In light of the upcoming finals, Brandon University once again held its Long Night Against Procrastination event.  The Long Night Against Procrastination event is an event held every semester; it is the library’s most popular event where students can study and access academic services. The event provides a safe place for students to study for extended hours-7 pm-2 am, allowing students to study/write during a critical point in the semester. It provides lots of activities, prizes, and snacks to help students get through the long hours. Math skill coaches are usually present, alongside writing coaches, reference librarians and assistants, computer help, and circulation service. And once again, it was a blast! The library was filled up. A lot of students came out to take a stand against a common enemy: procrastination. I recall myself racing through the crowd to get a pizza slice and even better, recall the smile on my face when they announced that we could come to get another slice. I made the most of my night- burning through my calculus assignments and psychology slides. Frankly, I was so proud of everyone that turned and happy to know that I was not the only procrastinator. I will now use this as an avenue to thank my fellow procrastinators. It was nice studying with you.

In Residence at Brandon University

           As always, the Brandon University residence halls were up to something. The residence assistants and residence council were cooking up something nice, something tasty. Let us now take a look into what has gone on in residence at Brandon University in the last few weeks. A couple of events were held during the study break. The residence council hosted a couple of movie nights, one of them showing “The Adam’s project,” a pizza study night that combined with an ARA session,  and a “get to know me” event that spanned for a week. 

 The resident assistants held a hide-and-seek game in which I chose not to participate because I figured that if I were to be a hider, I would just lock myself in my room and let my seeker seek forever, and if I were to be a seeker, I would still lock myself in my room and let my hider hide forever. And so to prevent people from doing things forever, I decided to exclude myself. Also, in light of concluding the black history, and love-sick month, the McMaster Residence council hosted an open mic event on the 28th of February. An event that was held at Bailey’s by 7 pm. Special shout-out to Sean Taron for making this possible. The event started slowly as most of us were perhaps shy to take the spot but gradually, after Finn Rachul, a former member of the residence council played the keyboard for us, a lot of people hopped on the mic and were ready to display their talents. A couple of people sang for us, some played their guitars, one person danced for us, a magic/ comedy show was put on for us and I read some poems. It was a night to remember. We all had fun and everyone left excited. Moving on from that, on the 16th of March, the interviews for the new Resident Assistants were had in Meeting room A. I really do look forward to meeting those who will be serving as Resident assistants in the next academic session. 

      It has been a long semester guys and as I always say, “something is always going on at BU.” In about a month or two, the academic year will be over and the holidays will commence. I want to use this opportunity to wish you all the best in your finals and encourage you to make the best of your summer break- play, swim, make money, read nonschool books, take a drive, and leave Brandon, all I am trying to say in essence is: have fun! I look forward to writing and updating you all again on what’s going on at Brandon University in the next academic year but for now, I say my goodbyes. It has been an honor, and I cannot wait to greet y’all in the next academic session and as always let you know about “what’s going on at BU?”

Applications open for Gender and Women’s Studies Community Grants

Applications open for Gender and Women’s Studies Community Grants

BU NEWS — March 3, 2023

BRANDON – The Gender and Women’s Studies (GWS) program at Brandon University (BU) is accepting proposals for grants that will support community-based programs that aim to reduce discrimination and oppression.

Supported by the Margaret Laurence Endowment Fund, the grants foster links between non-profit community organizations and GWS. Projects could include those with the goal of reducing discrimination related to gender, race, class, sexuality, disability and neurodivergence.  Examples of eligible initiatives include workshops, research, short-term programming or other special projects.

“The connections we make with the community are very important for Gender and Women’s Studies and our students,” said Dr. Lisa Robson, GWS Program Co-ordinator at BU. “Through the Margaret Laurence Endowment Fund we are able to support important projects in the Brandon area. Many special projects have been funded by GWS throughout the years.”

Projects eligible for the grants will take place between May 1 and September 5, 2023, and two types of grants are available: Two Program Grants, of up to $2,000 each, and two Work-Study Grants, worth up to $4,000 each.

The program grants can be used for supplies, food, guest speakers or other necessities for workshops, research projects, short-term programs or other projects. The Work-Study Grants allow for $2,500 to be allocated to support the employment of a Gender and Women’s Studies student with the organization, with another $1,500 available for other program costs.

“Our Gender and Women’s Studies students are very committed to social justice in the community,” Robson said. “Our program will help pair students with organizations so that the students can engage in learning outside the classroom and bring skills and enthusiasm to the organization over the summer months.”

To download a grant application form, please visit BrandonU.ca/gender-women-studies/gws-news. The deadline for applications is April 3, 2023.

It’s Time For Another Long Night Against Procrastination!

It’s Time For Another Long Night Against Procrastination!

by Ronnie Neiman

The event starts on March 15th at 7 pm at the John E. Robbins Library and continues into the early hours of March 16th, finishing at 2 am. 

It is a free, after and extended-hours event that aims to provide a safe place for students to finish their assignments and to study at a crucial point in the semester. The event takes place in the Brandon University Library (Main), the Indigenous Peoples’ Centre (IPC), and the George T. Richardson Centre foyer (area just outside the library and IPC doors). The main floor of the library will be the focus of the activities taking place during the event. The second floor will be a designated quiet-zone, but be warned, noise does travel up, so it won’t be completely quiet. 

Reference librarians and assistants, writing coaches, math skills coaches, computer help and circulation service will be available throughout the event to work with you to help you make progress with your papers and assignments.

Brandon University’s Long Night Against Procrastination is organized by Library and IT Services, in partnership with Student Services and BUSU – and with support from HLC, IPC, the President’s Office, the Vice President Academic, the Vice President Admin and Finance, and the Alumni Association.

Stay for the entire event or come for just a few hours. We do recommend that you plan your ride home in advance (last bus pick-up is at 11:30pm). There is also a Safe Walk Program, sponsored by the President’s Office.

Brandon University Names New Lead of Rural Development Institute

Brandon University Names New Lead of Rural Development Institute

BU News

A familiar face is returning to lead the Rural Development Institute (RDI) at Brandon University. Dr. Wayne Kelly has been named Interim Director of the research centre, which is a leading source of information on issues affecting rural communities in Western Canada and beyond.

“We are beyond pleased to welcome Dr. Kelly back to RDI, where his experience and connections are a perfect fit,” said Dr. Balfour Spence, Acting Dean of Arts at BU, which oversees RDI. “The Rural Development Institute is a major interface between Brandon University and the rural communities we serve, and Dr. Kelly brings the right mix of insight and vision to keep RDI at the forefront of rural issues here in Westman and around the world.”

Dr. Kelly has worked in innovative rural development research roles as Research Manager in private sector R&D and for 11 years as a Project Coordinator and Researcher at RDI itself. In those roles, Dr. Kelly has extensive experience developing, leading, and coordinating rural and community development projects with teams of highly qualified personnel, community advisors and partners.

“I’m very excited to lead RDI in the institute’s next phase at Brandon University; this is a critical time for rural areas, and we can continue to collect and share essential knowledge,” Dr. Kelly said. “I am keen to contribute to our understanding and support to rural communities, regions and people as they navigate the impacts and new realities of COVID-19, population change, digitalization and more.”

Dr. Kelly’s research focuses on participatory-based applied and action research, rural development theory, and community engagement in Manitoba and across Canada.  The specific research topics and issues for the participatory projects span rural development areas, including rural policy and research methods, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), economic development and well-being, capacity building, and community data collection. Dr. Kelly has published numerous research reports and findings in peer reviewed publications and reports. He also has an extensive record of mobilizing those research outcomes through local, national, and international presentations, through webinars, podcasts and media interviews. 

Previously at RDI, Dr. Kelly’s responsibilities included overseeing and managing a $2.5 million SSHRC partnership project that focused on establishing a Rural Policy Learning Commons. During his recent Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Winnipeg in partnership with Function Four Ltd. (F4), Dr. Kelly co-led the design and implementation of a community assessment research team with the Indigenous partner, F4, to support their circular farm development initiative for Indigenous communities. The leadership role in the community assessment team has accompanied Dr. Kelly in his return to RDI and he continues to support and work with community engagement and education teams on this project, coordinating funding, implementation and outcomes with the teams, the funder, and the industry partner.

Dr. Kelly began the role starting January 9, 2023.

What’s Going On at BU?

What’s Going On at BU?

By Charles Adamu, Reporter

      On behalf of the staff and students of Brandon University, I would like to welcome you all into a new year. 2023! To be honest, it feels like just yesterday it was 2022, and the day before that, it was 2021. (I guess what I am trying to say is that time is running, and not the kind of running you partake in when you’re on the treadmill, more like the “the dog is chasing me” kind of running.) Before I go on, I would love to welcome especially all those that joined us in the winter semester. Welcome to Brandon University! (So you know… I am taking a slight bow right now.) I can’t help but imagine the different scenarios that must have played in your heads as to what studying here would be like. I can’t help but ponder if you thought you would stumble upon a big gate labeled “Brandon University” on your first day here, as I did. Also, considering the weather and the various geographical locations that you all arrived from, I am sure the adjustment has not been easy. To be honest, I would certainly not appreciate leaving my country at 20 degrees Celsius and touching down in a place that is -20 degrees. I tell you what, my body would be asking me questions like, bro, what are you doing in a freezer? Or like, bro, did you go visit Santa Claus? Or maybe even like, bro, are you living with subzero now? In the spirit of welcoming our newbies, I’m going to take the next few lines to give you some advice.

     To start with, do not panic! I know it can be exciting and simultaneously overwhelming – coming from home to an entirely different place. A place with negative temperature readings, different lifestyles, different cultures, and my most annoying difference: different food. But hey, “poco a poco,” take it one step at a time. Do not rush. Do not compare your degree of settled-ness with someone else’s, because it varies for all of us. Secondly, please ask questions. It might not be the largest of campuses, but Brandon University has it all. So if you need something, or if you're in doubt about something, ask. Lastly, put yourself out there! I know you’re an introvert, I know you don’t like to talk to people, and I know you’re a loner, but it is a big transition, and you might find yourself feeling alone or out of place. So it is best to put yourself out there. Say hi to the person beside you in class, go to the gym, go to get-togethers and, especially, go to events – be it the ones in Residence, the ones organized by BUSU, or the ones organized by fellow students on campus.

     I already welcomed you guys to the new year, now let me also take this opportunity to welcome you all to Black History Month. A month set aside to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of Black people to the United States, Canada, and ultimately, the world. When one thinks of this month, certain names come to mind. Names like Martin Luther King Jr – universally known as a prominent civil rights activist; Rosa Parks – labeled as the “Mother Of The Free Movement;” and Muhammad Ali – one of the greatest heavyweight champions of all time. And the list goes on and on. I would like to thank all of these Black people for their contributions to society, and for inspiring the rest of us to pursue our goals and stand up for our rights.

Valentine’s Day- Incoming!

           Hmm, February… Oh! February, the month of love. The month of saying, “What should I get her for Valentine’s Day?”; “Hmm, maybe a romantic dinner is what he’ll like, isn’t it?”; “Nah, I know my girl. She’s not much of a jewelry person, so perhaps I should take her to a picnic?”; and etc. The common context in all these statements is love. And not just any love, the romantic kind. It is also a month for people to think, “Damn, another year and still no one to call my Valentine,” “Self-love is the way, away with all those who think I need someone else,” “I don’t need love, love is for the lame,” and “Love is overrated, I would rather have loyalty.” Whatever category you fall under, newsflash: February 14th is just around the corner, brace yourselves for impact. Personally, if you know you’re receiving gifts on that day, stay away from me… far, far away. You have been warned. You know what, perhaps I should grant you a poetic warning: Roses are red, violets are blue, if you’re a Valentine’s Day gift-receiver and you don’t stay away from me, I’ll call the cops on you. As for me, I’ve got myself, my blanket, a very soft pillow, “du dun”(Netflix), and therefore will be fine (I think).

        But hey, do you ever ask yourself how this holiday started? I mean, what caused the world to reserve a day for lovers and leave the rest of us watching jealously? It is no news that Valentine’s Day occurs every 14th of February, and, in fact, the whole of February is celebrated as a month of romance – starring flowers, gifts, candy, and kisses – all in the name of St. Valentine. But funny enough, the true story behind the worldwide holiday is a mystery, a legend if you like. According to history.com, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

   One legend says that there was an Emperor, Emperor Claudius II, who decided that single men made better soldiers than those who had families and hence put a stop to young men getting married. The legend goes on to say that Valentine defied Claudius and continued to wed young lovers up until he was caught and killed. 

   Another legend says that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman Prisoners.

   A third one explains that there was a prisoner named Valentine who sent the first “Valentine” greeting after he fell in love with a young girl (possibly a jailor’s daughter). It says that before his death, he allegedly wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” – an expression that is still in use today.

   All these legends are quite interesting and all emphasize romance and love. And so, as you all go about sharing gifts and receiving flowers, make sure to remember that it’s not about the material things, but about love, care, compassion, and the effort put into making, buying, or even thinking about those presents. Have a happy Valentine’s Day everyone.

The Month of Love in Residence

    Love is in the air in residence too… Well, I think it is. Or rather, I hope it is. Here in residence, as always, the Resident Assistants, Residence Council, and Residence Manager are doing their bits to make sure the season’s spirit also resides here. Many events have occurred, and many events are yet to occur. For instance, not so long ago, the Flora Cowan Residence Council organized a movie night. They chose a movie titled, “13 Going On 30,” about a girl who is 13 and suddenly one day wakes up as an adult. I mean, imagine navigating the adult world as a thirteen-year-old! It is a must-watch. Also, on the 11th of February, the Darrach Hall organized a speed mingling night. And right after that, an ice-cream movie night was held in the McMaster TV room. Take it from me, people never grow too old for ice cream. If you ever need people to come to your event, use these four words: “There will be ice cream!” The movie seen was “Think Like a Man”, a movie that features one of my faves – Kevin Hart. The romcom kept all viewers laughing, talking, and continuously saying, “Aww.” And so, you see that love is at least in the McMaster TV room’s air. 

Ladies and gentlemen, it has been awesome as always to keep you up to date with my perspective on what is going on at Brandon University,  and I cannot wait to get in touch with you all again. My name is Charles, have a wonderful Valentine’s Day and a restful study break.

Getting to Know BUSU- VPE

Getting to Know BUSU- VPE

By Ronnie Neiman

In wanting to get to the people who are part of BUSU a bit more, I reached out to the VPE with a few short questions about  their role in BUSU and what they want to see happen with BUSU in the near and distant future. Here is the clear, unedited answers.

My name is Chukwuanugo (Anugo) Okudo and I am the Vice President Engagement for BUSU

BUSU helps to ensure that Brandon University Students’ have representation on campus, and we help in advocacy, voicing out student concerns and we offer student services.

BUSU has achieved a lot in the past years and I can least a few, we advocated for the pass no credit for students for the 2020/2021 session, we have ensured that students get appropriate representation in committee’s that make decision regarding the students, and the grocery program is a recent initiative to help students experiencing food insecurity and lot more and I take great pride and joy in all of this.

I hope to achieve more student engagement on campus and have more helpful events for students to attend which they can benefit from, and a long-term goal would be developing a good relationship with our students and always being able to help them out the best way we can.

I would advise the student to run for the position they are passionate about and advocating for students from that group.

Five reasons why TikTok is a privacy nightmare

February 14th, 2023

More information: darija@nordsec.com

Five reasons why TikTok is a privacy nightmare

The app is known for collecting notorious amounts of user data and its inability to keep that data private

In December 2022, multiple US government agencies started banning TikTok from their employees’ devices. The app, created by the Chinese company ByteDance, has been on the radar of American authorities for a long time because of its numerous privacy problems.

“Currently, around 95 million Americans use TikTok, and its popularity is growing daily. These numbers show that very few understand the risks this social media network brings to its users' data, including intrusive tracking and a possible connection to the Chinese government,” says Adrianus Warmenhoven, a cybersecurity advisor at NordVPN. 

Below, the expert explains how TikTok compromises its users’ privacy.

Data-driven algorithm and intrusive tracking

One reason for the app's success is that it  can provide users with highly individualized content. Every user has their own unique feed based on their interests and preferences. But behind that individual approach is the practice of gathering vast amounts of user data within and outside of the app. 

As soon as a user starts using TikTok, the company begins building a profile about them, including their interests, political leanings, sexuality, and every other variable that could impact the selection of videos they see. TikTok also collects information about users’ keystroke patterns, location information, browser history, and even biometric information (face and voice print). 

The problem with this is not only the fact that a huge corporation has such vulnerable information about its users and can later use it for marketing purposes. It also takes one data breach for that information to fall into the wrong hands. Hackers are eager to steal valuable data from online businesses and use it for their own malicious purposes later. 

Disregard to privacy rights of journalists

In the end of December 2022, Reuters reported that four employees were fired from TikTok’s parent company ByteDance for obtaining user data of two US journalists. This happened during TikTok’s unsuccessful investigation of data leaks that had happened to the company last year. 

Even though TikTok fired the employees, the fact that they were able to obtain such information shows the lack of data security in the company. Furthermore, it showed that the company does not anonymize users' IP addresses, locations, and browsing history. This means that everything a person does on the app is directly linked to a user’s IP address. Keeping browsing information private is important for every user, especially for vulnerable groups such as activists, journalists, or politicians. 

TikTok’s in-app browser

TikTok uses an in-app browser built into the app itself. This means that when users try to navigate off of TikTok through an ad or a bio link, they actually stay on the app. Instead of switching to Chrome or Safari, users view pages through TikTok’s own browser. 

The internal browser allows the company to monitor behavior on websites and pages that a user might assume are not within TikTok’s purview. This type of monitoring is another area where users might end up exposing more personal information than they intend to.

ByteDance and the Chinese Communist Party

TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a company based in China. Under Chinese law, it is required to share user data with the authorities if requested. 

It is also understandably incentivised to stay in line with the Chinese Communist Party’s policy, which some argue has led the company to suppress videos discussing human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims in the Chinese province of Xinjiang. 

While it’s hard to verify TikTok’s stance on these issues, the fact that ByteDance operates under the authority of the CCP should raise concerns about user privacy. 

Privacy settings

By creating a TikTok account, users agree to their data being collected and used for targeted advertising. If a user does not want personalized ads, they can turn them off in the settings. This is one of the two privacy settings that TikTok allows. The second one enables users to make their accounts private. 

Other than that, TikTok’s privacy policy allows the app to collect all kinds of information about its user without the possibility of opting out. 

Any chances of staying private on TikTok?

“Unfortunately, the only way to prevent TikTok from collecting your data is to stop using the app. However, there are ways to keep your account a little bit more private,” says Adrianus Warmenhoven, a cybersecurity advisor at NordVPN. 

1.Set your profile to private. You can still enjoy all the content TikTok has to offer without making your own profile public. Have a look through your privacy settings and make sure that only people you know and trust can view your content. Doing so lowers the likelihood of identity theft and makes it harder for scammers to contact you.

2. Don’t post personally identifiable content. When uploading videos, make sure not to include images of your home and neighborhood, views from your windows, or other content that could be used to triangulate your location. Try to limit how much you post about your work, family, and other personal contacts. The more information you make public, the easier it is for hackers to steal your identity and use it to launch phishing attacks against others.

3. Use Threat Protection. NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites you can stumble upon while browsing online. This tool will stop the TikTok trackers from following you on your browser. Even though your activity on the app and its in-app browser will still be tracked, everything you do outside of it will be kept private. 

ABOUT NORDVPN

NordVPN is the world’s most advanced VPN service provider, used by millions of internet users worldwide. NordVPN provides double VPN encryption and Onion Over VPN and guarantees privacy with zero tracking. One of the key features of the product is Threat Protection, which blocks malicious websites, malware, trackers, and ads. NordVPN is very user friendly, offers one of the best prices on the market, and has over 5,000 servers in 60 countries worldwide. For more information: http://nordvpn.com.

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Writing Valentine’s Cards

Writing Valentine’s Cards

By Ronnie Neiman

Who should you write Valentine's Day cards for? And what to write on them? Handing out Valentine’s cards does not have to be only for your partner. It could also be a sign of platonic love, family love, and so much more. There is more love in the air than romantic love.

The most important part is figuring out a message to write on the cards. Back in the day, when you had to come up with a Valentine for everyone in your class, it was enough just to sign your name twenty times… and maybe tape on a heart-shaped sucker. But now that you’re older and your Valentine’s list is shorter, you can afford to take your time adding a meaningful, personal message to your card. 

Some platonic sayings for Valentine’s cards:

Thanks for being awesome in so many ways.

I’m so glad we can count on each other.

You’re exactly what friends are for.

You make the world better.

It’s a day about love, and I totally love you, friend!

Who says Valentine’s Day is just for lovers? Annoying jerks, that’s who.

Our friend-love is so important to me.

Soulmates aren’t just a romantic thing. Thanks for being my friend soulmate.

Thanks for being the loyal and caring friend you are. Love you!

Happy Valentine’s to one of my favorite people. Ever.

Some romantic phrases for the romance in your life:

It’s cool to be married to your best friend.

I like who I become when I’m with you.

You’re the bright spot in my day, every day.

I love being with you no matter what we’re doing.

We’re so awesome together.

We’ve shared a lot of Valentine’s Days, but it never gets boring loving you.

Thanks for putting up with me. Love you!

Every time I look in your eyes, I fall in love all over again.

You make this life thing pretty awesome.

You’re my favorite part of every day.

Here are some funny Valentine’s notes just because:

Don’t look down here for the mushy stuff. That’s what the card was for!

Somebunny loves you. Seriously. You’re very popular with rabbits.

Valentine’s Day with you beats my best ever! (For the record, that was in third grade when a kid gave us all full-size candy bars.)

You’re like the thing to my other thing that goes with that first thing! (I’m not great with words, obviously.)

Will you be wine? I love ya merlots.

It’s true like for sure.

Valentine, guess what? Love your butt!

When should we start rosé-ing?

Wish you were here to Valenwhine with me. (Or you could write “Valenwine,” depending on your mood!)