A WORD OF WARNING

By Jason Foster

Looking at the USA today and Canada’s biggest issues, it’s hard to ignore one name and one particularly orange face: Donald Trump. Here’s an update on the situation, the facts, why they matter, and my take.

As many of you know, I’ve been watching US politics closely. You may remember my articles from when the Iran war first broke out, predicting rising gas and grocery prices. Well, look how that turned out! I guess I do know my stuff.

Now, as the war continues, fuel prices are soaring, and truckers are paying thousands for diesel. When transporting goods becomes more expensive, food prices rise, too, and shortages become a real concern. In a country built around car dependency, where many communities offer few alternatives to driving, rising fuel costs can make everyday life even harder for Americans.

I’ll admit, I’m not entirely sure what this means for Canada. Our diesel is still expensive, but not US$6.50-a-gallon expensive. I tried asking an economics professor on the fourth floor of Clark Hall, only to find every door shut. I then approached a sociology professor, thinking, “Well, he’s probably smart.” His advice? Use Google AI. If you’re his student, I’m deeply sorry. I was too stunned to say this to his face, but I’d happily explain why I disapprove of AI. Anyway, as far as I can tell, Canada seems to be fine.

Mark Carney, though not the environmentalist he’d claimed to be, is somebody I trust more and

more to get us through this crisis. Yes, he’s a classical conservative, yes he’s building a new oil

pipeline, but he’s also standing firm against Donald Trump, and has longstanding connections in

Europe, probably from his long time living there. He’s been conducting himself like a perfect

gentleman, and in contrast to the orange pig down south, he’s been earning himself fast allies.

And now, we are becoming an “associate” member of the European Union.. sometime or

another. What that means? We.. really don’t know yet. This is something completely new, being

created just for Canada. My guess, for now, is that Canada is going to establish a stronger trade

foothold in the EU, thus relying less on the US economy, and after that immediate stronghold is

down, then we may start to see some perks, like visa free travel to EU countries, for example.

So, Canada, I believe, will be fine, either way - we’re better off with the EU than Donald Trump.

However, Donald Trump may not be the cornerstone you think he is. Yes, he’s the figurehead of

MAGA. But if you think he’ll serve til 2028, and that will be the end of this nonsense, I urge you

to think again.

If you have read through any of the bills that Donald Trump has put into place over the last two

years, and you have listened to the man, and his bumbling, rambling speeches, you may have

noticed something, especially lately. Donald Trump.. he is simply a shallow narcissist, and a

stupid old man riddled with dementia, who can hardly form a coherent sentence together. His

mental state has been declining, he does impulsive things like ban specific media outlets from

the White House, causing his media team to all strike, or post barrages of AI images, depicting

American forces bombing Tehran.

This cannot be the same man who wrote the bills which systematically, and quite carefully,

stripped away SNAP benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, provided the largest tax cut for the wealthy

in history, and sent out a stupider, but still terrifyingly brutal, Gestapo like force among American

people, the government sponsored terrorist organization, I.C.E.

These may be things Donald Trump supports, yes. He is just that type of a man. But a man who

shits his diaper on live TV, because his frontal lobe is deteriorating, just cannot organize and

coordinate this sort of thing.

In fact, I believe Russell Vought, the right-wing architect behind much of Project 2025, is acting as something of a shadow president. As of September 21, he has reportedly gained the power to determine NIH funding. This comes after the Trump administration attempted to restrict research involving terms like “woman,” “female,” “Black,” “climate crisis,” and “Native American,” among nearly 200 others, according to Forbes. These restrictions were linked to the administration’s broader attack on DEI.

If you go back and look at Project 2025, and you look at what has been done to the USA today,

the results are truly terrifying. Russell Vought is not solely to blame, of course - an entire

organization called The Heritage Foundation, a right wing think tank, which has been at this

since the Reagan administration. They’ve never had a better opportunity to implement their

plans than right now.

It is an important distinction to make that these were never Trump’s plans. Even if they were,

they certainly aren’t, now. The man’s a drooling moron. This plan for America has been carefully

crafted, through many people smarter than Donald Trump, and he is simply the first man in

power allowing it to happen.

Russell Vought, and the other members of the Heritage Foundation currently appointed in

government, have the power. Donald Trump is simply an easy man to sweet talk into anything,

as long as you stroke his ego. Zohran Mamdani, for example, his stark political opposite, has

learned this lesson.

Some of us may have the optimistic view that when Donald Trump finally kicks the bucket,

everything in the USA is just going to go back to the way it was before. It’s all going to be okay,

and you can go visit Disneyworld the next time you hop on a plane.

The truth is, the damage is already done. America has given its future over to the one percent.

Americans have somehow been beaten down so far, watching their friends and neighbors be

shot all over the country by ICE, watching their president lose a war and gas prices go up

steadily, they’re just too tired to stand up and fight. And, ironically, the people usually screaming

about their second amendment rights are the ones who voted for the damn fool.

When Donald Trump is dead, people like Russell Vought will pick up the candle. I don’t think the

USA will ever be the same again. Too many laws, constitutional amendments, international law

violations, and probably Geneva Convention violations in places like Alligator Alcatraz have

been blatantly disrespected by this administration for things to simply go back to the way it was.

America is just corrupt to the core.

The democratic process, in ‘free America’, was dead the moment Donald Trump took office a

second time. Henceforth, we watch the end of a colonial empire. I’m quite excited for it. This is

modern history, you know.

The Quill 2026-2027 Job Postings

Interim General Manager

Job Description

The Quill is seeking to hire an Interim general manager to carry out the continuing responsibilities of the GM position while also training the new general manager in the role.  The position will require attending all board meetings, taking minutes of said meetings, as well as general office duties including bookkeeping and the management of accounts payable and receivable, monthly payroll, remittances to the government, advertising contracts while giving hands on experience and close oversight to the incumbent trainee. This is a part-time position for a term until June of 2027.

Qualifications

  • Bookkeeping experience of at least 5 years and or bookkeeping education with working experience.

  • Experience with CRA regulations, Manitoba Labour Laws, as well as the Privacy Act, Payroll remittances as well as T4 preparation and distribution.

  • Salary will be paid monthly, and the amount of pay will be commensurate with experience and education.

  • Resumes will be considered and you will be contacted by the board for an interview.

Please submit resumes to email: business.thequill@gmail.com

November/December Student Struggles

By Danil Buzhor, Senior Reporter

At this point in the semester most students’ schedule effectively collapses. This is not an emotional crisis, but rather a logistical one. The structure of the academic calendar is designed to guarantee a bottleneck of work right about now, and solutions like Reading Week don't resolve the problem.

In concept, Reading Week sounds great: a break in the semester to catch up on reading and rest. In reality, it functions differently. Because classes are paused, many professors view this as "free time" for students. They then assign midterms or major papers due immediately after the break.

Instead of spending time resting, students prepare for the pile of assignments and other deadlines that await them once they get back. It is not a week of recharge but a deferral of stress. We are not recovering; we are just banking hours for the projects due two weeks later.

The main problem isn't the difficulty of the work - it’s the clustering. There seems to be zero coordination between departments regarding major deadlines. At first it seems to be just good or bad luck, and yet it is consistently true that a Computer Science project, a Math midterm, and a Humanities essay will all fall on the same Thursday in late November.

When multiple major tasks are due within a window of 72 hours, the goal shifts from "doing good work" to "submitting something that exists." Quality suffers. Students aren't trying to demonstrate what they learned. The end of the semester turns into an exercise in time management rather than academic achievement.

By this point in the term, everyone is operating on diminishing returns. Focus is lower, patience is thinner, and the material is getting harder. The current schedule ignores this reality. It backloads the heaviest weight of the semester onto the time of year when productivity naturally dips.

The solution is not necessarily less work, just better spacing. If what the university wants to do is test what we really know, spreading the load out - or imposing policies against deadline clustering - would produce better grades and better retention.

Welcome to BU!

The 2025-26 academic year has officially begun! Orientation was on September 2nd, and classes for most departments began on September 3rd. Since then, the campus has been buzzing with energy. There have been Orientation Week (more like Orientation Month) events nearly every day. There seems to be a lot of excitement in the air this year - or maybe it’s just the early fall weather!

As we all try to get back into the rhythm of classes and schoolwork, remember to take care of yourself. It can feel really difficult to maintain a balance between homework, a social life, and self-care - don’t forget to drink water, eat healthy meals, move your body, and make time for activities and people you care about. You got this! If you’re struggling to find a balance, BU has all kinds of wonderful supports in place to help you manage - see the Student Services webpage for more info.

And on behalf of The Quill, thank you, seriously, for picking up a copy of our newspaper. We put a lot of care and effort into making it, and we really hope you find something in its pages that interests you. Stay tuned for new issues every two weeks, and if you’d like to get involved (and get paid!) contact eic.thequill@gmail.com.

Whether you’re in your first year or your fifth, we wish you a very warm welcome back to campus!

Looking Back on an Eventful Year

By Ethan Cidro, Senior Reporter

Whether it be tragedies or comedies, 2025 has been an eventful year so far. We’re already nearly done with the year — if you didn’t know — but despite time passing quickly, it doesn’t seem to have caught the year off-guard, producing event after event as life does, whether internationally or domestically in Canada. As a chance for respite, I’d like to take a brief recap of the year - and though not all of them, to recount a few events in different categories that occurred early on in the year.

Despite these events not originating in the same country, for them to happen twice or more in the same year may stun those who have been disconnected from what’s been occurring around the globe. Usually, when we focus on politics, our eyes drift towards our neighbouring countries, the United States, Russia and Ukraine, or Israel and Palestine, across the Atlantic and situated near the eastern Mediterranean Sea. However, in terms of civil unrest, we have seen various recurrences sprouting everywhere.

In Indonesia’s case, its economy has been worsening, yet despite this, a housing allowance for parliament members was still proposed. Such a disconnect with the rest of the public who are experiencing this struggle sparked a protest in August. It seems that an approach Indonesians have taken is to fly the Jolly Roger of the Straw Hat Pirates from the famous manga, anime, and Netflix live-action adaptation, One Piece. A clever method, as the fictional pirates also declared war against an oppressive government within the show.

In Serbia, demonstrators have been protesting against the corruption of the government, which started when the roof of a railway station in Novi Sad collapsed last November, leading to the deaths of 14 people. However, in Belgrade on the 15th of March, a large congregation of protestors was allegedly hit by a sonic weapon or sound cannon illegally during a silent vigil.

Of course, the United States has also been experiencing their own troubles as protestors clashed and continue to clash with ICE all year round.

In the United Kingdom, apart from the heavy restrictions English denizens are facing along with their access to the internet, they are also experiencing a conflict in which flags of their country, the red cross of England and the Union Jack, are being flown up and then taken down. Such a display has been occurring all over the country.

In France, despite having an unofficial culture of protest, a celebratory riot is definitely a noteworthy event to distinguish. With Paris Saint-Germain’s total dominating victory over Inter Milan in the finals of the UEFA Champions League, a celebration turned into a complete riot with hundreds of people partaking in mass vandalism and burning of cars, lasting only one day, from the 31st of May to the 1st of June. Of course, it is important to note that as of September 9, 2025, it seems France is yet again bracing for another protest as the ‘Block Everything’ movement campaign defies French President Macron and turns the new Prime Minister’s first day into a nightmare.

Past the political and civil fiasco of the world this year, wildfires are something that have been very relevant this year. Not only Canada, but also the United States opened the year with a massive wildfire on the 7th of January. Homes were burnt, families were affected, and they needed to apply and receive permits to rebuild the homes they lost. Up north, on the other hand, our own province of Manitoba experienced extreme wildfires, if the heavy smoky summer or bad air quality and smell hadn’t clued you in to the fact yet. This summer resulted in evacuations of many towns and the city of Flin Flon, where some people have only recently been seeing progress in the possibility of returning home. Canada has had three memorable years of wildfires now, of which it seems that recent news outlets have been reiterating from a study that the smoke produced by the Canadian wildfire in 2023 caused 80,000+ premature deaths on an international scale.

On top of these tragedies, it seems that the world has seen some aviation accidents following the consecutive tragedies at the end of the year in 2025. Accidents like the Air Busan Flight 391, which caught fire while preparing for take off; the Potomac River collision, where an Airliner collided with a Black Hawk Helicopter, killing 67, including young figure skaters and those who accompanied them; and the Hudson River Helicopter Crash, where a family of five, along with their pilot, lost their lives in April.

Of course, more events occurred, some happier. Regardless, it seems 2025 hasn’t exactly been the quietest year. Despite it all, we are nearing 2026, and till then, please continue to stay safe. Welcome back to school.

Brandon University Computer Science Club By Daniel Buzhor, Junior Reporter

Let’s be real... Studying computer science is tough. Between theory-heavy lectures, last-minute assignment scrambles, and hours spent debugging the simplest bugs, it’s easy to fall into a rut where coding becomes just another thing to get through. A lot of us want to build cool projects, get better at coding, maybe even land that dream job — but actually finding the motivation outside of class? That’s the hard part. That’s where the Brandon University Computer Science Club comes in. It’s all about creating a space that encourages, supports, and pushes students to code more in their free time—whether that means working solo on a personal project, teaming up with others, or just finally starting that idea that’s been sitting in your notes app. The goal? Learn by doing, build things that matter, and get job-ready in the process.

Say hello to the Brandon University Computer Science Club — a brand-new student-led initiative created to bring BU’s coders, tech-lovers, and curious minds together. Whether you’re into building cool apps, competing in hackathons, collaborating on team projects, or just trying to get out of a coding slump, this club is here to make coding feel fresh and fun again.

As the current president of BU Chess Club and Science Representative for BUSU, I’ve seen firsthand how much energy and excitement student-led clubs bring to campus. So when I heard about the launch of the Computer Science Club, I knew it was something special. Who knows - we might even collaborate on something cool in the future.

Why This Club Exists

Let’s be honest: school doesn’t always give us the time or space to explore the parts of computer science that actually inspired us to start in the first place. It’s easy to lose motivation when every bit of coding is tied to grades, rubrics, and due dates. The Computer Science Club is here to flip that around.

The club is a space for students who want to do more with what they’re learning - whether that’s tinkering with side projects or joining coding challenges. You don’t need to be an expert, just willing to learn.

What the Club Actually Does

The CS Club is planning a variety of events that are equal parts useful and fun. Think:

- Summer Challenges – Stay sharp during the break with various coding challenges where you can level-up your skills.

- Hackathons – Team up, brainstorm, build something awesome in a short amount of time, and win some bragging rights.

- Mini Project Challenges – Get a theme, a deadline, and let your creativity run wild.

- Workshops & Talks – Learn new tools, frameworks, or tech tips from your peers or guest speakers.

- Collaboration Spaces – Got an idea you’ve been sitting on forever? Bring it in, talk about it, maybe even find someone who wants to build it with you.

Basically, it’s everything we wish we had earlier in our degrees. A place where you’re encouraged to take risks and ask questions.

Who Can Join?

The main audience of the club is CS majors and minors, however if you consider yourself a

programmer or somebody who wants to try out coding, you are welcome to join!

The club is open to all BU students, not just Computer Science majors. Whether you’re studying psychology and want to build a mental health app, or you’re a business student curious about data analysis, there’s a place for you here. Coding isn’t limited to one field anymore, and this club reflects that.

And if you’re totally new to programming? Don’t let it stop you! While the club isn’t specifically designed for beginners, that doesn’t mean you won’t fit in. In fact, learning alongside others - seeing how they approach problems, asking questions, and collaborating on real projects is one of the fastest ways to improve. You don’t need to know everything; you just need the drive to learn and the courage to dive in. The club is here to support that.

Why You Should Join (Even If You’re Busy)

We know university life is hectic. Between assignments, part-time jobs, and maybe trying to sleep once in a while, it’s hard to justify adding another thing to your calendar. But the great thing about this club is that it’s flexible. You can participate in events that interest you and take breaks when you need to.

Plus, the benefits go beyond just coding practice. You’ll get to know new people, gain confidence in your skills, maybe even find someone to work with on a side hustle. It’s also the kind of involvement that helps to fill out your resume with projects; employers love seeing real-world project experience and teamwork in action.

Stay Connected

The club is new, but it’s growing fast and the more people who get involved, the better it gets. For updates on meetings, events, and general chaos, join the club’s Discord: discord.gg/XuPVzYNk. You’ll find announcements, project highlights, and all the info you need to stay in the loop.

Whether you’re a seasoned coder or someone who’s never opened a code editor, the Computer Science Club is for you. It’s a place to learn, to fail, to build, to fail, and maybe even to succeed one day.

Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Trial in the Hague Begins ,By Tenma Bonifacio, Junior Reporter

Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Trial in the Hague Begins The Philippines split: Some praising the arrest and serving of justice, most protesting the criminal act of abduction.

Ex-president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, had just returned from Hong Kong when he was ambushed by the police of his own country and put into custody. He was sent to the Netherlands to stand trial for crimes against humanity.

During his time as president, Rodrigo Duterte became a controversial figure to the international community, yet many (not all) Filipinos saw him as a national hero. He was a man who did not play with words or oratory skills to hide his true intention and was very upfront and matter-of-fact with the people. People complaining of his “tyranny” and his merciless crusade in his war on drugs were the same people who voted for him, despite Duterte himself saying openly what his plans were during the elections. People have had enough of lies and years of inaction in the Philippines. Governments were corrupt, and unlike Western countries that have the capacity to provide care for drug addicts, the Philippines was crawling with criminals.

Law-experts in the Philippines criticize Duterte, usually pointing fingers at his plans not leaving any lasting impacts after a bloody term. However, even more give credit as to how Filipinos felt safer during his term. Many condemned him for the killing of innocent people who were needlessly involved in his crusade, yet a lot more praised him for serving justice against rapists of women and babies, ransoming kidnappers, murderers and terrorists, drug dealers, and addicts. He also arrested many corrupt politicians, the same ones condemning him now in the Hague along with the controversial and not-so-popular President Ferdinand Bong Bong Marcos Jr., son of the Dictator of the Philippines.

Law-experts also criticize the International Criminal Court for still meddling in the Philippines’ affairs, despite the country leaving in 2019. Anti-Duterte individuals have defended the ICC, stating that while the court no longer had access to Philippine affairs after 2019, it still had access before 2019, primarily during Duterte’s drug war. Despite this fact, the ICC could not touch Duterte while in the Philippines as they no longer had any jurisdiction, and could only get Duterte if the current government cooperated - and cooperated they did. A crisis has now presented itself, questioning the legality of the arrest.

The biggest elephant in the room is how Duterte wasn’t arrested by the authorities, but how he was given up. Lately, the Philippine government affairs have been messy. During the campaign of Ferdinand Bong Bong Marcos Jr., there was an alliance between the Marcos family and the Duterte family. Sara Duterte, daughter of Rodrigo Duterte, gave up the number one seat for the number two, becoming the Vice President of the Philippines. However, it is obvious to state that the relationship between the two families has deteriorated over the years. The Marcos administration has been criticized for being corrupt. Crime that was non-existent during Duterte’s term has appeared once again. Kidnappings, ransoming, rape, and drugs have begun to resurface once more. Now, the Marcos administration is not focusing on alleviating the Philippines’ problems in the long-term, instead focusing on his feud with the Dutertes. In unfair trials, Sara Duterte has been accused time and time and again, and when trying to give a response, she was silenced. A case for impeaching Sara Duterte has started, mainly by members of the Marcos faction. Duterte was arrested by the police (mainly the ambitious supporters of the current administration hoping to further their careers) and disrespected while on the plane for the Netherlands, with blatant disregard for his deteriorating health as evident in recent video meetings.

Journalists seeking experts usually turn to what they believe to be the more liberal experts on Filipino affairs, only to be met by liberal Marcos supporters or anti-everything-Duterte members. One such individual, Richard Heydarian, an academic and political scientist who is against Duterte, made a controversial statement comparing the education level of inhabitants in the Mindanao island of the Philippines at the level of sub-Saharan Africans, not only a racist remark but a demeaning one for the island dwellers.

Needless to say, the country is split in this entire affair. Anti-Duterte factions have made supportive rallies for the arrest. Meanwhile, thousands of people have taken to the streets in many cities in the Philippines and all over the world against the arrest and demanding the safe return of their president in good condition. Duterte supporters criticize the arrest as not being a legal move, but a political one - and illegal at that, due to the Supreme Court of the Philippines not issuing a warrant for the apprehension.

Brandon University Student Union (BUSU) Elections 2025: Why Your Vote Matters! By Lydia Omoregie, Junior Reporter

As the Brandon University Student Union (BUSU) elections are getting closer on March 13 and 14 2025, students should realize that they have the power to determine the future of their university experience. These elections are not just a right; voting is a responsibility that helps in ensuring that right people occupy the positions and fight for the advancement of student life in Brandon University.

Why Should You Vote?

Every year, Brandon University Student Union (BUSU) elections are responsible for choosing the leaders who will represent students, spend funds for students, and address issues that affect campus life. It is a tragedy that more students do not exercise their voting rights during these elections. In the past, some positions have remained vacant and have been filled by default, particularly by individuals who have not really worked to get into office. This has, at times, resulted in individuals who lack the necessary commitment or skills to perform the duties required of them.

Here’s why your vote is crucial:

Ensuring Accountable Leadership: This ensures that the candidates are more accountable to the student body for their visions and goals as they are made to show them during a competitive election process. If students do not vote, those who are elected may not feel the pressure to fulfill their promises.

Preventing Unopposed Victories: When students do not actively engage in the electoral process, some candidates may win by default because no one else is running against them. Since there is rarely competition for these positions, students may not be getting the best representation they could be getting.

Advocating for Student Interests: Whether it is questions of tuition fees, campus facilities, student events, or academic policies, BUSU has a role in decision-making. It is important to choose the right leaders to ensure that these issues are addressed as needed.

Enhancing Campus Life: A good student government is one that is strong and proactive, which in turn means better student activities, improved campus services and a stronger voice for the student body. Your vote directly affects the quality of student life at Brandon University.

How to Make an Informed Vote

Research the Candidates: Firstly, before you vote, make sure to find out something about the candidates, their plans and actions, and their previous participation in student leadership.

Attend Debates and Forums: Getting the candidates to talk to the students and answer questions in debates and forums helps students know the what the candidates intend to do in their roles, and whether they can do it.

Encourage Your Peers: The more students participate, the more accurate and the more democratic the election is.

In summary, voting in the BUSU elections is more than just a formality—it’s a chance to influence the future of Brandon University’s student experience. If students remain passive, positions may be filled by default, potentially by individuals who are not committed to making meaningful changes. By casting your vote on March 13 and 14, you take control of your university experience and ensure that the best candidates are chosen to lead.

Make your voice heard. Vote in the BUSU elections and help shape the future of your university!

The Importance of Black History Month: Why We Celebrate and What It Means Today by Josephine

Every February, Black History Month is recognized as a time to celebrate, honour, and reflect on the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black people throughout history. It is not just a month of acknowledgment but a crucial reminder of the struggles, triumphs, and ongoing fight for equality.

For some, Black History Month is an opportunity to educate themselves about historical figures beyond what traditional history books cover. For others, it is a time to take pride in their heritage and the progress that has been made. But beyond celebration, Black History Month also serves as a call to action, to keep pushing for justice, representation, and change.

The Origins of Black History Month

Black History Month began as “Negro History Week” in 1926, founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a historian, scholar, and educator who is often called the “Father of Black History.” Woodson, along with the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, recognized the lack of representation of Black contributions in American history. His goal was to ensure that Black Americans were recognized as an integral part of the country’s history.

The second week of February was chosen for Negro History Week because it coincided with the birthdays of two key figures in Black history. Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave turned abolitionist leader, and Abraham Lincoln, who signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Over time, the week-long celebration gained traction, and by 1976, it officially expanded into Black History Month, recognized nationally by President Gerald Ford.

Today, Black History Month is observed in multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany, each adapting it to recognize Black achievements in their own history.

Why Black History Month is Still Necessary

Despite the progress made in racial equality, there are still many reasons why Black History Month remains essential in today’s society.

1. Acknowledging Contributions That Shaped the World

Black individuals have made significant contributions to science, art, literature, politics, music, sports, and beyond, yet their stories are often overlooked. Figures like Madam C.J. Walker, the first self-made female millionaire in the U.S., Garrett Morgan, who invented the traffic light, and Dr. Patricia Bath, who pioneered laser cataract surgery, are just a few examples of Black innovators whose work has shaped our daily lives. Black History Month ensures that these contributions are recognized, celebrated, and remembered.

2. Addressing Historical Erasure and Misrepresentation

For decades, history books have minimized or excluded Black experiences, often reducing them to just slavery and the Civil Rights Movement. While these are critical parts of history, they are not the full story. Black history is global, diverse, and rich with innovation, culture, and leadership.

Black History Month helps correct these omissions by shining a light on stories that have been historically ignored, such as the Tuskegee Airmen, the Harlem Renaissance, and the contributions of Black soldiers in World War II.

3. Educating Future Generations

Without proper education on Black history, future generations may grow up unaware of the struggles and victories that shaped society today. Schools and institutions play a crucial role in ensuring that Black history is not confined to just one month but integrated into education year-round.

By learning about figures like Harriet Tubman, Malcolm X, Shirley Chisholm, and John Lewis, young people gain a better understanding of how past movements influence today’s social justice efforts.

4. Inspiring Change and Continuing the Fight for Equality

Black History Month is not just about remembering the past, it is about learning from history to shape the future. While there has been progress, systemic racism, inequality, and discrimination still persist in areas like the criminal justice system, education, and healthcare.

Celebrating Black history is also about acknowledging ongoing struggles and working toward real solutions. It serves as a time to reflect on how we can continue pushing for diversity, inclusion, and equity in all areas of society.

How Black History Month is Celebrated

Different communities and organizations celebrate Black History Month in unique ways, but common activities include:

1. Educational Events and Discussions

Schools, universities, and cultural institutions host lectures, panels, and workshops about Black history, activism, and achievements. These events provide a space to learn, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversations about race, identity, and progress.

2. Honouring Black Artists, Writers, and Musicians

From Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison in literature to Miles Davis and Nina Simone in music, Black creatives have shaped culture worldwide. Many libraries, bookstores, and streaming platforms highlight Black authors, filmmakers, and musicians during Black History Month.

3. Supporting Black-Owned Businesses

An impactful way to celebrate is by supporting Black entrepreneurs. Whether it’s buying from a Black-owned restaurant, shopping at a Black-owned bookstore, or using services from Black professionals, economic empowerment plays a key role in promoting racial equity.

4. Visiting Museums and Historical Sites

Museums dedicated to Black history, such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., offer powerful exhibits on Black experiences. If travel isn’t an option, virtual museum tours and online archives make it easy to explore Black history from anywhere.

5. Engaging in Activism and Community Service

Supporting Black communities through volunteering, donating, or advocating for policies that address racial disparities is another meaningful way to honour Black History Month.

How to Celebrate Black History Beyond February

While February is dedicated to Black history, the lessons and actions shouldn’t stop when the month ends. Here’s how you can continue celebrating Black excellence year-round:

  • Read Black literature and follow Black historians and activists on social media to continue learning.

  • Advocate for diverse curriculums in schools to ensure that Black history is taught beyond just one month.

  • Support Black voices in media, whether through films, podcasts, or journalism.

  • Engage in conversations about race and history in your workplace, community, and personal life.

  • Vote and support policies that aim to reduce racial disparities and uplift marginalized communities.

Black History Month is more than just a celebration! It is a reminder of where we have been, where we are now, and where we still need to go. It is a time to honour the past, amplify Black voices, and take action toward a more inclusive future.

By recognizing and uplifting Black achievements not just in February, but throughout the year, we ensure that history is not forgotten, erased, or rewritten. Instead, we acknowledge that Black history is an essential part of global history, shaping the world we live in today.

So, this Black History Month, take the time to learn, reflect, and act because Black history is not just for one month… it’s for a lifetime.

BUSU and Executive Director Part Ways By Lily Hodgson, Editor-in-Chief

BUSU has recently announced that it has parted ways with the former Executive Director, Ashley Taron. Taron had held the position, responsible for the management and finances of BUSU and the KDC, since 2018.

The loss of the ED happened over the Winter Break, at around the same time as BUSU’s Marketing Coordinator, Services Coordinator, and several full-time Office Assistants stepped down. These combined losses left the BUSU offices nearly empty, and the Student Executives reeling. Kesha Haulder, Vice President Engagement, experienced particular difficulty trying to distribute funding to BU’s various clubs: “Given that we didn't have an ED […] I couldn't just give the clubs the funding that they were requiring. […] I literally could not give you your funding, I had no authority.” The justified frustrated responses from various clubs led to even higher tension within and around BUSU, which was already facing its own internal chaos. The Student Execs and Representatives worked around the clock – including over Winter Break and Reading Week – to keep BUSU operating somewhat smoothly.

What do all these changes mean for the future of BUSU? Charles Adamu, BUSU President, is optimistic: “The situation is not ideal. But in years to come, I think we'll look back at this moment and realize that perhaps it was the best thing that could have happened. […] Right now, we [the Executives] are constantly on our toes trying to juggle work and some staff positions as well as school, but we have come far. And […] it has even led us to think about how the structure of BUSU is now… Should the structure remain the same in terms of accountability? What does our structure look like – does it need a tweak, is it perfect the way it is? That's what the board is doing now. And so this is a telling moment in BUSU's history, because I think BUSU will come out of this diamond.” Charles also extends sincere gratitude to the acting Services Coordinator, the Vice-Presidents, the BUSU Board, and the student body for their hard work, understanding, and patience.

BUSU’s focus going forward, besides re-evaluating their longstanding structure and bylaws, will be on improving transparency and accountability, expanding services for students, growing connections with faculty, and mending the gap that has historically existed between Brandon University students and the Union that represents them. Resuming work on bigger projects that have been on pause, such as a Mentorship Program, is another big priority. Any questions or concerns about the future of BUSU should be inquired either in-person at their office or over email at info@busu.ca.

As a final note, this year’s BUSU election is coming up quickly, with campaigning starting March 3rd and voting taking place March 13th-14th. Be sure to pay extra close attention to the various campaigns this year – at such a potentially major turning point for BUSU, the right set of Executives and Representatives can make all the difference.

What Has Trump Done So Far?

In his first month in office as the 49th President of the United States, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York actor and convicted felon Donald J. Trump has accomplished a lot. The following list is just the very tip of a truly horrifying iceberg. In the past few weeks, Trump:

  • Withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Agreement, World Health Organization, and several United Nations councils

  • Declared illegal immigration a “national emergency,” and refocused on building his precious wall between the US and Mexico

  • Froze federal aid

  • Froze federal hiring until the Trump Administration gets full governmental control

  • Legally denied the reality of gender diversity, announcing that the government will only recognize Male and Female genders on official documents, and restricting access to gender-affirming healthcare for minors

  • Pardoned the criminals behind the January 6th Capitol Riot, including members of the terrorist groups the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers

  • Threatened to increase tariffs to 25% on Canadian and Mexican goods, but at the time of writing has not yet put this into action

  • Laid off Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officers across all federal departments

  • Scrubbed the language across government websites to remove mention of climate change, abortion and reproductive health, gender diversity, COVID-19, immigration resources, unionization, and so on

  • Suggested that the USA should ‘take over’ and ‘own’ Gaza, an area that has been ceaselessly under attack in the attempted genocide of the Palestinian people and culture

  • In a vengeful tirade, revoked security clearance for several former government employees, including the 48th President Joe Biden

  • Appointed the world’s richest man (and worst Saturday Night Live guest) Elon Musk in charge of the new Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), an advisory body focused on cutting government spending

  • Renamed the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America, and Alaska’s Mount Denali (a sacred Indigenous site) Mount McKinley

  • Banned federal employees from working from home

  • Declared a “national energy emergency,” declaring that the US will “drill, baby, drill” for fossil fuels, and defund green energy research and development

  • Invested in Artificial Intelligence and cryptocurrency

As I mentioned before, this is just a very brief recap of actions and decisions that will have lasting and devastating consequences for Americans and the world as a whole. I am sending my love and support to our southern neighbours, as they navigate this unpredictable and disempowering presidential term, and in particular to the LGBTQ+ and racialized folks whose rights are under attack.

Finally, before I wrap up this article, a quick reminder: up here in Canada, it is looking like we will have a federal election very soon. I urge everyone reading to make sure you are registered to vote at www.elections.ca - voting is the single most important thing we can do to stand up for the causes we believe in, and the only way that we can actively set ourselves apart from the intolerance and hate that is brewing down south.

Myths about sex: pain and the hymen By Jessica Redekopp

Recently, we’ve reached a stage in society where sex and sexuality are becoming more accepted, and young people tend to hold more open views than they did for much of history. However, most people still aren’t aware of many myths and misconceptions about sex and anatomy, myths that can make sexual experiences unpleasant or even dangerous. One of these misconceptions is that first time sexual intercourse has to be painful for those with a vagina, and that there is a physical difference in relation to their virginity that creates this pain. There are two things people point to when speaking about this supposed difference, the hymen and vaginal tightness. While commonly accepted by the general public and occasionally by medical professionals, both of these ideas stem from an incorrect understanding of female genital anatomy.

Many people believe the hymen to be a solid piece of tissue covering the entrance to the vagina that must be broken in order to have penetrative sex, while others believe it’s a rigid ring of tissue around the opening that rips from penetration or exercise. Both of these ideas are largely incorrect. They have not only caused problems by promoting the idea that bleeding and pain are necessary for first time sex, but also by promoting the idea that there is a definite way to verify a woman’s virginity, enforcing an “intact” hymen (often meaning simply unscarred or in more extreme cases being large/covering most of the opening) to be a sign of virginity. This has led to so-called “virginity tests”, or hymen examinations being used in some places. A healthy hymen always has an opening to allow for discharge and period blood to escape, and once a child goes through puberty, hormones make it more stretchy so it can stretch and retract easily with the rest of the vagina and can sometimes change its appearance, making it smaller or cover less area to make sex easier. Exercise isn’t reliably linked to any impact to the appearance, health, or size of the hymen. Unless you injure yourself, your hymen will be unchanged by sex. Healthy sex doesn’t permanently impact the hymen unless you injure yourself and even when an injury does occur, it heals well, often without leaving a scar or any indication damage was taken. Even those who have experienced penetrative abuse before puberty when their hymen was more rigid and sustained injuries from it, rarely show permanent abnormalities or things that may be deemed as a sign of not being a virgin based on these test standards. They heal and mostly show no notable difference in size or appearance from a person who has never been penetrated. With each individual developing differently, it’s also entirely possible for someone who has never been penetrated to have an appearance that would be sought out on these tests, which may lead to them being falsely labelled as lying. This is part of why those who have or have not been penetrated can often look the same, as not only does penetration not often cause changes, but because the hymen itself can look frayed or “torn” simply by the way it developed and opened when the child was in the womb, or the way hormones impacted it during puberty. For the vast majority of women, sex or no sex, their hymen will look and behave the same. It will stretch naturally during sex and retract to its normal shape and size in a short amount of time afterwards. No breaking, ripping, bleeding, or pain is required. Physically speaking, the first time is the same as any other time.

There are some exceptions to this rule, one being about those with an abnormal hymen type. Hymens come in many shapes and sizes, the vast majority of people having a ring, crescent, or shapes that will cause no problem during sex. Some rare individuals are born with types that may cause issues with sex or menstruation, and depending on the severity, these types sometimes require minor surgery to correct either sometime in puberty to allow menstruation or before sexual intercourse. There are also conditions that can make your hymen too thick and rigid to properly stretch, and these will likely need to be addressed or sex will be continually painful and injuring. If you’ve had trouble inserting things, before having sex it may be advisable to check if your hymen is a normal shape. If it is, then the difficulty may be related to your method or something more mental.

For the most part, pain during sex is caused by muscle tension, a lack of lubrication, roughness, rushing things, and/or not being aroused enough for penetration yet. Bleeding is most commonly caused by friction caused by too little lubrication. Remember to take it slow, have plenty of foreplay and lubricant. Rather than immediate full penetration, a slow and gentle approach is necessary most of the time when it comes to penetration of all kinds, at least until you’re familiar with your limits and can adjust based on your personal preference and your body's responses. It’s also useful to slowly insert fingers inside during foreplay so the stretch isn’t sudden, making it a more gradual increase, as an immediate stretch can burn sometimes. The most important parts of healthy consensual sex are communication, comfort, safety, and pleasure. You can stop at any time during sex - and your partner should care about your comfort first and foremost, rather than expecting you to simply endure pain.

Sources:

Christianson M, Eriksson C. Myths and misconceptions: Midwives’ perception of the vaginal opening or hymen and virginity. British Journal of Midwifery. 2013.

Olson RM, García-Moreno C. Virginity testing: a systematic review. Reprod Health. 2017.

Airing 2025 By Ethan Cidro

Happy belated New Year everyone, we’ve made it to 2025. As the famous saying goes, “The sky is the limit”. Physically, humans are only capable of reaching higher depending on their height, their posture, basically the length of their limbs. However, with vehicles we have allowed ourselves to transcend what is humanly possible through artificial means. As enthusiastic as I am about human ingenuity and how the importance of vehicles affects our daily lives, before the end of 2024, four incidents related to planes unfortunately occurred.

A Korean passenger plane, flight 7C2216, crashed on December 29, 2024. The landing gears of the plane did not deploy and in its landing slid on the runway and collided into a concrete wall at the end of the runway, leading to the loss of life of almost everyone on board. A Dutch passenger plane, KLM flight KL1204, had to make an emergency crash landing at Sandjefjord, Norway due to a hydraulic failure. Similarly, a Canadian plane landed in Halifax and experienced a landing gear failure and also experienced a dangerous fire while landing. Finally, a passenger plane from Azerbaijan was shot down by Russia’s air defence missile, killing more than half of the passengers.

In 2024, a massive controversy regarding the Boeing company emerged. What started out as a normal corporate bad decision being revealed turned into a conspiracy and controversy. The Korean passenger plane was manufactured by Boeing. The Dutch plane that made a crash landing was also manufactured by Boeing. Putting the controversy aside, the malfunction of two Boeing planes, one which almost led to the loss of over 100 passengers, and the other malfunction regrettably ending in tragedy, has definitely put Boeing on the pedestal again. The public’s piercing gaze on the company has no doubt doubled, and this has the possibility of instilling fear and the feeling of insecurity in riding a plane manufactured by Boeing.

Despite such terrible occurrences starting early in the year, as well as the forest fires in California, one can do nothing other than only hope and wish that the rest of the year can’t get any worse, expending all tragedies already, and the start of us making our way to the next year is filled with safety, fortune, and good health.

Incident on Campus - Be Aware of Your Surroundings By Daniel Buzhor, Junior Reporter

Recently, as all students know, a student has been violently attacked, robbed, and left seriously injured in the campus area. While she is thankfully recovering after receiving hospital care, this incident is a reminder to us all that we should seriously consider our safety. As winter brings longer nights, it will get easier for crimes to happen and even go unpunished.

The university responded swiftly, activating its Critical Incident Team and working with police to increase patrols around campus, paying special attention to Louise Avenue, Lorne Avenue, and 20th Street. While the university’s actions are assuring students in the safety measures, they ignore an important reality: no system, no matter how close to perfection it is, can guarantee absolute safety.

That’s why it's crucial to remember that a big part of safety responsibilities lie with us—the students, staff, those who live, work, and move around campus. Security is a shared effort.

Safety Starts With Awareness

The world we live in is full of distractions. It is totally normal that smartphones, headphones, and social media are lowering our awareness of surroundings and our attention to details. It is an inevitable side-effect of modern technology.

However, we should not forget that these distractions can make us vulnerable. While in areas that we consider safe, like home or campus, especially where there are people around, it is generally safe to lower our guard down, it is extremely crucial to focus on your surroundings whenever you are leaving your safe zone. Criminals often look for targets who appear unaware or distracted. The simple act of staying attentive can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Put your phone away while walking, especially at night. Keep your headphones off or at a low volume, or consider wearing just one earbud so you can still hear what’s happening around you.

Avoiding distractions is important, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. It’s also about thinking ahead to make choices that prioritize your safety.

Steps to Stay Safe

1. Avoid distractions: Walking while staring at your phone or listening to headphones makes it harder to notice potential threats. Especially at night, stay off your phone and keep your attention on your surroundings.

2. Stick to well-lit areas: If possible, avoid dark alleys or isolated streets. Louise Avenue, Lorne Avenue, and 20th Street have been areas of concern lately.

3. Walk in groups: There is strength in numbers. If you can, travel with a friend or group, especially when it’s dark.

4. Trust your instincts: If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Change your path, seek help, or call someone to alert them to your location.

Supporting Each Other

Safety isn’t just an individual responsibility—it’s a collective one. We must look out for one another. If you see someone who looks lost, distressed, or vulnerable, help them. It could be as simple as walking with them or helping them call for a ride. Staying aware of people around creates safer environment for everyone.

Taking small steps to stay safe might not seem like much, but little things like this always add up together. We’re not just protecting ourselves—we’re setting a standard for the kind of community we want to live in and creating an environment where we all feel secure.

The Role of the University and Authorities

Despite us students playing a main role in ensuring our safety, the university of course has a tremendous effect on the safety in and near the campus. At the moment of writing this article BU’s efforts to respond to the incident have been commendable. They requested additional police patrols, and connected to the victim.

However, more can always be done. The measures that BU takes depends on students and how we will react. It is important for us to speak up. Whether it’s through student associations, campus surveys, or direct discussions with professors, our voices matter.

At the time of writing this article, the Brandon Police Service’s investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to come forward. If you were near campus around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday of November 23rd, even the smallest detail could help solve the case.

The Washboard Union Brings Their Award- Winning Sound to Brandon

Get ready, Brandon! The Washboard Union, winners of JUNO and multiple Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards, are bringing their award-winning harmonies and high-energy performances to town. Their 'Grab the Wheel and Go' tour will make a stop in Brandon on November 18th, promising an unforgettable night for local fans.

Ahead of the show, I had the chance to chat with Chris Duncombe, one of the three members of The Washboard Union, about their journey, the creative process, and what fans can expect from their upcoming performance.

Q: Was there a specific moment or song that made you realize you wanted to be a musician?

I grew up on old Western music and bluegrass. My dad used to sing it when we'd go fishing, and I think I knew the Marty Robbins songs before I knew anything else. Aaron, David, and I all grew up surrounded by music. We always had our heroes—those vocal groups that could blend three voices into one and create something magical, like Diamond Rio, Rascal Flatts, Alison Krauss and Union Station, and Lone Star. When the three of us started singing, we realized our voices blended really well, and that’s what truly started it for us.

Music has always been there for us. It helps you through the toughest times, and sometimes songs express what you can't. We've always relied on it through great times and hard times.

Q: What are your plans for 2025?

We've got a lot lined up. First, we're headed out on tour next week, with almost 20 shows ahead of us. After that, we'll be home for Christmas, then off to Australia for a few festivals in January.

We're also writing tons of new music. Westerly, our most recent album, came out in July, but we've been working hard on what comes next. There's not much downtime for us—we're always on to the next thing.

Q: Bands often focus on major cities, so it's really special that you're coming to Brandon. What made you decide to include us in your tour?

Isn't it strange that bands often stick to bigger cities? For us, music belongs in small and medium-sized towns too. We've always made it a priority to play all kinds of places—not just Winnipeg, Regina, or Calgary, but also smaller towns like Brandon.

We've made sure our team knows we want to play in smaller communities, and we're excited to be here. If Brandon wants to have us, we're honored to be welcomed.

Manitoba has been so good to us over the years. We got our start here, and some of our earliest major opportunities happened in Manitoba. Winnipeg and Manitoba have always supported us, so we take every opportunity we can to come back.

Q: What's been one of the most memorable experiences you had with the fans?

One of the most incredible moments happened with our song "Shine." During COVID, a school district in Colorado adopted it as their theme song to inspire students through a tough time. Then, a school in Alberta made it their theme song too and even declared a 'Washboard Union Day.' We showed up and performed in the gym with the kids—it was amazing.

Seeing how fans have connected with our music and taken it to places we never expected is incredible. Because it gives you the sense that the music no longer belongs to you—it becomes something shared with your fans. And our fans have made our songs part of lots of different events in their lives. So anytime that happens, it's the greatest feeling in the world as a songwriter.

Q: How do you start creating a song? Do you have a specific process for it?

For me, it’s almost an everyday thing. I often wake up in the middle of the night with lyrics or melodies running through my mind. If I don’t write them down immediately, I forget them. My phone is packed with tons of little ideas that have turned into songs over time.

I’m always paying attention—even a simple conversation sometimes sparks an idea. It feels like I’m constantly writing, even when I’m not actively trying. When I sit down for a session, I usually have an idea in my head, something I think is unique or hasn't been said quite like that before. That's where it often begins for me, but different people write in different ways. Some songs come together effortlessly, almost like they just fall out of the sky. Other times, it feels like the hardest thing in the world to pull them together. It’s different every time.

Q: How has public interest in country music changed over the years? Have you adapted to those changes, or do you stick to your original style?

I think we just continue to do what we do. Country music has evolved over the years, with different trends and styles coming and going. People are free to love the different aspects of the genre.

Country music has so many styles—from the pop-influenced side to country rock bands, more traditional bluegrass, and singer-songwriters. People are drawn to what they're drawn to. I think trends come and go, but great music stays. Our focus is always on writing the best music we can, hoping that listeners love it just as much as we loved creating it.

Q: Looking back at the songs you've written, do you feel like your songwriting has improved over time, or do you still feel just as connected to the songs you wrote earlier?

I write so many more songs than ever get released, so it’s hard to say. Usually, my favorite song is the one I wrote last week. When you're constantly writing, that’s just how it goes. I appreciate everything we’ve written over the years—they’re like little snapshots of where we were at the time.

I don't think I've written my best song yet, and I always keep that in mind. I never want to repeat myself, but also want to be focused on writing the best song possible. So, I’d say my best song is still waiting to be written.

Q: What would you recommend for someone starting music?
It really depends on what your goals are. People have different dreams of where they want to

go with their music. But I would start out, if it was on the music side, playing nonstop.

Whatever you want to be great at, like if you want to be a great guitar player, then spend all your time playing guitar. Talk to other great guitar players and don't ever be afraid to take lessons. I still take music lessons whenever I can because there's always something new to learn.

If it's songwriting you're interested in, then focus on understanding what makes a song truly great. There are so many incredible writers out there who openly share their methods and ideas.

Like with anything else in life, if you want to be a great runner, you train with great runners and learn from the best. It’s the same with music.

I've become a better musician by surrounding myself with talented people. I've grown as a songwriter by collaborating with incredible writers. I’ve improved my live performances by watching my favorite bands and learning from what they do on stage.

It's about really understanding what it takes to be entertaining and how to put on the best show possible. Keep your eyes wide open, no matter what path you choose. At the same time, remember that the music industry can be a tough and unforgiving business.

It’s not designed to help you succeed—you need to build a thick skin. The music industry won’t always be supportive. Don’t let anyone make you feel like your dreams aren’t worth chasing or that you don’t matter, because you do.

What you're doing is important and the songs you write are important for you. Stay strong in that belief and remember that your work matters.

Q: If you could pick one piece of advice to give to your younger self, which one would it be?

Don't wait. Don't wait. Go for it.
You're good enough. You're smart enough. Your dreams matter enough. Don't let anybody tell you they don't. And don't wait.
Q: Is there anything I forgot to ask that you would like to share?

Yeah, just this. If you’ve never heard of us or seen us live, I’d love for you to come check us out. I guarantee it's a show unlike what you've seen before. It's a giant sing-along, where everyone gets involved, and our fans often end up getting to know each other because they share a love for music.

So, if you've never seen the show, if you don't know who we are, I sure hope you'll take a chance on us and come see us in Brandon. We can't wait to play for you.

Canadian Blood Services offering mobile donor opportunity in Brandon By Mehak ‘May’ Oberoi

Donate blood, save lives.”

Canadian Blood Services is a national organization that accepts blood, stem cell, plasma, organ and tissue donations. Since 1998, they’ve been working as a non-profit charitable organization separate from the Canadian Government. They provide services on behalf of the provincial government in all provinces except Quebec, and are largely funded by provincial and territorial governments as well as charitable donations.

In 2017, their permanent donor site in Brandon closed due to insufficient donations, reaching 75-80% of their goals where they hoped to meet close to 100%. This also resulted in shutting down mobile donor sites to nearby towns that operated out of Brandon. That makes Winnipeg the only place where Canadian Blood Services operates a permanent blood donation site (CBC News, 2017).

Blood donation is essential for multiple reasons. It’s necessary in cancer treatment, medical complications, surgeries and trauma incidents, chronic illnesses and more. Canada currently experiences a nationwide shortage on blood donations, with the Canadian Blood Services organization tracking the current supply for different blood types on their site. At present, A-, B-, O+ and O- are at under a week’s supply.

The organization has continued to operate a mobile donor site since then, coming to Brandon every other Thursday and usually setting up at either the Victoria Inn or the Keystone Center. For those interested in volunteering, www.blood.ca provides more information on future mobiles, booking an appointment and an eligibility quiz for those interested in donating.

The mobile will be coming to Brandon in the next month at: October 3, 2-8 pm at the Brandon Victoria inn, imperial ballroom

October 17, 2-8 pm at the Brandon Victoria inn, imperial ballroom October 31, 2-8 pm at the Brandon Victoria inn, imperial ballroom

ChatGPT and Academic Integrity. How to use AI Ethically in Your Studies By Danil Buzhor

It’s been two years since the academic world was turned upside down after ChatGPT became accessible to everyone and turned into a nemesis of Academic Integrity. However, I believe AI can be used ethically for learning and helping with assignments in a number of ways.

Ask your professor

Some professors take a traditional stance on technology use, which we should respect and take into account. So, it’s important to ask them what their view on AI is and whether they allow to use its assistance during studies for their subjects. It’s always crucial to know your professor’s stance on something before you use it — and ChatGPT is no exception.

How can you use AI in order to prepare for midterms and finals?

AI can be incredibly useful as a means of finding information. You might think, “I can just Google it!”, and while that’s true, AI often finds information that would take you minutes or even hours to find. On the other hand, AI will be able to identify and present to you this information in mere seconds. For example, as a Computer Science major, I might need to write a small program in C++, a language I’ve never used before. Searching online tutorials or articles would take about 10 to 15 minutes, but asking ChatGPT to explain C++ by comparing it to a language I know cuts that time in half. This applies to any subject, from Mathematics to Biology to Music. The efficient use of AI throughout the term will save you hours of valuable time, which, for us students, is extremely precious.

Using ChatGPT in your assignments

ChatGPT is a valid resource, but like anything— it is important to cite whatever information it provides you with. Otherwise, it could lead to violations of the academic integrity code and cause professors to question how much of the work is really yours.

There are a lot of ways one could use AI for help with assignments, and while it is impossible to list them all, I will tell you about the ones I use. One of my favourites is to ask AI for new ideas after I complete the draft of the assignments. It is very helpful to find fresh ideas for your topic. On top of finding information, AI can also paraphrase it to help you understand difficult topics. If a textbook definition is not clear and it is too late at night, use of AI is more preferable to calling your professor. Furthermore, AI can assist with improving the quality of your writing - this tip is mostly relevant to students whose first language is not English. AI can help you to improve readability of your text, find grammatical errors in it and even find better ways to phrase sentences. Apart from this, ChatGPT can provide Reference Help. It can generate references in APA, MLA or others after prompting it with source details (year, author, title, etc.). However, ALWAYS double-check AI-generated citations and ensure they match your professor’s requirements.

Tips for accurate prompts

A prompt is an input (usually a question) you give to AI to generate a response. There is a whole science about how to effectively write prompts for communication with an AI called Prompt Engineering. However, to start using ChatGPT, here are a couple tips on how to write prompts effectively:

  • Be clear and specific. The machine needs precise details to provide a quality response. While it is excessive to write pages of detailed nuances, specifying details for AI will make the use of it easier. For example, instead of asking it to “Tell me about Louis Riel”, it’s better to prompt “Provide a summary of Louis Riel’s role in the Red River Rebellion and his influence on Canadian history”.

  • Provide a context to the ChatGPT in which you need the information. For instance: “Tell me how the Red River Rebellion influenced Manitoba from a sociological perspective” will generate a different, more appropriate response for your sociology assignment. AI will give you a couple conclusions from the point of Sociology or maybe it will mention minor details that did not matter too much from a Historical perspective but might be of good help in your Sociology studies.

  • Break complex prompts into steps. Instead of writing a complex prompt it is significantly more effective to break it down to multiple simple tasks. AI perceives them much more clearly and generates more accurate responses. For example: “First, tell me about Louis Riel’s early life and education. Then, explain his role in the Red River Rebellion and how it led to his execution”.

Avoid Over-Reliance on AI

While AI is an incredible tool, it is important to avoid becoming too dependent on it. AI can make mistakes. Sometimes it can even give you wrong information, if the question is complex or it misunderstood your prompt. Beware of its shortcomings and don’t turn off your brain. AI might be awesome, but the strongest computer since the beginning of time is still a human brain, and this is not going to change for a long time. Moreover, using ChatGPT for assistance might hinder your creativity and make you miss opportunities for ideas that you would be likely to find when working on your own. After finishing your essay or assignment, it is a good idea to take a break, come back to it with a fresh mind, and look at your work at last without AI assistance.

Have opinions on AI? Contact eic.thequill@gmail.com to make your voice heard!

A Legendary Actor’s Legacy By Ethan Cidro

Are you an avid film enthusiast? An occasional enjoyer of entertainment? Perhaps you haven’t watched anything new and only revisit movies for the nostalgic trip to remember better days? Whichever it is, you’ve probably come across a film worked on by the late legendary actor, James Earl Jones, who recently passed on Monday, September 9th, 2024 at the venerable age of 93 years old.

Born in Arkabutla, Mississippi on January 17, 1931, James Earl Jones was the son of Ruth Connolly, and actor Robert Earl Jones. In his early life, James Earl Jones suffered from stuttering and it made being social hard for him. James Earl Jones would overcome this problem after his English teacher urged him to read poetry during class after discovering his talent for writing it. James joined the military as a reserve officer, expecting to be sent to Korea during the Korean War, but instead was commissioned after the war, being discharged in the end attaining the rank of first lieutenant. James would attend and graduate from the University of Michigan as a Drama major.

James Earl Jones appeared only in television roles before his first appearance playing the role of Lt. Lothar Zogg in the 1964 movie titled Dr. Strangelove. James Earl Jones is one of the most notable, recognizable, respected and revered actors of our time. If not apparent by his name or appearance, you could certainly point the master actor out of a crowd by hearing his iconic deep voice.

James Earl Jones has largely been seen, or more accurately, heard taking the roles of narrators in various film and television projects such as Judge Dredd. He played characters such as King Jaffe Joffer in Eddie Murphy’s comedy classic Coming to America, and Admiral Greer from the film series adaptations of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan books. Of course, his most iconic roles would without a doubt be the voice acting role of Mufasa in the Lion King movies, and the voice for one of cinema’s most recognizable and best cinematic villains: Darth Vader from Star Wars, delivering many iconic lines with his deep iconic voice. In Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, for example, James Earl Jones delivered one of the most iconic lines during one of the biggest movie plot twists in the 80s or late 70s:“Luke, I am your father.”