Weekly News Recap: August 26, 2022

Dr. Alika Lafontaine, an anesthesiologist in Grande Prairie, Alta., is the new president of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and its first Indigenous leader. (Submitted by Dr. Alika Lafontaine)

What divides us pales in comparison to what unites us. - Edward Kennedy

SOME GOOD NEWS

These Indigenous female skateboarders are breaking stereotypes in Bolivia (The World) These ladies are cool. "A collective of female skateboarders in Bolivia has caught the attention of audiences around the world. The young women hail from Indigenous backgrounds. But what distinguishes them the most is the clothes they wear as they practice their kickflips. Instead of baggy jeans, loose T-shirts and baseball caps, they dress in colorful and puffy skirts called polleras, traditionally worn by Indigenous women from the high mountains of the country."
Seal breaks into New Zealand home, traumatises cat and hangs out on couch (The Guardian) Ah, the case of the do nothing seal. "A curious young seal has been returned to the sea after breaking into a New Zealand home, harassing the resident cat, hanging about in the hallway for a couple of hours while the children slept upstairs, and miraculously ruining nothing."
Dog, missing 2 months, found alive inside Missouri cave (AP News) #DogsAreAmazing "Jeff Bohnert had all but given up on seeing his poodle-hound mix again after she went missing in early June. Two months later, he got a text from a neighbor: People exploring a nearby cave found a dog. Could it be Abby? Bohnert doubted it, but still curious, he went to the cave site near his rural Missouri home. That’s when he saw the picture one of the rescuers took. 'I said, ‘that’s my dog,' Bohnert recalled Monday. Making Abby’s tale even more amazing is the fact that she’s just weeks shy of turning 14. Yet somehow, she managed to survive nearly 60 days out on her own, apparently much or all of it in a barren, pitch-dark, 58-degree Fahrenheit (14-degree Celsius) cave."
This group's wiped out $6.7 billion in medical debt, and it's just getting started (NPR) #Heroes "RIP Medical Debt does. The nonprofit has boomed during the pandemic, freeing patients of medical debt, thousands of people at a time. Its novel approach involves buying bundles of delinquent hospital bills — debts incurred by low-income patients like Logan — and then simply erasing the obligation to repay them."
She took a photo every day for 10 years, and celebrated with this awesome mosaic (CBC) #Wow "Clare Gibson has taken a photo a day, every day for the past 10 years — that's 3,652 consecutive days. The Edmonton photographer took all the images she has taken over the course of the years and created a mosaic commemorating her achievement, which she posted to her social media — Facebook, Instagram and Twitter [...] Put together, the thousands of photos make a portrait of Gibson with her camera and some colourful balloons. Zoomed in, the viewer can detect individual photos of landscapes, pets, cups of coffee, the night sky, nature and people — some black and white, others in colour."
SCIENTISTS DISCOVER THAT DOGS CRY TEARS OF JOY WHEN REUNITED WITH OWNERS (The Byte) I see this everyday with my dog. "Dogs literally cry tears of joy when they see their owners after they've been away, scientists have found in the first study of its kind that is also totally going to make us cry, too. Published in the Current Biology journal, this study by Japanese researchers found not only that dogs shed happy tears, but also that the love hormone oxytocin — the same one that causes humans to feel emotional bonds with each other and with animals — may be underlying that mechanism."
Space telescope gives stunning new views of Jupiter's auroras and moons (CBC) I am in awe. "The world's newest and biggest space telescope is showing Jupiter as never before, auroras and all. Scientists released the shots Monday of the solar system's biggest planet. The James Webb Space Telescope took the photos in July, capturing unprecedented views of Jupiter's northern and southern lights, and swirling polar haze. Jupiter's Great Red Spot, a storm big enough to swallow Earth, stands out brightly alongside countless smaller storms. One wide-field picture is particularly dramatic, showing the faint rings around the planet, as well as two tiny moons against a glittering background of galaxies."
Five generations celebrate Edmonton woman's 103rd birthday (CBC) Happy birthday! "Talking to Agnes Murphy at her birthday party this weekend, you might be surprised to learn what milestone she's celebrating. At 103, she's spry as family and friends line up to wish her well. Celebrating a century: 3 Edmontonians celebrate turning 100 during COVID-19 pandemic Her grandson jokes she's the family's version of The Godfather. 'We're going to come in and kiss the ring,' joked Reigan Dolen."
Calgary woman brightens downtown community with decorated birdhouses and planters (CBC) Lovely. "After living in the west side of downtown Calgary for more than a decade, community member Christine Bolcsfoldy decided it was time to spruce up her street. 'I want to make my home a nice place. And in the last few years, it's become so tense for a lot of people here and unwelcoming between just crime and people struggling,' she said. Last year, she took it upon herself to add some life to the [planters.]"
Five Beautiful Places To Visit This Fall (DeliaElena) I love the fall. "I assume that you clicked on this article because you love autumn, and honestly, who doesn’t? The chilly vibes, the rusty leaves that cover everything around us, the hot chocolate and cozy clothes, everything is so peaceful, how could you not love it? So let’s pack our things together and visit these 5 places around the world that look incredible in the fall!"
The 11 Bridges of Wayne (Atlas Obscura) First, this is an amazing podcast and one of my favourites. Second, I have taken my motorcycle down this wonderful road a few times. #TotallyWorthIt "Often times when visiting Drumheller in Alberta, tourists and travelers will stick to the more recognized attractions such as the Royal Tyrrell Museum or the World’s Largest Dinosaur… but one thing that always sparks curiosity is the Town of Wayne located just a short few minutes outside the prehistoric dino-filled town. In order to get to Wayne, you need to cross 11 bridges."
'Dream come true' for First Nations artist as Winnipeg fabric store commissions Indigenous designs (CBC) #Beautiful "Colourful fabric patterns that weave culture with creativity are hitting the shelves of a Winnipeg store. Marshall Fabrics is commissioning Indigenous artists to create designs to be carried in its stores. A new pattern by a different artist will be released every six months in limited edition rollouts. 'It feels like a dream come true,' said Manitoba-born artist Carrie Okemaw, the first artist to have her creation printed on the 500-metre-long bolts of cotton."

TOP TEN STORIES OF THE WEEK

He was told he'd never graduate. Now this doctor is the CMA's 1st Indigenous president (CBC) CANADIAN STORY Congrats! "As a child, Dr. Alika Lafontaine had a stutter and was labelled as having a learning disability. He says teachers told him he would never graduate high school. 'I definitely had learning challenges,' Lafontaine told White Coat, Black Art's Dr. Brian Goldman. 'People were quick, I think, as a kid, to label me as somebody who just couldn't achieve because of this.' On Aug. 21, Lafontaine takes over as president of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), becoming its first Indigenous leader."
'The time is now': Patience pays off for Nazem Kadri, who finds new home in Calgary (CBC) CALGARY STORY Welcome to Calgary Nazem! "Nazem Kadri said the Calgary Flames expressed interest the moment he became an unrestricted free agent, but it was an 'elaborate process' before he finally signed on the dotted line on Thursday. 'The patience definitely did me some good,' Kadri told reporters in a Zoom call Friday. 'There were some decisions to be made.' The Flames' wild off-season took another dramatic turn Thursday when the team signed the coveted free agent to a seven-year, $49-million US deal. Before the deal could be made official, Calgary sent forward Sean Monahan and a conditional 2025 first-round pick to the Montreal Canadiens for future considerations in a move to create salary cap space for Kadri's contract."
Michelle O'Bonsawin becomes 1st Indigenous person nominated to Supreme Court of Canada (CBC) CANADIAN STORY Love this. "Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Friday his nomination of Michelle O'Bonsawin to the Supreme Court of Canada. She will become the first Indigenous person to serve on Canada's highest court. O'Bonsawin is Abenaki from Odanak. She is Franco-Ontarian and fluently bilingual, according to a news release announcing the nomination. She has served as a judge on the Ontario Superior Court of Justice since 2017. O'Bonsawin also holds a PhD in law from the University of Ottawa."
Selkirk College’s New President Primed for Arrival of Fall Semester (The Castlegar Source) CASTLEGAR STORY Congats and welcome! "President Maggie Matear has been at the helm of the college since late-May. Settling in and getting familiar with her new role over the past three months, Matear is looking forward to welcoming students and staff back to a learning environment filled with promise. 'There’s something about the energy that a building full of students brings,' says Matear."
'Quiet quitting' isn't really quitting, but it is forcing employers to adapt (CBC) CANADIAN CONTENT "Clocking out at 5 p.m. on the dot, only doing your assigned daily tasks, limiting chats with colleagues and no working overtime. These are the distinctive features of 'quiet quitting,' a term coined to describe how people are approaching their jobs and professional lives differently to manage burnout. The phrase — which isn't actually intended to lead to a resignation — exploded into the popular lexicon last week when a TikTok video went viral."
If you’re such an effective altruist, how come you’re so rich? (Vox) "EA started as an effort to get financially comfortable people in the UK and US to donate more money to charities that could do the most good, but it has rapidly evolved into much more: a source of career advice, a political movement, and the preferred cause of at least two mega-billionaire households, Cari Tuna and Dustin Moskovitz (net worth $14.2 billion) and Sam Bankman-Fried (net worth $13.3 billion)."
New research dispels ‘happy wife, happy life’ stereotype (Folio) CANADIAN STORY I am happy. In case you were wondering ;-) "Keeping a romantic relationship healthy takes work — and the burden doesn’t just rest on women, according to a new University of Alberta study. When mixed-gender couples were asked about their relationships, men’s satisfaction levels were found to be just as significant as those of their female partners in predicting their future happiness together, the research shows. The finding dispels the stereotype of 'happy wife, happy life,' says Matthew Johnson, a U of A relationship researcher and lead author on the study. 'It challenges the notion that women are these unique barometers who are more attuned to what’s happening, and that they have diagnostic abilities men just don’t have,' said Johnson, a professor in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences."
The Big Four oilsands companies’ influence threatens Alberta democracy, argues political scientist (The Conversation) ALBERTA STORY "By comparing the amount of bitumen royalties and corporate income taxes from the Big Four to Alberta’s total revenue, it is possible to estimate the province’s fiscal dependency on these companies. The numbers show that no province, other than perhaps New Brunswick with its dominant Irving family, comes near Alberta’s level of corporate fiscal dependency. The revenue expected from the Big Four oilsands producers in 2022, assuming an average per barrel price of $115, will be a staggering $116 billion — about 25 per cent of Alberta’s GDP."
How the luxury fitness bubble popped as the pandemic wore on (CBC) CANADIAN CONTENT "Gym rats, take heed: The luxury fitness boom may very well be cooling down as high-end exercise brands like Peloton and SoulCycle struggle to make gains at this stage of the pandemic. Peloton — the company behind a line of gadget-forward stationary bikes that enjoyed a swell of business during the early lockdown period — announced layoffs, studio closures and price hikes on its signature product in Canada and the U.S. this month, following a sharp decline in sales."
Jasper National Park has almost 4 times the roadkill compared to Banff. Here's why (CBC) ALBERTA STORY #AnimalOverpassesSaveLives "Neighbouring national parks Banff and Jasper are very similar – both are mountainous, UNESCO World Heritage sites with a major highway. Yet they differ greatly when it comes to roadkill. Between 2011 and 2021, Parks Canada reported 1,007 animals, coyote-sized and larger, were killed on roads in Jasper National Park. That includes 425 white-tailed deer, 161 elk and 125 bighorn sheep that have been killed on roads in the national park. The total is nearly four times the number in Banff, where 272 animals were killed, even though that park has more kilometres of highway."

SEVEN LIFE AND CAREER HACKS

How to Overcome Fitness Plateaus and Continue Building Muscle (Better Humans) A detailed article on how to move to your next level.
Miss Excel is Just The Start (Geek Culture) Have you watched the Excel World Championship on ESPN #NotKidding
The Art of Self-Forgiveness: How To Forgive Yourself & Move On (Journey) We all need to move on.
11 Reasons Working On Your Weaknesses Is A Complete and Utter Waste Of Time (Phil Roberts) Interesting perspective. Not sure if I agree but still, worth a read.
How to make your project more impactful (Practical Scrum) Solid and practical advice.
How to Write a Performance Improvement Plan that Works (Loud Updates) Excellent!
Ranking 21 Self-Help Books from The Worst to The Best (Book Are Our Superpower) I completely agree with the ordering.

TOP THREE GIFTS OF THE WEEK

Nationwide Children's Hospital receives $10 million donation (The Columbus Dispatch) "The Nationwide Foundation is donating $10 million to Nationwide Children's Hospital to fund behavior health research and genomics, continuing its history of contributions to gene research at Nationwide. The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine that focuses on genomics as the root cause of many childhood diseases will be among the areas to benefit from the donation."
Women's Place of South Niagara Receives $1 Million Donation (101.1 More FM) SOUTH NIAGARA STORY Nice gift. "Women's Place of South Niagara has received a donation of $1 million. The donation was made by local couple Greg and Diane Slaight, who have been long-time donors to numerous charities in Niagara."
Mosaic invests $1M to fund training program for Indigenous students (CTV) SASKATCHEWAN STORY "The Mosaic Company recently announced they would invest $1 million to fund Morris Interactive’s Potash Digital Skills Training Program for Indigenous students. Cowessess First Nation recognized Mosaic’s generosity on Thursday as members of Mosaic were honourary dignitaries at the Cowessess’ Powwow Grand Entry. Robert Kay Jr. is a recent graduate of the program and said the program helped change his life."

LAST WEEK'S MOST POPULAR STORIES

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Vincent DuckworthAugust 26, 2022Comment