The Muse | Memorial University's Student Editorial

David Leask Celebrates the Beauty of Labradorite With New Song “Fire & Ice”

Arts & Culture

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January 13, 2022

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David Leask Celebrates the Beauty of Labradorite With New Song “Fire & Ice”

Photo Credit: @leaskexpected on Instagram

Singer/Songwriter David Leask wrote his album Voyageur in Song using a veritable piece of Canadian history.

On December 2^nd of 2021, David Leask, a Scottish Canadian musician, released a single titled “Fire & Ice” from his upcoming album Voyageur in Song. The “Fire & Ice” music video celebrates the journey of a ballerina who demonstrates a profound determination to show the world what she can do. The video shows a resemblance between the young woman and her labradorite necklace – which shines brilliantly when given the right amount of light. Like her feldspar gem, the girl shows resolve and faith in that, given the opportunity, she too can shine. David Leask’s crystal-clear voice accompanies the woman’s journey in the music video, declaring:

“I am fire and ice and I’ll dance with the light, a moonstone skipping home to the rhythm of the night.”

“I wanted the song to have an underlying sense that sometimes we can’t see everything, that beauty can be hiding, and we just have to have a closer look or wait until the light hits in just the right way.”
David Leask

David Leask can be seen in the “Fire & Ice” music video both singing and playing the Six String Nation Guitar, nicknamed “Voyageur”. This guitar is made from 64 materials that are of historical significance to Canada. These materials include a piece of Wayne Gretzky’s hockey stick, some wood taken from the Cape Race lighthouse, red ochre, and Pierre Trudeau’s canoe paddle. The item that the song “Fire & Ice” focuses on is the labradorite inlay on the 3rd and 9th frets of the guitar. They can be seen shining in the music video. These pieces of labradorite were taken from Paul’s Island, near Nain in Labrador. According to the six string nation website:

“Inuit legend holds the northern lights were once trapped in the stone until freed by a hunter.”
Henry Lyall and Chris Kearney, from the Six String Nation website

Taking inspiration from the Six String Nation Guitar, David Leask wrote the Voyageur in Song album, playing the guitar in question on every track. In reference to his focus on the labradorite in particular for the song “Fire & Ice,” Leask said, “I wanted the song to have an underlying sense that sometimes we can’t see everything, that beauty can be hiding, and we just have to have a closer look or wait, until the light hits in just the right way.”

You can view the “Fire & Ice” music video here.

To order/download a copy of David Leask’s Voyageur in Song album, visit https://www.davidleask.com/voyageur.

For more information on the Six String Nation Guitar, visit https://www.sixstringnation.com/.

UPDATE: Acting Dean of Science Responds to Concerns Regarding In-Person Labs

News

Jenna Reid

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January 12, 2022

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UPDATE: Acting Dean of Science Responds to Concerns Regarding In-Person Labs

While most of Memorial University has returned to an online learning environment, hundreds of Faculty of Science students have expressed concerns regarding in-person labs while the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron, continues to surge in NL.

Student Jessica Martin spoke on behalf of the Faculty of Science previously, stating some students “feel as if the administration does not hear their concerns.”

The Acting Dean of Science, Dr. Travis Fridgen, has since issued a response regarding the situation and such concerns:

“In deciding to go ahead with in-person labs beginning January 17th, I can assure students that we considered very carefully the risks as well as the safety measures that are in place for the students attending labs. We discussed them with our Environmental Health and Safety Officers and the Chief Risk Officer and have concluded that the risks are very low for people coming to campus to take part in the in-person lab activities. These low risks were weighed against the risk to the education of our students by missing more hands-on lab work. Last year our students missed a full year of hands-on labs. Our faculty and instructors expressed serious concerns about the lab skills of our students in labs last semester and of those conducting research. There is absolutely no substitution for hands-on lab exercises for most of the courses that we teach. Most of the learning outcomes cannot be met in an online environment, and students would graduate without the skills they need to go on to graduate school, or they will be disadvantaged in employment requiring technical skills. There is also a different and deeper learning that goes on in these labs, and that cannot be replaced with online labs. While we did the best we could last year, we are in a different situation, and we have learned how to minimize the risks for our students, faculty, and staff. In our labs, we are able to physically distance, the ventilation is at or above requirements, and everyone will be provided with a 3-ply surgical mask upon entrance to their lab. The entire university community has a much higher vaccination rate than the rest of Newfoundland, and that is one of our best defences against COVID. Each of these is a defence against the spread of COVID, and we are doing all of them at the same time, further reducing the risks. Since we have very few in-class lectures going on in person, campus density is also very low. Finally, if someone is sick, they are expected to stay home, they will not be penalized for missing a lab, but they may need to make it up at a later date. Those details will need to be determined at the departmental level”.

Dr. Fridgen has also stated, “while I have heard concerns from some students taking courses in the Faculty of Science about coming back to St. John’s to attend in-person labs, many other students have expressed relief that they will be able to do their labs in person. I share these concerns; three of my own children take courses in the Faculty of Science, so I do not take concerns or risks lightly”.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’: Making Dreams or Fogging Them?

Arts & Culture

Naiyara Novera

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January 12, 2022

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‘Grey’s Anatomy’: Making Dreams or Fogging Them?

Picture Credit: Frank Ockenfels (via Getty Images)

Growing up, more or less, everyone had someone or something to look up to. “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is one of the most common questions asked of children. While many people choose to answer ‘mom,’ ‘dad,’ ‘teacher,’ etc., others refer to content on television or the internet. One such show is the American medical drama series Grey’s Anatomy.

Grey’s Anatomy is a whirlwind of a drama series; you will find yourself crying, laughing and falling in love with medical attendants. It kicks off by introducing a young woman and the protagonist, a.k.a. Meredith Grey, who dives headlong into the pressure-filled world of medical interns. She is simultaneously studying for exams, doing rounds on surgical floors, managing a puzzling love life and friendships and much more. Doctor Grey is one of the myriads of people working in the medical field who constantly have to juggle various events in their lives yet who manage to balance them all in the end. This storyline constructs a bridge with reality. While it is a fictional series with fictional characters, the settings and medical terms used are sufficient to inspire others to become medical professionals. Being able to see interns holding scalpels extract tennis-ball-sized tumours or assisting in cardiac bypass surgeries can set any med-school enthusiast’s soul alight.

That said, does Grey’s Anatomy show the entire picture of a career in medicine? Maybe not. The 15+ seasons of the show depict a number of highs and lows in every character’s life but somehow fails to show the bigger picture. A surgeon’s job does not stop with surgeries but focuses on loads of detailed paperwork that the show does not appropriately exhibit. Despite invoking interest in the mind of its viewers by showing unbelievably fascinating cases given to interns to work on, it’s doubtful (for example) whether a prestigious, real hospital would actually let one of their interns scrape out a whole tumour out of a patient’s heart while the main appointed surgeon just stares the entire time (Grey’s Anatomy, Season 3). This unrealistic procedure happened under the watch of several other hospital staff! Thus, when making one of the most important career decisions in life, the show itself may not be the most rational motivation.

A drama show is just television content designed to entertain people. However, that does not mean it cannot reflect reality. At the end of the day, one should follow their dreams and do what makes them happy.

If you’re unsure about your career path, please make sure to talk to someone who can help. Here at MUN, you can book your career advising session:

https://mun.navigate.eab.com/app/

https://www.mun.ca/regoff/academic-advice/academic-advising-centre/

You can also contact MUN’s Faculty of Medicine:

Telephone

1 709 864 UGME

(via the MUN faculty of Medicine website)

Additionally, you can email the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Medical Education at ugme.associatedean@med.mun.ca.

Breaking News: Bypassing Epidemiological Science for the Sake of Science?

News

Jenna Reid

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January 11, 2022

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Breaking News: Bypassing Epidemiological Science for the Sake of Science?

Photo Credit: Emily George (Via Facebook)

Hundreds of concerned science students question the safety of in-person labs as new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, surges in NL.

As Newfoundland and Labradors COVID Cases continue to rise due to the Omicron Variant, Memorial University has returned to an online learning environment until at least January 31st, 2022. However, there is great concern among hundreds of Faculty of Science students currently, as all labs will be conducted in-person for the Winter 2022 Semester. This is despite the consistent surge of COVID cases announced daily in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Since then, what has initially emerged as a group chat between a few Science students expressing their concern has since turned into a petition, signed over 500 times advocating labs get conducted remotely while rates of Covid-19 transmission remain high.

The Faculty of Science has not released a public response regarding such concerns. However, The Memorial University of Newfoundland Students’ Union (MUNSU) released a statement this afternoon, Tuesday, January 10th, 2022, stating:

Screen Shot 2022 01 12 at 9.00.40 AM — A post shared by MUN Students’ Union (@munsu35)

“Memorial University of Newfoundland Students’ Union (MUNSU) stands in solidarity with undergraduate students completing an undergraduate degree with mandatory in-person requirements, including Bachelor of Science students with in-person labs.”
@MUNSU35 on Instagram

Student Jessica Martin expressed her concern about in-person labs in an interview stating,

“I, along with the rest of the students leading the conversation about the current situation of in-person labs for this semester, believe that we aren’t fully being heard in terms of our needs and concerns. Students don’t feel safe with the current protocol in place, as detailed by the science department. We feel the administration should be transparent in their action plan if an outbreak should occur. We feel simply stating things will be dealt with individually is not adequate, nor does it put many of us at ease. As students, especially those in the final years of our degree, we are concerned about penalties for labs missed due to a mass outbreak or individual contraction of COVID-19. We ask that MUN present an action plan for such an occurrence and keep students involved in decision-making that gravely affects us. Though we agree that the development of lab skills is of importance, we believe students should be given all information necessary to make an informed decision if attending an in-person lab is the right decision for them”.

In addition, Student Kira Whittaker was asked by Muse Reporter Jenna Reid if potentially contracting COVID-19 could be considered worth the risk to gain hands-on lab experience? Whittaker stated, ” many students feel they are missing out on lab experience with labs being primarily online. The safety and feeling of safety of all students should be MUN’s main priority. I have spoken to students who are at risk or have loved ones at risk of COVID due to being immunocompromised. These students are choosing to defer their semester or even drop out of courses requiring in-person attendance to avoid going to school. Then there are people like myself in the fifth year with required courses that I cannot drop and have to attend despite feeling unsafe. It is the concerns of these students that worry us the most that MUN is not listening to those that are taking losses to their education for fear of their safety and the safety of their loved ones”.

Ireland, another student, says, ” Under the “modified high” impact level, it states under density that we need to “work remote or have at least 114 sqft per person. However, pre-authorized labs, performing arts, etc., need only 52 sqft per person” I just can’t understand how it’s deemed unsafe for most of mun, but labs don’t count.”

As a result, such students believe Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador are not hearing its students’ safety concerns, and they want a plan of action regarding COVID isolation plans if the circumstance arises.

Do you think The Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador (MUNL) is bypassing epidemiological science for the sake of science students?

Click the link below to sign the petition:

https://www.change.org/p/memorial-university-of-newfoundland-move-mun-labs-online?fbclid=IwAR2AgLqJyuK5PAAoB6GoTuNzP6n3hkXpe3qlMKo-4f8k-wyAT6NkZpvWIuQ

8 Key Online Learning Tips For Students, From Students

Opinion

Jenna Reid

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January 4, 2022

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8 Key Online Learning Tips For Students, From Students

Photo Credit: Kelly Sikkema (via Unsplash)

Memorial University announced that students will be returning to an online learning environment until January 31st, 2022. With only one successful in-person semester under the university’s belt since Fall 2019, many students dread returning to online learning. Meanwhile, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to reach record-breaking case numbers across Newfoundland and Canada.

As stress levels rise due to COVID-19 and the pressures of online learning, here are eight online learning tips from fellow students that can help Memorial University students prepare and successfully start their Winter 2022 semester online.

1. Make Time for Movement

“Walking/exercising every day was essential for my mental health last online term” (SW).

“I recommend just getting up to walk around! In Residence, I would study in a room down the hall and purposely leave stuff in my room like a book I didn’t need till later or something, and when I went to get it, I wouldn’t let myself go back for more than 5 mins!” (ER).

Exercise and movement are beneficial regarding stress and overall health and well-being. So while navigating online learning, if you’re feeling stressed, try and get moving! There are many great options for exercising and general movement beyond going to the gym.

For example, Pippy Park has cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails and rentals for $5, The Loop at Bannerman Park is a great spot to go skating, The Works at MUN also has a ton of fitness facilities to check out.

2. Get Ready Everyday

“Getting ready as you would if you are going to campus is a great tip! It helped me a lot last time! PJs are great, but they take away from productivity” (LS).

“Getting dressed every day as if I were going on campus helped a lot with my lack of motivation” (SW).

Online learning makes it easy to neglect to get ready like you would be on campus in person; after all, who cares if we can keep our camera off? However, if not getting prepared impedes your productivity or makes you lazy, get ready in whatever way will make you feel good and ready to tackle the day!

3. Find a Dedicated Space for Studying

“Dedicated space that is just for studying helps me” (CG).

“This space should ideally not be close to where you eat/sleep/relax as your brain will go into an eat/sleep/relax mindset” (JH).

Although online learning can be done from anywhere, having a dedicated space for studying can make a difference regarding productivity. Whether it is a kitchen table, your desk, a cosy coffee shop, or the perfect couch corner – try and find a dedicated space for studying, see what happens!

4. Treat Online Learning like a 9-5 job

“Treat school online like a 9-5 job. Take two 15-minute breaks and an hour for lunch. If you find yourself on top of or ahead of everything, work on things that aren’t due yet. Using that method will leave evenings free 99% of the time. It will also help establish some form of routine and normalcy” (NH).

Online Learning makes it easy to work all day long. If your class schedule allows, try and take the 9-5 approach to study, even if only a few times a week. Establishing set hours for studying may increase productivity.

5. Take Breaks

“Be careful to not push for too long; 15-minute breaks after an hours’ work helps my brain stay focused” (CG).

“Taking some time to work on puzzles or brain teasers for at least 10-15 minutes per day is really useful!” (AP).

“I love playing the guitar, so I used to procrastinate with that, but now I put my hobbies in the schedule, so I know that I have time to do the things I enjoy during the day too” (Anonymous).

“I sectioned off time each day for each subject helped me stay on top on my work as well as using a Pomodoro timer to ensure I was giving myself some breaks” (VC).

“Make sure to get outside for fresh air (even for a few minutes to fell the snow)” (sic) (CG).

Breaks are crucial regarding productivity and wellness. They can allow you to return to work with a fresh mind and allow you to engage with hobbies and passion projects that make you happy. Just as a workplace will give you a break, take breaks at home.

6. Explore Studying Techniques

“Learn the spaced repetition technique. Using spaced repetition flashcard software like Anki can help you remember much more than just reading notes” (CM).

Passive studying is super easy while online learning; however, highlighting loads of information or re-reading text isn’t always efficient long-term. Instead, try different studying techniques and resources such as Anki or Quizlet. These resources encourage active recall and repetition.

7. Organize Deadlines & Important Course Dates

“On the first or second day of class, put aside some time to go through each syllabus and write down due dates for evaluations and then put them in a calendar or just in order on a sheet of paper. It has helped me through both remote and on-campus semesters to keep me on track and never miss a deadline!” (KM).

“I do really well with a schedule, so I make a study schedule, and I actually use the screen time settings on my phone to block social media, and things I know are procrastination apps during the times I want to study” (Anonymous).

During the semester, staying organized is essential, especially when online learning. There aren’t always many conversations surrounding upcoming assignments and due dates. Reviewing the syllabus and making a schedule of critical course dates at the beginning of classes is essential to a semester of success! Whether you choose to use a physical agenda, a reminder app, or Google Calendar, keeping yourself on track is one of the best things you can do!

8. Make a To-Do List

“One more thing that really helps me is making a list of things you want to accomplish with studying for the course, like I have a big list of all the lectures and assignments I want to go through like “L1, L2, A1, etc.” then I cross it off every time I finish something, which keeps me motivated to cross more things off,” (Anonymous).

“I found making myself a schedule week by week helped quite a lot” (VC).

If you are someone who loves lists, making a weekly or daily to-do list (or both) can ease your mind and keep you organized all semester. Amazon has some great daily to-do lists such as this Daily Planner; however, the notes or reminder app also works great!

Extra Tips!

“Not Covid related, but I WISH someone had told me about programs that automatically do your references for you (like Mendeley) early on in my undergrad!!” (AR).

Referencing generators save so much time; just make sure you double-check accuracy. Generators such as Mendeley or Scribbr

“I found dry lectures would make me sleepy, so I started doing those detailed colouring books or puzzles while listening! It kept me awake and engaged in what was being said!” (NB).

From One International Student to Another

Opinion

Naiyara Novera

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January 3, 2022

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From One International Student to Another

Photo by Elisa Ventur on Unsplash

People often take students for granted, let alone those students who leave home to board a plane and settle in a completely different country to pursue an academic degree. While there may be numerous obstacles, don’t worry! MUN has your back.

When I first stepped on Canadian soil from Bangladesh, I was a clueless mess. I didn’t know where to buy a Metrobus m-pass, how to use that m-pass on the fare reader on the bus, and most importantly, how to get to university from my off-campus accommodation. Yes, it sounds ridiculous but that’s how bad I was- a fish out of the water. Not to mention, it gave me severe anxiety. Thankfully, things started improving when I began communicating with people from the MUN community. When people from associations such as MUN Bangladesh Student’s Association (MUN BSA), MUN Student’s Union (MUNSU), the Internationalization office, etc., came to my support, I realized that I wasn’t the only one. With everyone’s help, I managed to get a tour of the whole city of St. John’s! If I and the students before me could do it, so can you!

One of the major issues a lot of international students face is having to deal with deteriorating mental health. Let’s face it, many of us come to Canada leaving behind family and friends hundreds of kilometres away. Some of us are from different cultures, different national rules and regulations, drastically different weather conditions, and the list goes on. Thus when we are plunged into the novel reality of a foreign country, we may find ourselves feeling all alone and depressed. My friends and I personally got so homesick that we would wistfully stare at our phones, waiting to hear our parents’ voices when time differences would make it appropriate.

It doesn’t always have to be that way. We can try to make ourselves feel better through various methods. Is boredom fueling your depression? Go watch a movie at the Scotiabank Cineplex or window-shop/shop at the Avalon Mall. Tastebuds yearning for food from home? Hop off to and deliver online from SpiceX, NJ’S Kitchen, Song Hee’s Takeout, Big Bite Pita or wherever you please. From learning a new skill to engaging yourself in a job, the sooner we distract ourselves from solitude the higher the chances we have of improving our mental health. MUN has a list of wellness resources. The Student Wellness and Counselling Center (SWCC) now provides virtual counselling, mental health support, etc. to students including sexual harassment office, student housing, etc. To get their service for wellness and counselling please contact them at swccfrontdesk@mun.ca. For academic advising, contact them at advice@mun.ca. The following further provides contact information of community-based services for urgent mental health issues by the SWCC office:

-24 hour mental health crisis line: (709)-737-4668 (local) or 1-888-737-4668 (provincial)

-24-hour walk-in Psychiatric Assessment Unit at the Waterford Hospital Site on Waterford Bridge Road (709)-777-3021 or (709)-777-3022

-More can be found on the MUN SWCC page

To choose to be an international student is to choose challenges. Fortunately, MUN and the province of NL is here to shield us from it. Once we overcome those challenges together, all that remains is a thrill for the future.

Fantastic Local Christmas Gifts and Where to Find Them

Arts & Culture

Emma Reid

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December 16, 2021

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Fantastic Local Christmas Gifts and Where to Find Them

Photo Credit: Olesia Buyar (via Unsplash)

Christmas shopping is easier now than it has ever been. With online stores that can deliver packages right to your door, and Amazon which has anything you could think of, getting a gift for a loved one has become significantly easier. But what about local vendors in Newfoundland? Shopping locally is good for the economy, and you would be surprised by what incredible handmade local items you can find if you look into it. Luckily, you don’t have to because I have found three of my favourites!

Strong Roots NL is a local vendor that sells plants and beautifully handcrafted wooden propagation stations in CBS. This vendor not only pots the plants for you, so they are ready to be put anywhere in your home, but they have all the information you need on how to properly take care of each plant. You can also make custom orders that are gift wrapped with customized notes attached. This gift is perfect for plant lovers or someone who wants to brighten up their home. Strong Roots NL can be found at the St. John’s Farmer’s Market or on their Facebook and Etsy page.

Artsirk is a local vendor that sells art/creative photography who lives in Newfoundland and Labrador. This artist uses photography and prints taken here in Newfoundland and turns them into incredibly unique pieces that still have a local twist. These prints are especially incredible because some of the locations are recognizable to Newfoundlanders, but the angles and lighting make each piece unique and original. This gift is perfect for someone who loves Newfoundland photography or a person who is homesick for NL. Artsirk can also be found at the St. John’s Farmer’s Market or on their Facebook page.

Last, but not least, Au Naturel is a local vendor that sells snacks made with all-natural ingredients and zero processed sugars. Au Naturel makes delicious snacks for everyone with fibre, protein and healthy fats using vegetables, fruits and natural sugars from honey. This vendor has many Christmas treats such as gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate bombs for the health-conscious person in your life with a weakness for sweets. Au Naturel can be found at the St. John’s Farmer’s Market or on their Facebook page.

All these local vendors are trying very hard to make unique and special items this Christmas season for you and your loved ones. If you’re the kind of person who is quick to buy a $20 shirt on amazon and pay another $20 in shipping and taxes, you should consider looking into different local stores and vendors this holiday season. Again, you will be surprised by what you will find.

Actually Decoding the Code

News

Rivers Cafferty

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December 16, 2021

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Photo Credit: Markus Spiske (via Unsplash)

The MUN student union has released a statement demanding that the Student Code of Conduct be revised immediately to remove obstructions to students’ rights to protest. I found no such obstructions, leading me to conclude that the Student Code of Conduct is flexible, or at least intentionally vague. If you search for the Code on MUN’s website, you reach a page with the headline “Decode the Code.” No further evidence is needed to prove that MUN knows that the Student Code of Conduct is convoluted. The title itself implies that the Code is ambiguous and encrypted.

Screen Shot 2021 12 16 at 12.58.24 AM — Statement Released by MUNSU on Student Rights to Dissent

The first line of the Student Code of Conduct states that “Memorial University is a learning, teaching, and working community of students, faculty, and staff, committed to providing a safe environment which is respectful to the rights…of all its members.” Recent evidence suggests that the right to protest tuition raises and to criticize the University’s president are not upheld by the Code. Reading further, one may wonder if Timmons is the “complainant” in the Matt Barter case – the one who suggested that he has violated the Code. Under “Offences,” we see the following:

IMG 80426B28516E 1 — This section was taken from “Offenses” in the Student Code of Conduct

Matt Barter does not appear to have committed an act of discrimination that violates the Human Rights Act of 2010.

Next, we have a section that reads:

“Students and members of the University community enjoy the freedom to pursue their intellectual and personal interests without interference. The objectives of the University are the pursuit of learning through scholarship, teaching and research within a spirit of free enquiry and expression. The University recognizes academic freedom and the right to free speech, creative expression, and peaceful protest, acknowledging that the common good of society depends upon the search for knowledge and its free expression.“
Memorial University’s Student Code of Conduct

This entire paragraph seems to contradict what MUN stands for today – that is the persecution and the silencing of opposing beliefs. The authors of our Student Code say that peaceful demonstrations and silent or symbolic protests are not disruptions. The words “silent” and “protest” (which are described by dictionary.com to require an elementary school level of comprehension) are defined below. Both seem to encompass the extent of Matt Barter’s demonstrations.

Credit: dictionary.com
Credit: dictionary.com

The Code itself is vague and leaves an opportunity for ambiguity, which is not ideal. Should a new revision be made as per the request of MUNSU, unclear portions of the Code should be made more legible for students. After all, how can we live by a Student Code of Conduct that we don’t fully understand?

The Sugary Drink Tax – Who Does it Hurt?

Opinion

Rivers Cafferty

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December 14, 2021

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The Sugary Drink Tax – Who Does it Hurt?

Photo Credit: Caspar Rae (via Unsplash).

A sugar-sweetened beverage tax is being put into effect in Newfoundland on April 1st, 2022. The tax is 20 cents per litre of sugary beverage. This tax represents an attempt by the government to reduce our caloric intake and make Newfoundlanders healthier. After all, if we can’t afford sugary drinks, we won’t drink them…, right?

This tax has one purpose: to collect money for the government. Who among us remembers the infamous Newfoundland book tax? Do taxes come from honourable intentions such as lowering our caloric intake? If so, then what was the book-tax designed to save us from – literacy? We must take the apparent concern over the province’s health with a grain of salt (because we can’t afford sugar).

Credit: towniememes (via Instagram)
Credit: thenewfoundlandturnip (via Instagram)
Credit: thenewfoundlandturnip (via Instagram)
Credit: thenewfoundlandturnip (via Instagram)
Credit: thenewfoundlandturnip (via Instagram)

Popular Newfoundland-based social media accounts have expressed their opinions on the sugary drink tax through memes.

The Canadian Beverage Association has pointed out that other jurisdictions that have implemented a tax on sugary drinks have not seen a significant decrease in person-by-person calorie consumption. Without exception, the tax has always led to job loss.

Browning Harvey Limited is a mass producer of soft drinks based in Newfoundland. They are celebrating their 85th anniversary in the soft drink business this year and have consistently provided jobs to the working class of Newfoundland since the 1860s. The sugary drink tax will no doubt have an impact on this proud Newfoundland-based company. Job and profit loss will follow the implementation of the tax, with no sympathy so far from the government, despite the warnings from the Canadian Beverage Association.

A similar moral dilemma concerning calorie intake in the province has occurred recently. The city of St. John’s, proprietors of the Mile One Centre, recently sold its naming rights to Mary Brown’s Chicken. Now named the Mary Brown’s Centre, our beloved entertainment venue is now a monument to the excessive caloric intake of Newfoundland’s residents. Compared to the sugary drink tax, it is hard to avoid questioning the competency of our government. Sugary drinks will cost more, but every time we attend a hockey game, we experience overexposure to the image of greasy chicken breasts and taters. The provincial government and the City of St. John’s are not on the same page.

The sugary beverage tax has also been criticized by many for being directed at the lower classes. Sugary drinks are well known as a quick and easy means of nourishment. They are mostly taken part by those in a rush, who have little spare money, and who must feed themselves on a budget. Pepsi brand products and its competitors have been a staple in working-class Newfoundland households for over 50 years. The tax won’t affect the consumption of diet beverages, but the health effects of the artificial sweeteners contained in them are controversial at best.

MUN stands by activist ban, refuses to elaborate on Matt Barter exile

News

Jacob Laybolt

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December 10, 2021

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MUN stands by activist ban, refuses to elaborate on Matt Barter exile

This Tuesday, MUN sent out a short “statement” through NEWSLINE standing by their decision to impose a ban on Matt Barter following the recent incident involving a silent sign holding protest during President Vianne Timmons’ media appearance.

2021 12 10 20.33.56 mail.google.com c88b8e30721c — Via NEWSLINE Email Newsletter, Tuesday Dec. 7

The statement maintains MUN’s no-comment policy on “individual cases”, by essentially rejecting the opportunity to clarify their current ban as seen when inquired by the CBC. To make matters worse for Barter, as explained in a discussion with SaltWire, MUN has refused to communicate with Barter about the upcoming hearing regarding his ban. The fourth year student and former MUNSU Director of Advocacy appears to be facing silence from his censors.

“I emailed asking if I can have input on who the investigator will be, but have not heard back from MUN…” said Barter to SaltWire.

Interestingly, in the statement, MUN notes that several employees have been emailed about media covering “a student who believes they have been banned from campus for protesting.” The framing of the issue suggests that Barter “believes” he is banned for protesting (insinuating that the ban is for other non-specified justifications)- however it is hard not to come to this conclusion when the ban is significantly vague and comes less than 48 hours after his protest. Furthermore, the school seems to stress that this ban is an “interim measure” without clearly identifying how long it will stay in place. Additionally, the source of the complaint is likely to remain officially obscured.

It seems Barter has found himself in a situation that could’ve been ripped straight out of Franz Kafka’s “The Trial”– wherein the protagonist has been charged over an ill-defined infraction and cannot receive any information about his hearing or offence. What little information has been shared about the hearing is that MUN is in the process of finding an “external, independent investigator”.

With the Christmas Break looming, stalling and holiday roadblocks will likely prevent an immediate bureaucratic resolution to this dispute. Furthermore, if Barter is found to be well within his academic rights (as the public verdict seems to think), this will still not compensate Barter for his spent tuition during a semester where he was banned from using campus resources, nor the time and energy spent campaigning for his justified activism. The added stress of engaging in a widely publicized resolution with the university may also impact academic performance.

In the meanwhile, Matt Barter has started a change.org petition in his own defence, which can be found here.