Good morning, It’s Friday, August 9th. In today’s news, The Supreme Court denies Jordan Peterson’s appeal to avoid ‘Re-education,’ New Human Rights Commissioner agrees to take leave of absence amidst anit-Semitic controversy, US warns Iran of ‘serious risk’ if it conducts a major attack on Israel, ‘Peaceful,’ counter-protesters call for murder in the UK, and much more.
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Supreme Court Won’t Hear Jordan Peterson’s Appeal of Professional College’s ‘Re-education’ Orders
Jordan Peterson’s legal challenge against a mandated social media training order has been dismissed by Canada’s highest court, leaving many questioning the absurdity of the charges brought against him. The Supreme Court of Canada offered no explanation for its decision to reject Peterson’s appeal, effectively ending his legal options in the country.
Peterson, a prominent psychologist and professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, was ordered by the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) to undergo social media training on professionalism. The order came after the CPO received complaints about his social media posts, which they claimed could be "degrading" to the profession and potentially amounted to professional misconduct.
What’s striking is that these complaints were about posts Peterson made in his personal capacity, not as a practicing clinical psychologist—especially considering he hasn’t seen patients since 2017. Despite this, the CPO insists that Peterson, a highly influential figure in social media, needs “re-education” by individuals who likely have far less expertise in the area than he does.
Peterson’s lawyer, Howard Levitt, called the court’s decision a “tragedy for freedom of speech in this country,” underscoring the irony of forcing one of Canada’s most skilled social media users into remedial training. The Supreme Court’s dismissal has led to Peterson’s reluctant compliance with the order, a move he has vowed to document and share publicly.
The situation highlights the increasingly absurd lengths to which regulatory bodies are going in their attempts to police speech and behaviour, even when it occurs outside of a professional context. It raises serious concerns about the state of free expression in Canada and the potential consequences for others who might dare to voice unpopular opinions.
Our Thoughts: In 1984, the protagonist, Winston Smith, is arrested by the Thought Police and subjected to brutal re-education at the Ministry of Love. This facility is less about education and more about breaking down individuals until they fully submit to the Party’s ideology. Through intense psychological and physical torture, Winston is forced to betray his deepest beliefs and ultimately comes to love Big Brother, the figurehead of the oppressive regime.
Orwell's depiction of re-education is a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked state power and the lengths to which authoritarian regimes will go to maintain control over their citizens. The ultimate goal is not just to suppress opposition but to eradicate the possibility of it ever arising again by reshaping reality and identity according to the regime’s desires. And while this might be limited to the CPO for now, we're wandering dangerously far down the wrong path.
New Human Rights Commissioner Agrees to 'Take Leave' for Anti-semitism, as Independent Review Concludes
Birju Dattani, recently appointed as the chief commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC), has agreed to take leave while an independent review of his appointment is considered. This decision was announced by Justice Minister Arif Virani, following concerns raised by Jewish advocacy groups about anti-Israel posts Dattani made. Dattani, the first Muslim and racialized person to head the CHRC, was scheduled to start his role on August 8th.
The controversy began when it was discovered that Dattani shared content in the past, including an article comparing Palestinians to prisoners in the Warsaw Ghetto. Although Dattani denies agreeing with the article's argument and rejects other accusations against him, the situation has led to calls from opposition Conservatives for his removal. The minister has yet to make a final decision, and the review findings will be made public soon.
Critics have also questioned the federal government’s vetting process, noting that an "administrative oversight" prevented officials from fully investigating the aliases Dattani provided.
US Warns Iran of ‘Serious Risk’ if it Conducts Major Attack on Israel
The US has issued a stern warning to Iran, cautioning that its newly elected government and economy could face severe consequences if Iran launches a significant attack against Israel. The warning delivered both directly and through intermediaries, emphasizes the high risk of escalation and potential repercussions for Iran’s stability.
The Biden administration is working to prevent military action from Iran, its proxies, or Israel while maintaining readiness to defend Israel if necessary. US military forces, including stealth fighters and destroyers, have been deployed to the region. Despite this, US officials are uncertain about the timing or scope of any potential Iranian response, especially in light of past retaliatory actions and the possibility of a coordinated attack with Hezbollah. More
UK Update: ‘Peaceful’ Counter-protesters Call for Murder, 4chan Trolls Descend on Police, Gov Warns Social Media Companies
Counter-protester and Councillor Call for Murder
A viral video shows Labour councillor Ricky Jones calling for the murder of anti-immigration protesters at a counter-demonstration in Walthamstow, East London. Jones, who also led chants of "Free, free Palestine," was arrested and suspended from the Labour Party following the incident. Shockingly, an Amnesty International UK staff member was seen cheering and clapping at Jones' comments, but the organization has yet to issue a statement condemning the behaviour. More
Trolls Descend on UK Police
As UK police intensify efforts to arrest individuals inciting violence against immigrants through social media, users on 4chan's /pol/ board are trolling the Manchester Police by submitting prank reports via the UK’s online live reporting system. The trolling comes amid ongoing riots across England and Northern Ireland following a stabbing spree by a 17-year-old in a small town. Anonymous users on 4chan are sharing screenshots of their absurd and often vulgar reports to the police, who are responding by urging them to stop wasting time. More
Social Media Platforms Warned
Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, has expressed concern over social media being used to incite violence amid far-right riots across the country. In an open letter, Ofcom's online safety director, Gill Whitehead, urged platforms to address content promoting violence, hatred, and disinformation, particularly in light of the recent unrest sparked by a stabbing incident in Southport. Ofcom highlighted its current powers over video-sharing platforms and the forthcoming broader enforcement under the Online Safety Act, which will grant it more authority over social media. More
Ottawa Capital Pride Joins Boycott Against Israel
Capital Pride, the organization behind Ottawa's annual Pride parade, has announced its support for the Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, accusing Israel of genocide and "pinkwashing." The group pledged to boycott Israeli organizations and to highlight what it calls the "ongoing genocide against Palestinians" during its events. Dan Pujdak, a Jewish member of Ottawa’s LGBTQ+ community, criticized the decision, arguing it goes beyond Pride’s mandate and risks alienating local participants. Despite acknowledging rising antisemitism, Capital Pride’s statement has been criticized for lacking concrete actions to address the issue. More
Tiny Thought: Aside from Israel, it seems like those in the LGBT+ community supporting Palestine might not fully grasp how Palestinians view them. Maybe someone should let them know that sometimes it's okay just to stay quiet.
Sheikh Hasina Won’t Return to Bangladesh, Claims Pakistan and US Stoked Protests
Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh's longest-serving prime minister, resigned and fled the country amid mass protests against her government. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, confirmed that Hasina has no plans to return to Bangladesh, marking the end of a political era for the family that shaped the nation's history. Hasina, who led Bangladesh since 2009, oversaw significant economic progress but faced criticism for authoritarian practices. She is currently in Delhi, and her future residence is undecided. Wazed accused Pakistan and the US of contributing to the unrest that led to her ousting. More
Former Elections Worker Fined $1,250 for Voting Twice in 2019 Federal Election
The Commissioner of Canada Elections has issued fines for electoral violations, including a $1,250 penalty to a Montreal man, David Gilchrist, who voted twice in the 2019 federal election. Gilchrist admitted to casting ballots in two different districts to "test the electoral system." Another fine was handed to Qinan Feng, a non-citizen who attempted to vote in the 2021 election. These fines come amid growing concerns about election integrity as the 2025 federal election approaches. More
Tiny Thought: The problem here is that he was able to cast two votes. Fining him later doesn’t fix the problem.
Canada Pulls Diplomats’ Kids out of Israel as Fear of Broader War Builds
The Canadian government has temporarily relocated diplomats' children and their guardians from Israel to a safe third country due to concerns about an escalating conflict in the Middle East. While embassy staff will remain in Israel, Global Affairs Canada confirmed that embassies in Tel Aviv, Beirut, and the West Bank will continue to operate fully and provide essential services. Diplomatic staff in Lebanon and the West Bank, who do not have dependents with them, will stay in place, receiving regular updates on the situation. More
Study: Canadian Economy’s Underperformance Has Been an Ongoing Problem and Is ‘Worsening’
Canada's economic decline isn't just a recent phenomenon—it's been brewing for over a decade and is now reaching critical levels, according to a damning Fraser Institute study. Long before the pandemic, Canada's economy was already falling behind its global peers in the OECD, with troubling trends in business investment, productivity, and GDP per capita. From 2007 to 2019, Canada's GDP per capita growth was a meagre 7.2%, placing it a dismal 19th among 31 OECD countries. The report warns that Canada's economic foundation is crumbling, with business investment plummeting and productivity gains lagging behind the global average. These issues signal not just a slowdown, but a looming crisis that threatens the nation's long-term economic stability. More
Samsung is Recalling 1 Million Stoves That Let Pets Set Homes on Fire
Samsung is recalling knobs on some electric stoves due to fire hazards caused by accidental activation from pets or people bumping into them. Videos have shown pets igniting fires by jumping on stoves, and a recent incident in Colorado involved a dog causing a house fire by activating the stove (above). The Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported over 300 incidents involving accidental activations, resulting in about 250 fires and several injuries. The recall affects about 1.1 million units sold between 2013 and 2024. Samsung will provide free knob locks or covers to address the issue. More
Bank of Canada Names Experts to Assess Its Internal Review of Pandemic Policy Actions
The Bank of Canada has appointed three experts to assess its internal review of the central bank’s policy response to COVID-19. They include Pablo Hernández de Cos, former governor of the Bank of Spain, Kristin J. Forbes, former member of the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee, and Trevor Tombe, an economics professor at the University of Calgary. The review, initiated in June by Bank of Canada deputy governor Sharon Kozicki, aims to highlight lessons from the bank’s actions during the pandemic. This included cutting interest rates to near-zero in March 2020 and launching its first quantitative easing program by purchasing government bonds to lower interest rates further. The Bank plans to publish the internal review and external assessment by year-end. More
Sleepbusting Earbuds Detect Drowsiness to Save Lives on the Road
UC Berkeley researchers have developed prototype earbuds that detect drowsiness-related brain activity, potentially saving lives by preventing drowsy driving. These earbuds function as mini EEG devices, monitoring alpha waves linked to sleep onset and alerting users when they become dangerously tired. When the earbuds detect drowsiness, they send a warning to the user. Tested with a promising 93% accuracy, they could be used not only for drivers but also in industries like construction and mining. Challenges include improving signal quality, ensuring a universal fit, and optimizing battery life. The team is also exploring additional features like monitoring heart rate and eye movements. More
Perseid Meteor Shower Set to Dazzle: Peak Viewing Approaches
The Perseid meteor shower, one of the year's most anticipated celestial events, will peak from August 11th to 13th. With ideal conditions, including a moonless night, viewers could see up to 100 meteors per hour. Originating from the Swift-Tuttle comet, the meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus. More
Banksy Unveils 3rd Animal Artwork in 3 Days in London
Over the past three days, Banksy has transformed London with three new animal-themed murals. The latest, in East London, features monkeys climbing train tracks, while earlier works include a horned goat facing a security camera in Richmond upon Thames and two silhouetted elephants reaching for each other from boarded windows in Chelsea. Though Banksy hasn’t explained the murals, fans speculate they comment on environmentalism or surveillance. Banksy, known for politically charged art, recently sparked controversy with a refugee-themed display at the Glastonbury Festival. More
USA Advances to Play France in Men's Basketball Final After Stunning Comeback vs. Serbia
In a thrilling Olympic semifinal, the USA rallied from a 17-point deficit to defeat Serbia 95-91 and advance to the gold medal game. LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant were pivotal in the comeback, with Curry scoring 36 points and James recording a triple-double. Despite Serbia's strong start, their shooting faltered in the final quarter, allowing the USA to pull ahead.
In the other semifinal, France edged out Germany 73-69. Guerschon Yabusele led France with 17 points, and Victor Wembanyama added 11 points and 7 rebounds. France will face the USA in the gold medal game, while Serbia and Germany will compete for third place. More
Break Dancing Makes its Olympic Debut in 2024
Breaking, a competitive form of breakdancing, makes its Olympic debut at the 2024 Paris Games, though it's likely a one-time event as it won't feature in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Originating from the 1970s Bronx hip-hop scene, breaking gained popularity in France during the 1980s and 1990s. The competition will take place on August 9-10 at Place de la Concorde, with top contenders like B-boy Victor from the USA and B-boy Dany Dann from France. Despite skepticism from some in the sports world, breaking has sparked interest, with the International Olympic Committee promoting it heavily. More
Farmers Honour 'Peanuts' Creator Charles M. Schulz with Corn Mazes Across US and Canada - This summer and fall, over 80 farms in the U.S. and Canada have created "Peanuts"-themed corn mazes to celebrate the comic strip's 75th anniversary. Featuring designs like Snoopy atop his doghouse, these mazes span 35 states and provinces and are expected to draw over 2 million visitors.
Angry Father Shoots at Beauty Pageant Judges After Daughter Gets Only 4th Place - A regional beauty pageant in Altamira, Brazil ended in tragedy after the father of one of the contestants started shooting at the judges because his daughter had only gotten fourth place. The venue where the beauty pageant had taken place was staffed by private security and military police, but the angry father didn’t seem to care, and at one point took out a gun and attempted to shoot at one of the judges, only to be shot at by police.
Dolce & Gabbana Launches Fefé, a $108 Perfume for Dogs - Italian fashion label Dolce & Gabbana is taking the canine perfume world by storm with Fefé, an “olfactory masterpiece” created by a master perfumer that will leave your pooch smelling like a million bucks… If you’re ridiculous enough to buy it haha