TikTok PsyOp 😵💫
Where news meets rational thinking
Good morning, It’s Tuesday, August 13th. In today’s news, the Chamber of Commerce wants Chretien-era cuts to federal spending, Study finds that China is rigging Tiktok’s algorithm, Jagmeet Singh faces growing calls for his resignation, Europe’s largest nuclear powerplant is on fire as Russia and Ukraine trade blame, and much more.
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15% CUTS: Chamber of Commerce Wants Chretien-era Austerity Cuts to Federal Spending
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has made a significant recommendation to the Commons Finance Committee, urging the federal government to implement a 15% reduction in spending. This would represent the steepest budget cuts in 30 years, reminiscent of the austerity measures undertaken by then-Prime Minister Jean Chretien in 1995. Those cuts eliminated 45,000 federal jobs, equating to 14% of the federal workforce, and drastically reduced funding for programs such as foreign aid and the CBC.
The Chamber's call comes in response to concerns about Canada’s growing federal debt and the lack of a balanced budget since 2007. They stressed the importance of conducting a government-wide review to identify potential savings that could amount to $80.2 billion, considering federal spending is projected to reach $534.6 billion next year.
In the 1995 austerity drive, significant measures included raising corporate taxes by 12.5%, privatizing major entities like Canadian National Railways and NAV Canada, and cutting dairy subsidies by 30%. The current situation reflects growing concerns about the long-term financial health of the country, with Trudeau’s Cabinet having raised the federal debt ceiling by a trillion dollars in the past three years to a record $2.13 trillion.
During a Senate National Finance Committee session, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland defended the government's fiscal policy, asserting that it remains responsible despite criticism that the current trajectory is burdening future generations with unsustainable debt. Freeland’s April 16 budget emphasized fairness for all generations, but the Chamber and some senators remain unconvinced, arguing that without significant cuts, the government is risking Canada's economic future.
The Chamber’s recommendation is seen as a call to action for the government to adopt a more fiscally conservative approach, similar to the drastic measures taken in the mid-1990s, to ensure long-term economic stability. More
TikTok PsyOp: Study Finds China Rigs TikTok Algorithms
A study by Rutgers University and the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) reveals that TikTok's algorithms suppress content critical of China's human rights abuses and amplify pro-China propaganda. Researchers found that TikTok actively hides discussions about sensitive issues like ethnic genocide and human rights violations while promoting content that supports the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and distracts users with irrelevant material.
The study, which involved creating accounts across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, discovered that TikTok significantly biases search results in favour of pro-China content. For example, only 2.3% of search results for "Xinjiang" on TikTok were critical of China, compared to 21.7% on YouTube and 17.3% on Instagram. Similarly, searches related to "Tiananmen" yielded 26% pro-China content on TikTok, while only 7.7% on YouTube and 16.3% on Instagram. For "Tibet," TikTok showed the least amount of anti-China content (5%) and the most pro-China content (30.1%) among the platforms analyzed.
TikTok’s algorithm not only suppresses content critical of the CCP but also promotes distractions and irrelevant content through mechanisms like influencers and lifestyle accounts linked to the CCP. This manipulation aims to shape user perceptions, making the platform a tool for psychological influence and to sway public opinion in favour of Chinese state narratives.
The study also surveyed 1,214 American TikTok users, finding that heavy users (those spending over three hours daily) showed a 49% increase in positive views towards China's human rights record. In contrast, YouTube and Instagram users exhibited no significant change in perceptions. The research suggests that TikTok’s tailored content can effectively indoctrinate its users, particularly young Americans, by aligning their views with CCP propaganda.
TikTok has criticized the study as flawed and claimed it misrepresents the platform’s operations. However, the findings underscore concerns about TikTok’s potential use as a tool for the CCP to influence American opinions and undermine democratic values. Researchers call for increased accountability and transparency from social media platforms to prevent such manipulation. More
Jagmeet Singh Faces Growing Calls for His Resignation from Progressives
Jagmeet Singh, after nearly seven years as the federal NDP leader, is facing increasing calls to step down from those within the party who feel he’s failing to provide a clear vision or make significant electoral gains.
Columnist David Moscrop argued that if the NDP's 2025 election performance resembles the disappointing results of 2019 and 2021, the party will need to replace Singh. He highlighted how the NDP has influenced Liberal policies but hasn't received any credit, instead faces blame for supporting an unpopular government. This frustration has led some provincial NDP leaders, like Alberta's Naheed Nenshi, to advocate for separating from the federal party, suggesting that the provincial party no longer needs federal affiliation.
The push for Singh to step down is echoed by a former NDP staffer, who expressed disillusionment with his leadership, criticizing the party's lack of strategic direction and focus on simply maintaining its current status. The staffer argued that the NDP needs a new leader with a fresh vision, capable of resetting the party's course. More
Tiny Thought: With disillusionment spreading among NDP supporters and significant provincial pushback, including the defection of five or six BC NDP MLAs this year alone, the future of the NDP seems increasingly uncertain if Singh refuses to step down.
'Extremely Unusual': Retired US General Reacts to Biden Sending Guided-missile Submarines to the Middle East
In the past week, the US has significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East in response to potential threats from Iran and its proxies. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered a guided-missile submarine, the USS Georgia, to the Middle East and accelerated the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to the region. This move is highly unusual, as the movements of such nuclear-powered submarines are rarely made public. It seems the US is aiming to deter aggression from Iran and its allies by displaying a strong military presence—hopefully, this strategy will be effective. More
Europe’s Largest Nuclear Power Plant on Fire as Ukraine and Russia Trade Blame
Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of causing a fire at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Ukrainian President Zelensky claimed Russian forces, who have occupied the plant since 2022, started the fire as an act of "blackmail." Meanwhile, the Kremlin-appointed governor of Zaporizhzhia blamed Ukrainian shelling for the blaze. The UN's nuclear watchdog confirmed seeing smoke but reported no impact on nuclear safety at this time. More
Kenyan Cult Leader on Trial for the Deaths of More Than 400 Followers
The leader of a Kenyan cult, Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, went on trial for manslaughter after more than 400 of his followers died in what is now known as the "Shakahola Forest Massacre." Mackenzie and dozens of other suspects, who have pleaded not guilty, are accused of inciting followers to starve themselves to "meet Jesus." This case, which involves charges of terrorism, murder, and child cruelty, has shocked Kenya and the world. Prosecutors have prepared 420 witnesses for the trial, which is one of the most significant manslaughter cases in history. More
New Canadian Human Rights Commissioner Says He's Resigning
Birju Dattani, the incoming chief of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, resigned after weeks of controversy surrounding his appointment. Concerns arose due to past anti-Israel social media posts. Following an independent probe ordered by the federal justice minister, Dattani was found to have "intentionally omitted" information about his past activities during the vetting process. Amid backlash from various groups, including Jewish organizations, and criticism of his transparency, Dattani stepped down, effective immediately. More
Putin Vows to ‘Kick Enemy Out of Russia’ as Ukraine’s Cross-border Incursion Expands to Dozens of Villages
Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to “kick the enemy out” of Russian territory after it was revealed that Ukrainian troops had captured dozens of villages and significant land areas in a surprise cross-border incursion. During a meeting with officials from the affected regions and top security personnel, it was reported that Ukrainian forces had advanced up to 12 kilometres into Russia, taking control of around 28 settlements in the Kursk region and covering approximately 1,000 square kilometres. This development has led to mass evacuations in the border regions. Putin condemned the incursion as an attempt by Ukraine to strengthen its negotiating position and instructed his defence officials to push the Ukrainian forces out. More
CBC Paid Over $18 Million in Bonuses in 2024 After It Eliminated Hundreds of Jobs
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) paid out $18.4 million in bonuses for the 2023-24 fiscal year, despite eliminating hundreds of jobs. The bonuses were distributed among 1,194 employees, with $3.3 million going to 45 executives, averaging over $73,000 per executive. This amount exceeds the median family income after taxes in Canada for 2022. The CBC board approved these bonuses in June but has not disclosed the exact figures, despite repeated inquiries from Parliament. The layoffs included 141 employees and the elimination of 205 vacant positions. More
Goodyear to Receive $64 Million in Government Funding to Produce EV Tires
Goodyear Canada is investing over $575 million to expand and modernize its Napanee, Ontario plant. The federal government is contributing up to $44.3 million through the Strategic Innovation Fund, while the Ontario government is providing $20 million via Invest Ontario. This project aims to create 200 new jobs by 2027 and achieve net-zero emissions at the plant by 2040. The expansion will focus on producing electric vehicles and all-terrain tires while improving energy efficiency. More
Tiny Thought: More of our tax dollars going to things we don't want.
Warren Buffett’s Sale of 510 Million Apple Shares Will Go Down as One of the Best Bets of His Career
In the first half of 2024, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway sold about 56% of its massive Apple stock holdings, amounting to roughly 510 million shares. This selloff, part of a broader strategy to adopt a more defensive stance in a pricey market, significantly boosted Berkshire’s cash reserves from $189 billion to $278 billion. Despite the large sale, Apple remains Berkshire's largest equity holding. Buffett’s move appears to be a strategic "sell high" decision, capitalizing on Apple’s soaring valuation. Although he missed the peak price, Buffett's sale was a calculated effort to lock in profits amidst high market expectations. More
Underground Reservoir on Mars Could Fill Oceans on the Planet’s Surface
New research from retired NASA data reveals a significant underground water reservoir on Mars. Data from NASA's InSight lander, which operated from 2018 to 2022, indicates that water trapped in tiny cracks and pores within the Martian crust could cover the planet to a depth of about 1 mile (1.6 km). This water, located 7 to 12 miles (11.5 to 20 km) below the surface, presents a challenging environment for future astronauts to access but offers new insights into Mars' geological history and potential for life. The findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, also suggest that Mars' ancient climate was once wetter than previously understood. More
Scientists Unlock Secrets of 4,000-year-old Babylonian Tablets - and Find Terrifying Predictions for Future
Researchers have translated and analyzed ancient Babylonian tablets, revealing that these 4,000-year-old artifacts predicted future disasters based on astronomical events. The tablets, discovered over a century ago in modern-day Iraq, include 61 omens linked to lunar eclipses, which Babylonians associated with natural disasters and significant events. Predictions included warnings of a king's death, famine, and invasions. This research, the first complete translation of these texts, sheds light on how the Babylonians used celestial events to forecast calamities and guide their rulers. The omens suggest a sophisticated system of celestial observation and ritual response to protect the king and the state. More
Drake Gets the Ball Rolling to Save Football Club from Bankruptcy
Drake helped save Italian football club Venezia FC from bankruptcy ahead of the 2023-2024 season by rallying investors to raise $40 million within two weeks. His involvement ensured the club's financial stability, avoiding demotion and allowing them to win promotion to Serie A. Drake also collaborated with his Nocta fashion line to design the team’s new kits, and there are future plans to build a new stadium and indoor arena. More
Baseball is Back in the Olympics in 2028
Baseball is set to return to the Olympics for the 2028 Los Angeles Games after being excluded from the 2024 Paris Games. Commissioner Rob Manfred is open to including Major League players, though recent events, like Edwin Díaz's injury at the World Baseball Classic, highlight the risks. In the past, MLB limited participation to players not on 40-man rosters, which affected the tournament's appeal. A potential solution could be to allow top minor league prospects instead of current major leaguers, creating a showcase similar to the All-Star Futures Game. While this approach could introduce fans to emerging talents, the success of such a team remains uncertain. More
Auston Matthews to be Named Maple Leafs Captain, Taking Over for John Tavares
Auston Matthews is set to become the next captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, taking over the team’s top leadership role from teammate John Tavares. The Leafs called a press conference for 11 am on Wednesday where they will announce the change officially. The leadership shakeup comes after senior members of the organization vowed to consider every potential avenue to alter the team’s dynamic following a seven-game, first-round loss to the Boston Bruins in May.
Archaeologists Unearth Ancient Shopping Receipt Dating Back Hundreds of Years - a 15th-century BC Akkadian cuneiform tablet was inscribed with an administrative record, or receipt, sharing a large amount of furniture shopping. The discovery was made in Aççana Höyük, known as Eski Alalah, in Turkey.
Student Dreams of Stadiums Harnessing Crowd Noise for Electricity–Inspired by Monsters Inc. - Inspired by Pixar's *Monsters, Inc.*, high school senior Gyeongyun Lily Min designed a system to convert stadium noise into electricity using the piezoelectric effect. She tested the idea with a scale model, generating small amounts of power. Though the results were modest, Gyeongyun believes that with better equipment, the concept could significantly reduce energy consumption in sports arenas and urban environments.
On this day in 1942 The 'Manhattan Project' commences, under the direction of US General Leslie Groves: its aim - to deliver an atomic bomb
Love the content! We just need a spell checker so there isn’t minor confusion within the first few sentences. I was really wondering about Creitans time of arrival there😅