Elithmord 🇨🇦
@jemburch.bsky.social
PhD candidate (Political Science) | Sessional Instructor (Quantitative Method) | Recovering public servant | Huge nerd (SCA, LARP, TTRPGs)
Expect posts about Canadian news (often political) and nerdy pursuits. Opinions my own and likely to be unhinged.
Expect posts about Canadian news (often political) and nerdy pursuits. Opinions my own and likely to be unhinged.
Reposted by Elithmord 🇨🇦
✨New article out in International Studies Review✨
NGOs are facing backlash, shrinking civic space & increased competition. Here I examine how NGOs can respond by adding new legal entities; or changing funding models.
doi.org/10.1093/isr/...
NGOs are facing backlash, shrinking civic space & increased competition. Here I examine how NGOs can respond by adding new legal entities; or changing funding models.
doi.org/10.1093/isr/...
January 19, 2026 at 11:01 PM
✨New article out in International Studies Review✨
NGOs are facing backlash, shrinking civic space & increased competition. Here I examine how NGOs can respond by adding new legal entities; or changing funding models.
doi.org/10.1093/isr/...
NGOs are facing backlash, shrinking civic space & increased competition. Here I examine how NGOs can respond by adding new legal entities; or changing funding models.
doi.org/10.1093/isr/...
"By taking our sign out of the window, he is inviting the wrath of the United States. He’s also inviting us to imagine a world where we don’t have to fear it."
#CNDPoli
#CNDPoli
My latest: Mark Carney just delivered the most important speech in recent Canadian history. Now, we wait for the fallout. #cdnpoli
www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/20/o...
www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/20/o...
Mark Carney just shook up the world
His speech in Davos might be the most important one ever delivered by a Canadian prime minister. Its consequences will determine his place in history — and ours.
www.nationalobserver.com
January 20, 2026 at 7:13 PM
"By taking our sign out of the window, he is inviting the wrath of the United States. He’s also inviting us to imagine a world where we don’t have to fear it."
#CNDPoli
#CNDPoli
In fairness, I *have* been listening to myself churn a lot lately...
January 20, 2026 at 1:06 PM
In fairness, I *have* been listening to myself churn a lot lately...
Reposted by Elithmord 🇨🇦
COW TOOLS COW TOOLS COW TOOLS
Back-scratching bovine leads scientists to reassess intelligence of cows
Brown Swiss in Austria has been discovered using tools in multiple ways – something only ever seen in humans and chimpanzees
www.theguardian.com
January 19, 2026 at 4:06 PM
COW TOOLS COW TOOLS COW TOOLS
Reposted by Elithmord 🇨🇦
Polling conducted by the Pew Research Center indicated that 64% of Canadians held a negative view of the US in 2025
77%, lack confidence in Trump. 9-in-10 respondents described him as "arrogant", and 3/4 🇨🇦 said they believe he is "dangerous".
www.bbc.com/news/article...
77%, lack confidence in Trump. 9-in-10 respondents described him as "arrogant", and 3/4 🇨🇦 said they believe he is "dangerous".
www.bbc.com/news/article...
January 18, 2026 at 6:06 PM
Polling conducted by the Pew Research Center indicated that 64% of Canadians held a negative view of the US in 2025
77%, lack confidence in Trump. 9-in-10 respondents described him as "arrogant", and 3/4 🇨🇦 said they believe he is "dangerous".
www.bbc.com/news/article...
77%, lack confidence in Trump. 9-in-10 respondents described him as "arrogant", and 3/4 🇨🇦 said they believe he is "dangerous".
www.bbc.com/news/article...
[Cries in political scientist]
damn what is wrong with me, i am having the hardest time concentrating on work, i lament as i compulsively refresh live feeds of unspeakable horrors
January 18, 2026 at 9:58 AM
[Cries in political scientist]
Reposted by Elithmord 🇨🇦
A new pygmy hippo baby was born at Khao Kheow Open Zoo~this is Tum Pui, Moo Deng's nephew~he is super bouncy, has chubby cheeks, and is being a little naughty, according to the zoo🫶
[Cr. Khao Kheow Open Zoo]
[Cr. Khao Kheow Open Zoo]
January 16, 2026 at 2:09 PM
A new pygmy hippo baby was born at Khao Kheow Open Zoo~this is Tum Pui, Moo Deng's nephew~he is super bouncy, has chubby cheeks, and is being a little naughty, according to the zoo🫶
[Cr. Khao Kheow Open Zoo]
[Cr. Khao Kheow Open Zoo]
Reposted by Elithmord 🇨🇦
Latest papers: Katherine Puddifoot describes how people are unjustly prevented from effectively managing their fear and anxiety in this open access article doi.org/10.1080/0951... #philsky #philpsy
January 17, 2026 at 7:46 AM
Latest papers: Katherine Puddifoot describes how people are unjustly prevented from effectively managing their fear and anxiety in this open access article doi.org/10.1080/0951... #philsky #philpsy
Reposted by Elithmord 🇨🇦
The next Crave Original Series:
Hurry Hard.
Hurry Hard.
I fully expect a Heated Rivalry, curling edition to be the next big hit.
January 17, 2026 at 12:07 AM
The next Crave Original Series:
Hurry Hard.
Hurry Hard.
Reposted by Elithmord 🇨🇦
"Vast majority of men are only willing to engage in public violence if they feel like the people around them will approve of — and reward them for — that violence. ICE Watch works because it surrounds men seeking approval with people loudly expressing their disapproval."
www.ms.now/opinion/minn...
www.ms.now/opinion/minn...
January 17, 2026 at 4:51 AM
"Vast majority of men are only willing to engage in public violence if they feel like the people around them will approve of — and reward them for — that violence. ICE Watch works because it surrounds men seeking approval with people loudly expressing their disapproval."
www.ms.now/opinion/minn...
www.ms.now/opinion/minn...
Reposted by Elithmord 🇨🇦
“Old stock white Canadians, and that’s us, and we don’t have to apologize for this room being filled with white people,” said Sylvestre. “This used to be what Alberta was. We’re not apologizing for being ourselves.”
Out loud now.
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
edmontonjournal.com/news/local-n...
Out loud now.
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
edmontonjournal.com/news/local-n...
Anti-racism watchdog fields complaint arising from immigration comments made at separatist town hall
he complainant said Alberta Prosperity Project CEO Mitch Sylvestre made several inflammatory comments about immigrants during the town hall.
edmontonjournal.com
January 17, 2026 at 5:16 AM
“Old stock white Canadians, and that’s us, and we don’t have to apologize for this room being filled with white people,” said Sylvestre. “This used to be what Alberta was. We’re not apologizing for being ourselves.”
Out loud now.
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
edmontonjournal.com/news/local-n...
Out loud now.
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
edmontonjournal.com/news/local-n...
The state of the discourse reminds me a bit of the role of asset-backed derivative swaps in the 2008 financial crisis. All manner of people who should have been asking sharp questions instead wanted to pretend they already understood.
Canada’s AI Minister “has been accused of naively embracing AI rather than working to mitigate its harms, and of listening mostly to voices from the tech sector—those who stand to benefit most from rapid AI adoption.”
Good article on the issues with Evan Solomon’s approach to tech and AI.
Good article on the issues with Evan Solomon’s approach to tech and AI.
Evan Solomon Wants Canada to Trust AI. Can We Trust Evan Solomon? | The Walrus
The journalist-turned-minister says the tech will make us richer and regulation should be “light”
thewalrus.ca
January 17, 2026 at 12:05 AM
The state of the discourse reminds me a bit of the role of asset-backed derivative swaps in the 2008 financial crisis. All manner of people who should have been asking sharp questions instead wanted to pretend they already understood.
Reposted by Elithmord 🇨🇦
"Less patriotic than a literal separatist party" is certainly a look for Canada's Conservatives.
Among Those Who Say To Defend Our Nation:
All: 59%
New Democrats: 78%
Liberals: 73%
Bloc Quebecois: 46%
Conservatives: 38%
All: 59%
New Democrats: 78%
Liberals: 73%
Bloc Quebecois: 46%
Conservatives: 38%
"If Canada were ever to face a situation in which the United States used military force against Canadian territory, what do you believe should be Canada primary response?"
Defend and Fight: 59%
Avoid Fighting - Make Concessions: 24%
EKOS / Jan 14, 2026 / n=1012 / MOE 3.1% / IVR
Defend and Fight: 59%
Avoid Fighting - Make Concessions: 24%
EKOS / Jan 14, 2026 / n=1012 / MOE 3.1% / IVR
January 16, 2026 at 7:57 PM
"Less patriotic than a literal separatist party" is certainly a look for Canada's Conservatives.
Reposted by Elithmord 🇨🇦
Conservatives would rather roll over than fight for our nation. Voters with the separatist Bloc Quebecois will stand with Canada.
I saw this on my parliamentary trips to Europe and NATO. None of Poilievre's MPs bothered to show up. Bloc MPs came and worked with us to advance a strong Canada agenda.
I saw this on my parliamentary trips to Europe and NATO. None of Poilievre's MPs bothered to show up. Bloc MPs came and worked with us to advance a strong Canada agenda.
January 16, 2026 at 9:55 PM
Conservatives would rather roll over than fight for our nation. Voters with the separatist Bloc Quebecois will stand with Canada.
I saw this on my parliamentary trips to Europe and NATO. None of Poilievre's MPs bothered to show up. Bloc MPs came and worked with us to advance a strong Canada agenda.
I saw this on my parliamentary trips to Europe and NATO. None of Poilievre's MPs bothered to show up. Bloc MPs came and worked with us to advance a strong Canada agenda.
Chat, is it a good thing that I keep seeing people riffing on Yeats' The Second Coming?
It's been a long time since English Lit 12.
It's been a long time since English Lit 12.
January 16, 2026 at 1:53 PM
Chat, is it a good thing that I keep seeing people riffing on Yeats' The Second Coming?
It's been a long time since English Lit 12.
It's been a long time since English Lit 12.
"If the [Trump] administration wants to retaliate and engage in a de facto defence of non-consensual sexual images and child sexual abuse material, the best response is to let them."
thetyee.ca/Opinion/2026...
thetyee.ca/Opinion/2026...
Why Poilievre and Carney Are Silent on Grok’s Child Sexual Abuse | The Tyee
The Liberals are afraid of Trump. The Conservatives fear their base.
thetyee.ca
January 16, 2026 at 8:04 AM
"If the [Trump] administration wants to retaliate and engage in a de facto defence of non-consensual sexual images and child sexual abuse material, the best response is to let them."
thetyee.ca/Opinion/2026...
thetyee.ca/Opinion/2026...
Reposted by Elithmord 🇨🇦
wikipedia turns 25 today! the last unenshittified major website! backbone of online info! triumph of humanity! powered by urge of unpaid randos to correct each other! somehow mostly reliable! "good thing wikipedia works in practice, because it sure doesn't work in theory" - old wiki adage
January 15, 2026 at 1:47 PM
wikipedia turns 25 today! the last unenshittified major website! backbone of online info! triumph of humanity! powered by urge of unpaid randos to correct each other! somehow mostly reliable! "good thing wikipedia works in practice, because it sure doesn't work in theory" - old wiki adage
"Vancouver has slipped dramatically down Numbeo’s annual ranking since the earliest available data on its database."
From 16th in 2012 to 87th in 2026 - yikes.
dailyhive.com/vancouver/va...
From 16th in 2012 to 87th in 2026 - yikes.
dailyhive.com/vancouver/va...
Vancouver's quality of life continues plummet down ranking of world cities | Urbanized
A new ranking has revealed that Vancouver's quality of life has drastically worsened when compared to other cities around the world.
dailyhive.com
January 15, 2026 at 11:23 AM
"Vancouver has slipped dramatically down Numbeo’s annual ranking since the earliest available data on its database."
From 16th in 2012 to 87th in 2026 - yikes.
dailyhive.com/vancouver/va...
From 16th in 2012 to 87th in 2026 - yikes.
dailyhive.com/vancouver/va...
Reposted by Elithmord 🇨🇦
Why do people who should know better keep being shocked that artists don’t want to be replaced by AI?
Well, this has been one of the most swift, brutal, and efficient backlashes in recent memory!
January 15, 2026 at 12:03 AM
Why do people who should know better keep being shocked that artists don’t want to be replaced by AI?
Reposted by Elithmord 🇨🇦
The American owned Sun media chain are doing the propaganda work of quislings.
January 14, 2026 at 2:22 PM
The American owned Sun media chain are doing the propaganda work of quislings.
Reposted by Elithmord 🇨🇦
Perennial reminder of this excellent paper about how secret police forces are swamped with underachievers
“We don’t want clever people. We want mediocrities.”
(Ungated summary here ajps.org/2019/10/08/w...)
“We don’t want clever people. We want mediocrities.”
(Ungated summary here ajps.org/2019/10/08/w...)
January 14, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Perennial reminder of this excellent paper about how secret police forces are swamped with underachievers
“We don’t want clever people. We want mediocrities.”
(Ungated summary here ajps.org/2019/10/08/w...)
“We don’t want clever people. We want mediocrities.”
(Ungated summary here ajps.org/2019/10/08/w...)
Reposted by Elithmord 🇨🇦
haha anyone else existing in a grey miasma and still trying to be productive
January 14, 2026 at 6:17 PM
haha anyone else existing in a grey miasma and still trying to be productive
Reading this article on the same day as an article about the embrace of AI by universities was certainly an experience.
globalnews.ca/news/1159513...
globalnews.ca/news/1159513...
AI use in Canadian courtrooms carries risk of errors, penalties: lawyers - National | Globalnews.ca
In one notable case, a Toronto lawyer is facing a criminal contempt of court proceeding after including cases invented by ChatGPT in her submissions earlier this year.
globalnews.ca
January 14, 2026 at 7:38 AM
Reading this article on the same day as an article about the embrace of AI by universities was certainly an experience.
globalnews.ca/news/1159513...
globalnews.ca/news/1159513...
...and then there's us, who can only manage 'active discussions' about maybe doing something, apparently.
#CNDPoli
globalnews.ca/news/1161113...
#CNDPoli
globalnews.ca/news/1161113...
Grok AI’s sexual deepfakes spark X bans, probes around the world - National | Globalnews.ca
On Monday, Indonesia and Malaysia became the first countries in the world to block Grok AI, citing concerns over non-consensual deepfakes.
globalnews.ca
January 14, 2026 at 7:26 AM
...and then there's us, who can only manage 'active discussions' about maybe doing something, apparently.
#CNDPoli
globalnews.ca/news/1161113...
#CNDPoli
globalnews.ca/news/1161113...