A Room in This House featuring Claire Morrison

A Room in This House featuring Claire Morrison

Friday, February 10th @ 7:30 pm

Brandon Chamber Players presents new music from Marika Galea, centring around the idea of  “home”. This concert is an exploration of the home we come from vs. the homes we build, our relationship with stillness considering lockdowns and the new travel paradigm, the sacred ‘home’ we all return to inside ourselves when everything else is up in the air, and whether as child of distant migrations, home is ever a physical space at all – or an ever shifting feeling.

Featuring a few arrangements of Claire’s original songs as well. The ensemble also features Jennifer Thiessen, Leanne Zacharias, Diogo Peixoto and Eric Platz.

Tickets are $40 ($20 for students) and can be purchased at www.brandonchamberplayers.ca or by calling (204)727-9631.

Doors open at 7pm for a cash bar. Table seating of 4-8 people.

Seating arrangements are first come, first served. Coat room in foyer.

CONCERT LOCATION: The Firehall, 637 Princess Avenue

BU Family & Friends Holiday Luncheon

BU Family & Friends Holiday Luncheon

(brandonu.ca)

Friday, December 16th @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Harvest Hall

$23-Tickets required

Please join us for a warm winter welcome at the BU Family & Friends Holiday Luncheon. All BU faculty, staff, and retirees are invited.

Friday, December 16, 2022, from Noon- 1:30 p.m. in Harvest Hall. Tickets are $23 per person and the deadline is Friday, Dec. 9 for tickets.

A big thanks to the President’s Office for their contribution to offset the luncheon cost

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT:

Faculty of Arts General Office (CHO 100)

Faculty of Science (BB 1-41 and 1-05)

Faculty of Education (EB 102)

Faculty of Health Studies (HSB 112)

School of Music (QEB 1-03)

Student Services (MCK 102 – Reception)

Main Library (Circulation Desk)

Healthy Living Centre (GYM 101R)

Campus Books (KDC)

MENU:

Carved Turkey with Sage Gravy

Cranberry Orange Ginger Salsa

Focaccia Stuffing

Whipped Potatoes

Cabbage Rolls

Honey Glazed Carrots

Assorted Dessert Trays – Dainties and Tarts

Coffee / Tea

FOR DIETARY REQUIREMENTS CONTACT: Heather Teeple at (204) 727-9608 or teepleh@brandonu.ca

Brandon University is committed to accessibility. Please contact Sylvia Henry at henrys@brandonu.ca or 204-727-9677 with any accessibility consideration, or to receive this communication in an alternative format.

Student Writing Workshops

Student Writing Workshops

By Ronnie Neiman

This week there are a number of workshops that students can attend to help better their academic skills. All workshops are online, free, and open to all BU students.
Check out the Learning Skills webpage for details. The ones listed below are only for October 3rd until October 7th. There are more workshops in the following weeks. 

Essay Basics

The essay workshop I find to be particularly useful as someone who loves to write but didn’t have much experience with academic writing prior to university. The workshop is described as: students will soon be able to identify the basic parts of the essay, the introduction, body, conclusion; and describe how they function. Along with the basic structure, this workshop will cover the following: purpose of the essay, selecting and narrowing a topic, levels of English and use of scholarly language, formulating a thesis statement (brief introduction), evidence and how is it used, and how to access additional resources both on campus and online.

Monday, October 3rd-10:40 am - 11:30 am

How can I get through my textbooks?

One workshop also offered is to learn how to effectively make the most out of your textbooks. Sometimes a textbook can seem a bit daunting, especially considering the size of some of them. Reading the textbook well and finding the important information will go a long way in helping you in your classes. This workshop will help you do that. 

Monday, October 3rd- 1:40 pm - 2:30 pm

How can I take effective lecture notes?

From taking 50-minute classes to the three-hour long lectures, there is usually a need to take notes. If it’s not in the textbook, it’s in what your instructor presents and what they say. Figuring out what to write or type can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. Learn how to identify what’s important in your university lectures, and best techniques to take notes so you set yourself up for success for your first midterms.

Thursday, October 6th-10:40 am - 11:30 am

Brandon University Plans In-Person Homecoming 

Brandon University Plans In-Person Homecoming 

September 22, 2022 

(Brandon University Website)

(Picture credit: Brandon University website)  

Brandon University (BU) will be hosting its first in-person Homecoming celebration since 2019, from October 13 to 16, 2022. 

The weekend will be filled with a multitude of events including the usual favourites such as the Homecoming Dinner and Awards Ceremony, the Athletics Wall of Fame Brunch, and the Pro Series concert featuring BU’s Megumi Masaki, who was named to the Order of Manitoba this past spring.
“It’s been too long since we have seen many of our alumni, and we’re excited to be welcoming everyone back!” said Carla Eisler, BU’s Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs.

This year’s Homecoming celebration will also be a chance to recognize the centennial of the Citizen’s Science Building, now known as the Knowles-Douglas Students’ Union Centre. The building was the third building built on the Brandon University Campus, in 1922-1923, and is a rare example of late gothic style architecture in Manitoba. The celebrations in the Knowles-Douglas Centre will include a Beer Garden serving locally brewed beer, a Trivia Night hosted by BU’s new Advancement Officer Nick Brown, and a 1920s themed social, the 100th Birthday Bash.

“I worked in that building for four years while on student council, and I’m thrilled to be back running events in a space that has meant so much to students over the last century,” Brown said.

Homecoming this year will also include participation from some of the groups on campus. The Inter-Residence Council will be hosting a Bonfire Night after the Banquet next to the new sculpture by renowned Cree/Metis artist Kevin McKenzie. The Brandon University Gaming Association will host A Nintendo Afternoon, a lighthearted and fun afternoon where you can drop-in, grab some snacks, and relax while playing Mario Kart or Smash Bros. The Indigenous Alumni Chapter will host a Bannock and Tea event at the new Ceremonial Fire Pit, and some of Bee-U’s first batch of honey will be served.

“One of our biggest joys this fall has been able to welcome everyone back to our campus, and I can’t wait to see our proud alumni in-person again at Homecoming,” said BU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. David Docherty. “We’re highlighting some of the best that our community has to offer, and I’m looking forward to sharing BU’s new and old favourites with our alumni and other guests.”

The full Homecoming Schedule and Registration form can be found at BrandonU.ca/Homecoming/Schedule.

Brandon University students present virtual Dungeons and Dragons Adventure

Brandon University students present virtual Dungeons and Dragons Adventure

BU NEWS — March 18, 2022

BRANDON – Despite the ongoing challenges of creating art during a pandemic, students at Brandon University (BU) have persevered to present She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms – an online performance where adventure and mayhem can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home. 

In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and five-headed dragons, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek within us all. Two years after the death of her teenage sister Tilly, Agnes Evans discovers a mysterious notebook containing her sister's home-brewed Dungeons and Dragons campaign. Newly born hero, Agnes the Ass-hatted, undertakes an epic quest to save Tilly's soul and to learn about her sister's hidden life. ***This production contains mature content and language. Viewer discretion is advised.

In response to the global pandemic and the subsequent closing of theaters worldwide, playwright Qui Nguyen released a new adaptation of his play She Kills Monsters intended for online performances.

“Dungeons and Dragons is a game often played online, so this story translates to a virtual platform quite easily” says BU theatre professor and director Jacqueline Russell. “I chose this wildly fun piece because I knew we would be able to make it happen no matter what. Flexibility and adaptability are two of the greatest skills theatre teaches us — if you know how to improvise, you can find ways to have fun even during times of great struggle”.

Filmed from a variety of bedrooms and living rooms around Brandon, She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms will be available for online viewing from March 24 to April 2, 2022. Tickets are free; however, donations are welcome and go toward future productions at Brandon University Theatre. Tickets can be acquired at BrandonU.ca/english/drama-program.

The performance also includes a virtual post-show talk back with audiences on March 26, at 3 p.m., featuring cast members and guest speakers from the Brandon community. This discussion panel is presented in partnership with SERC (Sexuality Education Resource Centre) and is supported by Brandon University, BU Student Services, and the Gender and Women’s Studies Committee. 

In addition to the performance, students and community members are invited to join Fight Choreographer Jacquie Loewan for a free, two-day workshop to learn the basics of stage combat. The workshop takes place March 26 and 27, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Evans Theatre (located in the George T. Richardson Centre at BU). To register, please visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/stage-combat-workshop-with-jacquie-loewan-tickets-293142315557. *Please note: Participants must show proof of double vaccination and wear masks for this in-person workshop as per Brandon University policy. 

@brandonutheatre on Instagram

@theatreBU on Facebook

Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca

CONTACT US:

Jacqueline Russell

Assistant Professor, English Drama and Creative Writing
RussellJ@gmail.com

Rob Henderson

Marketing Communications Officer

204.727.9762
HendersonR@BrandonU.ca

To receive any BU publication in an alternate format: Communications@BrandonU.ca

Brrrr It’s Cold in Here: Preparing for the Cold Weather

Brrrr It’s Cold in Here: Preparing for the Cold Weather

By: Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC of the Quill

Photo Credits: Google Images

As we settle into the first week of November, we all know what it means. It’s time for us to wake up earlier and start our cars to warm them up, scraping the ice off the windshields to see. Winter is coming. Manitoban winters are harsh. At times we hit 50 below zero. Even if we are outside for 20 minutes, uncovered parts of our faces/bodies are susceptible to severe frostbites. Many Brandon University Students left last year to move in back home since the year was online. However, this year everyone had to come back to resume in-class learning. Some may have forgotten how harsh Manitoba winters can be (If you were lucky enough to move to a warmer place) and might need a reminder of how to prepare. Here are a few common-sense tips that you can all follow to stay warm during the colder months. 

1. Get a warm, high-quality winter coat

And get it before it’s too late! All the best styles, sizes and high-quality coats will be gone by mid-November. It may seem a bit obvious that a winter jacket is necessary for winter. Still, most students don’t seem to understand what a ‘good winter jacket’ is. Hit up Shoppers mall for the wide selection, Sportchek, Winners, or any place that sells durable winter jackets. Make sure the coat is well insulated, well made, and waterproof (if possible). High-quality jackets may be expensive, but they are worth it during a Manitoban winter. If the jackets are still too expensive (even with sales and coupons), stop by value village or Super Thrift and search through their jacket sections. You will honestly be surprised at how many nice, warm, and well-made jackets they have to offer for under $30.00.

2. Get some winter gear

Boots, gloves, hats, and scarves will be your best friend during the harsh winter months. It will be reminiscent of your elementary school days on the playground but without the fun. Waterproof, lined boots tend to be the best. As for gloves, there are a lot of cheap options. You can get fingerless gloves that are also mittens, wool mittens, leather gloves and so on. Pick gloves that aren’t just thin pieces of fabric. Your hands are sensitive to temperature changes, so make sure you have a warm pair of gloves. You can get reusable/rechargeable hand warmers (or create your own) to stick in your gloves as well. Use them in your shoes, use them in your gloves, and rub them on your face. They’re great for everything! Scarves are your next need. And I’m not talking about those thin, silky fashion scarves. Visit Value Village and Super Thrif for a cheaper selection. Your lungs can take quite a beating with the dry and cold winter air. Wrapping a scarf around your nose and mouth helps keep out the cold, dry air and promotes healthy breathing! No more frozen nostrils on the way to class.

3. Plan on leaving earlier

Though it may not seem like it, getting to class in winter takes quite a bit longer than expected. The snow, ice and wind will slow you down on your way to class, as well as all your warm winter gear. Make sure you give yourself an extra five minutes or so to get to class. Also, you will need to let your car warm up. I tend to leave my heat settings on max in the evening if I know I will be going to class in the morning. 

4. Plan for the weather the day before

Plan your wardrobe and daily activities based on the temperature and conditions. Check a day in advance to be extra prepared, and make sure you have warm enough clothes for that day.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

By Mary Okorie

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

Thanksgiving holiday is a set-aside day to give thanks to God for a bountiful harvest during the

summertime and generally for anything else to be thankful for. It is a tradition in Canada and usually

features gravy, turkey, mashed potatoes, and many other delicious meals. Being an international

student, I had only seen thanksgiving in movies and had never experienced it until I came here. To

people who are new to Canada, thanksgiving might just be an additional holiday to rest or work, but it is

of great significance to Canadians. There is usually a vast feast and gatherings of the family filled with

laughter and joy. I had the opportunity to spend my first Thanksgiving in Canada with a wonderful

Canadian family and was able to finally experience what I usually saw in movies. All the meals were

already prepared by the time I got there, there were also many people I got to meet, and the turkey was

enormous and delicious. Thanksgiving is incomplete without a turkey ��. I hope that many othe

international students will get this kind of experience and be able to see the significance of the

Thanksgiving holiday. It is not a day to spend alone but with family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!

City of Brandon’s 4R Waste Ambassador Program

City of Brandon’s 4R Waste Ambassador Program

By Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC of The Quill

Photo Credits: Brandon.ca

Photo Credits: Brandon.ca

Over the summer, I joined a pilot community ambassador program aimed at promoting conscious waste

diversion. The 4R Waste ambassador program was launched by the City of Brandon and sponsored by

Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba. This program hopes to reach environmentally minded individuals

with interests in promoting the 4Rs Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rethink.

This volunteer pilot program provides training and resources to its volunteer ambassadors to help

educate and inform the rest of the community about the City of Brandon’s waste diversion programs.

Overall, the main goal of the 4R Ambassador Program is to educate residents as to what goes in our

garbage bins to increase efficiencies at the Eastview Landfill.

I joined this volunteer experience because I believe in the importance of educating our community

about conscious waste diversion. As a result, I will be posting tips on The Quill about certain activities we

can all do to achieve more sustainable waste diversion habits over the school year.

My first tip is your local Brandon University 4R ambassador pertains to our Thanksgiving waste.

Thanksgiving is a time where a lot of food is consumed, and we often think a lot of the containers in

which the food we use is packaged in recyclable packages. However, there are a lot of things that are

not recyclable. Therefore, I encourage all of you to look upon Recyclopedia whether the packages you

are unsure of are recyclable or not. Recyclopedia is a valuable tool for all of us who want to ensure we

are correctly recycling. https://simplyrecycle.ca/recyclepedia/ Another tip I have for you is, for all of

those fats and oils that might be used up while cooking the thanksgiving dinner, please DO NOT pour

them down the drain! They are incredibly damaging to rivers and lakes as well as water treatment

facility plants. Instead of running them down the drain, pour them in a can, let them cool, then throw

them out.

*If you are interested in becoming a 4R ambassador or collaborating with me on a project, please feel

free to contact me at: eic.thequill@gamil.com

Video Games; Simple, Complex and Fun

Video Games; Simple, Complex and Fun

By Ronnie Kayla Neiman

Gaming has a lot of choices in genres, styles and platforms.

Screen Shot 2021-04-06 at 12.07.08 PM.png

There are many with a lot of time to spare right now, and boredom can be easily achieved. However, there are a few ways to overcome boredom and use up some free time. One of the ways to overcome boredom is of course video games. There are advantages of gaming include promoting healthy lifestyles, increasing social activity, slow the aging process, and make the participant a better decision-maker. Video games can have amazingly positive effects. They can also potentially help those who have multiple sclerosis with balance and improved cognitive function. There are video games on just about everything. There is a huge variety of options, ranging from idle games to app games to larger computer games. 

There is a large library of games that are available on your smartphone and downloaded through app stores on Android and Apple devices. 

Bitlife simulator, where you take a person through their entire life, making decisions to go to school, make friends, commit crimes, and continue their family legacy. 

TapTap Music games are quite fun. They are the smartphone version of the DanceDance revolution and come in a wide variety of options. You follow the beats to songs and try to hit it each time to get a perfect score. 

Fruit Ninja is an addicting mobile game where you literally slice fruit for points and do your best to avoid bombs. 

Then there is the classic Tetris, trying to get the maximum amount of point by completing lines and some versions have levels that become faster and faster in an attempt to keep you focused. 

Games on your phone can be played anywhere and almost anytime. Some use up more battery power than others but just keep on eye on the levels and you’ll still be able to have fun.

Other games are available through various consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo. There are so many options to look at here. 

Horizon Zero Dawn is a recent release, a beautiful open-world game where the world is ruled by machines. That is a game where you are playing a single character and trying to figure out her past. 

A popular game right now is Animal Crossing: New Leaf. It is played on the Nintendo Switch and has a multiplayer option that allows people across vast distances to create together.

Mass Effect is played on multiple platforms for all four games in the series. It is almost a decade old and remastered several times. It is among the first games where choices mattered in the long run. 

Stardew Valley is a farming style, pixel game that rose quickly in popularity due to its in-depth story, simple gameplay mechanics, and LGBTQ inclusivity. 

Minecraft is another popular choice where survival and creativity can be done on their own or at the same time. It is a game that started out as a simple indie game that has evolved to inspire creativity in various mindsets, such as building, coding and entertainment. 

There are also massive multiplayer online role-playing games or MMORPG that are usually free with various subscription options or in-game purchases. 

Games like World of Tanks, DOTA 2, Hearthstone, and Star Wars: The Old Republic are popular around the world. There are many options in the games and even stories to follow. These games are generally only available on PC platforms with a constant internet connection. They can help to create social connections that are otherwise lacking in the world right now.

There are so many games to chose from and video games can be beneficial in the way they engage with different aspects on a day-to-day basis. Some of the benefits are physical, psychological, and social. With video games, you either win or you keep trying, learning from your mistakes as you progress until you reach the goal. They can improve cognitive abilities, such as increase visuospatial cognition, mental rotation, attention, and help individuals overcome cognitive limitations. Video games can also prime natural positive aggression, helping behaviors, and prosocial behaviors. Not only are there benefits from a scientific standpoint, but they are also a great deal of fun. Having fun will keep you coming back to your favorite games and build a multitude of skills. Perseverance is of key importance in playing video games, building skills for those games, and for real life, and it's important in having fun playing these games.  

St. Patrick’s Snack Ideas for Your Household and Designated Visitors

St. Patrick’s Snack Ideas for Your Household and Designated Visitors

By: Maria Garcia Manzano

Screen Shot 2021-03-16 at 10.29.02 AM.png

Photo Credits: Google Images

As with all prior holidays, this St. Patrick’s Day will be different from previous years. Last year during this time, Brandon was beginning to enter the Covid-19 era. Under current restrictions, households can have either another household visit or two designated visitors. Outdoor gatherings can be up to ten people. With beautiful weather forecasted for St. Patrick’s Day, I thought it would be a good idea to provide you with some green-themed snack ideas. These are perfect for you to share with your household and designated visitors. I believe that sharing delicious food with loved ones can help take our minds off that for a year now, we have lived during a global pandemic that has drastically changed our way of life. I will provide four recipes for green-themed savory snacks that will help lift your spirits!  

1. Green Stuffed Pepper

Stuffed peppers are a great appetizer for St. Patrick’s Day as they fit with the green theme of the holiday and are generally liked by all. They are a tasty quick and easy snack to make. 


Ingredients:

  • 6 green bell peppers

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 garlic cloves minced

  • 1-pound ground turkey

  • 2 cups cooked rice (see note in the post for tips and tricks)

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley

  • 1 tablespoon dried basil

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1 1/2 cups pasta sauce

  • 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

  • Cut the tops off of the peppers, remove the ribs and seeds, and then dice the tops of the peppers.

  • Place the hallowed-out peppers in a large bowl and drizzle with a little olive oil. Cover with a plate and microwave for 7 to 10 minutes. Be very careful when you remove the plate as there will be a lot of steam.

  • While the peppers cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Add the chopped bell pepper tops and garlic. Sauté until soft, about five to seven minutes.

  • Add the ground turkey and break up as you cook it. Season with onion powder, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is no longer pink.

  • Stir in the cooked rice, pasta sauce, and one cup of the mozzarella cheese. Taste the mixture and add more salt and pepper to taste. Divide the mixture between the five hollowed out bell peppers. Top with the remaining cheese.

  • Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Serve immediately.

2. Spinach & Artichoke Cups

Spinach cups are easy and festive, everyone will be sure to love them! You can either buy Tostitos scoops from the store and reduce your workload or you can make your own shells. You can also fill them with store bought spinach dip (again easier option) or you can make your own. 


Ingredients:

  • Cooking spray

  • 1 (10-oz.) package frozen spinach, defrosted and chopped

  • 1 c. canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

  • 4 oz. cream cheese, softened

  • 1/4 c. sour cream

  • 1 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella

  • 1/4 c. grated Parmesan

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • Kosher salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 tube crescent dough

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 375°. Grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.

  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out crescent dough, pinching seams together. Cut into 24 squares. Place squares into muffin tin slots and spoon 1 tablespoon of dip into the dough. Top with remaining mozzarella.

  • Bake until pastry is golden and cheese is melted, about 15 minutes

3. Jalapeno Potato Poppers

They are a staple party snack and they fit in with the green-themed. While these are typically served in bigger gatherings, I am sure your household and designated visitors will have no problem eating all of them by yourselves!

Ingredients:  

  • 15 small red potatoes approximately 1 pound

  • 6 slices bacon

  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened

  • 1/4 cup jalapeno chopped into small pieces + additional to slice

  • 1 cup cheddar cheese

Instructions: 

  • Preheat oven to 400°.

  • Wash potatoes and dry with a paper towel. Poke each potato once or twice with a fork. Place on a foil lined baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes or until tender.

  • While potatoes bake, cook and crumble bacon, dice 1/4 cup jalapenos and cut 30 thin slices.

  • Let cool enough to handle. Cut each potato in half, scoop out insides with a melon baller, leaving a thin layer of potato close to the skin. Place inside of potato in a medium bowl.

  • Add cream cheese, bacon, and jalapenos to the potato, mix well.

  • Divide filling among potato halves. Top with cheddar cheese and one jalapeno slice; bake for 20 minutes.

  • Serve warm.

4. Leprechaun Bark

So far, we have covered our salty and cheesy basis. However, if you have a sweet tooth this sweet addition is sure to conquer it! Leprechaun bark is easy to make and this recipe will save you even more time since it is a no-bake recipe. 


Ingredients: 

  • Rainbow Candy

  • Lucky Charms Cereal

  • Gold Cake Decorations

  • White Chocolate

  • Green Candy Melts

Instructions: 

  • Melt the white chocolate and green candy melts in separate bowls. Melt them by putting them in the microwave for 1 minute on high heat. Spread a white later and then a green layer and decorate with your St. Patrick's Day-themed candy.

  • Freeze until hard and then break apart to eat. Super simple, super tasty and fun.