iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 01/10/2026

My coworker's young daughter has apparently become deeply invested in Mullets McGee and her pregnancy. She keeps asking for updates. "I didn't tell her about the inbred part," my coworker told me. 😅

2150

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 29/09/2026

Huh. Still nothing for me in French in Firefox.

Screen shot of this page: https://www.canada.ca/fr/emploi-developpement-social/services/financement/avis-occasions.html

120

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 29/09/2026

OK, but where are you even seeing a place to enter an email address? This is what I see:

Screen shot of this page: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/notified-opportunities.html

210

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 27/09/2026

Spouse drove all the way to the Penticton SPCA to pick up a new friend.

71698

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 24/09/2026

Suspiciously empty hummus container for $3.49

Screen shot of an item on the Save-on-Foods website. The text says "Pay $3.49 for Western Family Hummus, 227 g, first 2. Valid until September 30, 2026 (6 days left)"

The photo is of a transparent container that has a label on the top but seemingly nothing inside.

350

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 22/09/2026

Remy-the-rat-style ratatouille with Korean flavours ·Base: garlic–ginger gochujang ·Finish: sesame oil ·Garnish: toasted sesame seeds and green onions And that's all for #RatatouilleWeek!

Small skillet with shingled slices of zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, as tomato, topped with sesame seeds and sliced green onion

160

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 21/09/2026

Remy-the-rat-style ratatouille with North African flavours ·Base: harissa tomato sauce ·Finish: chermoula ·Garnish: fresh mint Tomorrow (last day!): Korean #RatatouilleWeek

Small skillet with shingled slices of zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, and tomato, topped with a green chermoula and fresh mint leaves.

271

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 20/09/2026

Cherry tomato plants still prolifically producing. 🍅

A bowl with several dozen yellow and orange cherry tomatoes.

2776

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 18/09/2026

I overpaid for this yellow squash at the farmers' market, but now I'm properly resupplied for my ratatouille-ing.

190

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 17/09/2026

Remy-the-rat-style ratatouille with Levantine flavours ·Base: muhammara ·Seasoning: za'atar ·Finish: pomegranate molasses ·Garnish: fresh mint Out of yellow squash so compensated w/ romanesco zucchini. Have a work lunch tomorrow; #RatatouilleWeek will return Monday w/ North African flavours!

Sml skillet with shingled slices of zucchini, eggplant, and tomato, topped with za'atar, pomegranate molasses, and fresh mint leaves.

2271

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 16/09/2026

Remy-the-rat-style ratatouille with Thai flavours ·Base: red curry paste, coconut milk, and fish sauce ·Finish: prik nam som ·Garnish: Thai basil Tomorrow: Levantine! #RatatouilleWeek

A small skillet containing shingled slices of zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, and tomatoes, topped with a chili vinegar sauce and Thai basil leaves.

4242

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 15/09/2026

Remy-the-rat-style ratatouille with Indian flavours ·Base: roasted red pepper makhani gravy (adapted from this recipe: lovelaughmirch.com/roasted-red-...) ·Finish: squeeze of lime juice ·Garnish: cilantro Tomorrow: Thai! #RatatouilleWeek

A small skillet with shingled slices of zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, an tomatoes, all topped with cilantro.

4171

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 14/09/2026

Starting off with the classic: ·Base: piperade ·Finish: piperade vinaigrette ·Garnish: parsley, chives Recipe: nickskitchen.com/ratatouille-... Tomorrow: Indian!

Spirals of shingled slices of zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, and Roma tomato, topped with a thyme sprig.

Ratatouille after baking, garnished with parsley and chives.

1161

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 14/09/2026

It's ratatouille week! Wherein I make Remy-the-rat-style ratatouille (i.e., the fancy shingled kind rather than the rustic, chunky stew) with various flavour profiles. I have only one yellow squash, so these may get a little less *aesthetic* as the week goes on.

A small aluminum sheet tray with slices of Roma tomato, zucchini, yellow squash, and eggplant.

3513

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 13/09/2026

Half a pound of sprouts from 30 g of dry mung beans. Not a bad yield, and a totally manageable amount to store/use.

A white bowl full of bean sprouts on a kitchen scale reading 220 g.

0120

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 12/09/2026

It's sage and cheddar biscuit time, sage and cheddar biscuit time,sage and cheddar biscuit time!

A parchment-lined baking sheet with twelve square biscuits baked to golden brown, each topped with a safe leaf.

9301

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 11/09/2026

UBC researchers are seeking Lower Mainland–based South Asian youth & young adults 19–35 who use substances to participate in a photovoice and interview study: ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_... #ParticipateInResearch

Are you a South Asian youth or young adult using drugs in BC?
You are eligible for the South Asian Photovoice (SAP) research study. Join a paid photovoice research project where you'll take photos of your daily life and participate in two individual interviews, two focus groups (optional), and photography to help us better understand substance use among South Asian young people. Interviews will take 1–1.5 hours and focus groups will take 1.5–2 hours. This is a UBC study.
You may qualify for this study if you:
•are South Asian between 19–35 and live in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia
•are currently using drugs (i.e., opioids, stimulants, benzos, aprty drugs)
•can communicate in English

Participation is voluntary
You will receive $240 for your participation over the course of the study.
For more information, please contact Saranee Fernando or scan the QR code.

034

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 10/09/2026

Our darling pig Countess von Popcorn, aka Poppy, has crossed the rainbow bridge. We got her after she'd been abandoned in a Coquitlam park in early 2024, so we don't know how old she was, but the vet last year said she might be 6.

A small white guinea pig with a black head and white stripe down the nose eats from a green ceramic bowl.

24411

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 10/09/2026

Spinal cord injury researchers at the University of Calgary researchers are seeking participants who: •are 18+ •live in North America •do NOT have spinal cord injury •use a wearable •are willing to use the SpineAlly app for 30 days. #ParticipateInResearch

Help advance mobile health research. We are recruiting individuals aged 18+ without a spinal cord injury to participate as controls. To participate: Use any of the supported wearables below (Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin, Oura, Samsung, Whoop); use the SpineAllyapp for 30 days. Compensation: Receive a $20 thank-you gift card for participating. Interested? Get in touch! restorenetwork@ucalgary.ca to learn more.

This research has been approved by the University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board REB23-0678

026

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 09/09/2026

CAMH study for Toronto-based folks with #schizophrenia. Recruitment closes September 30: www.camh.ca/en/science-a... #ParticipateInResearch

Research participants needed: Are you interested in extending your antipsychotic medication to every other day? Eligibility: 18+ years of age, have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, taking only 1 antipsychotic for at least 3 months, fluent in English.

What is involved: random assignment to either treatment as usual OR alternating days with placebo. Interviews and questionnaires. Bloodwork, urine samples, cognitive testing.

Participants will be compensated for their time and travel.
Interested and/or have questions?
carol.borlido@camh.ca
416-535-8501 ext 34321

011

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 08/09/2026

GenAI is to creative work as synthol injections are to bodybuilding.

A man with a typical build, light skin, a maroon top, and black pants flashes a peace sign next to a middle-age man giving a thumbs-up and wearing striped pants and no top, showing his unnatural muscles swollen from synthol injections.

294

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 06/09/2026

I watch a lot of cooking videos, and sometimes YouTube's algorithm decides that must mean I'll be interested in something like this, too.

YouTube thumbnail for a video titled "Costco Meat Influencers Are Lying To You" by the creator Lillie Kane, 180K views from 2 months ago. The image shows a woman with light skin and long brown hair looking concerned, with one hand on her face and another hand holding up a steak with "Don't" superimposed on it. I dunno, man.

280

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 31/08/2026

Hazel finishes her plum and wants to know if you have any more.

1130

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 30/08/2026

I usually post about the absurdly large produce I get in my CSA box, but check out this fun-size cantaloupe.

A hand holding a cantaloupe barely larger than the palm.

3120

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 26/08/2026

FUCK YES. www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/... Huge thanks to everyone who wrote the Ministry of Health or signed the DoNoHarm petition. It will be harder to access than mRNA vaccines, but if we make the extra effort, they might expand availability in future seasons.

I want a non-mRNA vaccine

B.C. will have some non-mRNA vaccine (Novavax Nuvaxovid) at community pharmacies during the 2026-27 viral respiratory illness season. More information will be available when the immunization program starts this fall.

2135

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 26/08/2026

I swear, YouTube's been recommending some video predicting the imminent demise of OpenAI every day for the past year.

Screen shot of a video thumbnail from the channel Damon Cassidy with the title "OpenAI Is On The BRINK Of Collapse"

140

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 22/08/2026

Update: That didn't work at all. I think the remaining fuzz on the seeds acted as an insulator and prevented the interior from heating up enough to make steam.

A small white ramekin with about half a tablespoon of browned lamb's quarters seeds.

030

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 22/08/2026

I found a single lamb's quarters plant growing on my balcony as a weed. I let it go to seed and this is what I harvested. It's related to amaranth—I'm thinking I'll try to pop the seeds?

A small aluminum sheet tray with a few teaspoons of lamb's quarters seeds. They are quite small and are mostly beige, with a few darker seeds visible.

1131

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 22/08/2026

It's noodle season for the pigs.

1111

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 21/08/2026

Huh. Seems plums are denser than the gluten-free batter I made for the celiac neighbour kid and got swallowed completely. Other mods: •10" pan because I don't have a 9" •browned the butter •added vanilla & cardamom

Parchment-lined springform pan with a yellow batter topped with many purple plum halves.

Baked torte. No plums are visible—just dark streaks.

180

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 18/08/2026

It's plum torte season, motherfuckers

A large metal bowl with several dozen purple plums and a few plum leaves.

614815

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 15/08/2026

We picked these blueberries five weeks ago and have been storing them in this Mason jar with a silicone pickle pipe in the fridge. They are PRISTINE.

A Mason jar with a teal silicone pickle pipe, a third full of blueberries.

4251

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 13/08/2026

Continuing my mission to consume items my father-in-law has forgotten about in his pantry. Today: these granola bars that expired in July 2025.

1191

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 11/08/2026

Hrm. This attempt at OCR leaves a bit to be desired. (Yes, I set the language to French.)

Screen shot of text reading "TABLE DES MATIÈRES
PREMIÈRE SÉANCE, LE MARDI 5 OCTOBRE 2004 sn l
ORGANISATION DES TRAVAUR..snscssrcsscsoneinnansstaussnanneeaunnisendtestéenn 2
REMARQUES PRÉLIMINAIRE dssiinéeitasia Sourate mené 2
AUDITIONS isoiaiiisicasssa ssenss snnnsn saemés sns eue netaotss etéat sas iandne néanea tseeens nste tattoeo 2"

220

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 08/08/2026

Teeny-tiny cock-'n'-balls graffito on the Petro-Can washroom stall door.

Photo of a washroom stall door with screw holes where a hook once was and a very small penis and testicles markered on.

2100

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 04/08/2026

Well, mine aren't as pretty, but I can confirm they are worth the faff, especially since I can freeze some for later. I might try a typical 3-step breading station next time, along with freezing the thighs before breading. The cornstarch–egg white slurry made too tough of a shell, IMO.

Eight breaded, stuffed chicken thighs on a wire rack over a baking dish.

070

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 03/08/2026

Lunch! Zucchini-feta fritters made with chickpea flour, green onion, and mint, served with a dilly yogurt sauce. An excellent way to use up a glut of any sturdy veg. I have made these with grated kohlrabi, grated carrot, shredded cabbage, etc.

A white plate with a half-ring of flat, golden brown fritters surrounding a small white ramekin with a white sauce wih green flecs.

5181

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 31/07/2026

Researchers at SFU seek health volunteers, 19–59, to participate in a brain-mapping study. The study involves 6 visits to SFU Surrey & 1 visit to Surrey Memorial for TMS, EEG, MRI, and MEG. You'd get $15/hour + transit reimbursement. Email ebrainlab@outlook.com if interested. #ParticipateInResearch

000

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 30/07/2026

Lunch! Eggplant, fish ball, and Thai basil stir-fry.

A white dish with a bed of rice topped by chunks of eggplant, white fish balls, and wilted Thai basil in a brown sauce speckled with bits of red chili.

090

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 30/07/2026

We can't let ourselves forget: So many of our problems today are Harper's fault. It's not as though this funding magically came back when Trudeau became prime minister. (From a master's thesis in criminology by Kadance Backman, 2022.)

Arguably, the role of CBRF staff has become more important as parole officers’ caseloads have expanded while their resources have decreased. There are ongoing concerns about whether parole officers have the time and resources to effectively carry out their duties to ensure the safety and security of the community and assist with the rehabilitation of the offender (Union of Safety and Justice Employees, 2019). In 2012, the Government of Canada introduced the Deficit Reduction Action Plan (DRAP), resulting in reduced funding and reductions in staff, programs, and services in CSC. This policy created challenges for personnel across the federal corrections system.

0114

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 28/07/2026

Doesn't seem to have increased since the early 2000s. Might be a Baader–Meinhof thing for you (possibly because you get agitated?).

Google Ngram showing "scientists discover" curve much higher than "scientists uncover" curve but showing similar trajectories, peaking in the early 2000s and then declining.

110

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 24/07/2026

What does it say about my brain that I saw a Smart car drive by and thought, "Jimothy?"

1396

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 23/07/2026

Queen's & Université de Montréal researchers seek participants who: ▪had a criminal charge before the courts that resolved in the last 3 years ▪are 18+ ▪speak English or French ▪have access to the internet/phone for an interview for a study on access to justice. #ParticipateInResearch

Participants Wanted for a Research Study
Access to Justice in Criminal Courts: Experiences and Perceptions of Previously Accused Individuals
We are looking for volunteers to complete an interview about their experiences, decision making and views about the criminal court process.
As a participant you will be asked to complete an interview.
If you have been charged with a criminal offence and resolved/finished your matter before the criminal courts in the last 3 years you may be eligible to participate.
Participants must:
▪Have had a criminal charge before the courts that resolved/finished in the last 3 years
▪Be 18 years of age or older
▪Be able to speak and understand English or French (it is your choice which language you would like the interview to take place in)
▪Have access to the internet or a phone (for scheduling and for the interview).

The study will take approximately 60-90 minutes, and you can complete the interview in person (depending on your location) or online.

In appreciation of your time, you will receive a $75 honourarium (email address required).

Your participation is completely voluntary.

For more information, please contact us, Dr. Nicole Myers or Dr. Marianne Quirouette by 30 December 2026
accusedproject1@queensu.ca or 613-217-8080

011

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 22/07/2026

This is the chart for folks on disability income—that is, people we expect not to be able to earn income from employment. If we're saying "This is what you need to survive" and we give people less money than they need to survive, then tell me how this isn't eugenics with extra steps.

Figure 4CA: Adequacy of total welfare incomes for example unattached single with a disability households in the provinces, 2025

A bar chart showing disability income in different provinces relative to the poverty and deep poverty lines. Only Alberta (AISH) and Newfoundland and Labrador have rates above the deep poverty line. All have rates under the poverty line.

1158