The mysteries of addiction leave us baffled before they kill — There are numerous examples of human experience that mystify us. Of these, I contend that the least understood is the process of addiction. Ironically, we know an amazing amount about addiction starting with a clear and indisputable definition. …

It may even have religious significance — If you don’t recognize the device in the photograph, your knowledge of Mexican culture is missing a vital piece. Believe it or not, this simple wall mount is intimately related to the most important holiday period in Mexico, Semana Santa (Holy Week). …

Adventure of living in Elliot Lake, Ontario “Going anywhere next week?” asked Tom, the advertising consultant. “I’m being sent to Elliot Lake,” I said. “Great. Can I get you to take my goldfish with you? I’ll use it for a night light.” It was fashionable in my place of employment…

Ripples from asbestos miners’ strike lasted more than 20 years — Arguably Canada’s ugliest-ever strike, a five-month labor conflict centered on the small town of Asbestos, Quebec had a profound effect on Canadian society, politics and culture for decades. If the effects in question were converted to lines of influence and if we were able to see and follow these lines…

Citizens mobbed the presidential mansion at bedtime to express their dissatisfaction By Regis Yaworski Over a period of less than 10 years, the usually-peaceful South American country of Ecuador went through five presidents. In that time, citizen revolts took the form of what might be called “kitchen democracy”. Hundreds, sometime thousands, of citizens would arrive at the presidential mansion bearing pots…

Are cartels on course to become Mexico’s true government? By Regis Yaworski When the average person thinks of a Mexican drug cartel, their thoughts center on cocaine, crystal meth, and heroin. The extent to which these criminal units have developed and diversified is a testament to the immense power base they’ve established, often exceeding the imagination of all us…

There’s a 10-digit number that holds the secret to the digital world — By Regis Yaworski I don’t pretend to be “normal”. So here’s a caution for readers under 30. Do not read this if you have concerns about your coronary health Ready? Here it is: I do not own a telephone. I don’t mean just a “smart” phone; I mean smart, dumb…

The precedent set in 1945 is still a major influence on Canadian labor By traditional measures, November 4, 1945 should have gone down as the most violent labor action in Canada’s history. …

This province gave birth to Canada’s renowned health care program — Few Canadians and almost no Americans have any familiarity with Saskatchewan, a sparsely-populated, mainly rural province where the population tends to hover at just below a million inhabitants. Canada‘s national health care program had its origin in this province in a tumultuous controversy that made international headlines. As young citizens…