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Opium is probably the oldest drug known to humans – there’s evidence the ancient Greek poet Homer made reference to it. But today in The Conversation Canada, Robert Morrison of Queen’s University tells us it was a 19th-century book called Confessions of an English Opium-Eater that first glamorized opium as a recreational drug. Prof. Morrison argues the current opioid epidemic can be traced to the influence the English Opium-Eater had on generations of drug users.
A proposed high-tech community in Toronto called Quayside is attracting a lot of attention and controversy. The development by Sidewalk Labs, a Google subsidiary, remains shrouded in secrecy, says Blayne Haggart of Brock University and Natasha Tusikov of York University. They’ve called on Sidwalks Labs and the government agencies working with the company on the project to be more open and transparent about the development – especially when it comes to the digital data that will be collected as part of the project.
Netina Tan and Cassandra Preece of McMaster University help us understand the implications of the elections held earlier this month in Malaysia – where the ruling government was voted out after holding on to power for more than 60 years.
And finally…chances are, you’re reading this email on your phone. What ever happened to the last phone you had? Josh Lepawsky of Memorial University writes about e-waste and tells us that no amount of post-consumer recycling can recoup the waste generated before consumers purchase their devices.
Regards,
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‘Confessions of an English Opium-Eater’ was the first modern drug memoir and set the tone for opium use for decades. Here: Papaver somniferum (Opium poppy), a group of deep red flowers, buds and seed pods. Opium is extracted from the latex of the unripe seed pods. Ripe seeds are innocuous and widely used in baking.
(Rowan McOnegal/Wellcome Collection)
Robert Morrison, Queen's University, Ontario
'Confessions of an English Opium-Eater' is considered the first modern drug memoir. Many believe it is responsible for our romantic ideas of opium-based drug use today.
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Toronto could learn a lot from Brazil following the flawed and opaque consultation process to develop parts of the city’s waterfront.
(Shutterstock)
Blayne Haggart, Brock University; Natasha Tusikov, York University, Canada
Toronto’s Quayside smart city project needs a new, truly consultative process. An innovative method used by Brazil to develop its landmark Internet Bill of Rights may be the answer.
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Supporters of Malaysia’s opposition coalition party hold party flags in northern Malaysia on the eve of the country’s recent election. Corruption-plagued Najib Razak was voted out while Mahathir Mohamad won.
(AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Netina Tan, McMaster University; Cassandra Preece, McMaster University
Malaysian voters tossed the corrupt Najib Razak out of office despite efforts by his party to sway the result. A former dictator is back in charge, about to free his onetime political foe from jail.
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There’s more to e-waste than the discarded monitors, cell phones and other electronics.
(Shutterstock)
Josh Lepawsky, Memorial University of Newfoundland
No amount of post-consumer recycling can recoup the waste generated before consumers purchase their devices.
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Environment + Energy
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Hartmut Winkler, University of Johannesburg
Are there cheaper alternatives to nuclear power to alleviate energy shortages in Africa?
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Arts
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Scott Davie, University of Sydney
Music streaming services have stopped promoting R. Kelly as part of a crackdown on musician's alleged conduct. But we should separate the art from the artist.
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Science + Technology
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Hugh Hunt, University of Cambridge
The science behind the famous World War II attack masterminded by Barnes Wallis.
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