Sixteen years ago this morning, our world changed forever. Almost 3,000 people were killed on a day that will evermore be known as 9/11. Today in The Conversation Canada, André Gagné, an associate professor from Concordia University who specializes in politico-religious extremism and violence, provides an insightful analysis on the complicated history of the CIA, Taliban and al-Quaida prior to the attack. All these years later, Prof. Gagné wrties, it’s important to understand the past to ensure a safer future. “As we reflect on the tragedy of 9/11 we should carefully consider and ponder the issues and causes that propelled al-Qaida forward in order to best guard ourselves from further violence,” he says.

At age 72, Rod Stewart is still rocking (and still has amazing hair!). You probably have your own favourite Rod the Mod tune. (Mine: “Maggie May.”) But did you know Stewart wrote the first ballad about gay rights? The 1976 hit “The Killing of Georgie” was ahead of its time, says Robert Morrison of Queen’s University. It tells the story of a young gay man stabbed to death in the streets of New York. “When Stewart wrote the lyrics, he says there were people at his record label who were ‘medieval enough’ to fear that it might alienate some of his heterosexual following,” writes Prof. Morrison. (The article also has an old video of Stewart singing “Georgie” in case you’ve never heard it.)

And finally, what do earthworms and humans have in common? Worms react the same way we do to anesthetics. Frank LaBella, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of Manitoba, offers us a “Science Lesson” on how anesthetics work and what makes for an ideal anesthetic.

Regards,