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It was a day we all knew was coming. Nevertheless, the news of Gord Downie’s death on Wednesday caused many of us to reflect on his brilliance as a songwriter – and as an overall Canadian icon. Robert Morrison has a special connection to Downie and the Tragically Hip. Back in August, the professor of English Language and Literature at Queen’s University (located in Kingston, Ont., also the hometown of the Hip) wrote a thoughtful analysis that examined the lyrics for Ahead by a Century. We’ve updated and republished Prof. Morrison’s article, which seems even more poignant given the news of the day.
Earlier this week, we had a piece that explained the reasons behind the rise in childhood obesity. A lack of exercise is a prime factor – but did you know trade deals also have an impact? Ronald Labonte, a Canada Research Chair at the University of Ottawa, looks at how expanded trade has introduced bad eating habits in different countries. “One of our studies, for example, revealed that consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in Vietnam spiked dramatically after that country opened itself to trade and foreign investment,” writes Prof. Labonte.
The terrible terrorist attack last month in Edmonton was attributed to a “lone wolf.” Houssem Ben Lazreg, a PhD candidate at the University of Alberta who has done research on the use of language by ISIS, takes a deeper look at the Edmonton incident and explains how ISIS uses propaganda to lure in new recruits.
And finally, Tiff-Annie Kenny of the University of Ottawa and Tad Lemieux of Carleton University reveal an important story that has been given little coverage: how debris from a rocket launched last week by the European Space Agency could have serious impacts on Inuit food sources.
Regards,
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Gord Downie, the poetic lead singer of the Tragically Hip whose determined fight with brain cancer inspired a nation, has died. He was 53.
(THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young)
Robert Morrison, Queen's University, Ontario
Good songs are like good poetry. Literature professor Robert Morrison reflects on The Tragically Hip's best song, "Ahead by a Century," and explains the politics of hope within the tune.
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Trade and investment agreements can increase consumption of unhealthy foods, sugary drinks and tobacco – leading to soaring rates of obesity and chronic diseases globally.
(AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)
Ronald Labonte, University of Ottawa
As government representatives meet at the WHO global conference on noncommunicable diseases in Uruguay this week, their focus should be on reducing the health impacts of trade deals.
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Police investigate the scene where a car crashed into a roadblock during a suspected terrorist attack in Edmonton on Sept. 30.
(THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson)
Houssem Ben Lazreg, University of Alberta
The recent Edmonton attack raises questions about a new type of terrorism and the different methods required to stop it. Labelling such attacks as the work of a "lone wolf" obscures a larger problem.
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Marine waters are an important source of food for Inuit.
(Judith Slein/Flickr)
Tiff-Annie Kenny, University of Ottawa; Tad Lemieux, Carleton University
The North Water Polynya, or Pikialasorsuag, is a key ocean area for Arctic animals and for Inuit hunting and fishing. Rocket launches threaten to contaminate the area with harmful chemicals.
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Politics
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Abhinay Muthoo, University of Warwick; Siobhan Benita, University of Warwick
A 'no deal is a good deal' strategy needs to be carefully executed.
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Culture + Society
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Lacey Wallace, Pennsylvania State University
Horrific mass shootings in the US typically renew the national debate about gun policy. A gun researcher explains the lack of funding for study in this area and what that means for informed policy.
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Health + Medicine
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Bob Snow, University of Oxford
The history of malaria prevalence in Africa is a long term cycle of highs and lows. However, there's been little change in the high transmission belt that covers parts of West and Central Africa.
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