Freedom torches: There is nothing more effortlessly cool than a cigarette. It’s true, however, that the cigarette is a dangerous drug that possesses lingering effects beyond Rita Hayworth allure. On a two-page spread in our November 15, 1999 issue, we covered the hows, whats, and whys of smoking. Writer John Overall says in his article “Let them drink smoke” that, come 2000, new anti-smoking regulations will be implemented across BC, preventing cigarettes in all workplaces. While for some this may have been welcome news, writer Wendi Davies shared in her article “Up in smoke” how difficult it already was as a smoker on the decline of the cigarette zeitgeist. While smoking may be glamorous, all it’s really good for, writer Erika Whitmore says, is population control.
The art of vandalism: In the bathroom is where philosophy manifests, claims Davies in her piece “Philosophy from the head” in this issue. Davies details what defines a modern philosopher and how one may be found in men’s washrooms scribbling affirmations onto stalls—the nouveau meeting ground for discussion. Whereas the media and killjoys portray graffiti as a gang-related expression of violent disrespect, Davies says graffiti artist Chaz Borjóquez sees graffiti as “a personal voyage seeking self-esteem.” It is easy to blow this off as farce, however, there’s a claim to be made about its sincerity. If you’re curious, look to the craproom for more information.
Devout Humanist: The unholy temple of Humanism welcomes all who follow its three pillars, however, in this issue, we covered how even Humanists can’t seem to get along. Interviewed for the story, former British Columbia Humanist Association president Theo Meijer shared that while it may be a small organization of around 130 members, it’s rarely united on its ideologies—often tense between some dogmatic characters of radical secularism. Well, what can you do? They’re only human.