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The Day I Was Humbled by Salt

For years, I walked around with the unshakable confidence that I was one of the premier minds on all things South America — politics, economics, history, culture. You name it, I had a take on it. At dinner parties, I dazzled with anecdotes about land reform in Colombia, the legacy of Peronism in Argentina, and the economic paradoxes of Chile’s neoliberal experiment. I could map out the socio-political currents of the Amazon basin faster than most people could find Brazil on a map. My friends and...
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Between Redemption and Ruin: The Weight of One Man’s Judgment

Five years. That’s how long it has been since I stood before a judge, hearing the words that would define my life for years to come. Five years of rebuilding, of proving — over and over — that I am more than the sum of my past mistakes. Five years of clawing my way back into the world, earning degrees, shaping young minds on the soccer field, writing stories that matter, and now, being accepted into a PhD program.It should be a moment of triumph. A moment of undeniable progress, where the weight...
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Can the 2026 FIFA World Cup Strengthen Canadian Identity, or Will We Stay Divided?

In 2026, Canada will co-host the FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico, marking the first time the world’s biggest sporting event will be played on Canadian soil. It’s an unprecedented moment for soccer in this country, a nation historically seen as an afterthought in the global game. But beyond the excitement of hosting, there’s a deeper question at play: will this World Cup serve to unify Canadian identity, or will it reinforce the ethnic and cultural enclaves that have always...
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The Injustice of Relying on One Person’s Decision for Freedom

When your future is determined by a single person — a judge at your ascension hearing — the weight of that decision feels like the world is on your shoulders. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done in your life, how much you’ve changed, or how hard you’ve worked to move beyond the mistakes of the past. In the end, all of that is left in the hands of one person, who will base their decision not just on the facts of your case, but on their own perception of who you are. This isn’t just about the facts...
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PhD Applications: A Saga of Pain, Persistence, and Delusions of Grandeur

Ah, the PhD application process — a journey so brutal that it makes Dante’s Inferno look like a weekend retreat. If you’re reading this, you’re either considering applying for a PhD, in the middle of it and questioning your life choices, or you’ve already been rejected and are spiraling into an existential crisis. Welcome.For me, this journey has been particularly humbling, infuriating, and — on occasion — mildly delusional. I’ve done it all: the late-night rewrites, the frantic emails to profes...
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Toronto’s Criminal Defence Lawyers: Titans and Unsung Heroes

Toronto’s criminal defence bar is a fascinating blend of larger-than-life figures and unsung heroes who tirelessly navigate the murky waters of the justice system. On one end of the spectrum, the spotlight shines brightly on high-profile names like Marie Henein, Brian Greenspan, and Calvin Barry, whose prowess has cemented their reputations as titans of the courtroom. But behind this glittering facade lies a broader tapestry of exceptional lawyers, such as Alison Craig, who quietly build formida...
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Degrees of Deception: The Crumbling Value of Canadian Higher Education

In recent years, the value of a university degree has come under increasing scrutiny in Canada. Once heralded as the golden ticket to economic security and social mobility, postsecondary education is now facing a wave of criticism for its mounting costs, questionable returns on investment, and its inability to keep pace with the rapidly changing job market. While university degrees undeniably hold cultural and intellectual significance, their practical worth is no longer as clear-cut as it once...
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Guantanamo (Toronto) South Detention Centre: A Billion-Dollar Monument to Ontario’s Shame

The Toronto South Detention Centre (TSDC) was touted as a modern marvel when it opened its doors in 2014 — a $1.1 billion fortress meant to usher in a new era of corrections. Instead, it has become a dystopian nightmare, emblematic of Ontario’s utter disregard for the dignity and humanity of its incarcerated population.This facility is not just failing; it’s actively breeding despair, violence, and systemic collapse. The government of Ontario cannot hide behind buzzwords like “modernization” whe...
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From Andes to Asado: The World’s Most Underrated Cuisines (With a Taste of Italy)

Food is more than just sustenance — it’s a story on a plate. It’s culture, history, and creativity all coming together in a bite. While French and Japanese cuisines often dominate culinary conversations, there are some gastronomic treasures in the world that deserve far more love and recognition. Let’s explore two vibrant food cultures that are finally making waves globally: Peru and Argentina. And yes, we’ll end this journey with a nod to the timeless charm of Italian food — because, well, I am...
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The Erosion of Immigrant Loyalty: From Liberal Norms to New Political Realities

For decades, the Liberal Party of Canada has been the go-to political choice for many immigrant communities. This historical allegiance, forged in the crucible of Pierre Elliott Trudeau’s sweeping reforms — including introducing the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982 — signified a deep connection to liberal ideals of inclusivity, diversity, and equality. Yet, this once steadfast loyalty has begun to wane in recent years, with many immigrant groups gravitating toward alternative political aff...
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Is Christmas Catholic? The Evolution from Sacred to Secular Festivities

When December rolls around, a kaleidoscope of festive decorations, cheerful songs, and gift-giving traditions transform our surroundings into a winter wonderland. For many, Christmas is a time to celebrate joy, family, and community. But as phrases like “Merry Christmas” increasingly share space with “Happy Holidays,” some wonder: Is Christmas fundamentally Catholic? And if so, how has its identity morphed into something broader over time?Christmas, or “Christ’s Mass,” is rooted in Christian tra...
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Trump for Dummies: PhD in Populism

Welcome to the Donald J. Trump Institute for Politics and Public Policy, where we teach you to bend reality, manipulate perception, and govern with flair (or at least pretend to). You’re here to master the Trump Method™ — a 10-step process to winning elections, dominating headlines, and leaving opponents dazed and confused.While advanced courses on NATO and trade wars are available (purely for padding our accreditation), this crash course focuses on domestic politics, specifically illegal immigr...
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The Fall of Justin Trudeau: A Cautionary Tale of Political Hubris and Liberal Collapse

Justin Trudeau’s political career once sparkled as a beacon of progressive leadership, promising “sunny ways” and a transformative era for Canada. Today, that glow has dulled, overshadowed by scandals, missteps, and mounting public discontent. Trudeau’s Liberal Party, which once commanded admiration at home and abroad, now stands as a shadow of its former self, ridiculed both domestically and internationally. With whispers of his resignation growing louder and suggestions of proroguing Parliamen...
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The Maze of Redemption

There was a time when the walls seemed to close in around me, thick and unyielding, as if the very air conspired to keep me trapped. The light of hope was barely a flicker, distant and faint, swallowed by shadows that grew larger with every misstep. I had entered a labyrinth, not of my choosing, but one built brick by brick through decisions I’d made, battles I’d lost, and dreams I’d let slip through my fingers.In this maze, there were no maps, no guiding stars. There were whispers, though — som...
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From Guerrilla Commander to Senator: A Candid Conversation with Julián Gallo Cubillos

Colombian politics often feels like a gripping novel: complex characters, fraught history, and moments of hope laced with uncertainty. One such character is Julián Gallo Cubillos, known to many by his nom de guerre, Carlos Antonio Lozada. Once a high-ranking FARC commander, Cubillos is now a senator, navigating the murky waters of Colombian politics in the aftermath of a decades-long conflict.When I sat down with Cubillos, I wasn’t just meeting a senator — I was meeting a man who has lived multi...
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Pleading Guilty for Profit: The Dump Truck Lawyer Epidemic

In the shadowy corners of the legal profession, a troubling phenomenon quietly thrives — what some in the legal field disdainfully call “dump truck lawyers.” These attorneys are the antithesis of the noble defenders of justice we hope to encounter. Instead, they operate on an assembly line model, delivering cookie-cutter outcomes with minimal effort or advocacy. Their strategy? Plead guilty, minimize courtroom time, and maximize billable hours. This is not merely a failure of professionalism but...
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Javier Milei: Disruptor-in-Chief or the Architect of Argentina’s Bold Reinvention?

Javier Milei’s ascent to Argentina’s presidency has ushered in a transformative era marked by bold economic reforms and a departure from traditional political paradigms. His libertarian approach has significantly impacted the nation’s economic landscape, drawing both domestic and international attention.Economic Reforms and ImpactUpon taking office in December 2023, Milei initiated sweeping deregulation measures, aiming to dismantle restrictive regulations and reduce state intervention in the e...
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Quid Pro Quo or Justice?: The High Cost of Plea Bargaining in Ontario

Ontario’s criminal justice system is at a crossroads, and the stakes have never been higher for the accused. Every day, individuals facing charges are caught in a system that often values expediency over fairness, coercing them into plea deals that undermine their constitutional right to a fair trial. It’s a system teetering on the edge of moral collapse, relying on remand detention and the looming threat of exaggerated sentencing.Let’s set the scene. Imagine being accused of a crime. You’re inn...