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It's early in the afternoon and I'm enjoying one of the last warm days of September, sitting on the terrace of Café Myriade. I'm savouring a cup of thick, black Tanzanian coffee that the barista recommended for the brewing technique I selected.

Located in the heart of the new Quartier Concordia in downtown Montreal, Café Myriade's competitors are numerous. No less than four coffee shop franchises and a few other independent ones can be found in the blocks surrounding Concordia University, in addition to those located inside of the school's buildings.

According to a 2006 Statistics Canada study, Trends in Adult Obesity, the prevalence of obesity in Canada is on the rise and the number of Canadian adults carrying ‘excess weight’ has increased considerably. The percentage of obese adults in Canada grew from approximately 14% in 1970-72 to 23% in 2004. But even more frightening was the hefty leap from 9% to 24% in cases of childhood obesity.

The good news is, unlike our neighbours to the south, a 2004 StatsCan report, Overview of Canadian Habits, suggests caloric intake among Canadians as a whole has decreased slightly compared to a 1970-72 National Health and Welfare StatsCan report. This, of course, begs the question: if the average caloric intake is under control, why are Canadians getting fatter?

Perhaps it is fitting the term ‘global village’ was coined by a Canadian. After all, Canada is quintessentially multicultural – we invented that term, too, eh. People from all over the globe live alongside one another harmoniously. Its citizens proudly support immigration and perceive Canada to be one of the most highly regarded countries on the planet, at least according to a 2007 GlobeScan survey. Indeed, Canadians believe racism is marginal in Canada.

Ikea has become synonymous with crisp efficiency, marrying minimalist aesthetics with minimal prices. Its suburban outposts are Gardens of Eden for discerning home-improvement where sleek new lifestyles can be purchased cheaply. But what are the actual costs of buying Ikea, and what are your real savings?

Joint pain, headaches, heart arrhythmia, depression, hallucinations, dyslexia, and more. The list of the symptoms she's been experiencing over the years actually numbers 45, but Stephanie {a pseudonym} only names the most important ones.

"I thought someone had a voodoo doll of me," says the quiet and soft-spoken 40-year-old woman. "I was sure I was going to die soon."