The picture bearing the colourful circular logo of my favourite American football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, was carefully removed, destined to be replaced in a new locker by whatever new allegiance I pledged. The clatter of locker doors opening and the buzz of excited conversations about summer plans punctuated the air.
I looked around, taking in the familiar faces of acquaintances and those I merely passed in the hall, never exchanging a word. Reflecting on this, a certain dilemma emerged: when encountering a familiar stranger, should one completely ignore them, smile, or at least nod with a pleasant surprise when the familiar stranger reciprocates.
However, when they choose to ignore my gesture, a further dilemma arises—how to interpret the response, or lack thereof. Defining a stranger’s personality based on this behaviour leads to a cognitive wasteland. Are they snobs, or simply too timid to respond? Life is filled with its share of mental gymnastics, but I’m sure you’re not here to interpret my random musings. Returning to the story at hand, I turned to see my friends Stewart Smith and Damian Quansah waiting for me.
We walked side by side towards the awaiting sunshine and blue skies, a year older and perhaps a year wiser. The emerging summer cascaded warmth all around us as we squinted in the bright sunlight. Handshakes and hugs were exchanged, knowing we would see plenty of each other during our three-month summer vacation. I then set off on my journey home.
The summer vacation kicked off with a trip from Barrie, where I joined a few relatives to visit my cousin Imtiaz Khan in Toronto. The 90-kilometre journey was filled with exuberance as we prepared to enjoy our three months of freedom from school. In Toronto, we prepared for the weekend by arranging eight mattresses in the basement of Imtiaz’s house, ready for numerous adventures and late-night chats. I climbed into the backseat of Imtiaz’s car as we readied to experience a new restaurant.
As the key breathed fire into the engine the music started. It was unlike anything I had ever heard before. Listening to classic reggae for the first time was a revelation. The rhythmic basslines pulsed through me, while the offbeat guitar chords danced like sunlight on water. Bob Marley’s voice, rich and soothing, sang of love and resistance, weaving tales of hope and freedom. Each note felt like a warm embrace, and I was instantly mesmerised, transported to a sun-drenched beach where time slowed, and the world transformed into a place of pure beauty.
At 14, my love affair with reggae began and has endured ever since. Modern reggae artists infuse their own urgency into a genre that has always been rich with meaning. Even British artists have popularised reggae, evolving the infectious music for new audiences. Who can forget UB40 and their timeless track Red Red Wine, which blurred generational lines with its broad appeal? Reggae’s heartbeat continues to resonate, ever evolving yet eternally captivating. One wonders if UB40 or the original composer, Neil Diamond, ever pondered the health implications of consuming ruby red wine. Many of us vaguely recall the idea that moderate red wine consumption benefits the heart.
But what about alcohol in general? Recent studies paint a more complicated picture, revealing that alcohol’s impact on lifespan depends on the amount and frequency of drinking. Heavy consumption is strongly linked to a shorter lifespan and increases the risk of liver cirrhosis, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.
The belief that red wine is beneficial for heart health stems from studies suggesting moderate consumption can increase HDL (good) cholesterol and provide antioxidants. However, recent research indicates these benefits might be overstated and do not outweigh the risks, such as an increased risk of breast cancer and other health issues. Furthermore, comprehensive studies and meta-analyses suggest no level of alcohol consumption is completely safe, with even low levels associated with a slight increase in the risk of certain cancers and other health problems. So, when the craving for red wine hits, rather than reaching for Babylonstoren’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon, it might be wiser to push play on UB40’s infectious track and paint the floor red with dance instead.
