Gabriel's Tell A Tale Emporium

Cultural Practices vs. Government Laws In the past two years the use of hookah, which are water pipes used to smoke flavored tobacco or herbal molasses, has been a hotly debated issue all over the province of Alberta.   On November 7, 2013 an amendment was passed to Bill 33, which originally prohibited smoking in public places and workplaces, banned retail displays and advertising of tobacco products, and prohibited the sale of tobacco products in university campuses and stores that have a pharmacy in them, to include the ban of smoking tobacco like products in public places and vehicles.   The government of Alberta has been trying to crack down on smoking for the past six years but the new amendment has proven to have a strong cultural impact on people of Middle Eastern decent living in the province.   The use of hookah is a common and accepted cultural and social practice in many Middle Eastern cultures that dates back hundreds of years.  ...

Manhood is not what it once was. From the time of the Industrial Revolution to the economic recession of recent years the role and understanding of masculinity and manhood has been scrutinized and changed as men struggle to find their place in an ever-evolving world. Subjects like love, life and death, money, relationships, loneliness and how to be a man are often avoided or addressed with confusion, guilt and fear. This book of poetry and tales aims to bring clarity and understanding to the topics most important to men. Written for men both young and old, as well as the women that enrich their lives, the age old question of what does it mean to be a man is explored in all its complexity. Whether you're just figuring out what manhood is all about or you've known it all your life but have questioned those beliefs you have been brought to this moment for a new understanding. This is your journey. Welcome to your initiation. Welcome to the world of men. Avail...