What do the Doukhobors, the Soviet Ambassador to Canada, and D.O.A. frontman Joey Shithead have in common? They all figure into "Taking the Cure", an essay by Christopher Shulgan in the most recent edition of The Walrus.

"So last December, I went to the Kootenays, where I stayed with J.J. Verigin Jr., the executive director of the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ, and the heir of John Verigin. The Doukhobors' de facto leader turned out to be anything but what I had expected. Though he is fifty-two years old, he had the fashion sense and speaking style of a Whistler snowboarder, as well as the same up-for-anything, non-judgmental vibe. Within ten minutes of my arrival at his home in the Kootenay town of Grand Forks, we were sharing a beer, and within ten more we were headed for a concert at a local hall. I expected a traditional choir recital; instead, I found myself watching the legendary Vancouver punk outfit d.o.a."

Okay, if you read it, you'll know that D.O.A. barely figures into it, but it's interesting nonetheless, no?