Blogging the Spotlight
Critics say bloggers are lazy, arrogant, and never leave the house. In reality, some of the best are revolutionizing journalism
Just before last June’s federal election, Canadian blogger Andrew Coyne asked his readers to show their cards. “Your predictions, please, for the number of seats each party will win,” he posted. “I’ll take the average of everyone’s predictions and we’ll test the ‘wisdom of crowds’ hypothesis.” Coyne, a political columnist for the National Post, was […]
Drawing the Line
There are many subjects writers can discuss in the The Canadian Jewish News. Criticizing the security policies of the Israeli government is not one of them
They had fire in their eyes and torches in their hands. They were young and furious. They wanted the world to know the depth of their anger toward Ariel Sharon, the Israeli Prime Minister who planned to withdraw troops from the Gaza Strip and close down the settlements he had once so actively encouraged. While […]
Crossing the Line
There are many comments that writers can make in Arab2000. But should anti-Semitic remarks really be one of them?
Inside the Toronto offices of Arab2000, one of Canada’s leading Arab-language newspapers, discussions of current events are always taking place. Last fall, far from the Middle East’s most volatile zones, I spent several days speaking to the people responsible for directing the five-year-old community paper. Not surprisingly, suicide bombing was a dominant topic – it […]
Look who’s reading now
Special sections such as the Edmonton Journal's ed are designed to capture younger audiences. But as readers age, will they make the jump from hot flicks to politics?
If there were a People’s Choice Award for Canadian newspapers, the ed magazine office would have a shelf lined with trophies. Currently, though, the only way to win awards in the print industry is to produce articles that are accurate, analytical, well-researched, and timely. With headlines and teasers such as “Whaddya call the gym bunny?” […]
Whip It Out
Sex sells. And that's why you'll be hard-pressed to find much discussion of serious issues amidst the soft-core porn in Canada's gay press
A model leans on the kitchen counter of photographer Lindsay Lozon’s studio waiting to be shot for fab. He wears only hot-pink briefs with black polka dots from Seduction Erotic Boutique, a thick white belt, a slim tie, a wristband, Kangol sneakers, and a straight face. The muscles on his lean, hairless body are accentuated […]
Armed and Glamourous
"Fashion editors may look like Barbie," says Flare's Lisa Tant. "But we're GI Joe underneath." Meet one of the toughest
On the red carpet, tattoo-touting Bif Naked makes it past the assembly line of photographers, videographers, and entertainment reporters. The Canadian rocker, in a vintage black cocktail dress, Manolo Blahnik shoes, and Paul Frank boys’ underwear, heads toward the hostess. Lisa Tant stands in front of an archway that leads to Flare‘s 25th anniversary party […]
So Long
Publishers, editors, writers, and readers all say they want it. So why is long-form journalism disappearing from Canadian magazines?
When Adam Sol finished his speech, a hum of sympathetic noises rose from the crowd at Trampoline Hall. He had just spent 10 minutes talking about being an owner in a fantasy basketball league. It’s a pastime in which men pick their favourite players, create fake teams, and then track the actual individual statistics to […]
Lost in Translation
Reporters have written thousands of words about people with mental illness. Too few of them get inside their heads
I step into the MacDonalds’s eerie living room, where frilly pink tchotchkes and glowing Christmas lights dress every inch of the wall. I’m attempting to find out, firsthand, the challenges of reporting on mental illness. Seven years ago, Donovan Vincent interviewed the family’s oldest son, Todd MacDonald, for his Toronto Star “Madness” series. At that time, […]
Army of One
After being captured and tortured for five days in Iraq last fall, Scott Taylor returned to Canada, his military magazine, Esprit de Corps, and an uncertain future. He wouldn't have it any other way
After Scott Taylor finished picking at what he believed was his last meal, a young Arab came into the room. He grinned as he said, “I am the lucky one who has been chosen to kill you, American dog.” Scott Taylor, editor of Esprit de Corps, at Toronto’s Royal Canadian Military Institute “I want you […]
Chill Out
Take some chances. Break a few rules. Why journalism needs more pranksters
“Through our baby-friendly software,” reads the press release, “infants are making friends all over the world and learning valuable job skills sure to aid them in the new-economy job market.” The subject of this praise is a website – babyspeak.com – empowering Canadian infants to communicate with Japanese, Australian, and German tots. “Why allow your […]
