When Bob Dylan brought his Christian gospel tour to Toronto’s Massey Hall in 1980, he didn’t play his popular songs from before 1979. The ensuing controversy carried over to newspapers, where Toronto Sun reader Douglas Greenwood wrote a letter to the editor, reminding people of Dylan’s Jewish heritage. Some of Greenwood’s comments, such as, “If he is… Continue reading Are letters to the editor still worth reading?
Athletes increasingly jump from the podium to the Olympic broadcast booth
Two-time Olympic medallist Jennifer Heil is used to performing under the lights with her ski goggles and skis strapped on. But this month, as a commentator for CBC’s Sochi Olympics broadcast, the former freestyle moguls skier performed by analyzing the event in which she competed four years ago. Heil isn’t the only athlete to turn… Continue reading Athletes increasingly jump from the podium to the Olympic broadcast booth
Comforting the comfortable: Dylan Farrow, Woody Allen and The New York Times
By Aya Tsintziras I was standing in line at the movies recently with a friend when she mentioned she still wants to see Woody Allen’s latest movie, Blue Jasmine. All I could think about was Maureen Orth’s November 2013 Vanity Fair piece on Mia Farrow and her children—specifically, the allegations that Allen sexually assaulted Dylan Farrow, their daughter. As it… Continue reading Comforting the comfortable: Dylan Farrow, Woody Allen and The New York Times
Freedom from information: the symptoms of a national transparency problem
Last month, the Nova Scotia government gave its freedom-of-information (FOI) watchdog, Dulcie McCallum, two weeks’ notice. What it didn’t give her was a reason why. McCallum, who held the post for seven years, was shocked by the decision and said it showed disrespect for her office—not to mention everything it stands for. If the officer… Continue reading Freedom from information: the symptoms of a national transparency problem
Stars and Stripes: how entertainment journalism forsakes homegrown stories in favour of U.S. ones
A rumoured Lady Gaga-Katy Perry feud. Johnny Depp to quit acting? American singer and actress Kristin Chenoweth writes a cheeky song about disgraced politician Anthony Weiner. These are just some of the stories I wrote last summer during my six-week internship in the arts section of the National Post. During my final week, I finally… Continue reading Stars and Stripes: how entertainment journalism forsakes homegrown stories in favour of U.S. ones
