Series: Spring 2005

“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… Continue reading Chill Out

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… Continue reading Army of One

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,… Continue reading Lost in Translation

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… Continue reading So Long

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… Continue reading Armed and Glamourous