NewCanadian articles: Weapons in Canadian prisons, Just for Laughs Gags and a conversation with Samantha Bee
The November 2005 issue of The NewCanadian of course came out several months ago (okay, eight months ago), but I neglected to put up my articles form that issue. So here we are. As usual, I wrote three pieces: two features and one Q&A. The Q&A was with Canadian Samantha Bee and you can download the PDF here.
One of the features was about the kind of weapons that are fashioned by inmates and smuggled into prisons. I spoke with several corrections officers from across Canada who shared their stories about weapons, brawls and what they say is a lack of protection for them. Get the PDF here.
I also wrote a feature about the Gags television show. You know the one: the Canadian show with no dialog, just tons of silly pranks played on unsuspecting pedestrians. Well, it's arguably the most successful Canadian-produced television show ever. It airs in 80 countries and on 70 airlines. I took a look at why this seemingly inane show is such a powerful global success. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait for this PDF. Sorry.
NewCanadian articles: Canadian products, looking back at the Centennial, and a chat with Peter Mansbridge
The summer issue of The NewCanadian recently hit shelves (and The Globe And Mail), and I have three pieces for your reading pleasure.
- The first is a trip back to 1967 for Canada's Centennial celebrations. It was a remarkable year and there was something very unusual and uniquely Canadian about how the country chose to celebrate its birthday. (Download, PDF)
- My second feature is a look at the products and souvenirs that are seen as "authentically Canadian." Are we more than maple syrup and Mounties? (Download, PDF)
- The last is a Q&A with longtime CBC anchor Peter Mansbridge. (Download, PDF)
NewCanadian Articles: Aid workers in crisis, commerce with a conscience, Bryan Adams Q&A
Just catching up on some clips from the Spring issue of the NewCanadian.
One story in particular struck home for me. I had a chance to sit down with a friend-of-a-friend who had spent the last few years of his life as an aid worker in some of the most troubled parts of the world. Hearing his story and then looking into the toll that this type of work takes on aid workers was fascinating and challenging. (Download, PDF)
My second feature is about companies that are trying to incorporate social responsibility into their operations. (Download, PDF)
The last story is a chat with rocker Bryan Adams. (Download, PDF)
Canadian peacekeepers in their own words
This is a feature article I did for The NewCanadian in its Fall 2004 issue. I spoke with three current and former Canadian peacekeepers and wrote their stories in their words. The tale from Major Ron MacEachern, of the Army Infantry, was particularly powerful.
Download the article here. (PDF)
Prostitution in Canada
This Summer 2004 NewCanadian cover article takes a hard look at the reality of prostitution in Canada
Download the article here. (PDF)
New religion or cult?
In this NewCanadian feature (Spring 2004) I attend a meeting of the Raelians and look at new religions that are often branded as cults.
Download it here. (PDF)
Welcome
Hey there. Thanks for stopping by. I'm a freelance journalist and author in Montreal, Canada. I serve as an associate editor for PBS MediaShift, a website that reports on trends in new media and journalism. I edit RegretTheError.com and wrote a book of the same name. I'm also the co-author, with Michael Calce, of Mafiaboy: How I Cracked The Internet and Why It's Still Broken. Both books are listed to the right.
I write weekly columns for Hour and Columbia Journalism Review online, and am a former columnist and blogger for The Globe And Mail. Read my bio by clicking on the "About Me" link above, or check out the "Writing Samples" page to read some of my work. If you're interested in speaking with me about an assignment or project, email me at the address listed below.
Recent Writing/Work