Is the lead-up to the holidays making you feel Grinch-y? Read how some voices past reflected on their Christmas cynicism. Unearthing the magic. Writer Bill Pollett reflects on whether Christmas has any meaning outside of the crass materialism. “Christmas has largely been reduced to a plastic dollar-store snow globe, filled with toxic liquid and glitter,… Read more »
With the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I approaching, we explore two very different WWI-related articles. Visual reminders. Writer and former Voice editor Christina M. Frey highlights some of the more significant movies set during World War 1. “Films offer us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in an era long gone, to… Read more »
As Thanksgiving weekend gets underway in Canada, we present two reflections on Thanksgivings past. Eating like it’s 1949. Writer Teresa Neuman takes a nostalgic perusal through her grandmother’s cookbook, which she’s recently inherited. “… my health conscience brain has put the brakes on deep-fried ‘Sour Cream Doughnuts’ (Page 1534) or I would be in the… Read more »
AU courses start any month of the year, but September is still the traditional back-to-school month. Here are a couple article from the vault that still resonate today. Taking the plunge. Veteran Voice contributor Hazel Anaka recounts her elation—and misgivings—when returning to school 29 years after college. “When my box of textbooks, novels, short story… Read more »
To mark Knife Day, a “celebration of this marvellous tool,” we’re serving up two sharp articles that feature hunting knives. Nothing to fear but fear. Writer Bill Pollett questions whether the world is becoming more dangerous or we have just become more fearful. “…statistically speaking, it is no more dangerous to thumb a ride today… Read more »
To celebrate Thrift Shop Day, August 17, we sorted through heaps of still perfectly good articles to find these vintage gems. Minimalist Max. Student Max Birkner describes his minimalistic life—so perfect for the starving student! “It took me an hour to move into this place (it was furnished). The move was completed when my girlfriend… Read more »
We toast Scotch Whisky Day July 27 by raising our glass to these finely-aged pieces, each featuring glasses of single malt: In praise of indolence. Bill Pollett examines the exquisite value of taking time out from the task list to snatch memorable moments of pure bliss. “I am talking about the sort of wretched indolence… Read more »
With Friday the 13th marking the beginning of two-wheeling season, we polished up a pair of motorcycle articles. Rebel on two wheels. In this short story, a runner-up in The Voice’s 2005 writing contest, Wanda Bakker plots the rise and fall of Aunt Barb’s coolness. “She had a way of pushing the rules without ever… Read more »
Would atheists believe that April 1 is “Atheist Day”? Here’s a peek at some articles on the subject of atheism: Ethical Anarchy 101. Writer b.e. hydomako, who sometimes thinks the world is a projection of some malfunctioning machine, argues for the untangling of ethics from religion. “It should be the responsibility of each of us… Read more »
On the eve of St. Patrick’s Day, we glace back at a pair of Ireland-themed articles. Touring troubled Belfast. Writer John Buhler recounts his stay in Belfast, Ireland, still edgy from The Troubles. “It was startling for me to discover…that many of the men around the pub were convicted terrorists.” Travel Photo Feature—Belfast’s Gritty Side,… Read more »