In the city of Guelph in the Canadian province of Ontario, around 30 protesters gathered to highlight how Canadian Prime Minister prorogued Parliament in early January. Stephanie Dearing wrote, “Describing themselves as “ordinary” people concerned about the erosion of democracy, the group then marched around the block to Norfolk Church, prompting some horn-honking by passing drivers, which then caused the group to cheer.” Also noteworthy are her photos of the gathering, capturing them carrying signs and discussing democracy in a nearby church.
Ever heard of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy or Dr. Paul G. Harch? Then familiarize yourself with KJ Mullins‘ article on the doctor and his much-lauded medical technique, which can assist those who suffer from brain injury. She interviewed Dr. Harch about his work and she discovered some interesting tidbits about what he’s discovered. We won’t spill the beans now because we recommend checking KJ’s interesting interview.
To those who checked out the Oscar contender Crazy Heart, you may also want to read Carol Forsloff‘s Special Report on country music in the heart of Portland, Oregon. Her journalistic flourishes add great colour to the article: “With a small dance floor in the front, a group of musicians played in the reflection of Bud lights and neon signs around the perimeter of the room, lights that danced off tables along the bar, and filtered over pool tables where Levi-clad men and women brought country to life in the fashion shown by the film.” Wonderful writing as always, Carol!
Joseph Boltrukiewicz knows how to capture cultural events with the eye of a pro photographer. In this article/photo essay, he tells us about a “balloon man” performing during Vancouver’s Winter Games, placing himself in a mammoth balloon (no jokes about Seinfeld’s bubble boy allowed). We are really digging the photos of this performer placing members of the audience inside the balloon, almost an inconceivable image. Keep it up, Joseph, we look forward to more of your photojournalism.
A selection of other notable stories include:
• Japan wants to end ban on commercial whaling by Stephanie Dearing: Japan sure loves its whale slaughtering. The Asian country is pressuring the International Whaling Commission to repeal its whale-killing ban, and in June Japan and Australia plan to negotiate this controversial move, Dearing reports. Why is Japan so in love with killing whales? “[Japan] insists the whaling is legally allowed for scientific research, which allows for the killing of a number of whales every year.”
• Peter Schiff: Washington will never be the same by Andrew Moran: In the American state of Connecticut, a heated Senatorial race is under way, with Peter Schiff winning a lot of attention for his critique of U.S. spending. Moran writes, ” Schiff states that the US government needs policies that are going to actually stimulate the economy and create job growth but instead…the federal government is implementing decisions that make it impossible for businesses to hang on to their employees.” Do you agree?
• Conservative MP Helena Guergis has Airport Meltdown by Caroline Menzies: You didn’t want to be working at a Charlottetown, Canada airport on Feb. 19 when Conservative MP Helena Guergis blew up at Air Canada employees when she arrived only 15 minutes before her departing flight. She called Prince Edward Island a “hellhole” and yelled at one staffer: “I don’t need to be lectured about flight time by you. I’ve been down here working my ass off for you people.” She has since apologized but her political opponents called for her resignation, saying her angry behaviour is unacceptable.
• American Family Association: Tilikum should be stoned to death by Chris Dade: We all heard about the tragic death of a SeaWorld trainer at the hands, er, blowhole of an orca whale. But news from the American Family Association states the whale Tilikum should be “stoned to death in accordance with biblical scriptures.” Dade also does a great job in reporting on the history of this whale’s previous attacks.
• Benny Hinn speaks out about divorce announcement by Cynthia Trowbridge: We first learned about this televangelist’s marital troubles a week ago, but Trowbridge updated this saga with a new article on Hinn’s statement about his impending divorce. He vows to continue preaching for the people: “I will not allow anything to slow me down or stop me,” he said.
• 5,200 people bare all in nudity installation in Sydney, Australia by R. C. Camphausen: “One of the largest crowds ever roused by artist Spencer Tunick took off all their clothes in front of the Sydney Opera House.” You want to keep reading don’t you? So begins Camphausen’s article on a public art piece featuring lots of skin and few inhibitions. Read the piece to learn about the odd conflict between the gay and straight nudity-lovers at this event.
• Sony’s PlayStation Network Down, Affecting Users Worldwide by Brenton Currie: Thousands of readers flocked to this breaking-news article on an outage affecting Sony’s online PlayStation Network. Currie explained the problem, provided thorough updates and tried to hunt down an official comment from Sony. Judging by the reader sentiments on this article, this was a global issue frustrating many gamers. Also worth noting is Currie’s shocking follow-up post.
• Rematch Clause in Mosley-Mayweather Fight Favors Mayweather by Leo Reyes: Our boxing beat writer Leo Reyes returns with a flurry of articles relating to Pacquiao and Mayweather. Here, he describes a rematch clause stating he can fight Shane Mosley after his May 1 bout in Las Vegas. But too bad he didn’t slip in a clause to fight Pacquiao soon, a match many sports fan would love to see.
We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who competed in February’s Cover Your Community Contest. The winners were recently announced on DigitalJournal.com, so big congratulations to Sean O’Flynn-Magee, from Vancouver, Canada, for winning in the written category for his article Hijab Politics in Iran, where he interviewed several Iranian women about the patriarchal system they live under.
Also deserving a major congrats is Joseph Boltrukiewicz for his winning entry in the photojournalism category. Two hours of life in Vancouver tracked the Olympics celebration in one area of Hastings Street in Vancouver while also uncovering the seedier side of the area. The photos were stunning and powerful, truly evocative of this clash of two cultures meeting in Vancouver’s downtown eastside.
Both winners received $250 CAN in cash prizes.
The contest fun doesn’t end in February. We recently announced a new contest for March, called Project: Discover, and we encourage all passionate writers and photojournalists to vie for the cash booty. The contest Group can be found here.
